Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Beckles hits back: PM’s ‘drug mafia’ charge a distraction

    Beckles hits back: PM’s ‘drug mafia’ charge a distraction

    In a sharp rebuke to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s allegations, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has categorically denied claims that the People’s National Movement (PNM) receives financing from criminal elements. Beckles characterized the Prime Minister’s assertions of PNM connections to a ‘local drug mafia’ and anti-American narratives as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘entirely unfounded.’

    The political confrontation escalated as Beckles addressed journalists upon arriving at the House of Representatives on December 5th. She challenged the Prime Minister to present any evidence of criminal linkages to law enforcement authorities rather than employing what she described as politically motivated accusations. Beckles suggested these allegations serve as a diversionary tactic amid growing scrutiny over the government’s installation of US radar systems in Tobago.

    The Opposition Leader’s response comes directly after Persad-Bissessar’s social media statements on December 1st, wherein she implicated ‘persons, groups, politicians, and businesses profiting from drug trafficking’ in promoting anti-American sentiment. The Prime Minister further accused PNM of obstructing governmental anti-drug and anti-human-trafficking initiatives while hinting at connections to serious criminal activities.

    Beckles redirected attention to what she termed the administration’s opaque handling of the Tobago radar deployment, questioning the contradictory explanations provided to the public. ‘National security matters may contain sensitive components,’ she acknowledged, ‘but citizens deserve fundamental transparency regarding governmental actions affecting national sovereignty.’

    The Opposition Leader additionally refuted claims that previous PNM governance had neglected the nation’s radar infrastructure, dismissing this as another tactical distraction. Separately, Beckles expressed optimism about PNM’s prospects in upcoming Tobago House of Assembly elections, highlighting the party’s substantial investments and continued development efforts in the region.

    Parliamentary proceedings witnessed further tension as Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales invoked Standing Order 32.1 regarding privilege matters submitted to the Speaker’s office. Government MPs defended the deliberative process while assuring rulings would be delivered following proper procedural review. Deputy Speaker Singh confirmed multiple privilege complaints remain under examination with commitments to issue determinations ‘in due course.’

  • Scotland, Ameen wrangle as Tobago electoral boundaries shift

    Scotland, Ameen wrangle as Tobago electoral boundaries shift

    A contentious parliamentary session unfolded in Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives as opposition MP Keith Scotland (Port of Spain South) sharply criticized the government’s handling of proposed electoral boundary adjustments for Tobago. The Draft EBC Local Boundaries and Tobago Order 2025, which proposes renaming two Tobago electoral districts from Bagatelle/Bacolet and Mason Hall/Moriah to Mason Hall South/Bagatelle and Mason Hall North/Moriah, was presented to Parliament on December 4th despite being submitted to Rural Development Minister Khadijah Ameen on August 29th.

    Scotland accused the government of acting at “the 11th hour,” suggesting the delayed presentation resembled “a thief in the night” and questioning why three months elapsed before parliamentary consideration. He emphasized that Minister Ameen was constitutionally obligated under Section 72(3) to submit the report “as soon as may be” after receipt, even if concerns required subsequent addressing.

    Minister Ameen defended the timeline, revealing that her ministry identified 29 substantive errors and 440 misplaced addresses in the original EBC report that necessitated rectification. “We have a duty to ensure that the report brought before Parliament was one of integrity,” she stated, detailing meetings with election officials throughout November to resolve these discrepancies.

    The debate revealed broader political tensions, with Scotland questioning the necessity of name changes for districts experiencing minimal boundary adjustments while larger demographic shifts elsewhere went unaddressed. Tobago East MP David Thomas countered by recalling the previous administration’s expansion of Tobago electoral districts from 12 to 15 following a six-six tie in the Tobago House of Assembly elections, suggesting partisan motivations behind boundary changes.

    Minister Ameen highlighted historical precedents where the former PNM government delayed EBC report submissions for nearly a year, accusing Scotland of “pure hypocrisy” in his criticisms. She affirmed that all adjustments were completed within legal timeframes to ensure the recommendations could be implemented for upcoming elections.

    The order was ultimately passed by the House of Representatives, with THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor previously characterizing the changes as minor administrative adjustments rather than substantial electoral reforms.

