Caricom employs external law firm to deal with re-appointment of secretary general

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is engaging external legal counsel to address a challenge lodged by Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar concerning the reappointment of Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett. CARICOM Chairman and St. Lucia's Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre confirmed the move, emphasizing transparency in the process.

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Basically, the prime minister wanted an update. I went to give an update on the advisory opinion … and what was the state of play on the opinion that the government of Trinidad and Tobago requested on the appointment of the secretary-general of Caricom.

Pierre described his recent meeting with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain as "very cordial." The discussion focused on providing an update regarding the advisory opinion requested by the Trinidad and Tobago government from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the appointment of the CARICOM Secretary General. Pierre noted that both parties updated each other on their respective actions.

"Caricom has employed external counsel so we want to ensure that the whole process is transparent," Pierre stated. He clarified that neither the Secretary General nor CARICOM's internal counsel are involved in the process, which is being handled entirely by external lawyers. These lawyers possess all relevant documents and precedents for the appointment of a secretary general.

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Caricom has employed external counsel so we want to ensure that the whole process is transparent.

The issue arose after CARICOM leaders agreed at their summit in St. Lucia to seek an advisory opinion from the CCJ. This followed communications from both Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica regarding the procedure for re-appointing Dr. Barnett, who is the first woman to hold the position. Trinidad and Tobago had previously stated its objection was not personal or political but concerned the legality and integrity of the process.

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So Caricom’s secretary-general is not involved nor is the counsel of Caricom not involved either.