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Trinidad and Tobago Challenges CARICOM Secretary General Reappointment Over Lack of Transparency
Trinidad and Tobago Challenges CARICOM Secretary General Reappointment Over Lack of Transparency
Trinidad and Tobago has raised concerns over the alleged reappointment of the CARICOM Secretary General, citing a lack of transparency and formal notification. The government says the decision undermines regional protocols and calls for reforms to ensure all member states can participate fully in key decisions.
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By Aurax Desk — Updated March 27, 2026
Caricom Heads of Government meeting St Kitts , 2026
Port of Spain, Trinidad – 27 March 2026 – In Parliament today, the Honourable Sean S.M. Sobers, M.P., addressed a matter of regional significance, outlining Trinidad and Tobago’s concerns regarding the alleged reappointment of the Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Sobers told the House that Trinidad and Tobago was informed on 24 March 2026, via telephone, that the Secretary General had been reappointed at the recently concluded 50th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St. Kitts and Nevis. The announcement reportedly came as a surprise, as the issue was never placed on the official agenda circulated to member states on 3 January 2026.
“The agenda for the 50th regular meeting did not include the proposed reappointment of Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett,” Sobers said. “It was neither discussed during the preliminary sessions nor the plenary sessions attended by the Prime Minister. Yet, the decision appears to have been made and communicated without proper notification to Trinidad and Tobago.”
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CARICOM Secretariat Building, Georgetown, Guyana
Sobers emphasized the importance of transparency and legality in CARICOM operations, particularly when decisions involve the appointment of its most senior official. He highlighted that Dr. Barnett’s current term is set to conclude on 14 August 2026, giving ample time for proper discussion at upcoming meetings, including the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Lucia scheduled for 5–8 July 2026.
“Decisions taken without proper participation of all member states, as outlined in Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, are ultra vires the treaty,” Sobers declared. He added that the recent actions by CARICOM “demonstrate the need for transformation in the way CARICOM operates,” echoing concerns previously voiced by the Prime Minister during the opening ceremony of the Heads of Government Conference.
Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett, whose term as CARICOM Secretary General is set to end in August 2026, is at the center of Trinidad and Tobago’s concerns over her alleged reappointment.
Sobers also underscored Trinidad and Tobago’s significant financial contributions to CARICOM institutions, noting that the country accounts for 22% of the annual CARICOM budget. Some contributions include:
CARICOM Secretariat: TT$35.5 million
CARICOM Development Fund: TT$25 million
CARICOM Disaster Emergency Management Agency: TT$1.4 million
CARICOM IMPACS: TT$16.1 million
Caribbean Examinations Council: TT$10.3 million
Caribbean Industrial Research Institute: TT$23.3 million
CARICOM Competition Commission: TT$1.3 million
“We are a country that abides by the rules of CARICOM. We conduct our business with transparency and accountability, and we expect the same from all within the community,” Sobers said.
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson questioned whether Trinidad and Tobago had received formal notification of the meeting. Sobers responded emphatically, confirming that the country was not invited by email, telephone, or in person.
The government reiterated its commitment to the revitalization of CARICOM, ensuring that the Secretariat operates transparently and effectively to serve the needs of the region’s citizens.
By Aurax Desk
Page updated
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