CARICOM leaders ask CCJ for guidance on secretary-general reappointment row

Leaders of the Caribbean Community have decided to ask the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for an advisory opinion as they work to settle the disagreement over the reappointment of the bloc's secretary-general.

The move was disclosed after Monday's CARICOM Heads of Government Retreat, at which Trinidad and Tobago again raised concerns about how Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett was returned to the post.

In a joint statement, the Conference of Heads of Government said member states had agreed to start proceedings under Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to secure the court's guidance. The CCJ serves as the treaty's authorised body for interpreting its provisions.

Until the court issues its opinion, CARICOM said the current arrangements surrounding Barnett's reappointment will stand. The community will then review the advisory ruling before taking further steps.

According to the statement, the leaders view this route as a constructive path to ending the dispute while keeping the organisation's day-to-day work on track.

The heads also noted that a wider review of CARICOM's governance structure remains under way. That exercise flows from a mandate set at their last meeting in St Kitts and Nevis and is intended to tighten the community's institutional framework and sharpen its performance.

The statement cautioned that the legal step should not be read as a challenge to the honour of any government or official. Instead, it reflects the bloc's stated dedication to sound governance and steady reform of its institutions.

The leaders further restated their support for CARICOM's shared goals, saying they would press ahead together as the region faces pressing economic and social pressures.