A dispute has intensified within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) following questions raised by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over the process used to reappoint Secretary-General Carla Barnett.
In a statement, CARICOM Chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew defended the process, saying all member states were properly informed ahead of the 50th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in Saint Kitts and Nevis from February 24–27, 2026. He said official correspondence outlined the agenda, programme of work, and which matters would be handled in plenary, caucus, or Heads-only retreat sessions.
According to CARICOM, Persad-Bissessar left the meeting on February 25, ahead of the Heads-only retreat where Dr Barnett’s reappointment was decided under Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The organisation said her Foreign Minister, Sean Sobers, was advised he could attend in her absence but indicated he might not due to seasickness and did not confirm attendance.
CARICOM also said attempts were made to contact Persad-Bissessar before publicly announcing the decision, but these were unsuccessful.
However, Persad-Bissessar has challenged the explanation, accusing CARICOM of lacking transparency. She argued that official correspondence showed no communication about the reappointment agenda item, while multiple messages focused on dress protocol for the meeting. She also questioned a WhatsApp message indicating the retreat would be restricted to Heads of Government, suggesting her minister may have been excluded.
The Prime Minister has called for the release of key documents, including minutes of the retreat and performance evaluations related to Dr Barnett’s reappointment, warning that the issue could undermine regional integration.
The matter was discussed at a special emergency meeting of CARICOM convened to address Trinidad and Tobago’s concerns, though neither Persad-Bissessar nor a representative attended.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has criticised the government’s handling of the issue, cautioning that the dispute could have economic and diplomatic repercussions.