A major infrastructure oversight has emerged at Tobago’s newly constructed ANR Robinson International Airport terminal, with the National Petroleum Company Ltd (NP) confirming that connecting fuel lines from the existing airport site to the new terminal will carry a price tag of $50 million. THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine recently verified the cost estimate, shedding light on a critical gap in the terminal’s construction: the new building was completed without any on-site fuelling infrastructure at all. In an interview with local media outlet Express, Augustine detailed that discussions with NP several months ago yielded the $50 million projection, adding that the national energy firm is currently debating whether it will absorb the full cost of the project. For Augustine and the Tobago House of Assembly, the project is far more than a basic construction fix: the regional body wants the new terminal to meet modern, efficient, and competitive standards that match or exceed peer airports across the Caribbean and broader global aviation network. The oversight, Augustine explained, is not an unforeseen mistake. He recalled that former THA Infrastructure Secretary Trevor James first flagged the need for integrated fuelling infrastructure back in 2022, when the ruling PNM Cabinet held a gathering in Tobago at the prime minister’s official residence. Despite the early warning, Augustine said, the THA’s input was sidelined, and construction proceeded without including this critical utility. “But of course, as usual, in 2022 the THA was ignored, our thoughts were not considered at the time and the terminal was built without that critical infrastructure there,” Augustine stated. Even with the past disregard for local input, Augustine emphasized that the THA remains committed to collaborating with Trinidad and Tobago’s central government to get the terminal fully and efficiently operational. He framed the airport as a key economic asset for Tobago, rather than just a transit hub for passengers. “Airports in of themselves are potentials for generating income; we have to see the airport as such and not just as a hub for planes to land and pick up people, but as an income-generating facility,” he said. The issue has now gained traction at the national level: Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John acknowledged the problem in a Monday interview with Express, confirming that the project will require design adjustments to address the fuelling gap. John shared that she shares concerns over the terminal’s current lack of fuelling capacity, and has scheduled a meeting with relevant officials later this week to map out a path forward. The full proposal to resolve the issue will be presented to the national Cabinet for consideration next week.
作者： admin
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Howai: We hear public frustration
A public and industry uproar over new banking fees rolled out by one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest commercial lenders has pushed the national Central Bank to step in, launching direct talks with Republic Bank just weeks after the rate increases took effect on May 1. The policy change has drawn sharp criticism from business leaders, who warn it will exacerbate existing economic strains on small businesses and ordinary consumers alike.
Central Bank Governor Larry Howai publicly acknowledged the widespread public frustration sparked by the fee adjustments in an official statement released this week, emphasizing that the regulator does not dismiss the intensity of public anger. “Over the years, we have closely monitored fees and charges of commercial banks, and the data on this remains publicly available on our website,” Howai noted, adding that the regulator’s role is far from passive. “Citizens deserve a financial system that works in their interest, and the Central Bank will continue to advocate for that.”
The Central Bank clarified the boundaries of its regulatory authority under existing law: Section 44A(1) of the Central Bank Act only grants the institution power to set maximum and minimum caps for interest rates and fees related to loans, advances and other credit facilities. This mandate does not extend to everyday general service fees, including account maintenance charges, in-branch transaction costs and ATM withdrawal fees. For these services, the Central Bank enforces transparency, fair disclosure and consumer protection standards through its 2018 Market Conduct Guideline for licensed financial institutions, which all banks are required to follow.
To address growing concerns over unjustified fee increases, particularly at a time when domestic commercial banks have posted robust annual profits, the Central Bank confirmed it has recently completed a wide-ranging survey of six of the country’s largest commercial banks. The survey was designed to map out banks’ internal philosophies, governance frameworks and operational practices surrounding fee setting. A final report compiling survey findings and actionable policy recommendations is currently being finalized, and will be shared with the entire banking industry for consultation and implementation once complete.
