Belize Stands Strong Behind Dr Barnett While T&T Challenges Her Reappointment

The Government of Belize has reaffirmed its full support for the reappointment of Dr Carla Barnett as Secretary General of CARICOM, despite objections raised by Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca said Belize’s position is firm. “We recognise that Trinidad and Tobago has raised certain concerns… We agree that those have to be addressed within CARICOM. But Belize fully supports Dr Barnett’s reappointment,” he told reporters. 

Fonseca explained that Barnett’s current term ends in August, and while the issue was discussed at the recent Heads of Government meeting, the formal reappointment process will take place at the next CARICOM meeting in July.

“The leaders expressed their support for her reappointment,” Fonseca said. “Now it’s a question of formalising that reappointment at the subsequent meeting.”

Asked whether the criticism could be seen as an attack on Belize, Fonseca dismissed the idea. “None at all… In fact, the whole attack, as you describe it, has very little to do with Dr Barnett herself and certainly nothing to do with her being a Belizean,” he said.

Instead, he said the dispute stems from a long‑running grievance between Trinidad’s current administration and the CARICOM Secretariat. That tension dates back to 2022, when a Trinidadian national was arrested in connection with a criminal investigation. “They continue to hold the Secretariat responsible for that incident,” Fonseca explained, noting that the issue is more about the Secretariat’s response than Barnett herself.

Fonseca also clarified the role of the secretary-general, noting that while the position is important, major policy decisions are made by regional leaders. “They play a critical role in informing and supporting leaders so that we are better positioned to make proper decisions,” he said.

The minister added that most CARICOM member states appear to support Barnett continuing in the role.