In a significant move ensuring regional leadership continuity, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has confirmed the reappointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as its Secretary-General for a second term. The decision was formally ratified during the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, convened from February 24-27, 2026, in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The announcement was made public on March 25, 2026, by the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and current CARICOM Chair. The reappointment received the required majority support from CARICOM Heads of Government, demonstrating strong regional consensus for Dr. Barnett’s continued stewardship.
Dr. Barnett’s second term is scheduled to commence in August 2026, extending her leadership of the regional body that represents approximately sixteen million citizens across fifteen Member States and six Associate Members. CARICOM, established on July 4, 1973, through the Treaty of Chaguaramas (later revised in 2001), stands as one of the developing world’s most successful integration models.
The organization operates through four fundamental pillars: economic integration, foreign policy coordination, human and social development, and security cooperation. The CARICOM Secretariat, the Community’s principal administrative organ headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana, facilitates these objectives under the Secretary-General’s leadership.
CARICOM’s vision centers on creating an integrated, inclusive, and resilient Community driven by knowledge, excellence, innovation, and productivity. The organization strives to function as a unified competitive force globally while ensuring citizens’ security, guaranteed human rights, social justice, and shared prosperity across economic, social, and cultural dimensions.