Among the key consumer protection tools the regulator highlighted are basic low-cost banking accounts, which all commercial banks have been mandated to offer under the 2021 Simplified Due Diligence Guidelines. These accounts are tailored specifically to low-income individuals and micro-enterprises, requiring minimal documentation and charging reduced or no recurring fees. The Central Bank encouraged consumers and small business owners affected by the recent fee hikes to inquire about these accounts at their local branch. The institution also announced it is actively expanding consumer protection support by reviewing the mandate and scope of the Office of the Financial Services Ombudsman, while ramping up outreach through its National Financial Literacy Programme to help citizens understand their consumer rights and compare banking options effectively. It also urged the public to utilize its free, public online Comparative Schedule of Fees and Charges, hosted on its official website, to make informed banking decisions.
While the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) welcomed the Central Bank’s intervention, the industry group argued that the regulator’s current actions fail to address the immediate financial harm already being felt by businesses and consumers following Republic Bank’s fee hike. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and everyday customers are already grappling with broad-based cost inflation and tight economic conditions, the CRBC noted, making the new bank fees far more than a minor inconvenience. “Increased banking fees directly affect the cost of doing business and the cost of living. For SMEs in particular, banking services are essential to daily operations, making these additional charges unavoidable and burdensome,” the group said in a statement.
The CRBC made clear it opposes both the timing and the scale of the fee increases, calling for more decisive regulatory action to ensure bank fee structures remain fair, transparent, and aligned with the country’s current economic realities. The group is demanding full transparency from the banking sector to justify the new charges, as well as inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue between regulators, financial institutions and business representatives to work toward a solution. It also called for targeted relief measures to cushion the blow for SMEs and financially vulnerable consumers, noting that a well-functioning financial system must balance efficiency with equity.
“The stability and growth of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy depend heavily on the resilience of its business community. Any action that increases the cost of doing business without corresponding value must be carefully reconsidered,” the CRBC said, adding that monitoring and direct engagement, while valuable, are not enough without stronger regulatory action and clear policy direction. CRBC chairman Vivek Charran went as far as to say the fee hike marked a departure from the bank’s long history of supporting small businesses. “This is not the Republic Bank I know and that has held the hand of SMEs for some three generations. This is a different bank,” Charran told local outlet the Express.
Concerns over the fee increase first emerged on April 27, when multiple chamber of commerce leaders warned that small businesses would bear the brunt of the new charges after Republic Bank first announced the adjustments. At that time, the CRBC argued that the new fees would add overwhelming pressure to SMEs already struggling with high operating costs, limited foreign exchange access and slowing consumer spending. Multiple local industry leaders echoed that concern this week: Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce President Baldath Maharaj noted that most SMEs operate on extremely thin margins and cannot absorb the extra costs, meaning the fees will likely be passed directly to consumers through higher prices. Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce President Kiran Singh added that the size and timing of the hike are particularly concerning given the commercial banking sector’s strong profitability, which stands in stark contrast to the ongoing struggles of the small business sector. Tourism Industry Association of Trinidad and Tobago President Lisa Shandilya noted that small tourism operators including guesthouses and independent tour guides are uniquely vulnerable to the new charges, as they rely heavily on regular digital banking transactions. Owners Dealers Association President Reval Chattergoon called the situation worrying, though not unexpected, amid national policy pushes to transition toward a cashless economy.
As of this week, neither Republic Bank nor Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo have responded to requests for comment on the controversy. When it first announced the fee increases, Republic Bank stated the changes were “part of our ongoing review of our products and services.”
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$350M PAYOUT AT T&TEC
A decades-long industrial dispute has reached a major milestone, as nearly $350 million in long-outstanding cost-of-living allowance (COLA) payments has been released to current and former workers of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has confirmed. The announcement came during a press interaction at the recent launch of a new solar power system for Angostura Holdings Ltd’s bitters bottling facility in Laventille’s Angostura House.
Padarath explained that the disbursement fulfills a commitment made by the Prime Minister several months prior to resolve backlogged COLA obligations covering the 2015 to 2025 period, noting that the process is currently moving forward as planned. He added that government officials have maintained consistent, open dialogue with the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), the primary representative body for T&TEC’s workforce, throughout the settlement process.
“Over the last couple of months, we have paid out, I would say, close to $350 million in outstanding payments that were owed to T&TEC workers,” Padarath told reporters.
