CARICOM to seek CCJ opinion on re-appointment of its Secretary General

Heads of Government of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States, have decided to seek the opinion of the Caribbean Court of Justice over the process of the re-appointment of its Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett, over which the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar has strong objected.

A CARICOM statement issued through the office of Prime Minister of St Lucia, Phillip J. Pierre, the current Chairman of CARICOM states in part: “During the Retreat of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held on July 6, 2026, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago maintained its objection to the process used in the reappointment of the Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).”

It said CARICOM acknowledged that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago desires to have the issue of the reappointment of the SG referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to render an Advisory Opinion thereon, and the Heads have agreed to go that route.

“ To facilitate this request, the Community agrees to commence proceedings to secure such advisory opinion in accordance with Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.”

The statement outlines further that: “The Community acknowledged that this is the very purpose for which the CCJ was created – to be a treaty interpretation body. The Community further agreed that the status quo with respect to the re-appointment of the Secretary General shall remain unless and until the Community considers the said Advisory Opinion from the CCJ.

“The Community agreed that this way forward allows for this matter to be resolved in an amicable manner, without prejudice to the ability of the Community to conduct its affairs.

In this context, the Community reaffirmed that the ongoing review of its governance architecture is part of the broader mandate, agreed at the previous Conference in St. Kitts and Nevis, to strengthen the governance of the Community and enhance its effectiveness.

The statement adds that: “The Heads further underscored that this process does not impugn the integrity of any Member State or individual, but rather it reflects the Community’s collective commitment to continuous institutional improvement with the highest standards of good governance”.

Finally, “The Heads have reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Community and will continue to move forward in unity to advance the interests of the Region during these difficult times, recognizing the myriad of challenges the Community faces currently”.