July 7, 2026 — Tensions within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) surfaced sharply at the opening of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia, as outgoing Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, issued a pointed rebuke to regional leaders over procedural absences and public disagreements.
The remarks follow an escalating diplomatic and governance row involving the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, which has formally challenged the reappointment process of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett for a second five-year term. Addressing regional heads during the opening ceremony, Dr. Drew underscored the critical need for structural discipline, urging leaders to resolve contentious issues through candid internal dialogue rather than through media headlines and public statements. Internal Strains, Treaty Compliance, and Calls for Unity
The opening session in Gros Islet brought longstanding diplomatic divisions directly to the conference floor:
Call for Attendance and Structural Discipline: Dr. Drew urged leaders to make every effort to be physically present when major decisions are deliberated, noting that critical institutional mandates cannot be derailed by absences or handled through public commentary. “No newspaper headline has solved a disagreement among Caribbean leaders… respectful conversation among colleagues committed to a common purpose has repeatedly strengthened this Community,” Drew declared.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Formal Objection: Trinidad and Tobago has maintained that the decision taken during the 50th meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis to extend Dr. Barnett’s tenure bypassed established consultative mechanisms under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, stating its position is rooted in preserving the constitutional order of the bloc.
Defending the Secretariat: In his closing remarks as chair, Dr. Drew defended Dr. Barnett’s record, praising her integrity, diligence, and commitment to maintaining the institutional impartiality of the Secretariat.
Seeking Legal Clarity: With incoming Chairman and Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre assuming leadership, member states agreed to seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to establish definitive legal guidance on the appointment process.
Reporter Jewel Greene-George has the full report on the opening deliberations and the unfolding governance discussions in Saint Lucia.
