Speaking at the opening of the 51st Regular meeting of Heads of Government, Prime Minister Dr Terrence Drew noted that in recent months, the unity of the region has been called into question when there were public debates over private matters. Photo: News Source

Speaking at the opening of the 51st Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, Prime Minister Drew noted that in recent months, the unity of the region has been called into question when there were public debates over private matters.

While the outgoing Chairman did not single out any particular matter, his statement appeared in reference to the recent public debates led by Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, on the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett.

“When I assumed Chairmanship, there were genuine concerns about the future of our community. Matters that would normally been discuss privately among heads of government were increasingly being debated publicly. Questions were being asked about our cohesion. Some wondered whether CARICOM had reached a defining moment in which it might struggle to recover, these concerns were real,” Prime Minister Drew said.

Prime Minister Drew said before issues within the region are resolved, relationships must be strengthened.

He said real concerns were raised about whether CARICOM could survive recent storms, where its internal matters found its way into the public.

The Prime Minister said he visited every full member state during his time as Chairman, and met with every Head of Government, to listen to their concerns and try to rebuild trust and to ensure that every leader had the opportunity to speak openly.

“Whenever this community faces matter of great significance, let us ensure that every head of government make every effort to be present for our retreats and caucuses to resolve matters in-house. Those sessions remain among CARICOM’s greatest strength, away from cameras and prepared statements; colleagues speak candidly, trust is strengthened, misunderstandings are resolved, consensus is built,” Dr Drew said.

The outgoing CARICOM Chairman said unity remains indispensable to the region’s security.

He urged leaders not to address CARICOM matters through newspaper headlines, as it would seek to derail the movement’s standing and press for unity.