分类： politics

Former United National Congress (UNC) parliamentarian and diplomat Rodney Charles has issued a stark warning to Trinidad and Tobago’s government regarding its unwavering support for the ongoing US military deployment across the Southern Caribbean. In a detailed Facebook post dated December 20, the seasoned statesman articulated profound concerns about the strategic implications of current foreign policy directions.

Charles, who previously served as Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to the United Nations during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s initial administration (2010-2015) and later as shadow foreign minister until April 2025, emphasized that his critique stems from patriotic concern rather than anti-American sentiment. The veteran diplomat referenced his personal connections to the United States, including his postgraduate tenure at Carleton University where he briefly served as a White House press intern and State Department participant, plus family members who have served in US military capacities.

His central argument challenges the government’s assumption that current US political dynamics under President Donald Trump will remain permanent. Charles highlighted upcoming US midterm elections in November 2026, suggesting potential significant Democratic gains that could dramatically alter foreign policy trajectories. He warned that Trinidad and Tobago risks positioning itself on ‘the wrong side of even their foreign policy realities’ in a potentially transformed political landscape.

The former ambassador expressed particular concern about deteriorating regional relations, noting that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners are viewing Trinidad and Tobago’s stance with increasing skepticism. He suggested current policies are ‘undermining that regional body’ and creating conditions that could lead to ‘likely recolonization of the region’ as external powers exploit apparent divisions.

Charles also pointed to concerning regional developments including the growing isolation of Antigua and Barbuda plus Dominica, alongside negative travel advisories affecting tourism-dependent economies like Barbados, Grenada and St. Lucia during critical winter tourist seasons. He connected these developments to President Trump’s revival of the Monroe Doctrine through the National Security Strategy 2025 document, which explicitly seeks allied support for executing US policy objectives.

The former diplomat concluded that current foreign policy approaches appear predicated on three precarious assumptions: the perpetual reign of Trumpism in US politics, successful regime change in Venezuela, and the permanent eradication of Bolivarian nationalism in any subsequent Venezuelan government—all of which he considers dangerously speculative foundations for national strategy.

In a heartfelt Christmas Eve address, former Prime Minister and Energy Minister Stuart Young called upon citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to embrace communal responsibility during what he described as \”unprecedented times\” for the nation. The Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP expressed profound concern about the country’s current trajectory under the new administration.\n\nYoung specifically highlighted the plight of tens of thousands of citizens who have faced job losses following the United National Congress (UNC) party’s victory in the April 28 general election. The political transition resulted in the termination of several major employment programs including Cepep, the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), and the National Reafforestation Programme, creating widespread economic hardship.\n\n\”We are in some unprecedented times which will require those of us who want what is best for our country’s future to remain alert and to be prepared to speak out in defence of what is right and against what is wrong,\” Young stated in his social media message. He acknowledged that such advocacy might present challenges but emphasized its necessity for the nation’s wellbeing.\n\nThe former minister characterized the current government’s decisions regarding employment programs as \”callous and heartless,\\” creating particularly difficult circumstances for affected families during the holiday season. He urged those with means to provide assistance to their fellow citizens, invoking the principle of being \”our brothers and sisters’ keepers\” as a fundamental value during this period of national transition.\n\nYoung concluded his message by expressing gratitude to those who had offered support and encouragement throughout the year, striking a note of appreciation amid his critical assessment of the country’s political direction.

Amid escalating tensions within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Barbados Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds has proposed confidential high-level discussions to address mounting concerns across the 15-member regional bloc. The initiative comes as public disagreements threaten to expose deeper divisions within the organization.

Minister Symmonds acknowledged the “uncompromising tone” emanating from Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration but characterized the situation as a temporary period of uncertainty rather than genuine disharmony. He emphasized that private dialogue would enable leaders to share security concerns without public posturing, noting that regional security constitutes a collective undertaking under CARICOM’s charter.

