The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has retained an external law firm to handle its response to Trinidad and Tobago’s challenge over the reappointment of Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett.
CARICOM Chairman and St Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says the move is designed to ensure transparency, stressing that neither Dr Barnett nor CARICOM’s own legal counsel is involved in the process.
PM Pierre says he recently held cordial talks with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who requested an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice on the Secretary General’s appointment.
According to PM Pierre, external lawyers now have all relevant documents and precedents while Trinidad and Tobago prepares to present its case before the CCJ. No date has yet been announced for the court proceedings.