Chief Secretary of Tobago, Farley Augustine, is poised to reveal the date for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly elections following a crucial meeting of the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) screening committee. The announcement, expected on November 24, will outline the party’s chosen candidates for the 15 electoral districts. Augustine hinted at the impending announcement during a press briefing at the Lowlands Multipurpose Facility, though he refrained from disclosing specifics. Sources close to the matter have confirmed to Newsday that the announcement will indeed pertain to the election date. The TPP has yet to finalize candidates for two pivotal districts: Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, where the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has nominated former Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis, and Mason Hall/Moriah, previously won by Ian “Whitey” Pollard. Augustine dismissed public criticism of the selection process, emphasizing the importance of strategic candidate selection to secure all 15 seats. He highlighted the party’s commitment to earning the trust of Tobago’s citizens through diligent work and addressing the island’s issues over the past four years. Augustine expressed confidence in the party’s ability to build a robust economy for Tobago, should they return to office.
分类： politics
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BBC launches hunt for new boss as Trump row rumbles on
The BBC has officially commenced its search for a new Director General following the resignation of Tim Davie, who stepped down amidst a controversy involving a misleading edit of former US President Donald Trump. The edit, which falsely portrayed Trump as inciting violence prior to the 2021 Capitol attack, led to a public dispute with Trump, who has since threatened a $5 billion lawsuit. The BBC has firmly rejected his compensation demands. Davie, along with the corporation’s head of news, Deborah Turness, resigned on November 9 after Trump criticized ‘corrupt journalists.’ The job posting for the BBC’s top role went live on Monday, with applications closing on December 31. The position is described as one of the UK’s most significant public roles. This incident is one of several controversies the BBC has faced this year, including backlash over anti-Israeli military chants aired during the Glastonbury festival. BBC Chair Samir Shah, addressing a parliamentary committee, acknowledged that Turness’s resignation was justified due to the ‘error in her division,’ but expressed regret over Davie’s departure, stating that the board had full confidence in him. Shah also admitted that the BBC should have acted sooner to address the mistake, which was revealed in a leaked memo published by The Daily Telegraph earlier this month. Trump’s legal team has condemned the edit as ‘false, defamatory, malicious, disparaging, and inflammatory,’ while Michael Prescott, the memo’s author, suggested that Trump’s reputation was likely unaffected. The BBC, funded by a UK television license fee, continues to navigate these challenges as it seeks new leadership.
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Ex-PM: ‘March election’ if PLP wins
Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has forecasted that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) may call for an early general election if they secure victory in today’s Golden Isles by-election. Speaking at a Free National Movement (FNM) rally on Friday, Ingraham emphasized the high stakes surrounding the by-election, which both major parties view as a critical political litmus test. “If they win on Monday, they’ll push for an early election by March. If they lose, they’ll stagnate,” he remarked. The by-election, necessitated by the passing of Vaughn Miller, features PLP’s Darron Pickstock and FNM’s Brian Brown as the leading contenders, alongside Brian Rolle of the Coalition of Independents and independent candidate Karen Butler. Historically, by-elections have favored the ruling party, and political analysts are closely monitoring the outcome to gauge public sentiment ahead of the general election, which must occur before October next year. Voter turnout is expected to play a pivotal role, intensifying recent campaign efforts. Results are anticipated by early evening. Ingraham revealed he initially advised Brown against running, citing historical trends favoring the PLP in by-elections. However, Brown’s determination to represent the community prevailed. Ingraham framed the contest as both a referendum on the Davis administration and an opportunity for the FNM to reclaim influence in a constituency he believes has been neglected. He praised Brown as a grounded candidate with deep community ties, likening him to former Adelaide MP Frank Watson. Ingraham expressed surprise at Brown’s 2021 loss, given his strong local support, and highlighted Brown’s integrity, stating he seeks no personal gain from the position. “Brian Brown isn’t looking for anything; he’s here to serve,” Ingraham concluded.
