CARICOM rift over Carla Barnett reappointment as Jamaica and Trinidad take opposing views

A split has opened within CARICOM over the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, with Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica both questioning the process while landing on opposite sides of the dispute.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar maintains that CARICOM breached its own rules under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Jamaica's Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, has not opposed Barnett's second term, but insists the organisation did not follow the correct procedures.

The Chinese Embassy has weighed in on a United States-backed security review of Jamaica's major ports. Beijing said it has no problem with cooperation between Jamaica and the US, but warned it will move to safeguard the interests of Chinese firms operating on the island.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has opened a probe into the death of a 17-year-old boy who was fatally shot during an alleged gun battle between police and armed men in Coburn Gardens, Kingston 11, early Saturday morning.

Jamaicans living across the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut tri-state area will not see the annual Jamaica Independence Gala this year. Ariel Bowen, officer in charge of the Jamaican Consulate in New York, said the mission is in transition and lacks the resources to put on the event.

In sport, Lionel Messi steered defending champions Argentina to a 3-2 comeback win over Egypt and into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. Argentina will meet either Switzerland or Colombia on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.

At midday, the US dollar traded at J$158.86, the British pound at J$213.86, and the Canadian dollar at J$110.75.

Wednesday's forecast calls for mainly sunny conditions in the morning, with isolated showers and thunderstorms expected in the afternoon across western parishes and hilly areas.