The minister framed the COLA settlement as a core component of broader government efforts to stabilize industrial relations at the state-owned utility, clear long-standing unpaid obligations, and implement structural restructuring for the organization. Ongoing negotiations are already underway to address bargaining agreements for current and future contract periods, he confirmed, adding that T&TEC’s day-to-day operations remain fully stable amid the changes.
“Morale is high in T&TEC. There are a lot of changes that are happening there, negotiations for the current period, and the outstanding ones will progress in the very near future. There is a good relationship with the OWTU, who is the majority trade union representative for T&TEC,” Padarath said. “We have seen significant improvements with respect to outstanding COLA and settlement of wages and so on. And therefore, we look towards the future.”
Contacted for verification, OWTU Second Vice-President Reesa Ramlogan-Jodha confirmed that disbursements are proceeding under a structured phased plan that includes both active T&TEC employees and former workers, including retirees. The rollout began late last year for current staff, with payments continuing through the early months of 2026, she explained.
“The payment would have been in one or two parts. Each part would have had tranches. So, in December 2025, January and February of 2026, active employees would have received what was outstanding,” Ramlogan-Jodha said.
Following the completion of payments to current staff, focus has now shifted to former employees, with disbursements scheduled for May, June, and July of 2025. By the end of July, all outstanding COLA obligations will be fully settled, she confirmed.
The COLA backlog is a decades-long industrial issue that has stretched back more than 10 years, Ramlogan-Jodha noted, explaining that the OWTU had repeatedly pushed previous T&TEC management teams to resolve the unpaid liability over the years. For much of that period, prior management administrations refused to even acknowledge that the payments were owed, a position that caused major delays in reaching any resolution.
“The then management would not even acknowledge that there was a payment outstanding to workers and former workers who would have fallen within that period. As far as they were concerned, there was nothing owed,” she said.
The turning point came following a change in government administration and a shift in T&TEC’s leadership, which brought a new, more collaborative approach to negotiations, Ramlogan-Jodha added. The new management team has been far more open to finding mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding worker issues.
While the COLA backlog is nearing resolution, it represents only one part of a broader set of outstanding industrial issues between the OWTU and T&TEC. Negotiations over wage agreements for the 2015–2017 and 2018–2020 contract periods are still active, Ramlogan-Jodha noted, adding that the union has formally requested to restart discussions and multiple negotiating sessions have already been held. Though no final deal has been reached, both sides have committed to continuing bilateral talks to find common ground.
For the 2015–2017 period, the Industrial Court previously issued a 0-0-0 wage ruling, which the OWTU appealed; the case is now back before the court. T&TEC has indicated it prefers to resolve both outstanding contract periods through direct negotiation, and if the parties can reach a voluntary agreement, the court case will be resolved accordingly, Ramlogan-Jodha said.
She emphasized that the union remains optimistic about ongoing talks, citing the marked improvement in collaborative relations with the current T&TEC administration. Progress has also been made on other outstanding collective bargaining issues, including field worker placement and overall employment conditions, with incremental advances recorded since the end of last year.
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Fire damages Globe City Plaza
A large-scale fire broke out at the landmark Globe City Plaza commercial complex in Chase Village, Trinidad on Wednesday, triggering a multi-division emergency response from the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) that kept the blaze contained to one section of the site but left millions of dollars in estimated damage and disrupted dozens of local businesses.
The fire ignited just after 9 a.m. local time, starting in a wholesale store located on the eastern side of the sprawling compound, which sits adjacent to the Connector Road highway near the Chase Village overpass. The alarm brought dozens of firefighters from across South and Central Trinidad to the scene, with a total of 35 personnel, five fire tenders, and a specialized Bronco Skylift aerial firefighting unit deployed to tackle the flames, acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Ansar Ali told reporters.
By midday, crews had successfully stopped the blaze from spreading to adjacent structures, including a foam factory at the rear of the complex and businesses on the western wing. Ali confirmed that the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) provided full support for firefighting operations, with no water supply shortages reported during the response; local media observed at least four truckloads of water delivered to the site within a three-hour window.
