Senior Political Reporter
Trinidad and Tobago should put forward a candidate for the post of Caricom Secretary General, given that Caricom’s rules provide for a vote when there is an objection concerning its Article 24 protocol, says political analyst Dr Shane Mohammed.
Mohammed spoke yesterday after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday called out Caricom for transparency on the “surreptitious and odious process” used to reappoint Caricom Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett. Stating the Government’s objection to what occurred with the reappointment, Persad-Bissessar said T&T therefore maintains that the reappointment was not undertaken in accordance with Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which requires formal consideration and appointment by the Caricom conference.
Yesterday, Caricom sources said Caricom’s Rule Five states that a seven-day notice is needed for any emergency meeting and the purpose must be given.
But Mohammed said, “It would be interesting to know what the agenda for any proposed Caricom Heads of Government meeting may include. Given the current state of affairs, there is really only one issue that is urgent.”
“It is worthy to note the silence of Caricom Heads since the announcement of the reappointment of the Secretary General. T&T has objected to the appointment, and therefore, it triggers a need for heads of Government to meet and discuss. But various questions arise.
“One must ask, given the extent of the controversy, should the Secretary General not recuse herself from any meeting held on the matter and any discussions regarding her position? Has the Caricom Chairman been provided with misleading advice as it pertains to the reappointment? On whose advice was the Caricom Chair relying? If the advice to the Chair of Caricom was indeed misleading, what action will be taken?
“Why has there been no response to the letter written by the Prime Minister of T&T from the Caricom Chair or the Secretary General to date? Will there be an apology to the T&T Prime Minister?
Citing T&T’s objection to the situation since the reappointment was not undertaken according to Article 24 of Caricom’s Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, Mohammed added, “Given that the rules provide for a vote when there is an objection on the basis of Article 24, I think T&T should put forward a candidate of immaculate calibre and standing.”
“I believe it is time for reform of the Caricom holistically,” Mohammed added.
