Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reaffirmed her criticism of the process used by Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government to reappoint Dr. Carla Barnett to a second term as Secretary General.
In a social media post yesterday, Persad-Bissessar accused Caricom officials of failing to respond to formal requests from her administration for details surrounding Barnett’s contentious reappointment. The matter arose during a meeting in Saint Kitts and Nevis that she attended in late February.
She expressed particular concern that the decision was reportedly made during a boat trip to Nevis as part of a leaders’ retreat—after she had already left the meeting. Additionally, representatives from Antigua and Barbuda and The Bahamas were allegedly excluded from participating in the majority decision.
“This raises serious concerns about the use of improper procedures to bypass due process and facilitate Barnett’s reappointment,” she stated.
Persad-Bissessar emphasized that the issue carries significant national importance.
“This is not a routine administrative appointment; it has long-term implications for my citizens,” she said. “It directly impacts Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, security, regional integration, and foreign policy over the next five years.”
She further argued that the reappointment may be unlawful, claiming it violates the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which established Caribbean Community.
According to the Prime Minister, after she first raised concerns nearly two weeks ago, Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers sent official correspondence to both Barnett and Caricom Chair, Terrance Drew, seeking clarification.
The letters requested detailed information on how and when the matter was placed on meeting agendas, what communications were shared with member states, whether governments were informed following the joint communiqué and closing press conference, and whether any draft decisions were circulated confidentially after the retreat.
“They also sought clarification regarding any confidentiality surrounding the matter, given the importance of maintaining member states’ confidence in Caricom’s rules of procedure and collective decision-making,” she added.
Persad-Bissessar, who has previously suggested reducing Trinidad and Tobago’s financial contributions to Caricom—currently accounting for more than one-fifth of the organisation’s annual budget—said she intends to continue pressing the issue until she receives a satisfactory response.
“In the interest of my citizens’ wellbeing, I will relentlessly pursue this matter publicly until full transparency is achieved,” she said.
When the issue first emerged last month, Persad-Bissessar faced criticism from Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who condemned her remarks.
“I strongly denounce Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s latest attack on Caricom and her irresponsible handling of the Secretary General’s reappointment,” Beckles said.
Dr. Carla Barnett, an economist from Belize, was originally appointed unanimously at a Caricom Heads of Government Conference in August 2021. She previously served as Deputy Secretary General of Caricom and as Deputy Governor of Belize’s Central Bank.
Former Assistant Caricom Secretary General Joseph Cox also raised concerns about the reappointment.
“Can Dr. Carla Barnett effectively serve another five-year term amid open objections, procedural concerns, and divisions among member states?” Cox asked. “In Caricom, authority is built on consensus, reinforced by process, and sustained through trust. Without these, the role may remain legally valid, but it becomes far more difficult to execute effectively.”
Political analyst Indira Rampersad described the dispute as unfortunate but not unexpected.
She suggested that the issue is unlikely to significantly affect regional trade.
“I don’t think Caricom will pursue that route, as the goods Trinidad and Tobago exports are not easily sourced elsewhere,” she said.
Rampersad declined to speculate on what actions Persad-Bissessar and her government might take next.
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