Several Government Ministers have commended Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC following the decision by the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM to refer questions surrounding the reappointment of the Secretary-General to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for an advisory opinion, based on a proposal she brought forward on Trinidad and Tobago’s behalf.
The Prime Minister had expressed concern following an announcement by CARICOM confirming the reappointment of Dr Carla Barnett, which took place at a CARICOM Leaders’ Retreat in Nevis in February when some Heads of Government were not present.
The matter was brought to the fore at the Heads of Government Retreat earlier this week in St Lucia, where Mrs Persad-Bissessar maintained Trinidad and Tobago’s objections to the process used in reappointing the Secretary-General and put forward the case for referring the matter to the CCJ under Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
In a statement on Wednesday, Minister of Works and Infrastructure and Acting Prime Minister Jearlean John commended Mrs Persad-Bissessar for her leadership and diligence, which produced this outcome, noting that from the outset she maintained her position that the reappointment process was grounded in the need to safeguard the standards of transparency, accountability and good governance set out in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
“The Prime Minister stood firm on principle, even when doing so risked being unpopular. The Conference’s decision to seek an Advisory Opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice under Article 212, while preserving the status quo, is a vindication of her position and upholds the rule of law within the Caribbean Community. The outcome is a testament to firm, balanced and mature diplomacy, where a difficult issue was raised and resolved amicably, lawfully and without prejudice to any Member State or individual. The interest of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains fixed on strengthening regional integration, not through rhetoric, but through focused action that leads to sound and beneficial decisions in the best interest of regional development and our people.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Utilities and Leader of Government Business in the Lower House Barry Padarath congratulated Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar for demonstrating the “courage, conviction and statesmanship required to stand firm in defence of transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”
“Securing the support of CARICOM Heads of Government is no small achievement. It reflects a leader capable of engaging with her regional counterparts, presenting a reasoned and principled position, and building consensus around good governance. This outcome demonstrates not only diplomatic skill but also the respect that decisive, thoughtful leadership commands across the Caribbean. The decision to seek an Advisory Opinion from the CCJ is not merely about one appointment, it is about strengthening regional institutions, ensuring transparency, and reinforcing confidence in the processes that govern CARICOM.”
Minister of Housing and UNC Deputy Political Leader Dr David Lee also commended Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar for her resolute leadership in safeguarding Trinidad and Tobago’s interests while reinforcing the values of accountability, fairness and institutional integrity within CARICOM.
“The decision by CARICOM Heads of Government to support the proposals advanced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is a clear vindication of her principled leadership and steadfast commitment to good governance. From the outset, the Prime Minister maintained that Trinidad and Tobago’s position was about protecting due process, transparency and the integrity of our regional institutions not personalities or politics. Despite criticism, she remained firm in defending what was right. Today, that position has been recognised and supported by the region.”
Also adding his commendation was Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Dr Roodal Moonilal who praised the Prime Minister for her courage and unwavering commitment to democracy following CARICOM’s decision to refer the reappointment of the Secretary-General to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for an advisory opinion.
In a statement, he noted that PM Persad-Bissessar made clear from the outset that her objection was neither personal nor political, but rooted in the legality of the process itself.
“Had it not been for the Prime Minister raising these concerns, the unlawful process would have remained unchallenged, and the questionable status quo would simply have been allowed to stand. Her insistence on doing things the right way, respecting the rule of law and the democratic principles that CARICOM was built on, has today been proven right.”
Dr Moonilal added that the outcome reflects the Prime Minister’s broader commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance, both at home and on the regional stage.
And Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Khadijah Ameen, shared that seeking the guidance of the Caribbean Court of Justice demonstrates a shared commitment to fairness, accountability and good governance across our region.
“From the outset, this was never about personalities. It was about defending due process, transparency and the integrity of our regional institutions. Those are values worth standing for, even when the road is not the easiest. Kamla Persad-Bissessar must be commended for her courage, determination and dedication to what is right versus what is popular.”