CARICOM disagreements will be handled privately, say Mottley and Persad-Bissessar

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar shared a light-hearted moment on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Basseterre, signaling efforts to ease reported tensions.

As the two leaders walked together following official proceedings, Persad-Bissessar jokingly referred to Mottley as her “sister-in-law,” a nod to their shared legal backgrounds. Both women built careers as attorneys and worked within regional legal circles before entering politics.

Mottley added that any disagreements would be handled privately. “We will resolve differences without the cameras and without the microphones,” she said, prompting laughter from both leaders as they continued their conversation.

The interaction came after Persad-Bissessar delivered her address at the opening ceremony, which had drawn attention amid earlier reports of strain between regional leaders. Mottley had previously declined to comment on the matter when asked.

Their public exchange appeared to underscore a commitment to maintaining unity as CARICOM heads meet to address regional and international issues.