The diplomatic friction intensified recently when Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne challenged Persad-Bissessar to substantiate claims that CARICOM members had aligned with Venezuela’s “Maduro narco government.” Symmonds suggested that Trinidad’s current economic pressures—including a severe credit squeeze limiting monthly US dollar access to approximately $2,000 per entity—might be influencing its stance.

Despite the tensions, the Barbados minister highlighted compelling economic incentives for maintaining regional unity. Trinidad and Tobago generated nearly $1 billion from CARICOM trade in 2024, making the bloc its second-largest trading partner after the United States. The Common External Tariff (CET) system particularly benefits Trinidadian manufacturers by protecting domestic production through regional trade barriers.

Symmonds concluded that while sovereign nations inevitably experience diplomatic tensions, CARICOM remains a proven partnership in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape. He expressed confidence that shared economic interests and institutional dependencies would ultimately preserve regional cohesion despite current challenges.

A compelling editorial critique has emerged from Trinidad and Tobago, challenging the nation’s prevailing attitudes toward U.S. energy geopolitics under the Trump administration. The author, Gordon Laughlin, contends that while local media and CNN-driven narratives foster disdain for President Trump, this emotional approach overlooks transformative global energy realignments with direct implications for Caribbean nations.

The analysis highlights Trump’s strategic reshaping of global energy dynamics, noting how U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) has achieved market dominance through aggressive policies that pressure OPEC, intensify sanctions against Iran, and reconfigure global energy flows. These developments critically impact Trinidad and Tobago’s oil, gas, and manufacturing sectors, particularly the strategic industrial hub at Point Lisas.

Laughlin emphasizes the vulnerability of Trinidad’s economy to U.S. policy shifts, noting that a single sanction or diplomatic gesture could trigger economic instability. The commentary draws attention to Venezuela’s proximity and its vast oil reserves—a factor that further compounds regional energy security concerns.

The editorial employs the metaphor of ‘energy chess’ to illustrate Trump’s strategic maneuvering versus what it characterizes as Trinidad’s simplistic approach (‘playing all fours’). It calls for urgent geopolitical awareness, energy strategy reassessment, and independent analysis rather than reliance on American media narratives. The piece concludes with a stark warning: national survival depends on thinking critically about gas markets and geopolitical realities.

In a significant move toward institutional autonomy, Trinidad and Tobago’s Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a formal demand for complete independence from parliamentary oversight in the appointment of its board members and senior police leadership. The recommendations, detailed in the PSC’s 2024 annual report presented to the House of Representatives in November, call for sweeping reforms to eliminate perceived political patronage.

The commission specifically advocates for removing the requirement for House of Representatives approval in appointing both PSC members and the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Police. This structural change aims to bolster public confidence in the police force’s independence and enhance the commission’s supervisory capabilities.

Among the key proposals is extending the Commissioner of Police’s retirement age to 65 and removing the position from Section 75 of the Police Service Act, which currently grants the President authority to extend the service of senior officers beyond retirement age based on national interest considerations.

The PSC further recommends expanding its membership from five to seven individuals with fixed five-year terms, while seeking broader mandates including consultation rights on appointment criteria for top police positions and monitoring powers over Assistant Commissioners of Police.

To strengthen its selection processes, the commission seeks mandatory powers to compel organizations to provide information for security vetting of candidates. Additionally, the PSC requests full audit authority over police service performance, oversight of recruitment, promotion, disciplinary processes, and the establishment of conduct standards.

The report also highlights operational challenges, with PSC Chairman Dr. Wendell Wallace noting a 50% staffing shortage in the commission’s secretariat and expressing concern over one-third of staff lacking job security, with many employed on monthly contracts.

The Trinidad and Tobago government’s communication approach has once again demonstrated significant shortcomings, particularly evident in its recent handling of the national emblem transition timeline. Through a discreet legal notice issued on December 18, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander authorized a five-year extension for continued use of the former coat of arms, pushing the full implementation deadline to January 2, 2031.

