In a significant diplomatic engagement, Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command, convened with senior officials of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) on October 15, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in St. George’s. The meeting underscored the deepening collaboration between the two entities, focusing on technical and logistical support, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and the potential for future joint initiatives. This dialogue followed the recent visit of the US Navy’s Medical Ship, which highlighted the scope of bilateral cooperation. Admiral Holsey’s visit to Grenada marked one year since he assumed leadership of the US Southern Command, succeeding General Laura Richardson. The discussions also emphasized enhanced training opportunities for Grenadian law enforcement and joint exercises to bolster operational readiness. The meeting was hosted by Commissioner of Police Randy Connaught, alongside Deputy Commissioner Jessmond Prince, Assistant Commissioner Vannie Curwen, and National Security Advisor Wilan Thompson. US Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean States, Karin Sullivan, accompanied Admiral Holsey. While the engagement was described as cordial and productive, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s absence, despite being initially scheduled to attend, remained unexplained. This meeting is part of a broader regional tour by Admiral Holsey, aimed at reinforcing partnerships with Caribbean nations.
分类： politics
-
WATCH: Government Launches Systemwide Probe into Customs and Revenue Departments
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a sweeping investigation into the Customs and Revenue Departments in Antigua, following mounting concerns over irregularities and potential corruption. Addressing Parliament, Browne emphasized that the probe will encompass all revenue-collecting entities, aiming to identify systemic weaknesses, eliminate misconduct, and restore public trust in government operations. The investigation will employ both internal audits and external oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability. Browne stated, ‘We are going system-wide, especially within Customs and other revenue areas. There will be further redeployments, rotations, and additional systems, including routine spot checks.’ The Prime Minister also revealed that private citizens will be enlisted to assist in random container inspections alongside customs officials, targeting merchants suspected of underreporting or evading duties. Additionally, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will face scrutiny, as the government suspects large entities, including supermarkets, may be bypassing electricity meters, resulting in revenue loss. To oversee these reforms, a ‘revenue czar’ will be appointed to work with the Inland Revenue Department, conducting forensic accounting and strengthening compliance. Browne highlighted the correlation between the cost of goods and duties paid, vowing to use financial statements and import data to verify tax liabilities. This initiative follows recent procedural breaches within government departments, including the Customs Division, which led to redeployments and the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu earlier this week.
-
Trump Confirms CIA Operations in Venezuela
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed his authorization of CIA operations within Venezuela. This admission has ignited a fierce response from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who denounced the move as part of a broader strategy by Washington to orchestrate coups in the region. Trump justified the decision by alleging that Venezuela had released prisoners into the United States and was a major source of drug trafficking. This revelation comes on the heels of recent US military strikes in the Caribbean, which targeted suspected drug vessels and resulted in 27 fatalities. United Nations experts have condemned these actions as ‘extrajudicial executions.’ In response, Maduro called for peace, declaring ‘no war, yes peace,’ and initiated military drills near Caracas. Venezuela’s foreign minister further criticized the US deployment of warships and fighter jets as acts of aggression and intimidation. According to The New York Times, the CIA’s mandate permits independent operations or coordination with broader US military efforts in Venezuela.
-
Pintard condemns Lincoln Bain’s “unfortunate” defamatory remarks
In a dramatic public confrontation outside Parliament on Wednesday, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Michael Pintard and Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain engaged in a heated exchange that quickly escalated into a verbal altercation. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, occurred as dozens of public servants protested over pay adjustments. During the confrontation, Bain hurled unsubstantiated accusations at Pintard, including claims of drug abuse and mental illness, prompting widespread criticism.
Following the backlash, Bain issued an apology to Pintard during a Baptist Convention service, acknowledging that his behavior was ‘inappropriate.’ However, Pintard expressed concern over the lack of a clear retraction of the false claims, stating that such actions are deeply troubling. ‘To consistently make false claims intended to harm others’ reputations without clearly retracting them is unfortunate,’ Pintard remarked. He added that he would provide a more detailed response in due course.
This is not the first time the two leaders have clashed publicly. Last November, Bain labeled Pintard as ‘weak’ during an FNM press conference, following a US indictment that alleged Bahamian officials were involved in cocaine smuggling. The ongoing tension between the two political figures highlights the volatile nature of Bahamian politics and the challenges of maintaining civility in public discourse.
-
Venezuelan Nobel winner Machado holds call with Netanyahu
CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP)—In a Friday phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado expressed her admiration for the fight against ‘totalitarian forces,’ a statement Israel interpreted as support for its ongoing military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu’s office shared on X that Machado commended the Israeli leader for his ‘resolute actions’ during the war and praised the agreement for the release of hostages in Gaza. However, in a separate post, Machado, known for her opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, made no direct reference to Israel or Gaza. Instead, she emphasized the need for courage and moral clarity to combat totalitarianism, drawing parallels between Venezuela’s struggle for democracy and the Middle East’s quest for peace. She specifically criticized the Iranian regime for its support of Maduro and its backing of groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a vocal critic of Netanyahu, recently questioned Machado’s Nobel Prize, citing her past efforts to garner Israeli support in her campaign against Maduro. Venezuela has maintained no diplomatic ties with Israel since 2009, when former President Hugo Chavez severed relations in protest of the 2008 Gaza war.
