Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers has rejected claims made by Dr Ralph Gonsalves that he declined to attend a Caricom retreat in Nevis due to seasickness, insisting the remark was made in jest.
Former St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves alleged that Sobers was not disinvited from the Nevis retreat but instead chose not to attend the February 26 event, citing seasickness.
Gonsalves’ comments contradict the Government’s position that Trinidad and Tobago was excluded from the vote to reappoint Dr Carla Barnett after Caricom did not recognise Sobers as head of the national delegation following Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s departure. The Government has said this prevented Trinidad and Tobago from participating in the election.
In response, Sobers said his reference to seasickness was made in jest after being told the trip to Nevis would involve boat travel.
“I made a joke about the modality of transportation but at no point in time and I repeat, at no point in time did I say that I would not be willing or did not want to attend,” Sobers said in an interview with Guardian Media.
He said he informed Caricom officials that he was required to attend the retreat as head of Trinidad and Tobago’s delegation but was later told on the morning of the event that he would not be able to participate.
“We were told, no, we’re getting information, they want heads of government only, not heads of delegation.”
He added that he told officials, “I am head of delegation, I want to attend. That is how it is. I’ve been designated as head of delegation. I have my instrument of full powers. I can attend. That was elucidated. They are the ones who then retorted by saying, no, the position is that it is for heads of government only.”
Guardian Media asked Sobers to provide the messages he said barred his attendance. He declined, but said the correspondence will be included in a letter he is preparing for Caricom Chairman Terrance Drew. He said the letter will also be shared with the media.
Sobers confirmed that after three letters raising concerns about Dr Barnett’s reappointment, the Caricom Chair responded to the Government. He declined to disclose the contents, but said his reply will address the issues raised.
He said Caricom did not dispute that Dr Barnett’s reappointment was not on the agenda.