This administrative decision was enabled by amendments to the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) Act, which received unanimous parliamentary support from both the ruling PNM and opposition UNC parties in January. Notably, then-Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar had previously observed that the legislation granted ministers unrestricted authority to extend implementation timelines through ministerial orders.

While the extension itself represents practical governance—allowing existing inventory of official materials featuring the old emblem to be depleted—the government’s execution has raised eyebrows. The choice to implement this significant national symbol change through a mere legal notice, without public consultation or formal announcement, contrasts sharply with the administration’s approach to other national matters. Notably, the government had convened a press conference to announce the cancellation of the 2025 Independence Day parade, making the low-profile emblem decision particularly conspicuous.

The Rowley administration’s handling of the emblem modification process has been characterized by missed opportunities. While the incorporation of the steelpan into the national coat of arms received widespread support, the government bypassed comprehensive public consultation regarding other potential modifications. The removal of Christopher Columbus’s ships from the emblem was widely viewed as long overdue, but the process lacked the democratic engagement that could have strengthened national unity.

This approach has unnecessarily exposed the government to allegations of operating surreptitiously, creating a self-inflicted controversy that could have been avoided through transparent communication and inclusive decision-making processes.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has significantly enhanced its operational capacity with the acquisition of 12 fully restored police vehicles, marking the culmination of a rapid fleet rehabilitation initiative that has delivered 52 vehicles within a mere three-week timeframe.

This strategic infrastructure enhancement occurred on December 24 through collaboration between government ministries and the Vehicle Management Corporation (VMCOTT). The ceremony represented the fulfillment of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s directive to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, particularly ahead of the Christmas season when security demands typically escalate.

Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander publicly commended VMCOTT and associated stakeholders for their exceptional expediency in returning previously decommissioned vehicles to active duty. “These vehicles, some of which had been out of service for several months to a couple of years, have now been returned to full operational readiness,” confirmed an official TTPS release.

The government statement emphasized its unwavering commitment to national security, declaring: “The government reaffirms its commitment to equipping the police with practical and reliable resources to strengthen national security and enhance public safety. Promise made, promise kept.”

The handover ceremony attracted high-ranking officials including Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour, Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin, VMCOTT chairman Amrall Mohammed, acting CEO Brian Aliendre, alongside additional board members and corporate executives from the state-owned vehicle management entity.

This development follows a previous vehicle transfer ceremony held on December 12 at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s, which was personally attended by Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, underscoring the administration’s prioritization of law enforcement infrastructure modernization.

In a stark editorial published in Newsday, former Trinidad and Tobago Health Minister Dr. Fuad Khan issued a profound caution regarding the gradual deterioration of democratic norms, emphasizing that democracies are not abruptly destroyed but systematically weakened over time.

Dr. Khan articulated that the erosion occurs through pervasive silence, rationalization of questionable actions, and uncritical allegiance to political leaders. He expressed particular concern about supporters who applaud every governmental decision while simultaneously dismissing all criticism as acts of hostility. This behavior, he warned, fundamentally undermines accountability and causes significant damage to vital democratic institutions.

Connecting his observations to the current political environment, the former minister stressed that genuine support for leadership should never necessitate the suspension of independent judgment. He posited that robust democracies inherently depend on continuous scrutiny, legitimate dissent, and the unwavering willingness of citizens to challenge decisions made by their representatives.

Drawing lessons from historical precedents, Dr. Khan highlighted the dangerous trajectory nations face when political personality supersedes foundational principles and blind loyalty replaces governmental accountability. Such conditions, he noted, often lead nations toward damaging outcomes that become exceptionally difficult to reverse once established.

The physician-turned-politician concluded with a powerful affirmation that constructive criticism constitutes essential civic responsibility rather than political sabotage. Trinidad and Tobago’s future stability and prosperity, he asserted, will be determined by informed citizens who prioritize national interests above partisan politics and institutional integrity above individual personalities.