Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC is calling on CARICOM for transparency surrounding what she describes as a “surreptitious and odious” process used to reappoint Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett.
In a statement on Monday, the Prime Minister reiterated that Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to CARICOM, but warned that until the matter is transparently resolved, the organisation and its Secretariat should expect firm opposition from her Government.
She stressed that the appointment carries significant implications for the country’s economy, security, regional integration, and foreign affairs over the next five years, and vowed to pursue the issue publicly until clarity is achieved.
“Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to CARICOM, but until this matter is transparently resolved, the organisation and its Secretariat should absolutely expect no quarter from my Government. This is not a simple run-of-the-mill administrative appointment; it’s an appointment with long-term ramifications for my citizens. It’s an appointment that directly affects the future over the coming five years of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, security, integration, and foreign affairs. Therefore, in the interest of my citizens’ wellbeing, I will mercilessly, relentlessly, and, if needed, ruthlessly publicly prosecute this matter until transparency is achieved. Therefore, I again call on CARICOM for answers on the surreptitious and odious process used to reappoint CARICOM Secretary-General Barnett.”
According to the Prime Minister, Trinidad and Tobago’s concerns over Dr. Barnett’s reappointment were formally raised on March 25th, 2026, when Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers wrote to CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew, registering the country’s objection to the reappointment, which was not included on the provisional agenda for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held in St. Kitts and Nevis in February, nor discussed during plenary sessions.
“Our concern is straightforward: the proposed re-appointment was not included on the provisional agenda for the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St. Kitts and Nevis, was not considered during plenary, and was reportedly addressed only during the Heads of Government Retreat, (boat ride to Nevis) from which Trinidad and Tobago and other Member States were excluded through their authorised representatives. This raises serious concerns to the use of improper procedures to circumvent the process and facilitate Barnett’s reappointment. Trinidad and Tobago therefore maintains that the re-appointment was not undertaken in accordance with Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which requires formal consideration and appointment by the Conference.”
The Prime Minister noted that on March 31st, additional letters were sent to Prime Minister Drew and directly to the Secretary-General’s office requesting detailed information about how and when the reappointment was introduced, whether member states were properly notified, and why any confidentiality surrounded the process.
“They also sought an explanation for any confidentiality surrounding the matter, given the importance of preserving Member State confidence in CARICOM’s Rules of Procedure and collective decision-making.”
She also noted that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs also wrote to H.E. Janice Miller, the Chef-de-Cabinet, Office of the Secretary-General, on March 31st, requesting formal documentation and clarification.
“The letter noted that previous re-appointments, such as in 2016, adhered to proper procedures, with decisions recorded and reflecting the views of all Heads of Government. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the current process appears not to have conformed to CARICOM’s Rules of Procedure. To date, no response has been received.”
The Prime Minister emphasised the stakes for Trinidad and Tobago, noting that the country contributes approximately 22% of CARICOM’s budget and therefore expects accountability.
“The people of Trinidad and Tobago, who finance 22 percent of CARICOM’s budget, deserve transparency, accountability, and faithful adherence to agreed rules.”