Belize Backs Carla Barnett As CARICOM Secretary General Debate Intensifies

Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, is reiterating the country’s support for Carla Barnett amid growing regional debate surrounding her reappointment as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community.  Barnett’s second term has come under scrutiny in parts of the Caribbean, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, where questions have been raised about the transparency of the selection process. However, support for her continued leadership is being echoed by other regional leaders, including Irfaan Ali, who has stated that the procedure followed was consistent with the one used during her initial appointment.  Speaking on the issue, Minister Fonseca aligned Belize with that position, emphasizing that the process was conducted in accordance with established regional practices and reaffirming confidence in Barnett’s leadership at the helm of CARICOM.

Barnett, a Belizean national, first assumed the role of Secretary-General in 2021, becoming the first woman to hold the position.