Chief Secretary of Tobago, Farley Augustine, is poised to reveal the date for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly elections following a crucial meeting of the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) screening committee. The announcement, expected on November 24, will outline the party’s chosen candidates for the 15 electoral districts. Augustine hinted at the impending announcement during a press briefing at the Lowlands Multipurpose Facility, though he refrained from disclosing specifics. Sources close to the matter have confirmed to Newsday that the announcement will indeed pertain to the election date. The TPP has yet to finalize candidates for two pivotal districts: Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, where the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has nominated former Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis, and Mason Hall/Moriah, previously won by Ian “Whitey” Pollard. Augustine dismissed public criticism of the selection process, emphasizing the importance of strategic candidate selection to secure all 15 seats. He highlighted the party’s commitment to earning the trust of Tobago’s citizens through diligent work and addressing the island’s issues over the past four years. Augustine expressed confidence in the party’s ability to build a robust economy for Tobago, should they return to office.
分类: politics
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BBC launches hunt for new boss as Trump row rumbles on
The BBC has officially commenced its search for a new Director General following the resignation of Tim Davie, who stepped down amidst a controversy involving a misleading edit of former US President Donald Trump. The edit, which falsely portrayed Trump as inciting violence prior to the 2021 Capitol attack, led to a public dispute with Trump, who has since threatened a $5 billion lawsuit. The BBC has firmly rejected his compensation demands. Davie, along with the corporation’s head of news, Deborah Turness, resigned on November 9 after Trump criticized ‘corrupt journalists.’ The job posting for the BBC’s top role went live on Monday, with applications closing on December 31. The position is described as one of the UK’s most significant public roles. This incident is one of several controversies the BBC has faced this year, including backlash over anti-Israeli military chants aired during the Glastonbury festival. BBC Chair Samir Shah, addressing a parliamentary committee, acknowledged that Turness’s resignation was justified due to the ‘error in her division,’ but expressed regret over Davie’s departure, stating that the board had full confidence in him. Shah also admitted that the BBC should have acted sooner to address the mistake, which was revealed in a leaked memo published by The Daily Telegraph earlier this month. Trump’s legal team has condemned the edit as ‘false, defamatory, malicious, disparaging, and inflammatory,’ while Michael Prescott, the memo’s author, suggested that Trump’s reputation was likely unaffected. The BBC, funded by a UK television license fee, continues to navigate these challenges as it seeks new leadership.
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Ex-PM: ‘March election’ if PLP wins
Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has forecasted that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) may call for an early general election if they secure victory in today’s Golden Isles by-election. Speaking at a Free National Movement (FNM) rally on Friday, Ingraham emphasized the high stakes surrounding the by-election, which both major parties view as a critical political litmus test. “If they win on Monday, they’ll push for an early election by March. If they lose, they’ll stagnate,” he remarked. The by-election, necessitated by the passing of Vaughn Miller, features PLP’s Darron Pickstock and FNM’s Brian Brown as the leading contenders, alongside Brian Rolle of the Coalition of Independents and independent candidate Karen Butler. Historically, by-elections have favored the ruling party, and political analysts are closely monitoring the outcome to gauge public sentiment ahead of the general election, which must occur before October next year. Voter turnout is expected to play a pivotal role, intensifying recent campaign efforts. Results are anticipated by early evening. Ingraham revealed he initially advised Brown against running, citing historical trends favoring the PLP in by-elections. However, Brown’s determination to represent the community prevailed. Ingraham framed the contest as both a referendum on the Davis administration and an opportunity for the FNM to reclaim influence in a constituency he believes has been neglected. He praised Brown as a grounded candidate with deep community ties, likening him to former Adelaide MP Frank Watson. Ingraham expressed surprise at Brown’s 2021 loss, given his strong local support, and highlighted Brown’s integrity, stating he seeks no personal gain from the position. “Brian Brown isn’t looking for anything; he’s here to serve,” Ingraham concluded.
