KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Jamaican Government, while standing firm behind its decision to nominate Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General, has moved to address questions it said have arisen in the public space.

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in a lengthy statement issued Thursday evening, noted that in the process of wide engagement across the Commonwealth, several countries have asked about the existence of two Caricom candidates, as well as a new narrative regarding there being “no vacancy” in the office.

The other candidate for the post is the incumbent Dominica-born Baroness Patricia Scotland.

According to the OPM statement, the government considers it important to emphasise certain points, including that:

• The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) aspires towards coordination of foreign policy, including candidatures for positions in external forums, as far as practicable. It does not mandate harmonisation and acknowledges therefore, the sovereign decisions of member states.

It said Jamaica’s decision was made not only within the latitude in the Caricom treaty but more importantly, by virtue of its conviction that the leadership being offered would be in the interest of the Commonwealth.

• Caricom Heads and Foreign Ministers have had several discussions on the bid of the incumbent to remain in office for a second term. Although the most recent Communique of Heads reflected language of ‘overwhelming’ support for Baroness Scotland, she was the sole candidate at that time, but even then, her bid for reappointment for a second term of four years was not collectively endorsed. In fact, it has never been endorsed, as there was never consensus. The absence of unanimity is beyond contention.

• In a context where the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) initially scheduled for June 2020 was postponed, due to the coronavirus pandemic, a Caricom country put forward a written request for the immediate reappointment of the incumbent for a second term of office, when her initial contract was at an end. The Commonwealth Chairman-in-Office, Prime Minister of the UK, consulted all member states on that proposal and reported in writing that a significant and diverse number of states rejected the proposal.

• In further consultation with all member states, Baroness Scotland was ultimately offered an extension of her existing contract, until such time as the next CHOGM could be convened in Kigali, when a decision would be made about the appointment of a Secretary General for the ensuing four-year term of office.

• Baroness Scotland accepted the terms of that offer of an extension of her first contract, in writing, also acknowledging that a decision on the next term of office would be decided at the time when member states can meet face to face. The period of extension accepted by the Secretary General clearly did not constitute appointment for a second term of office, which was already rejected by Heads.

• The dates for the CHOGM to be convened in Kigali are now firmly set. Accordingly, the incumbent’s extended term of office will expire at the end of that Summit. In her capacity as the Dominican candidate, she remains eligible for consideration by Heads, as do the candidates from Tuvalu and Jamaica.

According to the OPM statement, “the Government of Jamaica continues to stand behind its submission of Jamaica’s candidature for the consideration of Commonwealth Heads in Kigali, where they will make their decision on the next four-year term. Senator Johnson Smith will continue to engage in a dignified campaign process, with full respect for other candidates and the views of member states”.

Meanwhile, the statement noted that Johnson Smith’s nomination was put forward in a context where a change of leadership was clearly deemed desirable by member states across regions.

It noted that in recent weeks, she has engaged with high level leadership across five Commonwealth regions.

“She has been greatly encouraged by quiet and public expressions of support as well as discussions, not only on the priorities of the family of Commonwealth nations, but also the confidence demonstrated in her readiness to lead this unique association of states in a visionary, innovative, transparent and accountable manner,” the statement added.