Even after containing the spread, Ali noted that crews would need several additional hours to fully extinguish the fire, as collapsed roofing left smoldering hot spots trapped under debris. Fire teams worked through the afternoon to clear rubble and douse remaining embers. As of Wednesday evening, no fatalities had been reported, though a full sweep of the damaged area was still underway to confirm no one was unaccounted for.
A preliminary cause of the fire has not yet been determined, with the investigation assigned to the Central Division’s Fire Prevention Investigation team. The full cost of damage is also still being assessed, though Ali gave an early estimated building value of $4 million, with the total value of inventory and commercial contents still unknown.
The multi-business complex, founded by local businessman RS Jaglal, hosts at least 15 separate commercial operations ranging from retail stores, a hardware outlet, and food service spots to medical clinics, a dental practice, a spa, photo studio, pet supply store, and security firm. A front strip also houses dozens of independent food vendors.
While two-thirds of the complex was saved thanks to the TTFS response, the incident still disrupted operations across the entire site. One tenant, who requested anonymity, confirmed all power to the plaza was cut immediately after the blaze, leaving all unaffected businesses closed indefinitely with no clear timeline for service restoration. Seven businesses in the fire’s eastern path were confirmed destroyed.
For some vendors, however, the outcome was far better than expected. The owner of JoJo Gyro, a front-lot food cart, told reporters he was alerted to the fire just 30 minutes after it broke out and rushed to the site, only to find his business completely unharmed. He praised the TTFS for its rapid, effective response, noting crews arrived on scene within an hour of the blaze starting. Local resident Nicholas Britto, who saw thick plumes of smoke rising from his nearby home in Carlsen Field, confirmed the intensity of the fire, saying large flames were visible above the complex as crews worked to bring them under control.
The heavy smoke from the blaze also triggered major traffic disruptions across the area, prompting authorities to close the Chase Village overpass temporarily. Backups stretched along both northbound and southbound highway lanes as emergency vehicles and onlookers converged on the site. The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure issued an advisory urging motorists to use alternative routes between the overpass and Southern Main Road near Thompson Road for the duration of emergency operations.
Jearlean John, Member of Parliament for Couva North and the country’s Works Minister, visited the scene Wednesday and expressed deep sorrow for the business owners affected. “I am told that seven businesses were destroyed this morning, which means the loss of property, income, and jobs. It is extremely sad when people sacrifice for their families, for their dreams to lose it all in this terrible and unfortunate event,” John said, adding that she planned to meet with affected workers and business owners to offer support. John noted that senior TTFS leaders commended responding firefighters for their commitment, courage, and dedication, highlighting that their fast action saved roughly two-thirds of the entire complex from damage. Complex owners declined to comment to reporters while emergency operations were ongoing.
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Analysts call for Al-Rawi’s removal
A growing parliamentary controversy in Trinidad and Tobago has two leading political analysts publicly calling for major changes to the People’s National Movement (PNM) opposition bench in the Senate, centered on the fate of veteran Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi amid a formal privileges investigation.
The controversy traces back to last Friday, when Senate President Wade Mark launched a Privileges Committee probe into Al-Rawi and first-term Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates. The investigation was triggered by a motion filed by Government Minister David Nakhid, who accused the pair of improperly assisting former Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh draft a witness statement for the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC), an act that allegedly constitutes interference with parliamentary committee work.
Currently, Al-Rawi himself sits as a member of the Privileges Committee, which is chaired by Mark and also includes Attorney General John Jeremie, Government Senator Darrell Allahar, and Independent Senator Michael Simon de la Bastide, SC. Ahead of Wednesday’s scheduled Senate sitting, local newspaper the Express has confirmed that an announcement replacing Al-Rawi on the investigating committee is expected, a standard procedural step given that the probe centers on his own conduct. If the committee ultimately finds the two senators culpable of misconduct, it will submit a formal finding to the full Senate for a vote. Under current Senate Standing Orders, any suspension handed down has no fixed term, with the length determined entirely by a plenary resolution.
Speaking to the Express, two independent political analysts have laid out stark differing but aligned calls for leadership action from PNM leader Pennelope Beckles, who has so far held off on a final decision regarding the pair’s future on the opposition bench.
