Trinidad Challenges CARICOM Secretary Reappointment

Tensions are rising within the Caribbean Community as disagreements over leadership decisions threaten to strain relations among member states.

At the centre of the dispute is the reported reappointment of CARICOM Secretary General Carla Barnett, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Kamla Persad Bissessar and her government. The fallout has been significant enough that Trinidad and Tobago is now considering reducing its annual financial contribution of $5 million to the regional body.

The controversy emerged following comments by Terrance Drew, the current CARICOM chairman, who stated that leaders had approved Barnett’s second five year term during last month’s midterm summit by “the required majority.” However, no breakdown of the voting process or participation was disclosed, leaving several governments questioning how the decision was reached.

Prime Minister Persad Bissessar has argued that the process lacked transparency. She pointed to what she described as irregularities during a private caucus of regional leaders held at a retreat, where representatives from Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda were not permitted to take part.

Although heads of government often meet in smaller caucus settings without full delegations, Trinidad and Tobago maintains that its acting representation should have been included. Persad Bissessar had departed the summit early, leaving Foreign Minister Sean Sobers to lead her country’s delegation, a practice that is typically accommodated.

In a formal communication sent through Minister Sobers, the government outlined its objections in strong terms. “It is a matter of record that Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda and The Bahamas were not allowed to participate in this retreat,” the letter stated. It further noted that the reappointment was neither listed on the provisional agenda nor discussed in plenary sessions, adding, “We wish to place on record Trinidad and Tobago’s disagreement with the re-appointment of Secretary-General Barnett.”

The letter also referenced Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs such appointments, arguing that the process did not adhere to its intended spirit.

While some regional officials have privately expressed lukewarm views about Barnett’s performance, no alternative candidate had been formally advanced ahead of the decision. Her new term is due to begin in late August. Barnett, a Belizean economist, previously served as deputy secretary general.

Separately, Barnett described 2025 as one of the Caribbean’s most challenging periods, pointing to climate related disasters and geopolitical pressures affecting member states.

Trinidad and Tobago’s warning over funding cuts underscores broader dissatisfaction with the organisation’s direction, raising questions about unity within the 15 member bloc.