CARICOM has agreed to seek an Advisory Opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the reappointment of the CARICOM Secretary-General, following concerns raised by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC.
In a statement issued after Monday’s Retreat of CARICOM Heads of Government, the Community acknowledged Trinidad and Tobago’s request to have the matter referred to the CCJ for interpretation under Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
CARICOM says the Court was established specifically to interpret the Treaty and has agreed to begin proceedings to obtain the Advisory Opinion.
Until the CCJ delivers its Advisory Opinion, and it is considered by the Community, the current status of the Secretary-General’s reappointment will remain unchanged.
Heads of Government say the approach allows the issue to be resolved amicably while preserving the Community’s ability to conduct its affairs.
The leaders also reaffirmed that the ongoing review of CARICOM’s governance architecture is aimed at strengthening the Community’s institutions and improving good governance, stressing that the process does not question the integrity of any Member State or individual.