T&T PM doubles down on criticism of CARICOM

Calls for change within CARICOM took centre stage in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament on Friday as Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar argued that the regional body must adapt, even as she reaffirmed her government’s place within it. Her remarks came during an official visit by CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew, who is also Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, accompanied by CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett.

Persad Bissessar told legislators that the Caribbean Community was facing a decisive moment and could not continue with business as usual. While stressing that Trinidad and Tobago remained committed to the 15-member grouping, she said the organisation was in “urgent need of some transformation” if it was to remain meaningful to the people it serves.

Addressing the House, she said her administration shared the broad outlook expressed by Drew in his New Year’s message to the region after assuming the CARICOM chairmanship.

“We remain highly invested in the region’s success and our commitment to regional growth and development,” she said.

Persad Bissessar acknowledged Drew’s view that collective Caribbean strength outweighed individual challenges, but said unity did not preclude reform. “We remain committed to Caribbean unity,” she said, drawing desk thumping approval from government members. She added that discussions with the visiting delegation were intended to ensure that CARICOM’s work stayed relevant and responsive. The Prime Minister also extended a lighthearted invitation to Drew to return soon and experience more of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival season.

Later, speaking at the Diplomatic Centre, Drew said his approach as chair was rooted in dialogue and mutual respect. “I am seeking to reach out to all of our members so that we can continue to build CARICOM stronger and more stable and secure, on the principles of respect and that each of us is sovereign within the framework,” he said.

Persad Bissessar described her talks with the CARICOM delegation as “very encouraging” and said she was impressed by Drew’s early leadership style.

The Guyana based CARICOM Secretariat said earlier this week that the visit formed part of the chair’s emphasis on direct engagement with regional leaders. It noted that Drew had recently met in Kingstown with Dr. Godwin Friday, the new Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

CARICOM heads of government are scheduled to convene in St. Kitts and Nevis from February 24 to 27.

Persad Bissessar’s comments follow months of open criticism of the regional body. She has questioned CARICOM’s response to Trinidad and Tobago’s backing of the United States war on drugs in the Caribbean and last December said the organisation was “not a reliable partner at this time.” She has also accused CARICOM of dysfunction, weak accountability and damaging internal divisions, while arguing that its stance on Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro has further eroded its credibility.

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