It's official; Belize's Dr. Carla Barnett is the new Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community or CARICOM for short.
Belizeans know her very well as a part of the former Barrow Government, in which she served as a UDP Senator and as Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Local Government, and Rural Development. Last year, her ministry was responsible for several COVID relief programs that were rolled out by the Barrow Administration, including Unemployment Relief and a loans program for micro, small and medium business enterprises, to ease some of the economic suffering brought by the pandemic.
But, apart from being the former Prime Minister's pick for an economic czar, Dr. Barnett is a trained economist who has served in Belize as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank and Financial Secretary. She also has experience in the operations of CARICOM, where she served as Deputy Secretary-General from 1997 to 2002. And now, she will hold the top post in that regional organization for a 5-year term from 2021 to 2026.
She formally took over the office today at an installation ceremony which was broadcasted virtually from CARICOM's headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana. 7News tuned in, and here's what she and the current CARICOM Chairman had to say today's event:
Hon. Gaston Browne - Chairman, CARICOM
I acknowledge Dr. Carla Barnett, the Secretary-General, and all of the distinguished ladies and gentlemen, including those who are joining us on the various E-platforms. Today's installation ceremony represents the spirit of continuity of the leadership of our community, and the passing of the baton to new hands. On behalf of all the member-states, and on behalf of the CARICOM Heads of Government, and with my best wishes as chairman, I pray for your successful term in office, and I welcome you to the position of CARICOM Secretary-General. As you join this noble endeavor of Caribbean integration, I know you bring vast expertise and experience to this position. Your previous years as Assistant Secretary-General obviously place you in an ideal position to hit the ground running. As the first female CARICOM Secretary-General, I know that you will succeed in demonstrating to the world that talent resides in both sexes equally and that the leadership of our leadership institutions is open to those talented sons and daughters who bring their requisite skills to the table.
Dr. Carla Barnett - New Secretary-General, CARICOM
It is with deep pride and a sense of humility that I take this seat as the 8th Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community. Let me express my appreciation to you, Mr. Chairman, and your colleague heads of government for the trust and confidence you have placed in me by selecting me for this post.
Dr. Barnett takes over from the Dominican Economist, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, who served from 2011-2021. Both main speakers of today's installation ceremony took the time out to thank Ambassador LaRocque for his service to the Caribbean Community:
Hon. Gaston Browne
As I welcome you to the position of CARICOM Secretary-General, I must also acknowledge the sterling contribution of your immediate predecessor, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Erwin's unflappable spirit and quiet tenacity served us well, especially most recently in these COVID times, when some decision-makers succumbed to panic and indecision. I note in passing that both Ambassador LaRocque and you, Excellency, are from member-states, Dominica and Belize respectively and that citizens of these states have never before held the position of Secretary-General. So again, I extend congratulations.
Dr. Carla Barnett
Chair, I must also acknowledge the contribution which my predecessor, Ambassador Erwin LaRocque, has made to the advancement of our integration movement. For the 16 years, the first 6 as Assistant Secretary-General, and the last 10 as Secretary-General, he devoted himself to the task of making integration work for the benefit of the people of the community. On behalf of the community, thank you, Ambassador LaRocque. I am certain that the community will find an appropriate way to honor your long contribution
