2 weeks ago
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Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad‑Bissessar says that her government does not support the reappointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and plans to reduce the country’s financial contribution to the regional body.
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Her comments come after Dr. Terrance Drew, CARICOM chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, issued a statement confirming that during the February CARICOM meeting in St Kitts, the “required majority” of heads of government agreed to Barnett’s reappointment. Her second term is scheduled to begin in August 2026.
However, when contacted by local media, Persad-Bissessar said she did not support the decision.
“No,” she responded when asked whether she agreed with the reappointment.
When further questioned about her reaction, the Prime Minister delivered a sharp critique of the regional bloc.
“CARICOM has been failing for 52 years and will continue to fail for the next 52 years. Trinidad and Tobago is not going to continue funding CARICOM at the current levels that we are providing,” Persad-Bissessar said.
Trinidad and Tobago currently provides approximately 22 percent of CARICOM’s budget, making it one of the largest financial contributors to the regional organization. The funding arrangement follows CARICOM’s formula, under which more developed member states contribute a larger share based on the size of their economies.
Reports indicate that Trinidad and Tobago contributes between US$4 million and US$5 million annually to the regional body. In addition to its direct contribution, the country also provides financial support through regional development funds, energy-related assistance, and trade financing programmes.
Persad-Bissessar’s comments mark one of the strongest public criticisms of CARICOM from a sitting regional leader in recent years and could signal potential tensions within the 15-member bloc as Barnett prepares to begin her second term later this year.
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