Dr. Winford James, a veteran political observer, argued that Al-Rawi, a former Attorney General and Senior Counsel, should be removed permanently from the PNM’s Senate delegation, while John-Bates—whom he described as a political neophyte—should be granted leniency and spared disciplinary action. James framed the ongoing probe as a symptom of growing tit-for-tat polarization between the ruling government and the PNM opposition, which has already levied accusations of bias against House Speaker Jagdeo Singh. He emphasized that as a veteran political and legal figure, Al-Rawi should have recognized the risk his actions posed to John-Bates’ fledgling career. “He has been around a long time and he’s a senior man in the party and in the law. And he should have known better and not imperilled the political career of Ms John-Bates,” James explained. “I’m not saying that she’s guilty or she’s not guilty of some indiscretion. But I think she should be given a second chance because she represents a younger generation in the PNM.” James added that disciplinary action against John-Bates would likely backfire politically for Beckles, while noting that Al-Rawi has already had repeated opportunities in senior political roles. He also pushed back against claims that Beckles’ delay in announcing a decision is a sign of political weakness, framing it instead as a cautious, deliberate approach. Beyond the core controversy, James also highlighted what he called a persistent pattern of sidelining Tobago-based PNM politicians, pointing to the exclusion of Melanie Roberts-Radgman, who was not put forward for a Senate seat by the PNM Tobago Council.
In contrast, Dr. Maukesh Basdeo argued that retaining both Al-Rawi and John-Bates on the opposition bench is an untenable position for the PNM, pointing to documentary evidence that he says proves both are culpable. Basdeo noted that tracked changes embedded in Deyalsingh’s draft witness statement link most edits directly to Al-Rawi, a fact that was revealed during debate on the PAAC report, and that John-Bates has openly admitted her role in the process. Basdeo added that there is already a clear pattern of disruption stemming from the controversy: the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on National Security has already refused to sit with John-Bates as a member, and senior Government Minister Jearlean John publicly stated last week that government representatives will not participate in committee work alongside Al-Rawi. “This sets a clear pattern now that the operations of the committee system in Parliament will be affected by the Leader of the Opposition’s delayed response on dealing with this matter,” Basdeo warned. He echoed the procedural justification for Al-Rawi’s immediate removal from the Privileges Committee, noting that it is only natural for the senator to step aside given that the investigation concerns his own conduct.
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Venezuela maintains ICJ does not recognise court in border controversy; says Spain was responsible for Essequibo
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, during ongoing oral proceedings at the United Nations’ highest judicial body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela doubled down on its longstanding refusal to recognize the court’s authority to adjudicate a decades-long territorial border dispute with neighboring Guyana centered on the contested Essequibo Region.
Samuel Moncada, Venezuela’s designated agent to the ICJ, opened his remarks to the court wearing a lapel pin displaying a map of Venezuela that explicitly incorporates the 159,000-square-kilometer Essequibo Region – a move that has already drawn formal concern from Guyana through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the regional bloc of which Guyana is a member. The appearance comes just two days after Guyana presented its case to the ICJ, calling on the court to issue binding orders requiring Venezuela to remove all official maps labeling Essequibo as Venezuelan territory, and to rescind all domestic laws and constitutional amendments passed following a 2023 Venezuelan national referendum that formalized the country’s claim to the region.
Addressing the court directly, Moncada emphasized that the 2023 popular referendum “unequivocally reaffirmed” Venezuelan voters’ unanimous rejection of the ICJ’s jurisdiction over the long-running disagreement. “That position has not changed. Venezuela has never consented to submitting this dispute to the jurisdiction of any court or arbitral tribunal,” he told the panel of ICJ judges.
Moncada argued that any ruling by the court that interferes with the 1966 Geneva Agreement – the bilateral pact brokered by the United Nations that frames the dispute – would block any path to a resolution that satisfies both nations. “The only option is to allow the agreement to fulfill its purpose and objective without impediments,” he added. He accused Guyana of deliberately disregarding the terms of the 1966 accord, which was designed to address the colonial-era “fraudulent” 1899 Arbitral Award that first granted Essequibo to British Guiana, the predecessor to modern Guyana. Unlike judicial adjudication that produces a winner and a loser, Moncada noted, the Geneva Agreement mandates a mutually acceptable bilateral solution to overcome the harmful legacy of colonial border drawing.