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Cummings: Government locked out 300 aspiring farmers
Former Minister of Youth Development and National Service, Foster Cummings, has publicly accused the United National Congress (UNC) government of dismantling a significant labor-intensive agricultural initiative, leaving hundreds of young people unemployed. In a widely circulated social media video, Cummings revealed that the Youth Agricultural Shade House Project in Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas, has been abruptly shut down, barring access to approximately 300 trainees involved in the program. Launched in August 2024 by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, the project aimed to equip young nationals aged 16-35 with agricultural skills through shade-house cultivation of high-value crops. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service and The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, provided trainees with a daily stipend of $150. Cummings highlighted that the project was inspired by a successful Guyanese program and had four completed shade houses with 16 more under construction before the UNC came to power in the April 28 general election. He criticized the government for discontinuing the program, locking out the co-operative established to market produce, and halting construction work. Cummings also expressed concern over broader social-programme cutbacks, including the discontinuation of URP and CEPEP initiatives, and urged the government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the impact on young people’s livelihoods. He further alleged that the site might be handed over to a private individual, sidelining the trainees. Despite multiple attempts to seek clarification from Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram, no response has been received.
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J’can Republican vows to fight on after losing bid for first Virginia woman governor
New York, USA — Winsome Earle-Sears, the Jamaican-born Republican Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, has pledged to persist in her political career despite her recent defeat in the 2025 gubernatorial election. Earle-Sears, who aimed to become Virginia’s first female governor, was decisively beaten by Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger, securing 42.3% of the votes compared to Spanberger’s 57.5%. In a heartfelt post-election speech, Earle-Sears emphasized her unwavering commitment to her values, stating, ‘I’m a Christian first and Republican second.’ She also reflected on her immigrant journey, having moved from Jamaica to the Bronx at age six, and expressed gratitude for the opportunities America has provided. Earle-Sears, a former U.S. Marine Corps pilot, made history in 2021 as Virginia’s first black female Lieutenant Governor. Her campaign, however, faced significant challenges, including criticism for her support of former President Donald Trump and her advocacy for gun ownership, which earned her the National Rifle Association’s endorsement. Internal party disputes and economic concerns, exacerbated by the Trump Administration’s policies, further hindered her campaign. Despite these setbacks, Earle-Sears remains resolute, declaring, ‘I’m not going anywhere — and neither are you.’
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Ingraham breaks with FNM over Returning Officer row
In a surprising turn of events, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham publicly supported the retention of Returning Officer Neil Campbell for the Golden Isles by-election, despite objections from his own party, the Free National Movement (FNM). This endorsement came just a day before Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson confirmed his decision to keep Mr. Campbell in his role, expressing confidence in the election’s transparency and impartiality.
The FNM, led by Chairman Dr. Duane Sands, had raised concerns about Mr. Campbell’s suitability, citing alleged conflicts of interest. These concerns were amplified when Mr. Campbell referred to Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis as his ‘adopted father’ during a press conference. However, Mr. Thompson defended Mr. Campbell, highlighting his voluntary disclosure of personal connections and his long-standing reputation as a respected public officer.
Mr. Thompson emphasized the challenges of finding individuals in The Bahamas who are entirely disconnected from political figures, given the country’s small size and interconnected society. He stated, ‘I do believe that Mr. Campbell will execute his public duties as Returning Officer without fear or favor.’
Meanwhile, Mr. Ingraham acknowledged Mr. Campbell’s inexperience but dismissed claims of wrongdoing. He attributed the FNM’s suspicions to procedural missteps during the advance poll, such as Mr. Campbell’s initial reluctance to place ballots in the designated box. However, Mr. Ingraham expressed confidence that Mr. Campbell had learned from these mistakes and would ensure a smooth election process.
Addressing FNM supporters at a rally, Mr. Ingraham urged them to focus on voter turnout rather than concerns about Mr. Campbell’s impartiality. He reassured the public that The Bahamas’ electoral system is robust, with sufficient safeguards to prevent election fraud. ‘Whoever wins on Election Day will win,’ he declared, emphasizing the country’s history of fair elections under various governing parties.
Mr. Campbell, who has extensive experience in overseeing elections both domestically and internationally, remains at the center of the debate as the Golden Isles by-election approaches.
