分类： politics

The recent prison riots in Ecuador, which resulted in the deaths of 31 inmates, have drawn attention to the escalating issues of drug trafficking and gang violence in the region. The riots, involving notorious gangs Los Cheneros and Los Lobos, were marked by the discovery of firearms, knives, and explosives within the prison walls. Ecuador, situated between Peru and Colombia—both major drug-producing nations—has become a focal point in the global fight against narcotics. President Daniel Noboa, 37, has strengthened ties with the United States, notably with former President Donald Trump, and has plans to re-establish a US military base in Manta, a move that underscores the strategic importance of the region. The situation in Ecuador bears striking similarities to Trinidad and Tobago (TT), where drug exportation, gang turf wars, and political alliances with the US on drug interdiction are prevalent. TT’s prison system is also plagued by gang activity, with inmates reportedly using sophisticated cell phones to coordinate external operations. Hayden Forde, the newly appointed head of prisons, faces scrutiny over the allowance of internet connections in jails. The Prime Minister of TT remains steadfast in her commitment to curbing drug flow, emphasizing her partnership with the US. The crisis calls for a unified approach involving the homeland security minister, the police commissioner, and the acting prisons commissioner to safeguard the nation’s future.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to a sweeping economic transformation agenda, unveiling the Trinidad and Tobago Revitalisation Blueprint. Launched on November 6 at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, the plan aims to diversify the economy, attract foreign investment, and create over 50,000 jobs, with thousands already in the recruitment pipeline. In a recent post on her X platform, Persad-Bissessar highlighted that the first phase of the national recruitment drive is screening thousands of citizens to fill 20,000 public-sector positions. The blueprint is designed to open ‘the doors to the international corridors of capital,’ fostering investment, innovation, and new economic activity. Central to the initiative is a focus on efficiency, cost savings, and smarter governance, including decentralizing state functions and repurposing assets like the International Waterfront Complex. Persad-Bissessar emphasized that every dollar and asset will be optimized to ensure community-wide benefits. The plan also targets sustainable revenue generation, particularly through export-driven industries and deeper global economic integration. Addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges, such as inadequate drainage and traffic congestion, the blueprint incorporates climate-resilient designs and multimodal smart mobility systems. These systems integrate walking, biking, public transit, and personal vehicles to create a sustainable transport network. Renewable energy, green building standards, and inclusive public spaces will be integral to each project, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainability. Persad-Bissessar also outlined plans to collaborate with governments, international lenders, regional development institutions, and private investors, describing foreign investment as a ‘vital pillar’ of the transformation. She praised Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John for her efforts and noted the overwhelmingly positive public feedback. The Prime Minister concluded by inviting global investors to join Trinidad and Tobago’s journey toward a stronger future, directing the public to the government’s portal at ttglobalhub.gov.tt. The blueprint includes 129 construction projects to revamp key areas, such as the Port of Spain and San Fernando waterfronts, Invaders Bay, and the Queen’s Park Savannah. Additionally, prisons in Port of Spain, Golden Grove, and Carrera Island will be demolished and replaced with a justice center in Tamana, while the sites will be repurposed for cultural, housing, and luxury resort developments.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has issued a stark warning about Trinidad and Tobago’s precarious position on the global stage, citing economic and security vulnerabilities stemming from what he termed reckless governance and poorly informed decisions. Speaking via Facebook Live on November 17, Rowley criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent dismissal of Venezuela’s gas supply as a “throwaway comment” with severe implications for the nation’s energy security. Persad-Bissessar’s remarks came in response to Venezuela’s proposal to suspend gas agreements with Trinidad and Tobago on October 27. Rowley emphasized the country’s heavy reliance on natural gas, which powers homes, industries, and factories, and warned of a looming crisis if reserves are mismanaged. He highlighted a decline in gas production and consumption, with daily usage dropping from 4.3 billion cubic feet to 2.6 billion cubic feet, and possibly lower. Rowley stressed the need for additional gas reserves to sustain current levels, lamenting the disruption of efforts to secure future energy supplies through the La Brea-Manatee and Venezuelan-owned Dragon fields. Turning to foreign affairs, Rowley recalled the geopolitical challenges of 2015, when sanctions against Venezuela coincided with Trinidad and Tobago’s energy vulnerabilities. He underscored the importance of safeguarding national interests while maintaining neutrality, citing Caricom’s role in defending regional sovereignty. Rowley accused the current government of recklessness, inaction, and indifference to international law, particularly in its handling of US military operations in the region. He expressed concern over domestic security issues, including extrajudicial killings by police and inconsistent advisories for fishermen. Rowley also questioned the government’s alignment with US military objectives, warning that such actions could undermine decades of foreign policy and expose the nation to significant risk. He called for transparency and accountability, urging the government to clarify measures in place to protect the country in the event of conflict. Rowley concluded with a plea for careful and informed foreign policy, emphasizing the need for leadership and transparency to safeguard Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty and future.

President Christine Kangaloo has enacted a series of legislative measures aimed at aligning Trinidad and Tobago with international financial and tax regulations. The newly signed laws, published in the TT Gazette on November 16, include the Miscellaneous Provisions (Financial Action Task Force Compliance) Act, 2025, along with specific sections of related acts from 2024 and 2020. These laws, effective from November 17, amend key legislation such as the Prevention of Corruption Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act. Attorney General John Jeremie emphasized the significance of these reforms, noting that Trinidad and Tobago had previously avoided severe financial repercussions after being removed from the FATF grey list in 2020. Despite progress, the country remains on the EU’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, alongside nations like Panama and Russia. The government plans to introduce further legislation to address remaining FATF recommendations, with Trinidad and Tobago set to undergo assessment by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force in March 2026.

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.

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.