BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS debate continues over the reappointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and Trinidad and Tobago’s dissatisfaction with that decision, CARICOM Chair Dr. Terrance Drew has sought to clarify the situation.
Officials in Trinidad and Tobago have expressed strong concern over the reappointment of the Belizean national, citing unresolved grievances. Chief among them is the lack of response to previous correspondence regarding the arrest and deportation of a Trinidad and Tobago national several years ago.
In a letter to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago—reportedly leaked to the media—Dr. Drew defended `3wsthe process leading to Dr. Barnett’s reappointment. He outlined the timeline of events, noting that the matter had been placed on the agenda well in advance and communicated to all Heads of Government.
According to the letter, the Prime Minister departed St. Kitts and Nevis on the evening of February 25, the first day of the conference, ahead of the leaders’ retreat scheduled for February 26.
Dr. Drew explained that, given the importance of the retreat, efforts were made to ensure Trinidad and Tobago’s participation. An invitation was extended to Minister of CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers; however, he declined.
“He declined an invitation to attend the retreat, citing personal issues with using the water taxi transit, which is a standard mode of transportation in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. He indicated that he feared he would get seasick,” the letter stated.
The Chair emphasized that the meeting had been meticulously planned, including discussions on the reappointment of the Secretary-General. During those deliberations, Heads of Government agreed to Dr. Barnett’s reappointment in accordance with Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which outlines the process for such decisions.
Dr. Drew also noted that multiple attempts were made to contact the Prime Minister following the meeting, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfan Ali, has also defended the decision, stating that the proper procedures were followed in the reappointment process.
Regional leaders are expected to meet this afternoon at a special Heads of Government meeting, where the matter will again be discussed. There are hopes that the discussions will lead to a resolution of the concerns raised by Trinidad and Tobago.
