作者： admin

Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin has reassured the public that no suspicious activities have been detected around the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago (TT), despite a recent advisory urging US citizens to avoid visiting US facilities during the Divali long weekend. Speaking to Newsday on October 20, Benjamin emphasized that the police intelligence has not identified any threats that warrant panic. He attributed the advisory solely to the US government’s precautionary measures for its citizens.

At 5 pm on October 20, the US Embassy confirmed via its website and social media that it would remain open on October 21, with visa appointments and citizen services proceeding as scheduled. The embassy also encouraged US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely alerts and updates.

Benjamin noted that while the situation remains calm, the police force has maintained a heightened state of alert in response to the embassy’s warning. He highlighted that increased police presence across the country has contributed to a notable reduction in the homicide rate over the weekend. As of October 16, the number of homicides for the month stood at 28, compared to 29 in the same period last year. By October 20, the figure had risen to 31, still significantly lower than the 37 recorded in 2024. Year-to-date, the total number of murders is 302, a substantial decrease from last year’s 511.

Benjamin expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to reduce crime, stating, ‘If we keep pushing forward, we are heading in the right direction to achieve one of the highest reductions so far.’ He emphasized the importance of maintaining police visibility, targeting priority offenders, and fostering a collaborative relationship with the community.

The US Embassy had earlier issued a Facebook post on October 18, advising US nationals to avoid all US government facilities in TT, remain vigilant, and monitor reputable news sources. It also reminded travelers to ensure they possess a valid US passport and report any suspicious activities.

In a brief statement to Newsday, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge sought to allay public concerns, stating, ‘The Trinidadian public needn’t worry.’ Additionally, Benjamin dismissed unverified social media rumors claiming that the Prime Minister, Attorney General, and US officials were hiding in safe houses, asserting that investigations found no truth to these claims.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has come under scrutiny for her contradictory policies and statements regarding justice, security, and international relations. Domestically, she emphasizes fairness, swift criminal trials, and constitutional integrity, while internationally, she has openly supported aggressive U.S. military actions, including summary executions at sea. Her dual approach has raised concerns about her commitment to human rights and due process. The U.S. military strike on a boat off Venezuela on October 14, which allegedly involved Trinidadian nationals, has further exposed the inconsistencies in her leadership. Despite her oath to uphold the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and due process, her administration has been slow to address the fallout from the incident. Critics argue that her actions have isolated Trinidad and Tobago regionally and undermined its commitment to peace. Her recent meeting with U.S. diplomats and her alignment with Donald Trump’s policies have only deepened the controversy, leaving many questioning her priorities and the implications for national sovereignty.

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s 2025-2026 budget presentation, delivered at the TTMA post-budget conference in Port of Spain, has sparked intense scrutiny. The budget, laden with strategic language and ambitious promises, has been dissected for its underlying messages and potential implications. Here’s a closer look at the key themes and tactics employed in the document. The budget opens with hyperbolic claims, asserting that the previous PNM administration left the nation in ‘economic ruin’ and ‘absolute decay.’ Critics question whether this rhetoric is a political maneuver to position the current government as saviors or a prelude to unpopular fiscal measures. Promises dominate the budget, with the word ‘will’ appearing 296 times and ‘intends’ four times. While these pledges are framed as achievements, many echo long-standing, unfulfilled commitments from both PNM and UNC administrations. Strategic word choices, such as ‘halted’ instead of ‘scrapped’ for the property tax, raise concerns about the permanence of these measures. Buzzwords like ‘best international practices’ and ‘seamless digital tax ecosystem’ aim to project modernity, but their practical implementation remains uncertain. The budget also repackages ongoing projects as new successes, such as the PoS General Hospital and flood mitigation initiatives, which were initiated under previous governments. International collaborations, including gifts and grants from India, the US, and China, are celebrated, though critics argue these come with geopolitical strings attached. Euphemisms soften the blow of unpopular measures, such as increased utility bills and a higher retirement age for NIS pensions. The budget’s grand claims and deferred decisions on contentious issues like public servant pay hikes suggest limited fiscal flexibility. While the minister avoids drastic measures like devaluation or IMF intervention, the lack of a clear economic vision leaves many questioning the government’s long-term strategy.