  • PM hands over 10 repaired vehicles to TTPS

    PM hands over 10 repaired vehicles to TTPS

    In a significant move to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar presided over a ceremonial handover of refurbished police vehicles to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) on Friday. The event, attended by Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin and other TTPS officials, marked the initial phase of an ambitious vehicle restoration initiative.

    Upon assuming office last April, the newly formed government uncovered a startling reality: approximately 500 police vehicles sat idle across various locations in Trinidad, rendered inoperative due to minor mechanical issues. Some vehicles had been non-functional for months, while others had been gathering dust for years, primarily requiring basic repairs such as tire replacements, brake fixes, and other manageable mechanical adjustments.

    This chronic shortage of operational resources had severely compromised the police service’s effectiveness in addressing criminal activities throughout the nation. In response to this critical situation, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar issued directives for immediate action.

    The Vehicle Maintenance Corporation (VMCOTT) launched an accelerated repair program that yielded remarkable results within just one week. The first batch of ten fully restored vehicles represents the initial installment of fifty vehicles scheduled to return to active service before the Christmas holiday period.

    These revitalized vehicles will immediately reinforce frontline operations, enhancing the TTPS’s mobility and emergency response capabilities during the traditionally crime-prone Christmas season. During a parliamentary address on Friday evening, the Prime Minister revealed that the total value of the repaired vehicles amounts to $3 million, while the restoration costs totaled approximately $70,000—a fraction of their operational worth.

    The government has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to equipping the TTPS with necessary resources to ensure public safety. Beyond the anticipated delivery of forty additional refurbished vehicles before Christmas, projections indicate that over 100 more vehicles will be restored in the early new year. Simultaneously, VMCOTT is conducting similar repair operations for vehicles belonging to the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to national security infrastructure enhancement.

  • Senator Antonio Resigns; Kiz Johnson to Be Sworn In as Government Senator

    Senator Antonio Resigns; Kiz Johnson to Be Sworn In as Government Senator

    In a significant political development, Senator Clement Antonio has formally resigned from his position in the Upper House of Parliament. This strategic move facilitates his transition to a diplomatic role as Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, as officially reported by Pointe FM broadcasts.

    The vacancy created by Antonio’s departure has been promptly filled by Kiz Johnson, who is set to be sworn in as Government Senator during a ceremony at Government House this afternoon. This political succession occurs amidst a remarkable period for Johnson, who recently secured a decisive victory in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party primary for St. Philip’s South constituency.

    Johnson’s political ascendancy was demonstrated in a competitive four-way contest where he emerged victorious, subsequently earning both the party’s candidacy and the role of constituency caretaker. The timing of these developments highlights the dynamic nature of political appointments and the strategic positioning within the current administration.

    This transition represents a carefully orchestrated political maneuver that strengthens diplomatic relations with China while maintaining governmental representation. The simultaneous departure and appointment ensure continuity in governance while rewarding party loyalty and electoral success.

  • Dujon slams proposed education cost letters as “insult to parents”

    Dujon slams proposed education cost letters as “insult to parents”

    A contentious debate has erupted over the government’s educational transparency measures as Opposition education spokesperson Felicia Dujon launched a vehement critique against the administration’s plan to distribute detailed cost letters to parents. The initiative, announced by Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman as part of the National Student Development Tracker program, aims to illustrate the state’s financial investment in each child’s public education.

    Dujon characterized the correspondence as profoundly offensive to parents, asserting that the gesture represents empty symbolism rather than meaningful transparency. In an official press statement, she dismissed the government’s explanation, maintaining that parents inherently understand education’s value without requiring itemized billing statements.

    The opposition spokesperson emphasized that the fundamental issue resides in accountability mechanisms rather than cost disclosure. She highlighted concerns regarding the millions allocated annually to public education despite insufficient public reporting, limited parliamentary debate, and ambiguous expenditure explanations.

    Dujon articulated specific demands including infrastructure improvements, safer learning environments, qualified educators, contemporary educational tools, and functional student support systems. She framed education as an inherent right rather than a market commodity, accusing the government of prioritizing superficial measures over substantive reform.

    The criticism extended to the broader educational transformation discourse, with Dujon demanding comprehensive financial accounting spanning multiple departments and years of implementation. She urged the administration to redirect resources from what she deemed insulting correspondence toward genuine educational quality enhancement.

