July 7, 2026
We take note of the opposition to the reappointment of Dr Carla Barnett as the CARICOM Secretary General and are confused to why is it Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are upset with it?
They cite procedural flaws with the appointment, which is understandable. But, would they have voted against her if there was what they call a “proper procedure?”
To us, these appointments are already sorted out before there is any formal vote. To talk about procedural flaws leads to more questions about the cohesion of the CARICOM within itself.
Do these leaders not speak to one another? Because that is what this appears to be. A region divided cannot stand.
To talk about procedural flaw only underscores the universal dysfunction within the CARICOM body, which is quite unfortunate at a time like this when Haiti has collapsed and Cuba is collapsing as we write.
Venezuela too is at a critical juncture of their nationhood and they need all of the support the region can muster.
The reappointment of a secretary general should not be something that divides us to the point where it spills out into the public.
Let’s be a little more mature about this.