Trinidad and Tobago will withhold its financial contributions to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) until there is greater transparency surrounding the reappointment of the regional body’s Secretary-General, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced.

In a statement, Persad-Bissessar said her government remains committed to CARICOM but made it clear that no financial support should be expected until the matter is addressed.

“I again call on CARICOM for transparency on the surreptitious and odious process used to reappoint SG Barnett,” she said.

“Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to CARICOM, but until this matter is transparently resolved, the organisation and its secretariat should absolutely expect no quarter from my Government.”

The Prime Minister described the reappointment of Barnett as a decision with significant implications for Trinidad and Tobago, including its economy, security, regional integration and foreign affairs.

“This is not a simple run-of-the-mill administrative appointment; it’s an appointment with long-term ramifications for my citizens,” she said, adding that her administration would “mercilessly, relentlessly, and if needed, ruthlessly publicly prosecute this matter until transparency is achieved.”

The dispute stems from concerns raised by the Government that the reappointment process did not follow established procedures under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

According to the prime minister, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers formally wrote to CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew on March 25, objecting to Barnett’s reappointment.

Officials said the issue was not included on the provisional agenda for the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Kitts and Nevis, nor discussed during plenary sessions.

Instead, it was reportedly addressed during a Heads of Government retreat, from which Trinidad and Tobago and other member states were not represented.

The government argues that this raises serious concerns about the use of improper procedures to facilitate the reappointment and may be inconsistent with Article 24 of the Revised Treaty, which requires formal consideration by the Conference.

The position was reiterated in Parliament on March 27, where Sobers said the move appeared to be “ultra vires” the treaty.

Further correspondence was sent on March 31 to both Drew and Barnett seeking clarification on the process, including how and when the matter was placed on agendas, what communications were issued to member states, and whether any decisions were circulated after the retreat.

Additional requests for documentation were also made by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary to the Office of the Secretary-General.

The government noted that previous reappointments, including in 2016, followed established procedures and reflected the views of all Heads of Government.

“To date, no response has been received,” Persad-Bissessar said, adding that the people of Trinidad and Tobago, who contribute approximately 22 per cent of CARICOM’s budget, “deserve transparency, accountability, and faithful adherence to agreed rules.”