BASSETERRE, St Kitts – CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to refer the dispute over the reappointment of the Caribbean Community's Secretary-General to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for an advisory opinion following an objection from Trinidad and Tobago.
The decision was taken during the CARICOM Heads of Government Retreat on Sunday (July 6) on the margins of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Castries, St. Lucia.
According to a communiqué issued by the regional body, Trinidad and Tobago maintained its objection to the process used to reappoint the Secretary-General and requested that the matter be referred to the CCJ for interpretation.
CARICOM agreed to initiate proceedings under Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to seek an advisory opinion from the Court, noting that treaty interpretation is one of the principal functions for which the CCJ was established.
In the meantime, Heads of Government agreed that the current status of the Secretary-General's reappointment will remain in effect until the Community receives and considers the Court's advisory opinion.
Regional leaders said the approach provides an amicable way to resolve the issue while allowing the Community to continue conducting its business without disruption.
The Heads also reaffirmed that the ongoing review of CARICOM's governance architecture, first mandated at the previous Conference in St. Kitts and Nevis, remains part of broader efforts to strengthen the Community's institutions and improve their effectiveness.
They stressed that seeking the CCJ's guidance does not call into question the integrity of any Member State or individual, but instead reflects the Community's commitment to good governance and continuous institutional improvement.
Heads of Government also reaffirmed their commitment to the goals and objectives of CARICOM, pledging to continue working together to advance the interests of the Region despite the many challenges it faces.
