分类： politics

In a compelling defense of Trinidad and Tobago’s growing partnership with the United States, Dr. Errol N. Benjamin outlines significant strategic benefits emerging from the bilateral cooperation. The commentary, originally published as a letter to Newsday, highlights three pivotal advantages: the removal of tariffs on agricultural inputs like fertilizer, recognition as a key coalition partner in combating narcotics trafficking from Venezuela, and positioning the nation at the forefront of US security concerns in the region.

The analysis emphasizes how President Donald Trump’s acknowledgment of TT’s role in anti-trafficking operations, combined with historical US investment in the country’s energy sector through companies like Shell, establishes foundation for continued American involvement in developing oil and gas reserves. Additionally, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s high-profile meeting with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, signifies elevated security collaboration that places Trinidad and Tobago prominently on Washington’s strategic radar.

Dr. Benjamin notes the influential role TT plays in regional dynamics, with numerous Latin American nations reportedly following its lead in supporting US counter-narcotics initiatives. This leadership position potentially grants TT preferential status in American foreign policy considerations for the Caribbean.

Despite these advantages, the author expresses concern over domestic criticism directed at the government’s alliance with the US. Anti-Trump activists and ideologues have disparaged the partnership, with some labeling the nation as a ‘lackey’ and criticizing high-level visits from US officials. Dr. Benjamin characterizes the alliance as fundamentally military in nature, noting that associated developments—including warship port calls in Trinidad, US personnel and aircraft presence in Tobago, and installation of military equipment like radar systems—represent expected components of such cooperation. The commentary concludes by urging critics to adopt a more open-minded perspective toward the strategic benefits of the US partnership, leaving final judgment to readers’ critical assessment.

In a powerful endorsement of current leadership, Trinidad and Tobago citizen David Beckles has drawn stark contrasts between the nation’s previous and current security approaches in an open letter to Newsday. Writing from Arima, Beckles characterizes the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration as a decade of “chaos, neglect and empty posturing” where crime spiraled uncontrollably while citizens pleaded for effective action.

The correspondent describes the PNM’s security strategy as fundamentally flawed—prioritizing public relations over substantive solutions, with consistent blame-shifting and chronic mismanagement creating a climate of fear and institutional failure. According to Beckles, this approach left the population vulnerable and stripped the nation of confidence through inadequate investment, strategic delays, and systemic denial of the growing crisis.

In direct opposition, Beckles portrays Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s United National Congress (UNC) government as implementing transformative changes that prioritize citizen safety through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated enforcement. The current administration has reportedly equipped security agencies with long-deprived tools, technology, and oversight mechanisms while delivering targeted community interventions previously absent under PNM leadership.

The letter credits Persad-Bissessar with reinstating discipline, accountability, and humane governance to a sector that had descended into operational free fall. Beckles emphasizes that the Prime Minister’s proactive leadership style—rooted in the principle that citizens deserve tangible safety rather than excuses—has set the nation on a renewed path toward stability and competent governance where measurable actions have replaced political theater.

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has affirmed that the resignation of former Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) acting CEO Jeevan Joseph has not disrupted the state utility’s operational continuity or strategic initiatives. In an official statement, Padarath emphasized that WASA maintains robust leadership under chairman Roshan Babwah and continues to advance numerous short-term and medium-term projects without interruption.

Contrary to initial media speculation suggesting Joseph was ‘sent on leave’ without explanation, the minister clarified that Joseph voluntarily resigned between November 28-29 citing personal reasons. The ministry respects his decision while maintaining confidence in WASA’s operational framework.

Padarath highlighted organizational enhancements including the revamping of the ministry’s monitoring and evaluation division to strengthen project oversight. ‘The ministry is taking greater interest in actual operations compared to our predecessors,’ he noted, signaling increased governmental involvement in WASA’s management.

Dain Maharaj, acting director of corporate services since June, has assumed interim CEO responsibilities until a permanent appointment is finalized. Maharaj’s previous appointment followed the termination of Keithroy Halliday and nine other senior executives shortly after the United National Congress assumed office on May 28.

Joseph’s tenure included significant contributions as manager of technical services for wastewater systems, where he pioneered development of standard operating procedures, asset management strategies, and technological innovations to improve both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Labor Minister Leroy Baptiste has articulated a staunch defense of disparate wage settlements between public sector unions, asserting that collective bargaining inherently involves calculated risks with inevitable consequences. This position emerges amid controversy surrounding Minister Clyde Elder’s remarks criticizing unions that accepted a previous four percent wage increase from the former PNM administration while now witnessing the Public Services Association (PSA) secure a ten percent increase promised by the incumbent UNC government.

