In a dramatic political development, Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary opposition has formally demanded the immediate dismissal of Defense Minister Wayne Sturge from both cabinet and government positions. The call comes amid explosive allegations connecting the minister and the ruling United National Congress (UNC) administration to recently assassinated businessman Danny Guerra.
Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales presented what he characterized as compelling evidence during a People’s National Movement (PNM) press conference in Port of Spain on Wednesday. Drawing extensively from law enforcement documents and investigative media reports predating Guerra’s death, Gonzales constructed a narrative of concerning associations between government officials and alleged criminal activities.
Guerra, a real estate developer and DG Homes proprietor, met his demise on March 13 when unidentified assailants ambushed him outside his Sangre Grande business establishment. His violent death occurred precisely two months after his January 2 release from preventive detention, where he had been held for nearly six weeks under a state of emergency order.
The previously issued preventive detention order outlined serious allegations against Guerra, identifying him as the leader of an organized criminal gang with purported involvement in arms trafficking, money laundering, and illegal quarrying operations. Most alarmingly, the document asserted the gang maintained access to ‘a cache of high-powered firearms’ and intended to ‘imminently execute the assassination of a Government minister’ while escalating attacks against rival factions in public spaces.
Gonzales specifically highlighted media reports suggesting Guerra had contributed approximately $20 million to the UNC’s electoral campaign, a financial injection allegedly instrumental in securing the crucial Toco/Sangre Grande constituency during last year’s election. The opposition whip further referenced visual evidence showing Minister Sturge socializing with Guerra during campaign events.
‘Wayne Sturge as Minister of Defence has access to confidential information relating to the security of Trinidad and Tobago,’ Gonzales asserted. ‘Based on these reports, he is an example of a fruit from a poison tree that benefited significantly from what appears to be criminal wrongdoing in the election campaign.’
The opposition contends that the minister’s alleged connections represent a severe national security threat that demands immediate prime ministerial intervention. The unfolding scandal raises profound questions about political financing, national security protocols, and the integrity of governmental institutions in the Caribbean nation.