CARICOM agrees to send SG dispute to Caribbean Court of Justice

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has achieved a significant diplomatic victory for Trinidad and Tobago, securing the endorsement of CARICOM Heads of Government to refer the contentious reappointment of the Community's Secretary-General to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for an advisory opinion. This outcome represents a major win for the Prime Minister, who has steadfastly maintained her position on the matter for months.

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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.

The decision, announced Tuesday following a Retreat of Heads of Government in St. Lucia, signifies CARICOM's agreement to initiate proceedings before the CCJ. This action aligns with Article 21(2) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, aiming to obtain a formal advisory opinion on the dispute. Trinidad and Tobago had formally objected to the procedures employed in the Secretary-General's reappointment, leading to this regional intervention.

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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.

According to a statement from CARICOM, the regional body acknowledged Trinidad and Tobago's request to seek an advisory opinion from the CCJ regarding the reappointment. The Community has agreed to commence proceedings to facilitate this request, recognizing that treaty interpretation is a primary function of the CCJ. Pending the court's opinion, the status quo concerning the Secretary-General's position will be maintained, ensuring continuity in the Community's operations.

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The Community further 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 agreed-upon approach is intended to resolve the issue amicably while allowing CARICOM's work to proceed without interruption. This decision is also linked to a broader review of CARICOM's governance arrangements, aimed at strengthening the Community's effectiveness. CARICOM leaders emphasized that this process does not cast doubt on the integrity of any member state or individual but reflects a collective commitment to institutional improvement and good governance.

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The Heads have reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals a