The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has agreed to refer a dispute over the reappointment of Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) after Trinidad and Tobago maintained its objection to the process used to extend her tenure.

In a statement issued Tuesday following the Retreat of Heads of Government of Caricom on July 6, the regional bloc said it would initiate proceedings before the CCJ to seek an advisory opinion on the matter.

Caricom said it was responding to Trinidad and Tobago’s request for the court to interpret the relevant treaty provisions governing the reappointment process, noting that providing treaty interpretation was among the reasons the CCJ was established.

Pending the court’s advisory opinion and its consideration by Caricom, the community said the status quo regarding Dr Barnett’s reappointment for a further five-year term will remain in effect.

The statement also addressed the ongoing review of Caricom’s governance architecture, describing it as part of a broader mandate approved at the previous Conference of Heads of Government in St Kitts and Nevis to strengthen the community’s governance framework and improve its effectiveness.

Caricom said the governance review should not be viewed as questioning the integrity of any member state or individual, but rather as reflecting the community’s collective commitment to strengthening its institutions and maintaining high standards of good governance.

They reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals and objectives of Caricom and said they will “continue to move forward in unity to advance the interests of the region during these difficult times, recognising the myriad of challenges the community faces currently”.