The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will this year be seeking a secretary-general to replace the retiring Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will this year be seeking a secretary-general to replace the retiring Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

In his opening remarks at the recent 32nd Intersessional Meeting of Caricom Heads of Government, the chair, Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, mentioned that the tenure of the secretary-general would end in August, and he commended Ambassador LaRocque for his unwavering commitment to regional integration.

“I would like to put on record today that you, with your quintessential cool, calm and steady manner, have served our community with distinction. Well done.” LaRocque has been in the post since 2011 and has served two five-year terms.

In the communique of the 32nd Intersessional Meeting, held February 24-25, there was no mention of the secretary-general demitting office and of the start of a selection process for his successor. Ambassador LaRocque will still be in office, July 5-6, when the 42nd regular conference of Caricom heads will be held, chaired by Antigua and Barbuda, and at that conference, the matter of his departure and replacement should be more formally addressed.