Guyana: Trinidad and Tobago Seeks Legal Review of CARICOM Secretary-General Reappointment

Trinidad and Tobago has raised concerns regarding the reappointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stated that the objection is not personal or political but focuses on the legality of the reappointment process. In a detailed letter to regional leaders, she emphasized that the issue pertains to the integrity of institutions and adherence to the constitutional framework established by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Persad-Bissessar clarified that her administration does not recognize the validity of Barnett’s purported second term, asserting that the reappointment process was not conducted in accordance with the established rules. She urged regional leaders to seek an opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the matter and suggested that Barnett be engaged on a month-to-month basis until the CCJ reaches a determination.

The Prime Minister highlighted that any interim extension should not be seen as affirming the validity of the reappointment process. She also called for the incumbent Secretary-General to recuse herself from any authority or decisions regarding the advisory proceedings, with responsibilities delegated to the Deputy Secretary-General or an independent body.

Persad-Bissessar’s letter outlines the need for an expedited advisory opinion from the CCJ, citing the constitutional significance of the issues at hand. She pointed out that Article 24 of the Revised Treaty grants the power to appoint the Secretary-General to the Conference, not through informal gatherings. The letter argues that the reappointment was made by a body lacking the constitutional authority to do so, thus violating the Revised Treaty.

Furthermore, she noted that the communiqué following the meeting did not reference the reappointment, which deprived Member States of the opportunity to prepare for discussions on a significant constitutional matter. The letter concludes that the absence of a formal record of the reappointment decision necessitates an advisory opinion from the CCJ to ensure the legitimacy and continuity of CARICOM’s governance.

Persad-Bissessar expressed that resolving the matter through legal mechanisms is essential for maintaining trust and adherence to agreed legal principles within CARICOM. She emphasized that the integrity of the Community depends on transparent administration in line with the Revised Treaty.

Source: demerarawaves.com