Latest update May 22nd, 2026 12:38 AM
Time for Caricom consensus choice is drawing close
Dear Editor,
It is only a week away before the election of the important office of Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and Caricom countries are still divided as to a lone candidate for the position and as a result Bahamas has announced that it will review its position when there is a Caribbean consensus.
Leaders of the 53 nation Commonwealth countries will meet between November 27 and 29 in Malta, when a new Secretary General will be named. This time around the leaders are looking for someone in the Caribbean to be chosen. Unfortunately up to the time of writing, CARICOM is unable to come up with one single name since two persons from the region have announced their candidacy. Guyanese born Sir Ronald Sanders, a senior diplomat has been nominated by Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica born Baroness Patricia Scotland, former Attorney General of the United Kingdom is also in the race. A third regional candidate Bhoj Tiwari from Trinidad and Tobago withdrew from the race.
There is no doubt that Sir Ronald is the best candidate for the position because of his vast experience in international affairs. Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, in his capacity as Chairman of OAS is calling on regional leaders to support Sanders. Reports state that only two countries in the region, Barbados and Dominica are backing the Baroness and therefore these countries should lend their support to Sanders.
Since the Caribbean is divided in its selection Australia is considering a compromise candidate while two African countries, Botswana and Tanzania may also enter the race.
Guyanese Sir Shridat Ramphal, served three terms as Commonwealth Secretary General from 1975 to1990. He is the only Caribbean national to hold such high office.
Oscar Ramjeet
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