CARICOM seeks CCJ guidance on secretary general reappointment

CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) following Trinidad and Tobago’s objection to the process used in the reappointment of the Community’s Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett.

CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett. (Photo Credit: Caricom.org)

The decision was announced following the Heads of Government Retreat on Monday, when Trinidad and Tobago maintained its objection to the reappointment process.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, CARICOM agreed to commence proceedings under Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to obtain an advisory opinion from the CCJ.

The Community said it recognised Trinidad and Tobago’s request for the matter to be referred to the court and acknowledged that “this is the very purpose for which the CCJ was created – to be a treaty interpretation body”.

Pending the court’s opinion, Heads agreed that “the status quo with respect to the re-appointment of the Secretary General shall remain unless and until the Community considers the said Advisory Opinion from the CCJ”.

The statement said the agreed approach would allow the issue to be resolved “in an amicable manner, without prejudice to the ability of the Community to conduct its affairs”.

CARICOM also reaffirmed that the ongoing review of its governance architecture forms part of the broader mandate agreed at the previous Conference in St Kitts and Nevis to strengthen the Community’s governance and improve its effectiveness.

Heads further underscored that the review process “does not impugn the integrity of any member state or individual,” but instead reflects the Community’s collective commitment to continuous institutional improvement and high standards of good governance.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the Heads’ commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Community and their intention to continue working together to advance the interests of the region despite the challenges it faces.