A distinguished cadre of West Indians have, over the years of CARICOM's
existence, illuminated the path to integration by their excellence
in thought and action, and transformative roles in national and regional
development. It is thus symbolically appropriate that the Insignia
created for the Caribbean Community's highest award, the Order of the
Caribbean Community (OCC) is a representation of the sun signifying "the
illustrious and distinguished nature of the persons" who are recipients
of the Region's highest and most prestigious honour.
In every region of the world, there are people who exceed the call
of duty in advancing their territory's development, and who are conspicuous
by the excellence of their accomplishments. A proposal emanating from
the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in 1987 recognised the need to
acknowledge such Caribbean nationals whose legacy in the economic,
political, social and cultural metamorphoses of Caribbean society is
phenomenal. This vision for honouring legendary figures of the Region
was unopposedly shared by fellow CARICOM Member States and thus it
was at the Eighth Conference of Heads of State and Government of CARICOM
in 1987 that the proposal was unanimously adopted.
An Inter Governmental Agreement establishing the Order of the Caribbean
Community entered into force on 28 May 1991. The Agreement makes provision
for the honouring and conferral of the award on nationals of Member
States of the Caribbean Community who have a record of outstanding
service and contributions to the political, social and cultural development
of the Region.
The appointment of an Advisory Committee for the Order of the Caribbean
Community by the Conference of Heads of Government gave effect to the
administrative machinery for the conferral of the OCC awards.
The Inter-Governmental Agreement assigns roles and responsibilities
to Member States, the Advisory Committee and the CARICOM Secretariat
for the operation of the award scheme. Member States are required to
ensure legislative provisions are made for enforcing the terms and
conditions of the 1991 Agreement and nominate candidates whom they
feel deserve the honour because of their contributions to national
and regional development.
Proposals by Member States for nominations are channelled through
and considered by the Advisory Committee which plays a key role in
monitoring the awards process. Recommendations are submitted by the
Advisory Committee to the Conference of the Heads of Government for
approval. The Advisory Committee is tasked to review the operation
and administration of the OCC which is a function of the CARICOM Secretariat.
The Insignia of the OCC
Its designer, Standhope Williams of Guyana, captures the splendour and beauty
of the Caribbean Region succinctly in the Insignia for the OCC. The Insignia,
as a representation of the sun, aptly symbolises the tropical environment of
which the Caribbean boasts, but more significantly the distinctive character
and record of achievements of awardees. The rays of the sun are presented as
four prominent points which depict the four cardinal points.
The logo of the Caribbean Community is inset as the centrepiece of
the Insignia. The interlocking "C" of the logo and the outer
circle of the sun combine to form OCC. The broken chain effect of the
logo is the expression of "the freedom of the geographical chain
of fourteen countries linked together by their common history, culture
and aspirations and their integration movement". The Rainbow in
the Insignia symbolises "the multiplicity of races of people present
in the Caribbean Region: and "the natural beauty and colourful
nature of the Region, as exemplified through tourism and the celebrations
of Carnival and other festivals in the various Member States".
A second distinctive feature, the two wavy bands, characterises the
Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, which wash the shores of Caribbean
territories.
Selection and Entitlements The OCC award is a celebration of excellence
among the peoples of the Region and the commitment of many to the ongoing
process of development and improved conditions of living for citizens
of Member States. Honourees represent the interest of their Nation
States and the Region in the wider international arena and by their
service, craft a niche for the Caribbean in the international community.
The common criteria used to inform the selection of the recipients
include their contribution:
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To the political, cultural and social development of the
Community and the consequent impact on the equality of
life of the peoples of the Caribbean
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To raising the self-esteem of the peoples of the Community
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To forging a stronger Caribbean identity within the Community
and in the diaspora
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To projecting the excellence of the Caribbean people on the
world scene
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The highly esteemed recipients of the Order of the Caribbean
Community are rewarded for their outstanding contribution to
the Caribbean by the conferral of specific privileges and entitlements.
The title "Honourable" precedes the name of the recipients
which carries the suffix O.C.C. Members of the Order are accorded
the privilege of free movement among Member States of the Community
and are issued with a travel document which is assigned similar
status to a diplomatic passport. The right to reside in and be
gainfully employed in any Member State, as well as the right
to acquire and dispose of property, as would citizens of Member
States, is entitlements granted to Members of the Order. A decorated
red laissez-passer signed by the Secretary-General of CARICOM
is given as a token of the award to recipients, their spouses
and children under 18 years of age. The Insignia of the O.C.C.
set in gold and the Ribbon of the Order are presented to those
honoured.
