Holness writes Caricom expressing concerns over reappointment of secretary general

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has formally conveyed his concerns to the chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regarding the reappointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as Secretary General. While Jamaica is not seeking to reverse the decision made by regional leaders, Holness expressed that the process has failed to resolve the matter and has not upheld the spirit and goals of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

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Jamaica is not by this letter seeking to overturn the decision taken in February 2026 to reappoint Dr Carla Barnett as Secretary General of Caricom. However, I remain concerned that the approach taken has neither resolved the matter nor promoted the spirit and goals of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

In a letter dated July 5, 2026, addressed to CARICOM Chairman and St. Lucia Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre, Holness emphasized the gravity of the issue. He reiterated Jamaica's stance, first taken on May 8, highlighting procedural concerns and the potential ramifications. Holness stressed that the fact a member state has consistently opposed a decision on procedural grounds, especially when it has become a public controversy, should be a serious cause for concern and cannot be disregarded.

Holness stated, "It has become clear that we were not all on the same page. Therefore, it is important that any concerns be addressed in a meaningful manner to restore cohesion, if not unity, which is indispensable to the effective functioning of CARicom." He believes that addressing these concerns is crucial for restoring the community's cohesion and unity, which are essential for CARICOM's effective operation.

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It has become clear that we were not all on the same page. Therefore, it is important that any concerns be addressed in a meaningful manner to restore cohesion, if not unity, which is indispensable to the effective functioning of Caricom.

Trinidad and Tobago has also voiced strong criticism regarding the reappointment of Dr. Barnett, who is the first woman to hold the position of CARICOM Secretary General. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has stated she will not recognize Dr. Barnett after her current term ends in August. Trinidad and Tobago has submitted a detailed letter urging CARICOM leaders to seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the matter. They also proposed an interim month-to-month extension for Dr. Barnett's term until the CCJ makes its determination, emphasizing that such an extension should not prejudice any member state's legal rights or validate the reappointment process.

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I will not recognize the Belizean economist when her current term ends in August and has since submitted a 22-page letter to Caricom urging that the regional leaders seek an opinion from the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the issue.