Staking Venezuela’s historical claim to the region, Moncada contended that Essequibo was always part of Spanish colonial territory that later became independent Venezuela. He argued that the Netherlands gained control of territory only east of the Essequibo River under the 1648 Treaty of Munster, in which Spain formally recognized Dutch independence and its territorial claims. This position directly contradicts Guyana’s formal submissions to the court, which have included cartographic and historical evidence showing Spanish colonial forces never established a presence in Essequibo, and that most place names across the region trace back to Dutch colonial settlement.
Carl Greenidge, Guyana’s agent to the ICJ, laid out his country’s historical case during Monday’s proceedings, presenting maps showing the westernmost Spanish colonial outposts sat more than 650 kilometers east of the Venezuelan border, outside the boundaries of Essequibo. Greenidge also submitted a list of 35 existing place names across the region that retain their original Dutch monikers, tracing Guyana’s colonial history back to the first permanent Dutch settlement in 1598. By 1616, the Dutch had formally established the Colony of Essequibo, built Fort Kykoveral along the Mazaruni River as their administrative seat, and began governing territory stretching west to the Orinoco River, Greenidge explained. The Dutch West India Company took over administration of the colony in 1621, before moving the colonial seat to Fort Zealandia in 1744, he added.
Moncada closed his remarks by reaffirming Venezuela’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the dispute, while rejecting reliance on great power influence or outcomes from what he called “rigged international arbitrations.” “This is what led to our tradition of not recognizing the jurisdiction of arbitral tribunals or courts of any kind when it comes to matters relating to our territorial integrity,” he said. “This is why Venezuela does not accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, which was erroneously imposed in the 2020 judgment, it respectfully rejects its jurisdiction to hear and decide on this dispute.”
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Trump: Tijdelijke pauze voor Amerikaanse operatie in Straat van Hormuz
In a significant shift in US policy amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, former President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Washington is temporarily halting its military operation to escort stranded commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The pause, he says, is intended to create diplomatic space for finalizing a comprehensive peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
Trump made the announcement via his social media platform Truth Social, noting that the temporary suspension was agreed to “at the request of Pakistan and other nations” following what he called “major progress” in negotiations with Iranian representatives. He clarified that while the existing US blockade on Iranian ports remains fully in effect, the escort mission codenamed Project Freedom will be put on hold to allow negotiators to finalize and sign a formal agreement. As of Wednesday, Tehran has not issued an official public response to Trump’s announcement.
The announcement comes at a moment of rapidly intensifying friction across the Gulf region. In recent days, the US military confirmed it has destroyed multiple Iranian fast attack boats, cruise missiles, and drones. The United Arab Emirates also reported that its air defense systems have intercepted missile and drone attacks launched from Iran for the second consecutive day, while a commercial transiting vessel said it was struck by an unidentified projectile in the strait.
In parallel to the military escalations, Iran has rolled out new shipping regulations for vessels seeking passage through the strait. Under the new framework, ships receive updated transit rules via email from the newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also released a revised map expanding Iran’s declared maritime control area, issuing a warning that vessels must only use Iran-designated shipping corridors or face a “decisive response” if they deviate.
In Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the US has concluded its offensive military campaign against Iran, codenamed Operation Epic Fury. “We will not open fire unless we are attacked first,” Rubio stated, though he stressed that Iran will still face consequences for its attempts to assert exclusive control over the strategic waterway. “The Strait of Hormuz does not belong to Iran. They have no right to close passage, blow up ships, or lay mines,” he said, adding that allowing Iran to collect tolls for transit would set a dangerous precedent that could be replicated by other countries around the globe.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global energy supplies. The waterway has been effectively closed to most commercial traffic since large-scale military operations between the US, Israel, and Iran began on February 28. After a ceasefire took effect in early April, the US imposed its own unilateral blockade to prevent vessels from entering or exiting Iranian ports.
The closure of the strait has already rippled through global markets, disrupting supply chains, pushing up crude oil and fertilizer prices, and stoking widespread fears of a looming global recession and expanded food insecurity.
