Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says Jamaica is not seeking to overturn the reappointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as CARICOM Secretary-General, but believes concerns about the process should still be addressed.
In a letter to CARICOM’s Chairman, Prime Minister Philip Pierre, Holness said Jamaica accepts the decision to reappoint Dr. Barnett, but remains concerned that questions raised by member states have not been satisfactorily resolved.
The controversy stems from Dr. Barnett’s reappointment during the CARICOM heads of government retreat in St. Kitts and Nevis in February.
Trinidad and Tobago challenged the process used, saying it did not follow the community’s established rules.
Prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has said her government will not recognise Dr. Barnett’s reappointment when her current term ends in August.
She has also asked CARICOM leaders to seek an advisory opinion from the Caribbean court of justice on the matter.
Holness said the issue should now be addressed through continued dialogue to strengthen cohesion, transparency and confidence within the Caribbean Community.