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Gary Aboud, the corporate secretary of Fishermen & Friends of the Sea (FFOS), has alleged that his US visa was revoked due to his vocal criticism of the United States’ missile strikes in the Caribbean over the past two and a half months. The strikes, part of the US war on drug traffickers in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific, have reportedly killed over 80 people, including two Trinidadians, Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo. Since September 2, the US has launched more than 20 lethal missile strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels, including a submarine, though no evidence of narcotics has been publicly provided. Two bodies suspected to be victims of these strikes washed ashore on Trinidad and Tobago’s north-eastern coast in September. Aboud received notification of his visa revocation via email on November 20, citing ‘new information’ obtained by US authorities. In a media release titled ‘Silencing Civil Society,’ Aboud expressed concern over the intimidation of NGOs, emphasizing their role in promoting equity, justice, and sustainable development. He criticized the US strikes on Venezuelan vessels, which have been condemned by international bodies like the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Human Rights Watch as ‘unacceptable’ and ‘extra-judicial killings.’ Aboud also questioned the support of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, for the strikes, urging the US to present its intelligence in court rather than resorting to deadly force in international waters.

As anticipation builds for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has yet to announce the specific date, though he confirmed it will occur sooner than expected. Speaking to reporters on November 20 at the Parliament building in Port of Spain during a UNICEF event, Augustine emphasized that the election must be held between January 12 and February 12, as mandated by Act 40 of 1996. Augustine, who leads the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), expressed confidence in his party’s prospects, citing significant achievements during his administration’s four-year tenure. These include substantial investments in school repairs, gratuities, and insurance, as well as efforts to stabilize the island’s economy. The TPP, formed in August 2023 after a split from the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP), will face competition from the PDP, the People’s National Movement (PNM), and other smaller parties and independent candidates. Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor praised the TPP’s resilience and leadership, rating their performance as a nine out of ten despite numerous challenges. Augustine’s administration aims to surpass its previous accomplishments, reinforcing its commitment to Tobago’s development.

In a recent session of the House of Representatives on November 21, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to respond to a query regarding the alleged presence of US military forces in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The question, posed by Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales, sought clarification on whether the TT government had authorized US military operations, including warships in the Gulf of Paria and aircraft in TT airspace, based on videos, satellite imagery, and media reports. Minister Sturge invoked public interest immunity, stating that he would not disclose any information unless convinced that doing so would serve the public interest. He referenced Standing Order 27(1)(g), which permits ministers to withhold information if its release is deemed contrary to national interest. This development has sparked debates over transparency and sovereignty, as the public remains uninformed about the extent of US military activities in TT territory.

In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court order that directed the Registrar of the Supreme Court to forward documents from Eastman Enterprises Ltd’s lawsuit to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Appeal Court, on November 21, ruled that the referral was premature and ‘plainly wrong,’ citing the absence of fact-finding and untested allegations as key factors in its decision. The panel, comprising Justices Peter Rajkumar, James Aboud, and Ricky Rahim, emphasized that the allegations had ‘not been tested’ and could not properly ground a referral. Despite this reversal, the court upheld the trial judge’s decision to stay Eastman’s claim, affirming that the company must first comply with the contract’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedure before pursuing litigation. In a letter to DPP Roger Gaspard, SC, attorney Kareem Marcelle urged the discontinuation of any consideration of the referred material, asserting that the documents were ‘null, void, unlawful, and of no effect.’ Cepep has stated its commitment to pursuing all legitimate avenues in the interest of justice and public administration, seeking legal advice on alleged fraudulent misrepresentation.

In a significant move under the Emergency Powers Regulations of 2025, Trinidad and Tobago’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has authorized the preventive detention of Olive Green-Jack, a Diego Martin resident, for her alleged inflammatory social media posts. The decision, announced on November 20, follows an investigation into Green-Jack’s online activities, which authorities claim were aimed at inciting violence against the government and public officials. Her posts, directed at the Venezuelan government, allegedly encouraged external actors to commit acts of violence against Prime Minister Keith Rowley, government officials, and civilians. Minister Alexander emphasized that these actions posed an ‘imminent threat to public safety.’ The detention order, signed on November 12, permits Green-Jack’s confinement at the Women’s Prison Golden Grove in Arouca or another designated facility. Under the regulations, law enforcement officers are empowered to arrest individuals subject to such orders without a warrant. The Emergency Powers Regulations, enacted on July 18, 2025, and extended twice since, remain in effect during the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE). This case underscores the government’s heightened focus on national security amid concerns over external influence and domestic stability.