Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has escalated her criticism of the CARICOM, accusing the regional bloc’s leadership of incompetence and alleging a lack of transparency in its internal decision-making processes.
In a strongly worded statement, Persad-Bissessar claimed that CARICOM is being undermined by what she described as “corrupt backroom operations” that disadvantage Caribbean citizens and weaken the integrity of the organization.
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Her remarks follow a statement issued on April 11 by CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew, which sought to dismiss concerns raised by Trinidad and Tobago over the reappointment of Carla Barnett as Secretary-General. Persad-Bissessar argued that the response failed to address critical issues, including a WhatsApp message reportedly sent to CARICOM foreign ministers on February 26.
“Nowhere in the statement did they address the WhatsApp message sent to the COFCOR group,” she said, referencing communication allegedly viewed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister shortly after it was sent. She further claimed that confirmation of the message’s contents had been received from CARICOM officials, yet no member of the group had publicly acknowledged it.
Persad-Bissessar went on to characterize CARICOM’s leadership structure as flawed, alleging that appointments are influenced by political affiliations rather than merit. “This is what happens when competent technocrats are overlooked in favor of political allies and affiliates,” she stated, criticizing what she described as an entrenched “old boys’ club” within the organization.
The Trinidad and Tobago leader also renewed calls for greater transparency, demanding access to official documentation related to the reappointment process, including meeting minutes and performance evaluations.
“Even village councils and sports clubs document their proceedings,” she said. “An organization of this stature should be held to the highest standards of accountability.”
Despite her criticism, Persad-Bissessar reaffirmed her country’s commitment to CARICOM, noting that Trinidad and Tobago has invested significantly in the regional body over more than five decades.
“We helped build this organization and will be part of fixing it,” she said, emphasizing that the nation’s economic, security, and development interests remain closely tied to regional integration.
However, she warned that the matter would continue to be publicly pursued until accountability is achieved and meaningful reforms are implemented. “CARICOM cannot continue to operate in this dysfunctional and self-destructive manner,” she added, describing the situation as a disservice to Caribbean citizens.
The dispute highlights growing tensions within CARICOM over governance practices and transparency, particularly as member states navigate complex political and economic challenges across the region.
