Public Dispute Grows Between CARICOM and Trinidad & Tobago Over Secretary General Reappointment

Tensions between the Caribbean Community and one of its members have now reached a boiling point, with Trinidad & Tobago declaring that it will not recognize the authority of CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett beyond the end of her current term in August 2026, even though the regional body says her second term is due to begin that same month following her reappointment by a majority of member-state leaders. During CARICOM’s 50th regular Heads of Government meeting in late February, Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett was reappointed by a majority of the leaders of member states. Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was not present at the Heads of Government Retreat at which Barnett’s reappointment was discussed, having reportedly departed the 4-day meeting the night before the retreat on February 26. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers was left to represent the country, but did not attend the retreat.  Immediately after the March 25 announcement of the Secretary-...