The Trinidad and Tobago government has unveiled its 2025/2026 national budget under the theme “Promises made, promises delivered,” emphasizing its commitment to fulfilling election pledges. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, delivering his maiden budget speech, highlighted the government’s focus on national development and improving citizens’ lives. The budget, described as a realignment of objectives towards a TT-first policy, is structured around five strategic pillars: restoring fiscal stability, unlocking productive investments, commercializing public assets, modernizing infrastructure and digital services, and enhancing social investment and safety nets. Tancoo reiterated the government’s mandate, granted by the people on April 28, to drive sustainable outcomes across the nation. The presentation was met with enthusiastic approval from government officials, signaling confidence in the budget’s potential impact.
分类： politics
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CPO to offer 10% to public servants
In a significant development for public sector employees, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced during the 2025/2026 national budget presentation at the Red House on October 13 that the Prime Minister has directed the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) to submit a revised salary offer of ten per cent for the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019. This move aims to conclude long-standing negotiations with civil service statutory authorities and the Tobago House of Assembly. Minister Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to ratifying collective agreements signed in 2025 between the CPO and various associations, unions, and committees representing the teaching service, defense force, and municipal corporations of Port of Spain and San Fernando. The financial implications of these agreements are substantial, with an estimated annual recurrent cost of $234 million and arrears amounting to $730 million as of December 2025. To address these obligations, the government plans to collaborate with Republic Bank, First Citizens Bank, and the National Insurance Board to devise a comprehensive solution. This announcement marks a critical step in resolving protracted salary disputes and underscores the administration’s focus on public sector welfare.
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Dominica to award highest national awards to former prime ministers
The government of Dominica announced on Monday its intention to present a parliamentary motion on Tuesday, seeking approval to posthumously award the country’s highest honor to former Prime Ministers Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas and Pierre Charles. The motion, as stated by the Office of the Prime Minister, aims to recognize the exceptional leadership and national service of both leaders, whose contributions significantly advanced Dominica’s development and inspired citizens through their commitment to social justice, education, and community empowerment.
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Trump says ‘nightmare’ for Israelis, Palestinians over
JERUSALEM — In a historic address to Israel’s parliament on Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared the end of a “painful nightmare” as the final group of hostages returned home from Gaza and Palestinian prisoners were released under a ceasefire agreement he helped broker. Trump’s brief visit to Israel preceded a high-stakes summit in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, where discussions on the future of Gaza and Middle East peace are set to take place. Speaking to Israeli lawmakers, Trump praised the resilience of the Israeli people, stating, “For so many families across this land, it has been years since you’ve known a single day of true peace. Now, the long and painful nightmare is finally over.” The ceasefire deal, which Trump played a pivotal role in negotiating, saw the return of the last 20 surviving hostages after two years in captivity. In Tel Aviv, crowds erupted in emotional celebrations, though the grief for those who did not survive remained evident. Under the agreement, Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with jubilant crowds in Ramallah welcoming the first group of freed detainees. Trump’s visit also highlighted his 20-point plan for Gaza, which includes establishing a new governing body and a multinational security force to oversee the territory. Despite ongoing challenges, including Hamas’s refusal to disarm and Israel’s partial withdrawal from Gaza, Trump expressed confidence in the durability of the ceasefire and the broader peace process. The summit in Egypt aims to solidify these efforts, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend due to a religious holiday. Trump’s Middle East diplomacy continues to shape the region’s future, even as uncertainties linger.
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Two separate Parliament walkouts in the Caribbean within one week; status quo under scrutiny
Recent parliamentary walkouts in Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts and Nevis have raised serious concerns about the impartiality of parliamentary Speakers and the state of democratic accountability in the Caribbean. These incidents, as reported by Times Caribbean, underscore a growing crisis in regional governance. In Trinidad and Tobago, members of the opposition Peoples National Movement (PNM) staged a walkout on Friday evening, accusing the Speaker of bias and selective application of parliamentary rules. The opposition claimed their attempts to ask urgent questions and address the Prime Minister were consistently blocked, while government MPs engaged in disruptive behavior without consequences. The opposition criticized the Speaker’s failure to uphold constitutional standards, describing the situation as ‘untenable’ and emphasizing that Parliament belongs to the people, not any political party or individual. Political analysts in Port of Spain noted that this incident reflects a broader erosion of confidence in Caribbean parliamentary traditions, which are modeled after British procedures but now face accusations of bias and procedural manipulation. Meanwhile, in St. Kitts, former Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris staged a solitary walkout, protesting the Assembly’s failure to approve parliamentary minutes for over three years. Harris condemned the Speaker’s attempt to approve all outstanding minutes in a single sitting as a ‘flagrant breach of the Constitution and parliamentary tradition,’ arguing that minutes should be reviewed individually to ensure accuracy and transparency. Experts called this the first known instance in modern democratic history where a parliament had gone three years without confirming its minutes, dubbing it ‘A Parliamentary Scandal Without Precedent in the World.’ The controversy has sparked public outrage and calls for the Speaker’s resignation. Analysts view these incidents as indicative of a troubling regional trend, with Westminster-style parliamentary systems in the Caribbean facing challenges from rising partisanship and weakened institutional checks and balances. As one political analyst noted, ‘The Caribbean’s parliaments are on trial — not by the Opposition, but by history itself.’