    The National Student Development Tracker, according to government officials, will employ technological solutions to monitor academic progression throughout the public school network, though specific implementation details remain undisclosed.

  • Descartes clears the air on Election Day police interaction

    Descartes clears the air on Election Day police interaction

    Tommy Descartes, the unsuccessful United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for Castries South, has publicly refuted what he characterizes as widely circulated misinformation regarding his encounter with law enforcement during the December 1 general elections. At a Thursday press briefing, Descartes categorically dismissed viral online reports of his alleged arrest for vote-buying as entirely fabricated.

    The politician specifically addressed claims that police had discovered $30,000 in his possession during the incident. Descartes clarified that the funds in question were never his property nor were they found on his person. According to his account, police approached his campaign finance manager who was seated in a private vehicle containing cash reserves intended for compensating election day personnel.

    Descartes explained that these funds were designated for approximately 50 individuals who had provided various services including polling agents, transportation staff, catering personnel, and data clerks. His intervention, he stated, was merely to inquire about the situation unfolding with his staff member.

    ‘The officers never located any monetary amounts on my person, nor was I ever in possession of these campaign funds,’ Descartes emphasized during his statement.

    The politician detailed how officers transported him and two associates to a police station under the pretext of counting the cash. Despite this, no formal statements were recorded from them, and the currency counting occurred without their observation, lasting approximately one hour.

    Descartes expressed particular concern about the unauthorized online dissemination of photographs featuring identification cards belonging to him and his team members. He questioned how a fake social media profile obtained images of their IDs on a police desk and condemned this action as a severe breach of privacy and professional standards within the St. Lucia Police Force.

    While affirming his respect for law enforcement’s role, Descartes raised critical questions about potential targeting of his campaign team, the justification for their transportation to the station absent any criminal charges, and discrepancies between official police communications to media and actual events.

    ‘These inquiries stem not from hostility but from dedication to fairness, transparency, and safeguarding our democratic institutions,’ Descartes asserted. ‘We fully support police executing their duties appropriately.’

    He concluded with a commitment to continue advocating for governmental accountability and judicial integrity, vowing to ‘persist in speaking truth to power’ and fighting for a St. Lucia where democratic principles are genuinely honored and protected.

  • STATEMENT: Lennox Linton addresses comments by UWP Leader Dr Thomson Fontaine about party’s elections

    STATEMENT: Lennox Linton addresses comments by UWP Leader Dr Thomson Fontaine about party’s elections

    The United Workers Party (UWP) has issued an official response addressing controversial remarks made by Dr. Thomson Fontaine regarding the party’s constitutional requirement for annual leadership elections. Fontaine had characterized these elections as a “wash-your-foot-and-come” affair, a cultural expression suggesting a casual, unstructured process open to anyone without standards.

    The National Executive Committee clarified that this characterization fundamentally misrepresents the purpose and design of their electoral system. The party emphasized that annual elections serve as a deliberate democratic safeguard rather than an informal proceeding. These constitutional provisions ensure leadership accountability to membership, regular mandate renewal, transparency in authority exercise, and meaningful member participation in party direction.

    Contrary to Fontaine’s implication that the process lacks seriousness, the UWP maintains that their election framework strengthens the organization by requiring leaders to continually earn and reaffirm their positions rather than assuming entitlement through prolonged incumbency. The party’s constitution reflects core values of openness, accountability, discipline, and democracy established by its founders.

    The statement noted that Fontaine has agreed to public disclosure of this clarification, wanting to “let the country decide” on the matter. The UWP expressed confidence that their properly conducted annual elections represent a pillar of internal democracy that maintains unity, focus, and responsiveness to the citizens they serve.

  • Kiz Johnson Thanks Supporters After Winning ABLP Primary in St. Philip’s South

    Kiz Johnson Thanks Supporters After Winning ABLP Primary in St. Philip’s South

    Kiz Johnson has emerged victorious from a competitive four-way primary race to become the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) official candidate for the St. Philip’s South constituency. The decisive victory occurred during Sunday’s primary election, where Johnson expressed profound gratitude to her supporters for their demonstrated confidence.

    Johnson secured a commanding lead with 167 votes, substantially outpacing her competitors. Malcolm Charles received 113 votes, while Adrian Richardson and Lennox Weston garnered 49 and 44 votes respectively. This electoral outcome positions Johnson as both the ABLP’s designated candidate and caretaker representative for the constituency.

