Reference the controversy over the selection of Dr Carla Barnett as Secretary General of CARICOM as reported in your paper! Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and the government of T&T insist that the incumbent Dr Carla Barnett is unacceptable as Secretary General (SG). Persad-Bissessar has argued the process of Barnett’s selection lacked transparency and says T&T will not recognize Barnett after August 2026. The government has made it unambiguously clear that it is not supportive of a second term for Barnett.
A second term for Barnett cannot go forward without T&T’s support. Decisions, especially on selection of the Secretary General, are usually made by, rooted in, consensus or unanimity. Once a member nation objects to the choice of a SG, then the nomination of that candidate is dead. T&T telegraphed its position publicly and early that it is opposed to Barnett and also privately and publicly informed the other regional leaders of same. Yet, CARICOM nations met in private without T&T’s participation and selected Barnett for a second term. That is unacceptable. It is disrespectful to and an insult to T&T to exclude its participation in the discussion or even to consult with PM Kamla. Procedural irregularity weakens CARICOM and other regional institutions.
Since T&T has objected to and is unsupportive of Barnett, then it is beating a dead horse for other nations to continue to insist that Barnett’s selection is a done deal. Moreover, it is insulting for the chair of the regional body to even advise or suggest that the matter be resolved at a judicial hearing of the CCJ. T&T does not accept the jurisdiction of the CCJ as its court. So why would a representative of the body even suggest such a proposal?
There is no easy resolution to the dispute. Even if Barnett is granted a second term as SG, she will lack the support and confidence of T&T. Clearly, the reappointment process was flawed. Her stepping aside could help preserve CARICOM unity.
Secretary General Barnett should do the honorable thing and announce that she is no longer interested in a second term so that the body can end its quarrel over the selection of a SG. Dropping out of contention for the post could allow for an independent review or a consensus-based selection process to restore confidence in CARICOM.