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China: FM reiterates strong protest after Japanese comments
During a press conference following his diplomatic tour of Central Asian nations, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a stern warning to Japan regarding its stance on Taiwan. Wang emphasized that any claims contradicting Taiwan’s status as an integral part of China cross unacceptable red lines and violate the commitments outlined in the four bilateral political documents between Tokyo and Beijing. He reiterated that Taiwan’s return to China was firmly established in key international agreements, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Declaration, and Japan’s Act of Surrender, which were outcomes of the Allied victory in World War II. Wang also highlighted that 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of the triumph over Japanese fascism and militarism, underscoring Japan’s enduring obligation as a defeated nation to honor these historical agreements. He stressed that any Japanese government, irrespective of its political affiliation, must adhere to these commitments. Wang Yi cautioned that if Japan continues to deviate from these principles, the international community reserves the right to revisit and scrutinize the historical crimes of Japanese militarism.
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Palestine condemns Israeli violations and calls for international aid
In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates accused a neighboring nation of perpetrating severe crimes and conducting a campaign of extermination against a densely populated coastal enclave, home to over two million people. The ministry condemned a recent surge in violent attacks that resulted in the deaths of 22 Palestinians, labeling these actions as blatant violations of international and humanitarian laws. The statement emphasized that the ongoing aggressive policies of the far-right government in the occupying state are clear indicators of its intent to sabotage any prospects for peace. Furthermore, the ministry criticized the occupying state for enforcing oppressive measures that blatantly disregard fundamental human rights and international legal principles. In light of these developments, the Foreign Ministry urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and key ceasefire guarantor nations, particularly the United States, to take immediate and decisive action to address the situation and uphold their responsibilities.
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Switzerland advocates for inclusive talks for peace in Ukraine
Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating diplomatic negotiations by maintaining open channels with all involved parties in the ongoing conflict. The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its readiness to host talks on its neutral territory, aiming to broker a fair and lasting peace. This announcement came in response to inquiries about the potential for negotiations in Geneva, a city historically known for hosting pivotal diplomatic discussions. The Ministry underscored its support for any initiatives that promote stability and fairness in resolving the crisis. Concurrently, political analysts have highlighted the growing urgency for a negotiated solution, particularly in light of unilateral proposals from the United States that have strained relations among European allies. Earlier this week, reports from U.S. media suggested that Russia and the United States have been engaged in secret consultations, reportedly drafting a 28-point plan to address the conflict between Kiev and Moscow. Switzerland’s proactive stance underscores its role as a neutral mediator in international disputes, offering a platform for dialogue amidst escalating tensions.
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Cuban historian: There may or may not be a war in the Caribbean
Renowned Cuban historian and professor at the Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI), Alvarez, recently addressed a gathering at the Chilean Writers’ Society (SECH) in Santiago. The discussion centered on the themes of anti-imperialist struggles and the fundamental rights of nations to sovereignty and self-determination. Alvarez highlighted the escalating complexities in the Caribbean region, attributing much of the tension to the United States’ efforts to reassert its dominance in an area it has historically regarded as its sphere of influence. She expressed concerns over the potential for conflict, warning that even a minor incident could jeopardize not just the Caribbean nations but the entirety of Latin America. The historian pointed out that under the guise of combating drug trafficking, the US has significantly increased its military presence in the region. This includes the deployment of its largest aircraft carrier, the initiation of military exercises, and targeted attacks on vessels suspected of involvement in the drug trade. Alvarez emphasized that these aggressive actions have already resulted in the loss of over 80 lives. Furthermore, she criticized the ongoing US policy of intimidation against Venezuela, which has led to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advising extreme caution for commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace. This advisory has prompted several airlines to suspend their services to Caracas, further isolating the country.
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Venezuelans vote in 4th National Popular Consultation (+Photos)
Angel Prado, Minister for Communes, Social Movements, and Urban Agriculture, announced that the National Electoral Council (CNE) and Community Electoral Commissions have established 9,963 polling stations across 8,630 voting centers nationwide. This extensive setup is part of the preparations for the upcoming elections, which mark the 9th electoral event of the year, including three constitutional processes. Additionally, 19,926 Electoral Commissions have been activated to oversee the smooth operation of each voting center. These commissions consist of poll members tasked with ensuring transparency and efficiency during the voting process. The elections follow grassroots assemblies where citizens submitted proposals, resulting in the selection of 36,674 projects across 5,336 Community Circuits. Among these, 10,662 projects will be presented to citizens for voting, with implementation set to begin next week. The top two projects will receive funding, with the first-place winner financed by the national government and the runners-up supported by 24 departmental governments and 335 municipalities. This initiative builds on the success of 23,000 projects approved and executed over the past 18 months, which included community financing plans and the acquisition of technological equipment for youth.