    In her victory address, Johnson acknowledged the significance of the electoral mandate, stating: ‘Thank you, St. Philip’s South. Your confidence, your belief, and your vote have spoken loudly.’ She further outlined her immediate plans, noting: ‘Tonight, we celebrate; tomorrow, we continue the work. We move boldly forward.’

    The victory carries substantial political implications as Johnson is now expected to be formally included on the ABLP’s slate for the upcoming general election. This development represents a crucial step in the party’s electoral preparation strategy, potentially influencing the political landscape in the constituency. The primary results demonstrate Johnson’s strong connection with the party base and suggest a consolidated support structure heading into the national elections.

  • Gov’t to Pursue Aggressive Tax Compliance Drive in 2026, PM Announces

    Gov’t to Pursue Aggressive Tax Compliance Drive in 2026, PM Announces

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne unveiled a comprehensive tax enforcement strategy on Thursday during his presentation of Antigua and Barbuda’s 2026 national budget, signaling a major shift in the nation’s fiscal policy approach. The government will implement an aggressive compliance campaign aimed at strengthening public finances and addressing significant revenue shortfalls.

    Despite acknowledging the country’s strong economic performance and sustained growth, Browne revealed that Antigua and Barbuda maintains the lowest tax revenue-to-GDP ratio within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This position, he emphasized, has become unacceptable for a developing nation requiring substantial funding for expanding social programs and critical infrastructure projects.

    The Prime Minister outlined a multi-faceted approach to revenue enhancement that includes modernizing tax administration systems, implementing rotation strategies within customs and tax departments to prevent collusion, and conducting regular spot checks targeting businesses and individuals suspected of non-compliance. Browne issued a stern warning to potential tax evaders, stating that ‘those who get caught robbing the revenue will pay heavily.’

    These fiscal reforms are positioned as essential for maintaining the country’s improved fiscal position, which has seen budget surpluses and reduced public debt. The additional revenue generated is expected to fund priority areas including housing development, education initiatives, healthcare services, and climate resilience programs.

    With recurrent revenue projections of $1.49 billion for 2026, the government aims to close the gap between Antigua’s current tax performance and regional benchmarks. The campaign targets reaching the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union average of 20 percent tax-to-GDP ratio and ultimately aligning with the broader regional standard of 25 percent.

    The budget debate is scheduled to continue next week, where further details of the tax compliance measures are expected to be discussed.

  • Nevis Appropriation (2026) Bill, 2025, Passed

    Nevis Appropriation (2026) Bill, 2025, Passed

    CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS – In a demonstration of cross-party consensus, the Nevis Island Assembly has formally ratified the Nevis Appropriation (2026) Bill, 2025, establishing the financial blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year. The legislative package, which includes accompanying financial resolutions, received unanimous endorsement on December 04, 2025, following extensive deliberations spanning two days.

    Premier the Honourable Mark Brantley, who serves as Minister of Finance within the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), initially presented the budget proposal to the Assembly on December 02. The subsequent debate featured substantive contributions from parliamentarians representing both government and opposition factions, ultimately culminating in rare bipartisan approval.

    Under the thematic banner “A Purpose Driven Agenda: Building our Sustainable Future,” the approved budget allocates $284.4 million in expenditures against projected revenues of $215.6 million. Premier Brantley characterized the financial plan as embodying his administration’s dedication to responsible governance and meticulous fiscal stewardship, emphasizing its dual purpose of synchronizing government policies with private sector initiatives to catalyze economic expansion.

    The Premier provided explicit assurances regarding the administration’s commitment to fiscal prudence, noting that implementation velocity would be directly contingent upon funding availability. “We will not be reckless,” Brantley asserted, “and will only seek to undertake projects if funding is available or accessible at low cost in accordance with our debt management strategy.” He further indicated that projects lacking concessionary financing would be deferred to the 2027 fiscal period rather than pursued through expensive borrowing mechanisms.

    The comprehensive budget framework outlines strategic priorities across multiple domains including economic diversification, employment generation, crime reduction, debt consolidation, and infrastructure modernization. Premier Brantley expressed confidence that these interconnected policies would collectively stimulate transformative economic development while empowering citizens to realize their full potential.