Speaking to reporters earlier Tuesday, Trump argued that the combination of US military pressure and economic sanctions has forced Tehran to the negotiating table, despite its public rejection of talks with his administration. “Iran wants to make a deal,” Trump said. “What I don’t like is they talk to me with a lot of respect privately, then go on television and say they won’t talk to the president. They’re playing games. But let me be clear: they want a deal. Who wouldn’t? Their military capability has been destroyed, we can do whatever we want.”
Trump, who faces growing political pressure from rising consumer prices ahead of November midterm elections, dismissed Iran’s remaining military capacity as nothing more than the firing of “firecrackers.” When asked what actions from Iran would count as a ceasefire violation, he simply said, “They know what they shouldn’t do.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking from the Pentagon, added that the recent outbreaks of violence in the strait do not constitute a breach of the four-week-old ceasefire. “US forces do not need to enter Iranian territorial waters. We are not seeking a fight, but Iran cannot block innocent nations and their cargo in international waters,” Hegseth said. “The ceasefire is holding for the moment, but we are monitoring it very closely.”
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New 14-Member Cabinet Sworn In as Government Begins Fresh Term
Following a decisive landslide win in the April 30 general election that gave the ruling party 15 out of 17 parliamentary seats, Antigua and Barbuda has formally completed the formation of its new government, with 14 cabinet ministers — including Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin — receiving their official instruments of office during a ceremony held Tuesday.
Prime Minister Browne and Attorney General Benjamin, who completed their initial swearing-in over the weekend, formally accepted their portfolio assignments at the event hosted at the American University of Antigua. The remaining 12 ministerial appointees took the required oaths of allegiance, office, and secrecy directly before Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, bringing the full constitutional formation process to a successful close. This ceremony also marked the first official use of newly updated oaths that were approved by legislative bodies earlier this year, aligning the process with modernized governance guidelines.
Under the country’s constitutional framework, the Prime Minister holds full authority to allocate ministerial portfolios and oversee the distribution of government responsibilities. Each newly appointed ministry has been assigned broad, clearly defined oversight of critical national institutions and priority development programs. For example, the Information, Communication Technologies, Utilities and Energy portfolio will supervise the Antigua Public Utilities Authority and lead the country’s ongoing digital transformation agenda. The Ministry of Housing and Works takes charge of national infrastructure development, public housing initiatives, and road maintenance projects, while the Education, Science and Technology ministry oversees the nationwide education system, including the regional University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, one of the public-facing portfolios highlighted during the formation process, will govern the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, all national public health services, national environmental management, and civil service administrative operations. The newly structured Ministry of Sports and the Creative Industries holds responsibility for national sports infrastructure, cultural programming, the annual Antigua Carnival, and growth support for the broader creative economy, a fast-growing sector for the island nation.
Two key appointments that will shape core public services and national growth drew particular focus: Michael Joseph takes the helm of the health, environment, and civil service portfolio, while Dwayne George assumes leadership of the sports and creative industries ministry. Other full cabinet appointments include E.P. Chet Greene as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration; Charles “Max” Fernandez leading Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment; Melford Nicholas heading Information, Communication Technologies, Utilities and Energy; Maria Vanessa Browne taking responsibility for Housing and Works; Daryll Matthew leading Education, Science and Technology; Anthony Smith Jr. overseeing Agriculture, Lands and the Blue Economy; and Rawdon Turner heading Social and Urban Transformation.
To bolster operational capacity across high-priority departments, three additional Ministers of State were appointed to assist senior cabinet ministers: Randy St. Clair Baltimore will support the agriculture portfolio, Michael Freeland will back the tourism team, and Kiz Johnson will assist with social and urban transformation initiatives.
As the country finalizes its full parliamentary structure, one key position remains unfilled: a Deputy Speaker for the new parliament has not yet been appointed, though Dr. Philmore Benjamin, the newly elected Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s North, is widely expected to be nominated for the role. Upcoming parliamentary proceedings will also see all appointed Senators officially sworn in at 10 a.m. Friday at Government House, marking the final step in establishing the new legislative term.
