CARICOM Heads Met on Trinidad’s Push to Remove Belizean Secretary General

Prime Minister John Briceno is throwing Belize’s full support behind CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett as Trinidad and Tobago moves to have her removed from the post.

“It is unfortunate that Trinidad has taken such a public position on trying to remove Carla Barnett,” Briceno told News Five. “She is a highly qualified Belizean, and she continues to have the support of Belize.”

Addressing speculation that Barnett’s past association with the opposition United Democratic Party might influence Belize’s stance, Briceno said, “We may have our differences here in Belize, but outside of Belize we’re one; we’re Belizeans, and we stand by one another.”

The Prime Minister added that while there is always room for improvement, any concerns about Barnett’s performance should be raised through the proper channels among CARICOM heads, not through a public campaign for her removal.

Briceño also noted that Trinidad’s prime minister “chose not to attend” the recent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, where the reappointment was discussed.

He said CARICOM leaders were expected to meet virtually at noon on Friday to address the matter. “I’m hoping that we can find an amicable solution to this matter,” Briceño said.