Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew has pushed back against claims that Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister was disinvited from a recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders’ retreat held during the 50th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St Kitts and Nevis.

In a statement issued late April 11, Drew, who also serves as chairman of Caribbean Community, said the retreat was attended by heads of government, along with the Secretary General and their close protection teams.

The statement came after CARICOM leaders met virtually on April 10 to address governance concerns raised by Trinidad and Tobago.

Drew’s clarification follows controversy surrounding the absence of Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister Sean Sobers from the retreat, where regional leaders agreed to the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary General Carla Barnett.

According to Drew, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had already departed St Kitts and Nevis before the retreat on February 26, and no representative from the country attended.

He said Sobers contacted Barnett late on February 25 via WhatsApp to ask whether he should attend in Persad-Bissessar’s absence and was advised that foreign ministers could represent their leaders.

However, Sobers indicated he might not be able to attend due to concerns about seasickness during the 15-minute boat transfer to the venue in Nevis.

A follow-up message from the Secretary General suggested his absence would be understood, and Drew noted that the minister did not subsequently confirm that he would attend.

Drew also disclosed that attempts were made to brief Trinidad and Tobago on decisions taken during the retreat — including the agreement to reappoint Barnett — but officials were unable to reach the Prime Minister and instead spoke with the Foreign Minister.

To support his position, Drew outlined a detailed timeline of communication with member states, showing that preparations for the meeting began as early as December 23, 2025, when initial correspondence was sent outlining conference dates, the draft agenda and logistical arrangements.

He said communication continued in the lead-up to the meeting, including the circulation of caucus papers to heads of government and foreign ministers on February 19, and specific information on retreat arrangements sent on February 22 at 2:25pm to offices of presidents, prime ministers and premiers ahead of the February 26 meeting.

Drew also pointed to multiple emails sent to regional leaders regarding logistical matters, including requests for shirt measurements for the retreat.

On February 9 at 3:16pm, a response was submitted from the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, with Denise Drakes forwarding the requested measurements on behalf of Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar. That information was acknowledged shortly after and later shared with officials in St Kitts and Nevis, along with details for other regional leaders.

The CARICOM chairman said all member states acknowledged receipt of official correspondence related to the meeting and its activities.

He cautioned against what he described as “erroneous statements,” warning that such claims risk undermining efforts to deepen regional integration.