Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has confirmed that she will be attending the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government in St Lucia which starts Sunday.Persad-Bissessar said she spoke to incoming Caricom chairman, St Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J Pierre.In response to questions from the Express yesterday, the Prime Minister also confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago stands firm on its objection to the re-appointment of Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett.The Persad-Bissessar Government had previously indicated that it would not recognise Barnett after the expiry of her current term in August.Persad-Bissessar told the Express previously that her Government maintains that the process used to secure Barnett’s re-appointment was inconsistent with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the organisation’s established governance procedures.She said Trinidad and Tobago has formally communicated its position to regional leaders and will not recognise any new term arising from what it considers to be an unlawful process.The dispute centres on whether the Conference of Heads of Government lawfully exercised its authority in extending the Secretary-General’s tenure.The Trinidad and Tobago Government contends that the re-appointment did not comply with the requirements of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and has relied on legal advice supporting its position.The development is expected to be discussed by Caricom Heads as the organisation seeks to resolve the impasse.‘How can Caricom make a greater difference?’ Meanwhile, incoming Caricom chairman Pierre, has pledged to strengthen regional unity during his tenure.Pierre will assume the chairmanship of Caricom on July 1, 2026, and will serve until December 31, 2026.He will replace current Caricom chairman Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis.Pierre is scheduled to lead the region’s summit this month—the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom—which will take place in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from July 5 to 8, 2026.In a statement on Monday, Pierre noted that across the region, people are navigating a rapidly changing world, where they are working hard to build better lives, economies are adapting to new realities, and societies continue to face challenges that require co-operation, innovation and unity.“At this moment, many citizens are asking an important question: how can Caricom make a greater difference in our everyday lives? That is the question that must guide our work,” he said.He added: “During my tenure as chairman, my commitment is clear: Caricom must continue to move closer to the people. It must be seen and felt not only in meetings and declarations but also in communities, schools, businesses, homes, and in the opportunities available to every Caribbean citizen.”Pierre emphasised that unity must be strengthened.“The Caribbean is strongest when we work together, speak with purpose, and respect the voices and contributions of every Member State. Our diversity of cultures, languages, traditions, and experiences is one of our greatest strengths,” he said.He said the region must continue to build a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean, adding that this means advancing climate action, strengthening food and nutrition security, supporting economic growth, embracing digital transformation, expanding opportunities for trade and investment, and improving the movement of people, skills, services and ideas across the Community.Pierre said that at the heart of this work must be the people.“Every Caribbean citizen, regardless of age, gender, ability, background, occupation, or circumstance, must be able to see themselves reflected in the regional agenda and feel that Caricom is working to improve their lives, expand their opportunities, and strengthen their future,” he said.He also urged member states to work together to build safer, more secure and more hopeful communities, noting that development and security go hand in hand and that every citizen deserves the opportunity to live, work, learn and thrive in peace and dignity.“The success of Caricom must ultimately be measured by whether our people feel the benefits of integration in their daily lives. Because integration that our people cannot feel will not last,” he said.He concluded: “Together, we can build a Caribbean Community that is more united, more inclusive, more resilient, and more prepared for the future. Let us move forward together, from resilience to renewal and revival.In solidarity with the people of the Caribbean, I thank you.”