Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have reappointed Dr. Carla Barnett as Secretary-General, igniting a heated regional dispute over the decision-making process and transparency.
Reappointment Details
The decision emerged from the 50th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government earlier in 2026. Following preliminary discussions, leaders endorsed Dr. Barnett’s second term, set to begin in August 2026.
Trinidad and Tobago Raises Objections
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago contends that the reappointment was absent from the meeting’s official agenda and not addressed in plenary sessions. Instead, discussions occurred during a leaders’ retreat, from which Trinidad and Tobago and some other nations were excluded.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers echoed these concerns, stating no formal decision was referenced. He formally communicated the complaints to CARICOM Chair Dr. Terrance Drew in a letter dated March 25, 2026.
In response to the controversy, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar announced Trinidad and Tobago’s plan to cut its financial contributions to CARICOM.
CARICOM Chair Provides Clarification
Dr. Terrance Drew addressed the issues in a letter to Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership on April 8, 2026. He affirmed that all member states received proper notice of the retreat. Minister Sobers opted not to attend due to reluctance to travel to Nevis by water taxi.
Drew further explained that leaders delayed the public announcement to first notify absent states. He attempted to contact Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar via email but received no reply.
Escalation and Next Steps
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar rejected these explanations, demanding greater clarity on the appointment process and questioning Trinidad and Tobago’s exclusion. An emergency meeting convened on April 10, 2026, but no further updates have emerged.
