A significant political confrontation has erupted in Trinidad and Tobago regarding diplomatic rhetoric surrounding US-Venezuela tensions. Government Minister Barry Padarath has vehemently rejected opposition senator Dr. Amery Browne’s appeal for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to moderate her language concerning the nation’s position on Caribbean geopolitical affairs.
Padarath, serving as both Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Government Whip, issued a formal statement characterizing Browne’s criticism as “a profound mischaracterization of the Prime Minister’s statements” and “a startling display of selective outrage.” The minister accused the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) of longstanding “political contamination” of national discourse through hostile rhetoric.
The government’s response highlighted what it described as a pattern of hypocrisy, noting Browne’s silence when former PNM leader Dr. Keith Rowley allegedly used derogatory terms including ‘jamette’ to reference women, made comparisons between golf courses and women, referred to citizens as ‘hyenas,’ and employed racially charged language.
Padarath established clear conditions for rhetorical moderation, stating the Prime Minister would “cool it” only when specific national security improvements occur: reduction in murders, cessation of illegal firearms flow, dismantling of drug trafficking networks, eradication of human trafficking, and enhanced public safety for all citizens regardless of background.
In rebuttal, Browne condemned what he characterized as the government’s adoption of “the worst aspects of vicious politics,” citing “gas-lighting, distractions, toxic language, and baseless allegations” as standard practice among governing party officials. The opposition senator expressed concern about governmental indifference to societal polarization exacerbated by discriminatory employment practices and rising food prices, creating palpable tension among the population.