BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE debate over whether CARICOM is divided on who should head the Commonwealth Secretariat is heating up, as member states will now meet with the two representatives to chart a way forward on the best person to lead the institution.
Reports coming out of February’s Inter-sessional Meeting held in San Pedro, Belize, stated that member states had unanimously agreed to back the incumbent, Baroness Patricia Scotland, to return to the post.
But last week, Jamaica disclosed that it was nominating its Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamila Johnson-Smith, and it caught many in the region off guard.
In announcing the nomination, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holiness said his Government has every confidence in the Minister’s ability to “build bridges and consensus, bringing governments and peoples to a common understanding”.
“Her qualifications for the post of Secretary-General, including her high moral character, diplomatic and political acumen, proven competence, and commitment to the work of the Commonwealth make her an excellent candidate. She will bring a wealth of experience to the position, and is committed to international public service, with special regard for sustainable development, gender and the interests of small states,” Holiness noted.
CARICOM in a statement issued last evening (Apr. 6), said the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met virtually in Caucus yesterday reaffirmed the obligation of Member States to coordinate foreign policy as outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
The topic of the Head of the Commonwealth was discussed and many of the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to the region remaining at the helm.
“They noted the upcoming election at the June 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and reaffirmed the turn of the Caribbean for a second term in accordance with the tradition of the Commonwealth.
“They noted that two Member States of the Community had nominated two eminently qualified candidates for the post of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and agreed that a Sub- Committee of Heads of Government comprising of The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica will meet with the two candidates, Baroness Patricia Scotland, QC and Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith.” the CARICOM statement read.