-
Kamla: Each lease for Caroni workers is a ‘deya of justice’
In a significant ceremony held at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar distributed land leases to 110 former employees of Caroni (1975) Ltd. The event, timed to coincide with the Hindu festival of Divali, symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and justice over oppression. The Prime Minister emphasized the historical significance of the occasion, noting that many recipients had waited 22 years for this moment, a delay she attributed to the previous administration’s alleged neglect and mismanagement. Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein played a pivotal role in preparing the land parcels, ensuring the long-awaited distribution could proceed. Persad-Bissessar highlighted the resilience of the Caroni workers, whose labor once supported Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, and framed the land distribution as a restoration of dignity and belonging. She also drew parallels between the workers’ journey and the story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, underscoring themes of faith, perseverance, and renewal. The Prime Minister urged recipients to use their land wisely, viewing it as a foundation for future prosperity. Hosein later criticized the former government for neglecting the land sites, revealing that significant funds had been wasted on legal fees rather than development. The government plans to distribute a total of 2,000 lots, with the next phase set for Exchange, Couva. The ceremony concluded with a message of hope and unity, as Persad-Bissessar wished the nation a blessed Divali, invoking the blessings of Mother Lakshmi.
-
Saudi envoy brings US$5m
In a significant diplomatic event, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago (TT), Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sihani, was hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the second distribution ceremony for land leases to former workers of Caroni (1975) Ltd. The event, held on October 16 at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, marked a milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar warmly welcomed the ambassador, highlighting his journey from Saudi Arabia and his generous contribution of a $5 million grant to TT. She emphasized that the grant, which is not a loan, underscores the strong and enduring friendship between the countries. The Prime Minister also reiterated TT’s openness for business, inviting global partnerships. The ceremony was attended by several ministers, including Saddam Hosein and Barry Padarath, and was documented on the UNC’s Facebook page, which featured a photo of the PM, Ambassador Al-Sihani, and Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers. Ambassador Al-Sihani, who is also accredited to Venezuela, operates from Caracas, further strengthening the diplomatic ties in the region.
-
Ex-foreign minister on US strikes: Don’t break the law to uphold the law
Former Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne has strongly criticized the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government’s handling of a recent US military strike on an alleged drug boat in international waters, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Trinidadians among four others. Browne condemned the government’s approach as reckless and inconsistent with TT’s longstanding principles of international law and diplomacy. He highlighted that the Prime Minister and other ministers had endorsed the strike with aggressive rhetoric, such as ‘Kill them violently,’ without demanding evidence, identification, or assistance in recovering remains. Browne expressed concern that this stance could harm TT’s relationships with regional and international partners, particularly within Caricom and the United Nations. He urged the government to align its foreign policy with the principles of the UN Charter and TT’s commitment to non-intervention in sovereign states’ affairs. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles also voiced concerns, particularly for fishermen in areas like Las Cuevas, who rely on safe waters for their livelihoods. She reiterated the opposition’s stance that the region should remain a ‘zone of peace.’ Former Prime Minister Stuart Young echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of due process and proportionality in addressing narcotics trafficking while maintaining regional stability.
-
Penny referred to Privileges Committee for saying Speaker biased
In a significant development within Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape, Deputy Speaker Dr. Aiyna Ali has referred Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles to the Committee of Privileges. This decision stems from a matter of privilege raised by Couva South MP Barry Padarath, following the opposition’s walkout on October 10 and a subsequent media release criticizing the conduct of Speaker Jagdeo Singh. Dr. Ali announced the referral on October 17 during a session of the House of Representatives, after Beckles had contributed to a debate. Padarath’s complaint alleged that the media release, issued under the Opposition Leader’s banner, sought to undermine the independence of the House and constituted constructive contempt. Dr. Ali, after thorough research, concluded that a prima-facie case of contempt had been established, prompting the referral. Beckles, in her defense, had accused Speaker Singh of rejecting urgent questions and Prime Minister’s Questions filed by the Opposition, failing to adhere to established precedents for supplemental questions, and applying standing orders in a biased manner that favored the government.
-
Trump refiles $15 bn defamation lawsuit against New York Times
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his legal battle against The New York Times by refiling a $15 billion defamation lawsuit, according to recent court filings. This move comes just weeks after a federal judge dismissed the initial complaint in September. The lawsuit, now streamlined to 40 pages from its original 85, targets The Times, three of its reporters, and publisher Penguin Random House, accusing them of publishing “false, defamatory, and malicious” content. The legal action specifically highlights a book and two articles that Trump claims were designed to tarnish his professional reputation. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages of at least $15 billion, along with punitive damages to be determined at trial. This renewed legal challenge is part of Trump’s broader campaign against media outlets he perceives as biased against him. Since his return to the White House, Trump has escalated his criticism of the press, restricting access to journalists and filing multiple lawsuits demanding substantial compensation. In July, he sued media mogul Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over reports about a book and a letter allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with Trump regarding election coverage on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” which he claimed was unfairly edited to favor his 2024 election rival, Kamala Harris.