WASHINGTON, D.C. — THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s nominee, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, in the race for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, while calling for the principle of regional rotation to be upheld in the selection process.
Guyana nominated Rodrigues-Birkett for the post earlier this year. Since then, the career diplomat has participated in discussions with various countries to build support for her candidacy and has performed well in several straw polls.
Her bid has also received backing from regional leaders, some of whom voiced their support during the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly. However, support within the region has not been unanimous, with Antigua and Barbuda backing former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Fernanda Espinosa Garcés.
In a statement following its 44th Intersessional Meeting on October 23, 2026, CARICOM said regional leaders had taken note of developments in the ongoing selection process and reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, guided by the United Nations Charter and international law.
“Heads of Government recalled and reaffirmed their decision to fully endorse the candidacy of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, a distinguished daughter of Guyana and the Caribbean, for the post of Secretary-General, as set out in the Communiqué of the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference, issued on 10th July 2026,” the statement said.
Rodrigues-Birkett has held several senior positions in Guyana, including Minister of Amerindian Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, before moving into international diplomacy.
CARICOM leaders also expressed confidence in her experience and ability to lead the United Nations at a time of significant global challenges and calls for institutional reform.
They highlighted her more than two decades of experience across fieldwork, legislative and political service, diplomacy and international civil service, as well as her skills in building consensus and advancing change.
The regional bloc also referenced the Declaration of the Foreign Ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on the selection of the next UN Secretary-General, issued in New York on September 21, 2026.
“They underscored the need for the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly to uphold the principle of equitable geographical balance and honour the practice of regional rotation in the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General, as a critical safeguard for all states, especially small states aspiring to contribute to the work of the UN in its several dimensions, including through appointment to the highest offices within the Organization. Accordingly, they shared the view that it is now time for a national of Latin America and the Caribbean to assume the mantle of leadership of the Organization.”
CARICOM Heads of Government acknowledged the broad support extended to candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean and expressed appreciation for the backing received by the Community’s nominee.
They also noted the historic significance of the appointment of a woman from CARICOM to the position, saying it would mark a new chapter for the United Nations and the wider international community.
The selection process will culminate in a recommendation from the UN Security Council to the General Assembly, whose members will appoint the next Secretary-General.
