Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, is calling for Caribbean leaders to reconvene urgently to address growing concerns surrounding the reappointment of Carla Barnett, emphasizing the need for direct dialogue among Heads of Government.
Speaking after being honored by the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) in New York, Holness revealed that quiet diplomatic efforts are already underway to resolve the issue within the CARICOM bloc.
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“I think the solution really lies in assembling other heads… to have the matter addressed,” Holness said, noting that ongoing public discourse has created unease across the region. “It is distressing for a lot of people within the region regarding what is being said in the public domain.”
He added that regional leaders are actively engaging behind the scenes and indicated plans to speak directly with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as part of continued consultations.
Push for Unity
Holness stressed that a coordinated and unified approach is critical to preserving regional cooperation, as differing views among CARICOM member states continue to emerge over the appointment.
The controversy has sparked wider debate across the Caribbean, with leaders weighing in on governance, transparency, and decision-making within the regional body.
Airline Financial Concerns
The Jamaican leader also addressed separate concerns regarding Caribbean Airlines and its operations tied to the former Air Jamaica.
Reports indicate that since acquiring Air Jamaica in 2011, Caribbean Airlines has recorded cumulative losses exceeding TT$1.7 billion (approximately US$255 million) related to its Jamaica-based operations.
Holness pushed back against claims that Jamaica has not fulfilled its financial responsibilities, stating that the country contributes based on its capacity.
“Jamaica makes contributions as it can, and I’m not certain that the positioning of not paying its share is correct,” he said.
He acknowledged that there have been requests for additional support and affirmed that the government is exploring various ways to assist the airline, which he described as vital to regional connectivity and economic activity.
Ongoing Engagement
Holness emphasized that discussions on both the CARICOM leadership issue and airline sustainability are ongoing, underscoring the importance of collaboration and strategic dialogue in addressing regional challenges.
As tensions persist within CARICOM, his call for renewed engagement signals a push toward consensus-building and stability within the Caribbean’s primary integration movement.
