Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has renewed calls for transparency from CARICOM over the reappointment of Secretary-General Carla Barnett, warning that her government will continue to challenge what it describes as an improper process. She has also threatened to withhold funding from Trinidad and Tobago for the regional organisation.
In a Facebook post, Persad-Bissessar said that Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to CARICOM but will not relent until what she termed a “surreptitious and odious” process is fully explained. She argued that the appointment carries implications for the country’s economy, security, regional integration, and foreign affairs over the next five years.
The Prime Minister stated that the government has formally objected to the reappointment, maintaining that it was not conducted in accordance with Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which requires formal consideration by the Conference of Heads of Government.
She referenced correspondence sent on March 25 by Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, to CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew, outlining Trinidad and Tobago’s objection.
According to the Prime Minister, the proposed reappointment was not included on the provisional agenda of the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and was not addressed during plenary discussions. She claimed the matter was instead raised during a Heads of Government retreat, from which some Member States, including Trinidad and Tobago, were excluded through their authorised representatives.
Persad-Bissessar said that further letters were dispatched on March 31 to both Drew and Barnett, seeking details on how the matter was introduced, what communications were shared with Member States, and whether any decisions were circulated after the retreat.
Additional correspondence from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs to CARICOM officials also sought documentation on the process, noting that previous reappointments followed established procedures and reflected the views of all Heads of Government.
The Prime Minister stated that no responses have been received to date. She added that Trinidad and Tobago, which contributes a significant share of CARICOM’s budget, is entitled to accountability and adherence to agreed rules governing regional decision-making.
