The PM challenges the reappointment of the secretary general once more and calls for transparency in the process.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has doubled down on her criticism of the procedure utilized by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government to reappoint Dr. Carla Barnett to a second term as Secretary General. In a social media post yesterday, Persad-Bissessar criticized CARICOM officials for failing to respond to official requests from her government for information related to Barnett’s controversial reappointment during a meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis, attended by her in late February. Highlighting her concerns, Persad-Bissessar took umbrage at the election taking place on a boat ride to Nevis during a retreat for the Caricom leaders, which took place after she had already departed.
Representatives from Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas were also reportedly not allowed to participate when the majority decision was taken by the leaders present. “This raises serious concerns about the use of improper procedures to circumvent the process and facilitate Barnett’s reappointment,” she said. Persad-Bissessar suggested that the issue was not trivial.
“This is not a simple run-of-the-mill administrative appointment; it’s an appointment with long-term ramifications for my citizens,” she said. “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.” Persad-Bissessar also claimed that the appointment was unlawful as it was in breach of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which established CARICOM. Late last month, former assistant Caricom secretary general Joseph Cox also raised issue with Barnett’s reappointment