The PSA recently concluded protracted negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer, finalizing a ten percent wage hike after enduring years of frozen salaries dating back to 2013. Baptiste emphasized that the PSA’s persistence came with significant sacrifices, including legal expenditures and prolonged financial stagnation for its members.

“Negotiations fundamentally involve gambling and risk-taking,” Baptiste stated. “Unions make strategic decisions and must subsequently live with the outcomes. Those who accepted the four percent increase now benefit from updated salaries, while the PSA chose a different path that ultimately yielded different results.”

Regarding whether this settlement establishes a precedent for other unions, Baptiste clarified that the government maintains no legal obligation to renegotiate previously ratified agreements. Any reconsideration of existing contracts would fall exclusively under the Finance Minister’s discretion.

Meanwhile, TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) President Crystal Ashe congratulated the PSA while condemning Elder’s implications that political alignment influenced the wage outcome. “We are non-partisan and reject the notion that rewards should correlate with political affiliations,” Ashe asserted. “Any government should prioritize citizen welfare irrespective of union political positions.”

TTUTA continues awaiting implementation of its negotiated five percent increase for 2020-2023, having received no definitive timeline from either the Education or Finance ministries despite formal inquiries. Ashe remained noncommittal about pursuing higher increases in future negotiations, noting “we will cross that bridge when we reach it.”

In a significant political realignment, former People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago West constituency chairman Keigon Denoon has officially crossed party lines to become the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) candidate for Buccoo/Mt Pleasant. The dramatic transition was formally announced during TPP’s candidate presentation event on December 1 at Scarborough’s Calypso Rose Boulevard.

TPP Political Leader Farley Augustine introduced Denoon—a native Buccoo resident and coordinator of the Youth Energised for Success (YES) program—as the final addition to their electoral slate. Augustine characterized the move as evidence of TPP’s inclusive approach, describing the party as “a coalition of the competent and willing” that welcomes members from across Tobago’s political spectrum, including former TOP, NAR/DAC, Tobago Forwards, UNC, and PNM supporters.

The transition unfolded rapidly, with PNM’s Tobago Council leader Ancil Dennis announcing Denoon’s departure via Facebook approximately one hour before the TPP’s official unveiling. Dennis responded with diplomatic grace, acknowledging Denoon’s service while urging PNM members to maintain focus on “restoring stability, opportunity, and decency to Tobago.”

The TPP also confirmed that incumbent representative Ian Pollard will defend his Mason Hall/Moriah seat, joining thirteen other candidates previously announced on November 24. The complete TPP candidate roster represents constituencies across Tobago, signaling a comprehensive challenge in the upcoming elections.

This development marks another chapter in Tobago’s dynamic political landscape, where party allegiances frequently shift in pursuit of regional advancement and improved governance structures.

In an era of escalating geopolitical complexities stemming from US-Venezuela tensions, Caribbean nations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to safeguard their strategic interests. Trinidad and Tobago, like its regional counterparts, faces unprecedented challenges in maintaining balanced international relations while protecting economic and political stability across the hemisphere.

The evolving diplomatic landscape demands both agility and strategic foresight, with AI emerging as a transformative tool for modern statecraft. Through development initiatives, trade facilitation, and cultural diplomacy, Mexico under Ambassador Víctor Hugo Morales Meléndez has strengthened partnerships with Caribbean nations. Similarly, Panama’s strategic position as a logistics hub, guided by Ambassador Diomedes Carles, enhances regional connectivity through expanded aviation operations.

AI technology now provides critical capabilities for analyzing cross-border energy flows, identifying economic disruptions, and monitoring migration patterns arising from regional instability. This data-driven approach equips diplomats with actionable intelligence for informed decision-making amid trade and security uncertainties.

The transformation extends to economic diplomacy, where AI-powered market analytics and supply-chain monitoring enable smaller economies to identify competitive sectors and investment opportunities. As Mexico advances nearshoring and regional integration initiatives, Trinidad and Tobago can leverage analytical capabilities to attract investment and participate in emerging manufacturing networks.

Consular services and public diplomacy also benefit from technological integration, with automated document verification and data-driven diaspora engagement enhancing embassy efficiency despite limited resources. During periods of geopolitical tension, these tools prove invaluable for citizen protection and regional stability maintenance.

While technology augments diplomatic capabilities, the human elements of judgment, negotiation, and cultural understanding remain irreplaceable. The Caribbean’s next generation of diplomats must operate at the intersection of geopolitics, economics, and technology, combining analytical rigor with cultural intelligence to shape the region’s influence in an increasingly complex global landscape.