Questions continue to surround the appointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as Secretary-General of CARICOM, as Trinidad and Tobago calls for clarity and adherence to established regional procedures.
The controversy emerged after Trinidad and Tobago raised concerns about how the decision was handled at the recent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting. Although Dr. Barnett’s reappointment was confirmed, the government argues the process may not have fully complied with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
Ambassador to CARICOM, Ralph Maraj, raised questions on the process.
Mr. Maraj highlighted that the matter was reportedly addressed during a Heads of Government retreat, a setting from which some authorised representatives were excluded.
An emergency meeting of CARICOM Heads has since been convened to address the issue, with Trinidad and Tobago seeking a full explanation and, if necessary, a reopening of the process.
The outcome of today’s discussions is expected to determine the next steps in what has become a pivotal moment for regional governance.