分类： politics

The Congress of the People (COP) has publicly endorsed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the United National Congress (UNC) regarding the re-arrest and subsequent charges against Housing Minister David Lee on October 7. Lee, a UNC deputy political leader and Member of Parliament for Caroni Central, was re-arrested alongside businessman Hugh Leong Poi on allegations of defrauding the State of $1.4 million in tax revenue. The charges stem from the importation of a luxury Mercedes Benz G63 AMG sedan valued at over $2 million, with Lee accused of falsely claiming the vehicle as his own to exploit tax exemptions available to MPs. The case involves $293,094.02 in value-added tax (VAT), $298,650 in motor vehicle tax, and $824,548.62 in customs duty. The alleged offenses occurred between March 24 and June 8, 2019. Earlier this year, Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence to proceed to trial. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has since initiated steps to potentially reinstate the charges. COP Chairman Lonsdale Williams emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, stating, ‘We note that a minister of government along with another individual has been charged. At the COP, we reiterate that unless proven guilty, all such persons are innocent, and the law must take its course.’ Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar expressed confidence in the judicial process, affirming respect for the courts. The COP, formerly part of the People’s Partnership coalition led by the UNC, has not secured any ministerial or parliamentary positions following the April 28 general election.

The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has officially welcomed Captain Don Polo as its new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), marking a significant leadership transition within the organization. The appointment, described as a pivotal moment in the TTDF’s ongoing evolution, underscores its unwavering commitment to national defence and security. Captain Polo, previously the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard, brings over three decades of dedicated service and a wealth of operational expertise to his new role. His promotion was announced on October 8, following the revocation of former CDS Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel’s appointment by President Christine Kangaloo, acting on the advice of Defence Minister Wayne Sturge. The leadership change, which took effect on the evening of October 7, was made public the following morning. Air Vice Marshal Daniel, who served for 37 years, including two extended terms beyond retirement age, was commended for his distinguished service and invaluable contributions to the nation’s security framework. The TTDF expressed profound gratitude for Daniel’s leadership, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to Trinidad and Tobago. As the organization embarks on this new chapter, it reaffirms its mandate to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while supporting government and public efforts toward peace, stability, and national development.

The United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago (TT) to initiate negotiations with Venezuela regarding the highly anticipated Dragon gas deal. Attorney General John Jeremie disclosed that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued the licence on October 8, marking the first step in a phased approach. This initial phase requires TT to meet specific benchmarks, which would subsequently provide US companies with certain advantages. Jeremie described these conditions as both reasonable and achievable, emphasizing that the licence is valid for six months. However, formal discussions with the Venezuelan government have yet to commence. Despite the absence of direct talks, Jeremie asserted that the Dragon gas deal remains active, citing ongoing, albeit undisclosed, communication between the two nations. The announcement was made at the Attorney General and Legal Affairs office in Port of Spain, underscoring the significance of this development in regional energy diplomacy.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin is set to assume the role of acting Commissioner of Police for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), as indicated in the Order Paper for the House of Representatives’ session on October 10. The document, published online on October 9, also revealed that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Curt Simon will temporarily fill Benjamin’s position as DCP. The first agenda item for the House session involves a paper to be presented by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, which includes the nomination of Benjamin for the acting Commissioner role and Simon’s confirmation as acting DCP. Speculation surrounds the duration of these appointments and the reasons for the absence of substantive Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, who could not be reached for comment on October 9. The Order Paper also outlines two motions for these nominations, to be debated by Members of Parliament (MPs). The motions reference Section 123 of the Constitution, which grants the Police Service Commission (PSC) the authority to appoint individuals to act as Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner. The PSC forwards nominees to the President, who issues notifications subject to parliamentary approval. President Christine Kangaloo issued Benjamin’s notification on October 3, with similar provisions for Simon. Additionally, Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, will introduce The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for debate. The House will also review reports from the Auditor General’s office, led by Jaiwantie Ramdass, concerning the delayed submission of annual financial statements by three regional corporations. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo will present these reports and propose their referral to the Public Accounts Committee.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reaffirmed her decision to retain Caroni Central MP David Lee as Minister of Housing, despite ongoing legal challenges. In a WhatsApp message to Newsday on October 10, Persad-Bissessar stated, ‘Yes, he remains Minister of Housing. There will be no change to that.’ This declaration underscores her unwavering support for Lee, even as he faces renewed legal scrutiny. The Prime Minister emphasized her government’s commitment to the rule of law, asserting that the judicial process must proceed unimpeded. On October 9, opposition chief whip Marvin Gonzales argued that Lee should step down from his ministerial role while his case is before the courts, though he acknowledged Lee’s right to retain his parliamentary seat. Lee, along with businessman Hugh Leong Poi, was re-arrested on October 7 on charges related to the misuse of a vehicle tax exemption granted to MPs. Initially dismissed on April 7 by Chief Magistrate Christine Charles due to insufficient evidence, the charges were reinstated by Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC. Lee was released on $1 million bail on October 8. Persad-Bissessar expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating, ‘We have respect for the courts of the land. Minister Lee was acquitted of these allegations before. Now that the charges have been re-laid, we have confidence in the courts to deliver a just result.’