分类： politics

Tobago West MP Joel Sampson has confirmed that the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Cepep) and the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) will persist in Tobago, despite plans to phase them out in Trinidad. Speaking during the budget debate in Parliament on October 17, Sampson emphasized that these initiatives remain under the jurisdiction of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), which has no intention of discontinuing them. He highlighted that URP is managed by the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development, while Cepep falls under the Division of Community Development, Youth Development and Sport. Sampson noted that since the THA took office in 2021, the programmes have been restructured to produce meaningful outcomes, including revenue-generating workshops and agricultural units. He acknowledged that central government funding has been insufficient, but the THA has creatively addressed the shortfall using unspent balances. Sampson reassured Tobagonians employed in these programmes that their jobs are secure, emphasizing that they operate under a proper structure rather than a political contract. This announcement comes after Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo revealed plans to eliminate Cepep and URP in Trinidad to curb state funding of criminal gangs, promising better-paid, full-time jobs for affected workers. Sampson also praised the government’s budget, calling it one of the most comprehensive in THA history, with Tobago receiving $3.724 billion, or 6.3% of the national budget.

The government’s recent decision to increase taxes on alcohol and tobacco in the 2025-2026 budget marks a significant shift towards a more responsible and equitable economic framework. This policy, far from being a mere fiscal adjustment, represents a strategic move to address both public health and financial stability. By imposing higher taxes on these non-essential and harmful goods, the government is realigning national spending priorities with the country’s most pressing needs. The initiative raises critical questions about societal values: Should access to alcohol and tobacco take precedence over funding for healthcare, education, and food security? The resounding answer is no. This policy underscores the interconnectedness of public health and financial health. Higher prices on cigarettes and alcohol are expected to reduce consumption, thereby alleviating the strain on the healthcare system and freeing up resources for essential services. Additionally, the measure aims to optimize foreign exchange reserves by discouraging the import of luxury goods like scotch whisky and premium beers. Instead, these funds can be redirected towards vital sectors such as medical equipment, educational technology, and agricultural development. The tax hike also provides a competitive edge to local producers, fostering economic diversification and safeguarding domestic jobs. However, the success of this policy hinges on its integration into a broader strategy. Strengthening customs enforcement to combat illicit trade, expanding the tax framework to include other non-essential imports, and balancing regional trade dynamics within Caricom are crucial next steps. This initiative reflects a government willing to make tough decisions for long-term national well-being, prioritizing economic justice and public welfare over short-term popularity. It’s a commendable first step towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

In a significant move to bolster national security, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has witnessed a series of high-level leadership appointments. The Office of the Attorney General confirmed that the instruments of appointment were formally presented to senior officers earlier this week, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities.

The Opposition has accused the government of failing to fulfill its duty during the 2025/2026 budget debate, citing a lack of preparedness among ministers to present their plans and policies. The critique was voiced by PNM MPs Marvin Gonzales, Colm Imbert, and Symon de Nobriga during a press conference at Balisier House in Port of Spain on October 18. They expressed surprise at the government’s decision to prematurely conclude the debate, which they described as an evasion of accountability. Gonzales highlighted that only two senior ministers participated in the debate, while seven PNM MPs responded, leaving key portfolios such as Homeland Security, Education, and Energy unaddressed. The Opposition’s strategy was to reserve their speakers for responding to senior ministers rather than UNC backbenchers. However, the government’s refusal to engage further forced the Finance Minister to hastily wind up the session without addressing critical points raised by the Opposition. Imbert emphasized that the government’s failure to clarify budget measures and respond to discrepancies in tax impacts was a disservice to the public. Gonzales also criticized the Prime Minister’s absence, particularly given the need to address the retrenchment of thousands of workers. Additionally, he condemned the referral of Opposition Leader Beckles to the Privileges Committee as a procedural breach and an attack on democratic processes, vowing that the PNM would address this issue.

In a rare moment of unity, Trinidad and Tobago’s political leaders paused their 2026 budget debate to celebrate Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, in the Rotunda of the Red House in Port of Spain on October 17. The event, marked by the lighting of deyas (oil lamps), saw participation from House Speaker Jagdeo Singh, Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath, and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles. The celebration was a symbolic gesture of cultural harmony in the multicultural nation. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, in his Divali address on October 18, drew parallels between the festival’s themes of light overcoming darkness and the return of Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC as Prime Minister in the April 28 general election. Padarath likened Persad-Bissessar to the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of prosperity and righteousness, and emphasized the importance of respecting women in society. He also critiqued the previous administration, stating that the current government has restored good governance after a decade of ‘darkness.’ Opposition MP Hans Des Vignes echoed the sentiment, extending warm Divali greetings to the Hindu community and highlighting the festival’s universal message of unity, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment. Des Vignes urged citizens to draw inspiration from Divali to address the nation’s social and economic challenges, reaffirming commitments to justice, equality, and cultural heritage. Both leaders called for the preservation of Trinidad and Tobago’s rich multicultural identity, emphasizing the festival’s themes of peace, love, and respect.