CARICOM Addresses Governance Concerns as Trinidad and Tobago Absent from Emergency Meeting

Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened a Special Emergency Meeting on April 10, 2026, to address governance issues raised by Trinidad and Tobago, including matters surrounding the re-appointment of the Community’s Secretary-General.

According to a statement issued by CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, neither the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar, nor any representative from the country attended the meeting.

“The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met on 10 April 2026 to discuss the issues in relation to Governance of the Community that have been raised by Trinidad and Tobago,” the statement said, noting the absence of Trinidad and Tobago from the discussions.

The Chairman indicated that documentation detailing communications with Member States, as well as decisions taken during the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held in February, had been shared with regional leaders.

“It is hoped that as the Community moves forward, it will be possible to revert to the use of internal mechanisms for addressing the challenges that arise from time to time, lest unfortunate and erroneous statements diminish the progress towards deepening the integration process for the benefit of the people of the Region,” the statement added.

Dispute Over February Meeting Proceedings

The governance concerns stem from events surrounding the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in St Kitts and Nevis from February 24–27, 2026.

CARICOM stated that all Member States were duly informed of official events, including the draft agenda and programme of work, as well as the scheduling of sessions in plenary, caucus, and retreat formats.

“The Offices of all Heads of Government were informed of the date and venue of the Retreat via official correspondence prior to the Meeting of the Conference and via communication during the meetings,” the statement said, adding that all Member States acknowledged receipt of the correspondence.

However, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister departed the conference on the evening of February 25, ahead of the Retreat session scheduled for the following day.

According to the statement, Foreign Minister Sean Sobers contacted the CARICOM Secretary-General late that evening via WhatsApp to inquire about attending the Retreat in the Prime Minister’s absence.

“He was advised he could and that other Heads who have had to leave may be represented by their Foreign Ministers,” the statement noted. However, the Minister reportedly indicated concerns about seasickness and did not confirm attendance.

Subsequent communication from the Secretary-General suggested that the Minister’s absence would be understood, but no further indication of participation was received.

Secretary-General Reappointed

During the Retreat session, Heads of Government considered and agreed to the reappointment of the Secretary-General in accordance with Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

“The Secretary General was not in the room during the discussion of this matter,” the statement clarified.

Leaders also agreed to delay any public announcement of the decision in order to inform absent Heads as a matter of courtesy. However, attempts to contact Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister by email and telephone were unsuccessful.

“After some efforts to reach the Prime Minister, the Chairman was asked to speak with the Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobago,” the statement said.

Further Decisions Taken

In addition to the reappointment, Heads of Government agreed to establish a sub-committee comprising Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, and Jamaica to review governance and financing arrangements within CARICOM institutions.

Leaders also agreed to issue a statement on CARICOM’s engagement with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio under discussions on geopolitical developments.

The Chairman’s statement included a timeline of official correspondence with Member States in preparation for the February conference, underscoring that all procedural steps were followed.

Call for Internal Resolution

Dr. Drew stressed the importance of maintaining unity and resolving disputes through established CARICOM mechanisms.

“It is hoped that as the Community moves forward, it will be possible to revert to the use of internal mechanisms,” the statement reiterated, warning that “unfortunate and erroneous statements” could undermine regional integration efforts.

The Special Emergency Meeting comes amid heightened regional attention on governance within CARICOM and the processes guiding key decisions at the level of Heads of Government.