In closing remarks at Tuesday’s cabinet ceremony, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams delivered a charge to the newly appointed ministers, urging them to carry out their public duties with unwavering integrity and collective unity. He reminded appointees that holding public office is not a privilege, but a core duty that must be discharged exclusively for the benefit of all citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.
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Health Ministry Welcomes Michael Joseph as New Minister
A new chapter of leadership is set to begin at one of the Caribbean’s most crucial government departments, as the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs has formally announced its warm welcome to incoming Minister Michael Joseph. Joseph’s appointment is scheduled to take official effect on May 5, 2026, marking a fresh term of leadership for the sprawling public agency that oversees three core pillars of national development.
In an official public statement released by the ministry, leadership and staff extended formal congratulations to the Honorable Michael Joseph, who will step into the top role guiding the institution’s work. The statement emphasized the outsize importance of the ministerial portfolio Joseph is set to lead, noting that it touches nearly every aspect of daily life for citizens across the country.
Beyond overseeing the delivery of clinical and public health services that keep communities healthy, the ministry is tasked with driving national wellness initiatives, advancing urgent environmental sustainability action, and continually strengthening the country’s entire civil service system. These interconnected responsibilities make the role a central one in the national cabinet, touching everything from public health infrastructure to climate protection to the efficiency of government services for all residents.
The full ministry team, from frontline public servants to senior leadership, expressed collective eagerness to collaborate with Joseph as he takes on his new responsibilities. “We look forward to working under his guidance and vision to continue delivering high-quality healthcare, promoting national wellness, protecting our environment, and enhancing service delivery across the civil service,” the statement read.
To close out the official announcement, the entire ministry extended sincere well wishes for Joseph’s tenure, saying: “We wish you every success in this new chapter of service to our country.”
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Governor General Says Nation Must Move Forward Together After Election
Fresh off the conclusion of Antigua and Barbuda’s April 30 general election, the nation’s top constitutional figure has delivered a stark and unifying message to both newly elected leaders and the public: political divisions must not tear the country apart, and all sectors must work together to advance the shared national interest.
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams made his call for national healing and collective action during Tuesday’s formal swearing-in ceremony for the incoming cabinet, an event that followed a lopsided election result where the incumbent governing party claimed 15 of the 17 available parliamentary seats.
In his address to the new ministers and assembled guests, Sir Rodney emphasized that democratic competition, by its nature, produces divergent preferences among voters, but those differences should never fracture the bonds that hold the national community together. “At moments such as this, we are reminded that while elections may divide us in choice, they must never divide us as a people,” he stated. “Once the ballots are counted, we are called to come together—not as supporters of different parties, but as one nation, united in purpose and shared destiny.”
Beyond his appeal to national unity, Sir Rodney used the occasion to remind incoming cabinet members that public office is a solemn responsibility rather than a trophy for political victory. “Public office is not a prize to be claimed, but a duty to be discharged with humility, discipline, and unwavering integrity,” he argued.
He stressed that the new government owes representation to every resident of Antigua and Barbuda, not just those who cast ballots for the governing party. “You are now called upon to serve not only those who supported you, but every citizen and resident of this nation,” Sir Rodney said. “In this regard, you are ministers not of a party alone, but of Antigua and Barbuda as a whole.”
The Governor General also pushed back against the idea that ministerial oaths are empty procedural formalities, noting that the promises carry profound legal and moral weight. “The oaths which you are about to take are not mere formalities. They represent a binding commitment to the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda, to the rule of law, and to the faithful execution of your duties,” he explained.
Effective governance, Sir Rodney added, depends on collaborative work rather than individual achievement, urging the new cabinet to prioritize collective purpose. “These are times that demand not only competence, but courage—not only vision, but collaboration,” he said. “The strength of your administration will depend not solely on individual effort, but on collective purpose and shared responsibility.”
His closing remarks turned to the wider public, reaching out both to supporters of the winning party and to voters who left the election disappointed by the outcome. Sir Rodney encouraged all residents to maintain active, constructive engagement with public life to support the nation’s long-term progress. “I therefore encourage all citizens—those who celebrate today and those who may feel disappointed—to remain engaged, to remain constructive and committed to the advancement of our nation,” he added.