CARICOM Heads of government who met virtually on July 5th and 6th expressed “broad support” for a second term for Patricia Scotland as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
According to the Communique from the meeting, Heads of Government noted the current situation regarding the renewal of Scotland, Q.C., for a second term as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
“Heads of Government also noted that the Secretary-General has been viewed as a champion of developing countries and of the interests of small states during her tenure.
“Heads of Government expressed their broad support for the renewal of the term of office of the Secretary-General”, the Communique said.
The Commonwealth has been divided on the question of a second four-year term for the Dominican-born former UK Attorney General and Member of the British House of Lords.
Scotland became the first woman to be appointed as Secretary General of the grouping of mainly former British colonies on April 1st, 2016. Two attempts to have her be reappointed have been blocked. Matters have been further complicated by the postponement twice due to COVID-19 of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting where the decision was to be finally taken. Heads should have met in July 2020 but this meeting was postponed. The rescheduled meeting for June this year in Rwanda was also deferred because of COVID. In the meanwhile Scotland’s term has been extended pending the meeting of Heads.
Her reappointment has been championed by Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley among others while the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said to be among those against.
