News Americas, New York, NY, July 29, 2024: The Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), the region’s highest honor, has been conferred on renowned Guyanese cricketer Sir Clive Lloyd and Jamaican regionalist Roderick Rainford, former CARICOM Secretary-General. The ceremony presented these prestigious awards during the culturally rich opening of the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government. The event took place at Charter Hall, St George’s University in Grenada on July 28, 2024.
Sir Clive Lloyd, a legendary cricketer, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “I am humbled to be in your midst and to have been considered worthy of the honor of the Order of the Caribbean Community,” he stated. “I am grateful for this recognition of my services to this Region. It is reassuring to know that the unity of the Region, which I sought to instill on the cricket field, is considered to be on the same level
Sir Clive captained the West Indies in three World Cups, winning in 1975 and 1979, and reaching the final in 1983. In 1971, he was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year. Under his captaincy from 1974 to 1985, the West Indies became the dominant force in cricket, achieving a record of 27 matches without defeat, including 11 consecutive wins. Lloyd became the first West Indian player to earn 100 international caps. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. He received a knighthood at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle in England in 2022.
Dr. Nesha Z. Haniff Rainford received the award on behalf of her husband, Roderick Rainford from the Chair of CARICOM, Dickon Mitchell. She shared insights into his life journey, highlighting the values of humility, discipline, hard work, and self-respect instilled by his parents. Quoting from Mr. Rainford’s acceptance letter, she said, “I am pleased to be included among the Caribbean patriots who have already received this distinction and I pledge to continue conducting my life in a manner worthy of this privilege.”
Roderick Rainford served as the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community from 1983 to 1992, following his tenure as Deputy Secretary-General. He played a crucial role in the adoption of the Grand Anse Declaration in 1989, which paved the way for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Rainford also led a significant review of CARICOM’s regional programs and organizations, identifying key elements for the Community’s deepening.
Rainford developed the CARICOM Uniform Building Code (CUBiC). This code ensures the construction of safe buildings in earthquake- and hurricane-prone areas. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Additionally, he held advisory roles with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). His extensive writings on the region’s social and economic development have provided valuable insights for future policy decisions. He was instrumental in developing the proposal to establish the OCC, the very award he was honored with.
The Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) was established on May 28, 1991. It honors nationals of CARICOM Member States who have made outstanding contributions to the region’s political, social, and cultural development. The Conference of Heads of Government confers the award based on recommendations from an Advisory Committee. This committee oversees the award’s operation and administration through the CARICOM Secretariat.
