CARICOM Seeks Court Opinion Over Secretary General Reappointment

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to resolve a legal dispute over the reappointment of Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett. The decision follows a formal challenge from Trinidad and Tobago and procedural concerns raised by Jamaica.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago submitted a 22-page letter to CARICOM Chairman Philip J. Pierre, arguing that Barnett's February 2026 reappointment violated the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Persad-Bissessar claimed the decision was improperly made during an informal retreat in Nevis rather than by the full Conference, lacked a required recommendation from the CARICOM Council, and failed to meet the necessary three-quarters majority vote.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica also expressed concerns that the process departed from established rules and lacked formal ratification, though he explicitly stated that Jamaica is not seeking to overturn the decision. These disputes were a primary focus for regional leaders during a summit retreat in St. Lucia.

CARICOM confirmed that the referral to the CCJ responds to the request for a legal interpretation of treaty provisions. Dr. Barnett will remain in her position until the court provides its opinion and the regional bloc considers the ruling. This legal action coincides with a broader review of CARICOM's governance architecture intended to improve institutional effectiveness.