Barnett row for CCJ

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has successfully garnered support from Caricom Heads of Government for her proposal to seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) regarding the controversial reappointment of the Community's Secretary-General.

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Caricom acknowledged that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago desires to have the issue of the reappointment of the SG referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to render an advisory opinion thereon. To facilitate this request, the Community agrees to commence proceedings to secure such advisory opinion in accordance with Article 21(2) of the Revised Treaty.

Following a retreat, Caricom announced its agreement to initiate proceedings before the CCJ, as outlined in Article 21(2) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. This decision stems from Trinidad and Tobago's objection to the process used in the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized that the issue centers on legal principles and Caricom's governance, not personalities.

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The Community acknowledged that this is the very purpose for which the CCJ was created-to be a treaty interpretation body.

The regional body acknowledged that the CCJ, as a treaty interpretation body, is precisely the venue for such matters. Pending the court's advisory opinion, the status quo concerning the Secretary-General's reappointment will be maintained. This approach is intended to resolve the issue amicably without disrupting the Community's ongoing work.

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The Community further agreed that the status quo with respect to the reappointment of the Secretary General shall remain unless and until the Community considers the said Advisory Opinion from the CCJ.

Caricom leaders stressed that this process does not cast doubt on any member state or individual. Instead, it reflects a collective commitment to institutional improvement and upholding high standards of good governance. The move is also linked to a broader review of Caricom's governance arrangements aimed at strengthening the Community's effectiveness and reaffirming regional unity.

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The Heads further underscored that this process does not impugn the integrity of any Member State or individual, but rather it reflects the Community’s collective commitment to continuous institutional improvement with the highest standards of good governance.