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Former Gold Board Chairman threatens Social Media influencer Mikhail “Guyanese Critic” Rodrigues with defamation lawsuit
Gabriel Lall, the former Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), has issued a stern warning to social media influencer Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as ‘Guyanese Critic,’ over alleged defamatory statements made on his platforms. Lall, a civil society activist, newspaper columnist, and Eucharistic Minister, has demanded a settlement from Rodrigues, who is known for his pro-People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP) stance. The legal representatives of Lall, Christopher Ram and Nigel Hughes, have categorically denied any involvement of their client in corruption, smuggling, or criminal activities. They assert that the accusations have severely tarnished Lall’s personal and professional reputation, causing public embarrassment and ridicule. In a pre-action letter dated October 7, the lawyers have given Rodrigues until October 17 to propose a settlement, failing which legal proceedings will be initiated. The demands include a public apology and retraction on Rodrigues’ social media platforms and in prominent newspapers like Stabroek News and Kaieteur News. Additionally, Lall seeks substantial compensation for the damages incurred. The lawyers have also indicated that even if a settlement is reached, criminal complaints may still be filed with the Guyana Police Force. This development follows a series of defamation cases Rodrigues has lost in recent months, resulting in significant financial penalties.
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Pressure group stages protest against immigration and citizenship bills
On Saturday, Bridgetown witnessed a significant gathering of Barbadians protesting against specific sections of the proposed immigration and citizenship bills. The demonstrators, led by the Loyal Opposition group, voiced their concerns that these laws, if enacted, could profoundly impact the island’s identity, resource allocation, and democratic integrity. The protest commenced at 10 a.m. at Kensington Mall in St Michael, with participants marching to Independence Square. The event was marked by a display of national pride, with some protesters blowing whistles and waving the Barbadian flag, while others held placards with messages like ‘freedom is our right to question everything’ and ‘we do not have a political system, we have an auction’. Organizers characterized the demonstration as ‘peaceful but necessary noise’, emphasizing their opposition to what they perceive as hastily and inadequately considered changes to the country’s immigration and citizenship laws. A primary concern for the protesters is the proposed citizenship requirements, which they argue could lead to an overly lenient acquisition of voting rights, thereby having significant political implications. The Loyal Opposition group clarified that their protest is not against immigrants but is aimed at safeguarding the interests of Barbadians and advocating for a merit-based citizenship process. The controversy surrounding the bills has also been echoed by other figures, including Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne, KC, who has raised questions about the legality of the new freedom of movement policy implemented on October 1.
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Friday’s youth pledge includes 1 ULP says it implemented
In a bold move to secure the support of the nation’s youth, Opposition Leader Godwin Friday has introduced a comprehensive five-point pledge aimed at addressing key issues affecting young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The announcement was made during the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) DJ Sound Clash event in Campden Park on Saturday, where Friday urged the youth to vote the NDP into power and hold them accountable for their promises. The pledge includes significant measures such as reducing student loan interest rates to 4-4.5%, increasing public assistance to EC$500 monthly, and cutting VAT on essential goods and residential electricity. Additionally, the NDP plans to establish a National Athlete Programme, a national development bank, and an innovation hub to support young entrepreneurs and athletes. Friday emphasized the party’s commitment to creating job opportunities, training programs, and internships for the youth, as well as improving e-commerce payment gateways to help young people monetize their online ventures. The opposition leader’s pledge comes as the Unity Labour Party (ULP) seeks a sixth consecutive term in office, with general elections expected by November 2024. Friday’s vision for a brighter future for St. Vincent and the Grenadines resonated strongly with the audience, as he called on young people to register and vote for change.
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RSS and Canada dicsuss maritime security and capacity building
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Her Excellency E. Brenda Wills, the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, visited the headquarters of the Regional Security System (RSS) on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The visit underscored the deepening collaboration between Canada and the RSS in areas of maritime security and capacity building. Rear Admiral Errington Shurland, Executive Director of the RSS, welcomed the High Commissioner and expressed gratitude for Canada’s sustained support, particularly in maintaining the RSS Air Wing and enhancing the RSS Training Institute. The discussions centered on future joint initiatives aimed at bolstering regional security and operational capabilities. During the visit, the Canadian delegation toured key facilities, including the RSS Training Institute, the Digital Forensic Laboratory, the Asset Recovery Unit, and the Air Wing. To commemorate the occasion, Rear Admiral Shurland presented High Commissioner Wills with a commemorative plaque. The meeting also saw the participation of senior RSS officials, including Deputy Executive Director Atlee Rodney and Director of Operations and Plans Lt. Col. Jeffrey Forde, alongside members of the Canadian High Commission delegation, such as Political Counsellor Stephanie Sprott and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Liaison Counsellor Hugo Boilard. This visit highlights the ongoing commitment of both nations to fostering regional stability and security.
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Walters still battling perception of disconnect from North Windward
Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate for North Windward, has been actively engaging with voters to solidify her connection to the constituency she aims to represent. Despite accusations of distancing herself from the community, Walters emphasized her deep-rooted ties to Sandy Bay, where she was raised and began her career in healthcare administration. Speaking at the ULP’s first major campaign rally in Layou, Walters highlighted her long-standing service to North Windward, including her efforts to address community challenges such as alcoholism and illicit drugs. She also outlined her vision for the constituency, which includes improving healthcare, housing, and agricultural support, as well as launching mentorship and cultural programs for the youth. Walters, who holds a doctorate in healthcare administration, is set to face off against the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) Shevern John in the upcoming general election. She urged voters to focus on the ULP’s achievements, including infrastructure development and educational opportunities, and to continue supporting the party’s vision for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The election is expected to take place by November, ahead of the February 2025 constitutional deadline.