St Lucia PM briefs Trinidad on CCJ opinion over CARICOM secretary-general appointment
Key Points(5)
- Saint Lucia Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman Philip J.
- Pierre has briefed Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on efforts to seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) concerning the appointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr.
- The issue was among matters discussed when Pierre met with Persad-Bissessar in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday as the two leaders held talks on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional priorities.
- An advisory opinion from the CCJ could provide legal clarity on the issues surrounding the appointment.
- The CARICOM secretary-general is the bloc's chief executive and administrative officer, responsible for implementing decisions taken by CARICOM's heads of government and coordinating the organization's work.
Saint Lucia Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman Philip J. Pierre has briefed Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on efforts to seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) concerning the appointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett.
The issue was among matters discussed when Pierre met with Persad-Bissessar in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday as the two leaders held talks on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional priorities.
According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Pierre, in his capacity as chairman of CARICOM, provided an update on “the matter of seeking an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) concerning the appointment of the CARICOM Secretary-General.”
The appointment of Barnett has been the subject of regional discussion over concerns surrounding the process that led to her reappointment.
An advisory opinion from the CCJ could provide legal clarity on the issues surrounding the appointment.
The CARICOM secretary-general is the bloc's chief executive and administrative officer, responsible for implementing decisions taken by CARICOM's heads of government and coordinating the organization's work.
Beyond the CCJ matter, Pierre and Persad-Bissessar discussed cooperation between Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, with particular attention to health, security and crime-fighting.
The leaders recognized the importance of greater collaboration among Caribbean countries in addressing shared challenges and improving the safety and well-being of their citizens.
Pierre was accompanied by Saint Lucia Attorney General Leslie Mondesir, while Persad-Bissessar was joined by Trinidad and Tobago Attorney General John Jeremie, SC; Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers; and other officials.
“The challenges confronting our region demand dialogue, cooperation and collective action,” Pierre said.
“A stronger Caribbean requires us to work together, guided always by the interests and aspirations of our people.”
