In a surprising development, US President Donald Trump hinted at possible discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, despite the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Speaking to reporters on November 16, Trump stated, ‘Let’s see how that turns out. They would like to talk.’ This announcement came shortly after the US Department of State declared its intention to designate the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by Maduro and other high-ranking officials, as a terrorist organization. The US has also placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s arrest, accusing him of drug trafficking and other illicit activities. The aggressive US anti-narcotics campaign, including Operation Southern Spear led by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, has reportedly resulted in over 80 deaths, including two Trinidadians, and has further strained relations between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. Venezuela has accused Trinidad and Tobago of collaborating with the US, a claim vehemently denied by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who emphasized the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
分类： politics
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Dennis: Trinidad contractors bring ‘goodies’ for Tobagonians ahead of THA poll
In a recent address to supporters at the Patience Hill Community Centre, Tobago, PNM Tobago Council political leader Ancil Dennis made startling allegations against Trinidad-based contractors hired by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). Dennis claimed that these contractors have diverted funds intended for road construction to purchase ‘goodies’ for voters ahead of the upcoming THA elections, scheduled between January 12 and February 12. He warned that these items, including household appliances and food vouchers, are being imported from China and other places to influence voter support. Dennis urged Tobagonians to consider the long-term impact of their vote, emphasizing that the next four years could significantly affect future generations. Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Faith Brebnor, when contacted for comment, dismissed the allegations, suggesting that the PNM might be projecting its own intentions onto others.
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Pintard accused of ‘desperate’ and ‘extremely reckless’ passport claims
A heated political dispute has erupted in The Bahamas following allegations by Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard regarding a bag of passports found on a Bahamasair flight. Pintard claimed during a political rally on the eve of the Golden Isles by-election that an internal investigation had been conducted, resulting in dismissals. He described the incident as a bag bursting open, scattering passports on the ground, and suggested the flight was heading south with a package of passports on board.
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US House set for crunch vote on ending historic government shutdown
The United States House of Representatives is poised to hold a critical vote on November 12 on a budget bill aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. This legislative action comes on the 42nd day of the impasse, which has left a million federal workers without pay, disrupted food stamp programs for low-income Americans, and caused significant delays in air travel ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Senate has already advanced a funding package that would keep federal agencies operational for two months, and the bill is now headed to the House for approval. Despite a narrow Republican majority, GOP leaders are optimistic about the bill’s passage, while top Democrats have vowed to oppose it. President Donald Trump has signaled his willingness to sign the bill into law, emphasizing the need to reopen the country. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has had widespread repercussions, including the cancellation of nearly 1,200 flights on November 11 as unpaid air traffic controllers called in sick. Lawmakers have resorted to unconventional means to reach Washington for the vote, with some carpooling or even riding motorcycles. The House Rules Committee advanced the bill in a party-line vote early on November 12, rejecting Democratic amendments to extend health insurance subsidies. The chamber is expected to reconvene later in the day for a one-hour debate before the final vote.
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UPP Motorcade Set For 10 A.M. Today
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The United Progressive Party (UPP) is set to commence its island-wide motorcade today, Sunday, November 16, at 10 a.m. from Rising Sun Field. The event, described by the party as a peaceful protest, aims to galvanize public support for an independent investigation into what the UPP has termed the ‘Vehicle-Gate’ scandal. The opposition party alleges significant misconduct within the Ministry of Public Works, insisting that only an external probe can uncover what they claim to be a multi-million-dollar conspiracy. This demonstration follows a week of setbacks, as police initially denied approval for a whistle-stop and motorcade planned for November 9. However, the UPP later received permission for today’s event. Party officials are urging supporters and the general public to join the motorcade as it sets off this morning, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations.
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Calls for leaders’ debate intensify as campaigns heat up
In a bold move to engage the electorate, United Workers Party (UWP) Political Leader Allen Chastanet has publicly challenged Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to a national debate on policy issues. Speaking to supporters in Anse La Raye following the announcement of the December 1 general election, Chastanet emphasized that Saint Lucians deserve a transparent and honest discussion between political leaders. He urged Pierre to set a date for what he termed an “open and honest conversation” about the nation’s future. This challenge comes just six days after Prime Pierre expressed conditional openness to a televised debate, provided it is structured and fact-based. Pierre had previously remarked, “Well-structured debates are very good, but you can only debate when your debater is living in the world of reality.” Despite similar calls in past election cycles, no debates have materialized. With only 21 days of campaigning remaining, many question whether such an event can be organized in time. However, political observers argue that a televised debate could provide voters with much-needed clarity on critical policies, addressing funding, timelines, and feasibility in ways that rallies and soundbites often fail to do. Development professional Ajani Lebourne, who focuses on youth, politics, and leadership, has also advocated for a leaders’ debate, warning that declining voter participation threatens the country’s democratic health. Saint Lucia Rhodes Scholar Rahym Augustin-Joseph echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for detailed analysis of party platforms and leadership styles. Both men agree that a national debate is essential to restore trust in political institutions and ensure the electorate makes informed decisions.
