分类： politics

In a recent letter to the editor, Arthur Dash expressed his bewilderment over the small yet highly publicized demonstrations calling for ‘peace’ in the region. Dash emphasized that neither Trinidad and Tobago (TT) nor the United States is at war with Venezuela. Instead, the U.S. administration has declared a ‘non-international armed conflict against drug cartels,’ a crucial distinction that highlights the campaign against criminal networks responsible for flooding the region with cocaine, guns, and violence.

Dash questioned the motives of the protesters, asking if they were advocating for peace with drug cartels, the actual adversaries in this conflict. He criticized the opposition, its supporters, and certain media outlets for misleading the public into believing that TT is involved in a regime change operation, a claim both the U.S. and TT have repeatedly denied.

He pointed out that pro-Nicolás Maduro elements, both domestically and internationally, are spreading fear and confusion by falsely suggesting that TT is being dragged into a war with Venezuela. Dash highlighted the hypocrisy of the demonstrators, noting their silence when Venezuelan gunboats harass TT fishermen, when Venezuelan officials claim two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, and when they insult TT’s Prime Minister and threaten invasion or retaliation.

Dash concluded by affirming his support for the TT government, which he believes is on the right side of the fight—the side of law, order, and safety for its citizens. He reiterated the desire for peace but stressed that it should not come at the cost of aligning with drug cartels that have brought violence and destruction to the region.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has stirred significant controversy with her abrupt announcement to halt all fetes at state facilities, particularly the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The decision, revealed on November 10, came without prior warning, even as her administration had officially launched Carnival—a culturally significant national festival—just a week earlier. This unexpected move has left many questioning the timing and coherence of the directive, especially given the extensive planning required for such events. Earlier, on July 7, the Prime Minister had hinted at legislative measures to address noise pollution, gambling, alcohol, and marijuana abuse during a party event. However, she failed to provide a clear timeline, leaving the private sector unprepared for such sweeping changes. Despite her earlier assurances of exemptions for national festivals, the Prime Minister has now firmly stated that the decision is final and irreversible. The government’s messaging has been further muddled by Udecott officials, who justified the clampdown by citing the need to protect sporting facilities from damage. This comes just a week after the government unveiled a national development blueprint promising upgrades to the Queen’s Park Savannah, adding to the confusion. The Prime Minister’s approach has not only alienated the public but also sparked a heated debate with the TT Promoters Association, which has labeled the move a ‘death knell’ for the entertainment industry. A more collaborative dialogue between stakeholders could have prevented this week’s public discord, highlighting the need for clearer communication and strategic planning in addressing legitimate issues like noise pollution.

A heated debate unfolded in the Senate on November 14 between Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander regarding the future of virtual court hearings in police stations. The discussion was sparked by Alexander’s claim that the media had misrepresented his comments on the matter following the April 28 general election. Alexander revealed that 13 out of 77 police stations, including San Fernando, Arima, Besson Street, Tunapuna, Chaguanas, and Scarborough, are currently utilized for virtual hearings. He emphasized that a comprehensive review is underway to assess the situation and determine a balanced way forward. Al-Rawi questioned Alexander about his alleged remarks on canceling virtual hearings at police stations, to which Alexander responded that the senator had misunderstood his statements. He clarified that his concern was about courts occupying police station spaces, which hindered police operations such as investigations and identification parades. Al-Rawi pressed Alexander on whether he was misquoted by the media, and Alexander reiterated that he had already addressed the issue. Leader of Government Business Darrell Allahar dismissed Al-Rawi’s call for Alexander to retract his statement, supported by Senate President Wade Mark. Alexander also noted that virtual hearings at police stations cover a wide range of offenses, from assault to murder.

Attorney General John Jeremie has disclosed that the United States will escalate its military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago in the near future. This revelation was made during an interview with the UK Financial Times on November 13, following the arrival of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit in Trinidad aboard the USS Gravely. The unit conducted joint military exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force from October 26 to 30. Jeremie emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the US, stating, ‘We are engaged with our friends in the north in a series of exercises.’ This announcement coincides with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s declaration on the same day regarding the launch of Operation Southern Spear. Hegseth described the operation as a measure to ‘protect’ the US from narco-terrorists, asserting that ‘the Western hemisphere is America’s neighbourhood – and we will protect it.’ He also confirmed that the operation was initiated under the directive of US President Donald Trump.

As the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election approaches, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities Clyde Elder addressed critical Tobago-related matters in the Senate on November 14. The session also marked the appointment of former THA minority leader Ashworth Jack as a temporary government senator. Jack, who previously led the defunct Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP), played a significant role in the UNC-led People’s Partnership coalition government from 2010 to 2015. Responding to Opposition Senator Melanie Roberts-Radgman’s inquiry about fatal shootings in Tobago earlier this year, Alexander emphasized the importance of timely and transparent investigations, leveraging forensic tools, public communication, and investigator training. He also highlighted the role of body-worn cameras in aiding investigations into alleged police shootings. Additionally, Alexander noted the involvement of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), use of force policies, and reviews by the National Security Council (NSC), chaired by the Prime Minister. Elder addressed concerns about low water supplies in Tobago during September and October, attributing the issue to funding shortages and neglect under the previous PNM administration. He assured that the current government would resolve the problem. The THA, dissolved on November 12, is set for elections between January 12 and February 12. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar promised Tobago would benefit from several initiatives before the assembly’s dissolution. Notably, while there is no formal coalition between the UNC and the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), the latter’s two MPs sit alongside government MPs in the House of Representatives. Before its dissolution, the TPP held 13 of the 15 THA seats, with the remaining two held by the PNM and Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP). TPP leader and THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine was previously a PDP member.

British High Commissioner Jon Dean has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Trinidad and Tobago (TT) in its national development goals, as outlined in Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Revitalisation Blueprint. Speaking at the King’s birthday celebration held at his residence in Port of Spain on November 12, Dean emphasized the UK’s role as a key trade partner and its readiness to assist TT in achieving its ambitious revitalization agenda. The event was attended by prominent figures, including government ministers, law enforcement officials, and members of the judiciary. Dean highlighted the £5 billion financing agreement between UK Export Finance and TT, which aims to bolster infrastructure, healthcare, and national security projects. He also noted the significant growth in bilateral trade, which reached £1.3 billion between July 2024 and June 2025, marking a 105% increase from the previous year. Despite the introduction of visa requirements for TT citizens visiting the UK, Dean stressed that this decision was not indicative of strained relations but rather a measure to address rising asylum claims. He underscored the importance of continued collaboration in areas such as climate action, sustainable growth, and combating organized crime, emphasizing the interconnectedness of security and prosperity between the two nations.

In a heated exchange on social media, Eloise Gonsalves, wife of St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, vehemently denied allegations of corruption surrounding the purchase of three apartment properties at the HDC’s Victoria Keyes housing development in Diego Martin. The accusations, initially raised by Housing Minister Anil Roberts, have sparked a political firestorm ahead of the November 25 general election. In a video posted on the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) Facebook page on November 13, Eloise dismissed the claims as ‘political malice’ orchestrated by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). She emphasized that her family received no preferential treatment in the property transactions, attributing the purchases to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which destroyed her mother’s property in Trinidad. Roberts, however, countered her defense, questioning how Eloise’s daughter, Soleil, secured a rent-to-own property just two days after the April 28 general election, at a significantly reduced rent of $2,750 for an apartment valued at $1.3 million. Roberts challenged the Gonsalves family to provide evidence of their declared income and Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) file number, asserting his readiness to face any legal action with documented proof. The escalating dispute underscores the intense political rivalry as the ULP and NDP vie for electoral dominance.