CARICOM Refers Secretary General Reappointment Issue To CCJ
CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to Trinidad and Tobago’s request to have the issue of the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice.
Dr Barnett’s reappointment will be halted until the Court issues a ruling.
The decision was announced on Tuesday during the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St Lucia.
Proceedings will be initiated in accordance with Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas grants the Caribbean Court of Justice exclusive jurisdiction to deliver advisory opinions concerning the interpretation and application of the Treaty. These opinions can only be delivered at the request of Member States that are parties to a dispute, or by the Community itself.
In a statement, CARICOM agreed that this way forward allows for the matter to be resolved in an amicable manner and reflects the Community’s collective commitment to continuous institutional improvement with the highest standards of good governance.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she was pleased with the decision.
In a statement via social media, Mrs Persad-Bissessar noted that she maintained T&T’s objections surrounding the process during the Retreat for Heads held on July 6th, 2026.
She thanked Heads of Government for « supporting T&T’s proposals, which were viewed as consistent with CARICOM’s commitment to the highest standards of good governance and institutional improvement. »
