By Peter Richards
CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Jul 6, CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have gone into retreat on the first working day of their four-day annual summit on Monday, with the controversial reappointment of Belizean economist Dr. Carla Barnett among the major items for consideration.
Informed sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation CMC) that before the leaders is a letter submitted by Trinidad and Tobago that appears to have the support of Jamaica regarding the decision taken at the retreat of regional leaders in St. Kitts and Nevis last February, where Barnett’s reappointment was confirmed.
“It is a lengthy letter and it will be discussed at the retreat, “the sources told CMC and it is likely that some form of consensus will have to be reached going forward.
Another source told CMC that the meeting will have to adopt a position “that is amenable to Barnett as well as to Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica,” suggesting that given the time frame to select a successor could take at least one year.
The sources said that those opposed to the reappointment are making reference to sections 11 and 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which governs the regional integration movement.
Article 11 defines the composition of the Conference of Heads of Government, which is the supreme governing body of CARICOM. It states two simple rules that the Conference consists of the Heads of Government (like Prime Ministers and Presidents) of all member states and that any Head of Government can send a Minister or another person to take their place at meetings.
Article 24 establishes the role of the CARICOM Secretary General . It names them the top leader of the community and outlines their duties, such as representing the region, carrying out decisions, and finding resources.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has argued that the reappointment process lacked transparency and has said her Government will not recognise Barnett as Secretary General when her term ends in August.
In his address to the opening ceremony on Sunday night, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew, the outgoing CARICOM chairman, under whose stewardship Barnett was re-appointed praised urged his colleagues to be present when crucial decisions have to be be made regarding CARICOM.
“Whenever this Community faces matters of great significance, let us ensure that every head of government makes every effort be present,” he said, adding that “our responsibility is to protect this Community, improve it where necessary, modernise it where appropriate, but never, ever lose sight of its immense value to our people”.
Drew said that whenever CARICOM faces matters of great significance, “let us ensure that every head of government makes every effort to be present for our retreats and caucuses to resolve matters in-house.
“Those sessions remain among CARICOM’s greatest strengths. Away from cameras and prepared statements, colleagues speak candidly. Trust is strengthened.
“No public commentary has ever replaced honest dialogue but respectful conversation among colleagues committed to a common purpose has repeatedly strengthened this community. May we always preserve that tradition and so my colleagues the reaffirmation of our unity was never the destination. It was the foundation.”
Persad-Bissessar arrived at the ceremony on Sunday night after Barnett had delivered her remarks and Prime Minister Drew, who spoke afterwards praised Barnett for stewardship of the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat and the integration movement on a whole.
“So before I conclude, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to our Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett and her team. Madam Secretary General, thank you for your professionalism, your integrity, and your steadfast commitment to this community.
“Throughout my tenure, whenever I called, you answered. Whenever support was required, you and your team responded with diligence, competence, and excellence. You have served and continue to serve CARICOM with distinction.
“You have understood the importance of preserving the impartiality of the Secretariat while faithfully implementing the decisions of heads of government,” Drew said, adding “that balance has strengthened this community, and for this, I offer, on behalf of all of us, our sincerest gratitude”.
Other issues to bbe discussed at the retreat include the cost of living including consumer prices, crime and security and “other issues as determined by the heads of government”.
CMC/pr/ir/2026