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Government to roll out new crime-fighting initiative
The government of Trinidad and Tobago is set to unveil a significant crime-fighting initiative in the coming days, as part of a broader strategy to address the nation’s escalating crime rates. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revealed on November 23 that this initiative marks the beginning of an annual plan under the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration. While specifics of the program remain undisclosed, Alexander emphasized its adaptability, stating it would undergo regular reviews and adjustments to ensure effectiveness.
Alexander acknowledged widespread public frustration with the current crime situation and called for citizen support in the government’s efforts. He highlighted the urgent need to rebuild the country’s law enforcement agencies, which he claimed were left to deteriorate under previous administrations. ‘Law enforcement was hampered in many ways,’ Alexander stated, criticizing the former regime for prioritizing nepotism over public safety.
The minister also addressed the impact of recent US-led operations targeting drug trafficking networks, which have reportedly led to the deaths of at least 80 alleged traffickers. While these efforts have improved safety in the waters between Trinidad and Venezuela, they have also sparked concerns among local fishermen. Many in northeastern communities, from Salybia to Matelot, are hesitant to venture far from shore, fearing they might become unintended targets of US strikes.
Alexander dismissed these fears, asserting that only those involved in illegal activities have reason to worry. ‘If you know you’re doing that type of activity, stop, and stop it right away,’ he warned. He also pointed out that many individuals engaged in illicit trade disguise themselves as fishermen, a fact he believes has been overlooked in media coverage of the US operations.
Despite the challenges, Alexander expressed optimism about the government’s ability to restore safety and security, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative in the fight against crime.
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PM Promises Support As Minister Matthew Develops Hotel Project
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has openly supported Minister Daryll Matthew’s initiative to develop a boutique hotel, emphasizing transparency and compliance with regulations. During an appearance on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne disclosed that the project, a 15- to 20-room hotel, is already in progress. He assured the public that there is no conflict of interest, as Matthew has adhered to all legal requirements, including paying the fair market price for the land. Browne criticized the public’s tendency to view investments by government officials as inherently corrupt, stating that such projects should be encouraged rather than scrutinized unfairly. He highlighted the hotel as part of a broader trend of private-sector growth in the tourism industry, particularly in boutique and mid-size developments. While no specific timeline was provided, Browne confirmed that Matthew has the Cabinet’s unwavering support for the venture.
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China: FM reiterates strong protest after Japanese comments
During a press conference following his diplomatic tour of Central Asian nations, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a stern warning to Japan regarding its stance on Taiwan. Wang emphasized that any claims contradicting Taiwan’s status as an integral part of China cross unacceptable red lines and violate the commitments outlined in the four bilateral political documents between Tokyo and Beijing. He reiterated that Taiwan’s return to China was firmly established in key international agreements, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Declaration, and Japan’s Act of Surrender, which were outcomes of the Allied victory in World War II. Wang also highlighted that 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of the triumph over Japanese fascism and militarism, underscoring Japan’s enduring obligation as a defeated nation to honor these historical agreements. He stressed that any Japanese government, irrespective of its political affiliation, must adhere to these commitments. Wang Yi cautioned that if Japan continues to deviate from these principles, the international community reserves the right to revisit and scrutinize the historical crimes of Japanese militarism.
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Palestine condemns Israeli violations and calls for international aid
In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates accused a neighboring nation of perpetrating severe crimes and conducting a campaign of extermination against a densely populated coastal enclave, home to over two million people. The ministry condemned a recent surge in violent attacks that resulted in the deaths of 22 Palestinians, labeling these actions as blatant violations of international and humanitarian laws. The statement emphasized that the ongoing aggressive policies of the far-right government in the occupying state are clear indicators of its intent to sabotage any prospects for peace. Furthermore, the ministry criticized the occupying state for enforcing oppressive measures that blatantly disregard fundamental human rights and international legal principles. In light of these developments, the Foreign Ministry urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and key ceasefire guarantor nations, particularly the United States, to take immediate and decisive action to address the situation and uphold their responsibilities.