????????? ?? ????????—??? ??? ?????? ?? ???????? ? ????-???? ????????. There was a time when Trinidad and Tobago was firmly “up” and Guyana was “down.” Today, Guyana is on the upswing, and T&T is in a more difficult period. Against the backdrop of the debate on the CARICOM Secretary-General, it’s worth taking the longer view: cycles turn. And how we act in good times shapes how we are treated in hard times.
In my ??????? strategic brief (April 13, 2026), “?&?’? ??????? ?? ??????????? ??? ?????????—??????’? ???? ???? ???? ??? ????,” I make a simple point: small-state outperformance is not permanent. T&T’s peak-to-reset arc is a reminder that diversification and institutional discipline must be built early—before growth normalizes.
T&T now needs an economic recovery plan to restore momentum. A major part of that plan is private sector investment. Another part is ensuring T&T firms can enter and compete in new markets. Guyana has helped by keeping its doors open to regional business, including T&T-based firms like Massy Group, ANSA McAL, and Republic Bank.
But plans and rhetoric become real at the border. Customs decisions, permits, and standards are where trade is either enabled—or blocked. That is where the CSME is strengthened or weakened. Guyana should stay clear-eyed: openness should be matched with reciprocity. And concerns should be documented and pursued through the proper channels.
That backdrop also shapes how we interpret the Secretary-General discussion. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister—whether one agrees or not—has been the most prominent voice questioning the re-appointment. Guyana’s response should not be personal. It should stay anchored to principle: ???????? ??????????? ???? ?? ??????? ????????????. And claims should be tested against facts—especially on trade facilitation and market access.
For my part, I’m not taking a fixed position on re-appointment. But I do think it’s reasonable that Guyana be considered for the role at some point. Yes, there is an unwritten convention that hosting the CARICOM Headquarters can mean giving up the top post—and Guyana has respected that. Still, conventions can be breached: for example, Barbados hosts the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and has also held the presidency of the Bank.
So here is one practical case study of how commitments play out in the real economy. For transparency: the report I’m referencing was prepared by Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with the Private Sector Commission (PSC), during my own tenure at the PSC. It highlights Trinidad and Tobago as presenting some of the most significant and wide-ranging barriers affecting Guyana’s exports. Here are a few examples it lists:
• Honey dispute: The report says T&T has restricted the transshipment of Guyanese honey for years under legacy legislation, which Guyana argues conflicts with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. After repeated COTED discussions, it remains unresolved, with possible recourse to the CCJ.
• Poultry ban: The report describes the ban as excessive, citing a lack of scientific basis and claiming it was applied in a discriminatory manner.
• Red tape & inconsistent treatment: It cites slow registration (e.g., pharmaceuticals), shipments refused even where permits exist, and delayed responses to formal diplomatic notes.
• Breakdown in communication: It points to poor coordination between agencies, leading to delays and inconsistent interpretation of requirements.
Other member states are also referenced, but T&T is presented as the most extensive set of concerns in the report.
????’? ??? ?????? ??? ??????: when we are up—as we are now—we should stay grounded and humble. In boom times, it’s easy to get distracted and assume momentum is permanent. It isn’t. Downturns come. If we want compassion and cooperation when our cycle turns, we should avoid projecting arrogance or indifference when others are under pressure.
??? ???? ????????????? ????? ?? ???? ?? ????: Trinidad and Tobago is not part of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in its final/appellate jurisdiction and still uses the UK Privy Council as its highest court. So when any member state takes a very loud posture on regional process and legitimacy, it’s fair to ask—quietly, and without malice—how fully that same state has embraced and strengthened CARICOM’s own institutions.
?????????? ??? ?? ?? ?????????, ??? ???? ??????????. CARICOM works when rules are applied evenly and concerns are handled through credible institutions—not volume. Guyana should stay open and confident, but also disciplined: document frictions, insist on reciprocity, and build for the downturn (not just the boom). ??????? ?????? ?????? ????—??? ??????????? ??????? ??????????? ?? ???? ????????, ??????????? ???????? ???? ???????, ??? ???? ?? ?? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ??? ??? ???????? ?????.