Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has called on CARICOM to explain the process used to reappoint Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnette, calling the process “surreptitious and odious.”
She stressed that this is not a routine appointment, and that it has long term implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s economic, security, regional integration, and foreign affairs.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the reappointment was not on the official agenda of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, and was not discussed in plenary.
She said it was handled during a restricted retreat which excluded some member states, raising concerns over improper procedures and possible circumvention of rules.
