Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers said Trinidad and Tobago was completely blindsided by the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett.
In a statement made on the matter in the House of Representatives on Friday, the Minister questioned the transparency of the process, noting that Trinidad and Tobago was not invited to the meeting where that decision was made.
“Trinidad and Tobago was not invited via email, telephone, or in person to that meeting where that particular decision was made.”
Minister Sobers also said the matter was not placed on the agenda for the recent 50th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, or discussed at any level.
“A meeting of the CARICOM Community Council, the second highest decision-making body in CARICOM, which I attended was held on the 24th of February, 2026, and this matter was not discussed. On the 25th of February, 2026, the Plenary Session of the Conference of Heads commenced, and the agenda for the meeting was approved. The issue of the reappointment of the Secretary General, again, was not placed on the agenda.”
The Minister warned that any decision taken without full participation could be inconsistent with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
“It is the unequivocal position of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago that decisions taken at any meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, whether held in plenary or caucus, in which all Member States are not properly allowed to participate in, according to Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, are ultra vires the treaty. The actions taken by CARICOM under what was obviously terribly procured advice, once more demonstrates a need for transformation in the way CARICOM operates.”
Minister Sobers said the country must demand the respect it deserves, especially since Trinidad and Tobago remains CARICOM’s largest contributor.
“Some of the annual payments made to some of the major CARICOM institutions include, and this is by Trinidad and Tobago, the CARICOM Secretariat, TT$35.5 million. The CARICOM Development Fund, TT$25 million. The CARICOM Disaster Emergency Management Agency, TT$1.4 million. CARICOM Impacts. TT$16.1 million. The Caribbean Examination Council, $10.3 million.”
Minister Sobers said despite the concerns, the government’s commitment to CARICOM remains firm.
“Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to the revitalisation of CARICOM, particularly the operations of the CARICOM Secretariat, to ensure it is fit for purpose and addresses the needs of the people of the
region.”
On March 25th, CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew, in a media statement, said during the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference held in February 2026, the required majority of CARICOM Heads agreed to the reappointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community. Dr. Barnett’s second term is expected to commence in August 2026.