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Gonsalves to campaign for St. Lucian party with policies he opposes in SVG
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is set to travel to St. Lucia to campaign for the re-election of the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP), despite opposing some of its policies in his own country. The SLP, led by Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre, is aiming to secure a second consecutive term in the upcoming December 1 elections, a feat not achieved in St. Lucia since 2006. The SLP and Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP) share a political alliance, though they diverge on key issues such as VAT-free shopping days and citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. Gonsalves has criticized these policies as gimmicks, particularly when proposed by SVG’s opposition, the New Democratic Party (NDP). In St. Lucia, the SLP has proposed a VAT-free shopping day in December, following a bonus salary payment to public sector workers. Meanwhile, in SVG, the NDP has promised similar measures, including VAT reductions and increased public assistance, if elected. Gonsalves dismissed these proposals, labeling them as impractical. The political dynamics between the two nations highlight regional policy debates and the interconnectedness of Caribbean politics. Gonsalves’ decision to campaign in St. Lucia underscores his commitment to regional solidarity, despite local criticisms and policy disagreements.
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Eight will always be more than seven
In a bold assertion, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), expressed unwavering confidence in his party’s electoral prospects, stating that losing any seat between West St. George and North Windward is ‘completely out of any comprehension.’ However, a closer examination of the electoral trends in key constituencies reveals a more nuanced picture, challenging the ULP’s perceived invincibility.
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The test that ends the debate
A heated debate has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago regarding a rent-to-own housing unit acquired by Soleil Gonsalves, the daughter of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves. The new UNC government alleges that she received preferential treatment under the former PNM administration, while the Gonsalves family maintains that the property was secured through the open market. However, a closer examination of the rent-to-own system reveals why such claims are untenable. Rent-to-own is not a standard commercial real estate transaction. It is a government-supported initiative designed to assist low- to middle-income individuals who are unable to qualify for traditional mortgages due to insufficient income, lack of down payments, or unstable employment. These schemes are inherently selective, offering reduced monthly payments and state subsidies to help beneficiaries gradually build equity. In this case, the unit in question reportedly costs TT$2,750 per month, a stark contrast to its market rental value of TT$10,000. This 70% reduction underscores the program’s nature as a subsidy, not a market-rate purchase. The assertion that the unit was available on an open market is further undermined by the fact that over 214,000 Trinidadians are on the HDC waiting list for affordable housing, some for decades. If the unit were genuinely accessible to anyone, it is implausible that it would bypass thousands of long-suffering citizens. This raises critical questions about transparency and fairness in the allocation process. The controversy highlights the need for public clarity on the purpose of rent-to-own schemes: to provide a lifeline for those excluded from traditional homeownership pathways. The truth of this case suggests that the unit was not obtained through an open, first-come-first-served process, but rather through a system that appears to favor select individuals.
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Gonsalves asks US to grant Vincies visa-free entry
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has formally requested the United States to grant visa-free entry to Vincentian passport holders. In a three-page letter addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 22, Gonsalves highlighted the unique circumstances of his nation in the evolving global migration and geopolitical landscape. He emphasized that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the only English-speaking Caribbean country without diplomatic ties to China or a citizenship-by-investment program, maintaining relations with Taiwan instead. Gonsalves argued that Vincentians already enjoy visa-free access to numerous countries, including the UK, EU Schengen states, and the UAE, and have consistently upheld the integrity of their travel privileges. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that granting this request would benefit both nations amid shifting global dynamics. While the US State Department has referred the matter to the Department of Homeland Security, a scheduled meeting in September was postponed due to an emergency. Gonsalves assured that discussions are ongoing, though a resolution is unlikely before the upcoming general election on November 27. He also criticized the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) for policies that could complicate travel to the US, Canada, and Europe. This initiative underscores Gonsalves’ efforts to strengthen international ties and improve opportunities for Vincentians abroad.