CARICOM seeks legal opinion from the CCJ over Dr Carla Barnett’s appointment

CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the process used to reappoint Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, following an objection raised by Trinidad and Tobago.  The decision was reached during a retreat of regional leaders yesterday, ahead of the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government now underway in Saint Lucia. Trinidad and Tobago has maintained that the reappointment process should be examined by the CCJ, which serves as the treaty-interpretation body for the Community.  CARICOM says it will now commence proceedings under Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to obtain the Court’s opinion. In the meantime, leaders have agreed that the status quo surrounding the Secretary-General’s reappointment will remain in place until the advisory opinion is received and considered.  The issue was among the matters raised during the summit’s opening session by outgoing CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew. While not naming any country directly, Dr. Drew spoke about the need for member states to manage differences through the Community’s established mechanisms and avoid allowing internal disputes to dominate the regional agenda.

Hon. Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis: “Whenever this community 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. Misunderstandings are resolved. Consensus is built. No newspaper headline has ever solved a disagreement among Caribbean leaders. They have done the opposite. 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.”

CARICOM says the decision to seek the CCJ’s guidance is intended to settle the matter amicably while allowing the Community to continue its work.