By: Paul Sarran
April 10, 2026
Caricom was created on the noble promise that the Caribbean could achieve more through unity than through isolation. The vision of regional integration has always rested upon equality among member states, mutual respect and the belief that every country, regardless of size or influence, deserves a seat at the table when major decisions are made. That is why the recent controversy surrounding the reappointment of Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett should concern every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and, indeed, every Caribbean national who believes in the integrity of regional institutions.
The claim by Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers that Trinidad and Tobago was effectively excluded from the process is deeply troubling. According to the Government, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda and The Bahamas were not permitted to participate in the retreat in Nevis where discussions reportedly took place on Dr Barnett’s reappointment. If that account is accurate, then the issue extends far beyond the question of who should serve as secretary-general. The larger issue is whether Caricom is operating according to its own rules and in the spirit of transparency it frequently demands from member states.
As a political scientist, I support the position taken by the Trinidad and Tobago Government. This is not because the Government is necessarily opposed to Dr Barnett personally or professionally. In fact, there has been no substantial public criticism of her performance. Rather, the concern is that the process by which she was reappointed appears to have bypassed established procedures and excluded several member states from meaningful participation.
The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas is clear that a head of government may designate a minister or another representative to attend meetings and act on behalf of the member state. Minister Sobers maintains that he was appointed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to represent Trinidad and Tobago. If that delegation was then disregarded or “disinvited,” it raises serious questions about whether the treaty was respected.
No regional organisation can function effectively if some members are informed while others are left outside the room. Caricom cannot preach democratic values, accountability and inclusion while simultaneously conducting important decisions in a manner that appears opaque. The reappointment of the secretary-general is not a minor administrative matter. It concerns the individual who is responsible for managing the institution and guiding its agenda for another five years. Such a decision should never be made through an informal process that leaves room for uncertainty and mistrust.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is therefore justified in asking straightforward questions. Was the issue placed on the official agenda? Were all member states informed in writing? Was there a formal vote or a recorded consensus? Why was there no mention of the decision in the official summary issued after the conference? These are reasonable questions. They are not attacks on Caricom. They are efforts to protect the legitimacy of the organisation.
Some critics have suggested that Trinidad and Tobago is overreacting or unnecessarily creating conflict within the region. I disagree. True unity does not mean remaining silent when procedures are ignored. Genuine regionalism requires honesty, fairness and the courage to insist that institutions follow the rules that govern them. If Trinidad and Tobago says nothing today, then tomorrow another member state may find itself similarly excluded.
Trinidad and Tobago is not a marginal participant in Caricom. The country has historically been one of the strongest supporters of regional integration and one of the organisation’s major financial contributors. It has invested heavily in the idea of a united Caribbean. For such a country to be left out of an important decision-making process is not only discourteous; it undermines confidence in the institution itself.
The phrase “One Caribbean” is repeated often by regional leaders. It is an inspiring slogan, but slogans are meaningful only when they are matched by action. One Caribbean cannot mean that some voices matter more than others. One Caribbean cannot mean that decisions are taken privately and then presented as settled facts. One Caribbean cannot mean that Trinidad and Tobago, or any other member state, is expected simply to accept decisions in which it had no involvement.
Caricom now has an opportunity to repair this situation. The organisation should respond fully to the letters sent by the Trinidad and Tobago Government, disclose the process that was followed and, if necessary, revisit the matter through a transparent meeting of the Conference of Heads. Doing so would not weaken Caricom. On the contrary, it would strengthen public confidence in the institution and demonstrate that no member state is above the rules.
Regional integration survives only when trust exists among its members. At this moment, that trust has been shaken. Caricom must now decide whether it wishes to remain true to its founding principles or allow secrecy and exclusion to erode the very unity it claims to defend.
Trinidad and Tobago has every right to insist that respect, consultation and legality guide the future of the Caribbean project, because unity built without inclusion is not unity at all for any member state.
The author holds a BSc in Political Science from The University of the West Indies.
The author holds a BSc in Political Science from The University of the West Indies.
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