The Office of the Prime Minister has requested an extension to process a comprehensive Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request regarding Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations, citing administrative challenges. Public-interest litigant Jeremy Enriquez, however, maintains that the law mandates an access decision within fourteen days, regardless of the complexity of the request. In a letter dated November 13th, the Government acknowledged Enriquez’s request for detailed CDF records, including multi-year budget allocations, disbursement records, vouchers, audits, and internal assessments. However, it argued that retrieving such extensive data from multiple ministries within the statutory period was impractical. The Cabinet Secretary proposed extending the deadline to December 15th, 2025, to ensure a thorough response. Enriquez responded on November 14th, recognizing the administrative burden but emphasizing that the FOIA requires ministries to issue an access decision—whether to grant, deny, or partially grant the request—within fourteen days, as stipulated in Section 16. He argued that Parliament was aware of the time needed to compile records when enacting the law, meaning administrative difficulties do not exempt the Government from its legal obligation. Enriquez urged the Office of the Prime Minister to issue the access decision within the statutory window, with the understanding that the actual disclosure of documents could follow later. He also expressed willingness to extend the disclosure deadline to January 5th, 2026, to accommodate operational constraints, particularly during the Christmas period. However, he warned that failure to provide the access decision within five days of his correspondence would be considered a deemed refusal, prompting him to pursue legal action.
分类： politics
-
Envoy highlights humanitarian aid amid rising tensions in Caribbean
Venezuelan Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Leiff Escalona, has reiterated her nation’s dedication to fostering regional solidarity and peace, while voicing apprehension over the resumption of military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago, conducted with US support. Escalona highlighted Venezuela’s recent humanitarian efforts, including the delivery of 46 tonnes of aid to Cuba and Jamaica, both severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The aid comprised food, medicines, medical supplies, and mattresses, with Cuba receiving 26 tonnes and Jamaica 20.
-
Jose Mai Absent in Today’s House Meeting Since ‘Leave of Absence’
In a notable turn of events, former Agriculture Minister and Orange Walk South Area Representative Jose Abelardo Mai was conspicuously absent from today’s House Meeting. This follows his recent departure from the Cabinet, which has fueled widespread speculation and public scrutiny. Prime Minister John Briceño has maintained that Mai is on a medical “leave of absence” to undergo surgery for injuries sustained in a horse-riding accident. However, sources within the Cabinet revealed that Mai submitted a resignation letter, raising questions about the true reasons behind his exit. Rumors have circulated that foreign pressure, particularly from the United States, may have played a role. Briceño has vehemently denied these claims, stating that no such demands were made during his meeting with the US Chargé d’Affaires. Meanwhile, House Speaker Valerie Woods reported the absence of five other representatives: Marconi Leal Jr (Belize Rural North), Abner Andre Perez (Belize Rural South), Kevin Bernard (Orange Walk East), Godwin Haylock (Queen Square), and Miguel Mike Guerra (Cayo West). The timing of Mai’s absence and the conflicting narratives have intensified public interest and debate over the situation.
-
Barbados’ ruling party sends members to help ULP
Members of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) on Thursday, just one week before the general election scheduled for November 27. Their presence is reportedly aimed at bolstering the election day operations of the incumbent Unity Labour Party (ULP). This development comes as recent, yet undisclosed, polling data suggests that the ULP is trailing behind the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). Among the arrivals were Kevin Henry, Kevon Henry, Alicia Deane, and Marcus Stephens, some of whom were seen wearing BLP-branded attire upon exiting the Argyle International Airport. Additional BLP representatives are expected to join them on Friday. The BLP members are part of a broader regional effort by Labour Party representatives to support the ULP’s bid for a sixth consecutive five-year term. Earlier, on October 22, the prime ministers of Dominica and St. Lucia, Roosevelt Skerrit and Phillip J. Pierre, visited SVG to endorse ULP leader Ralph Gonsalves for another term, despite their differing policy stances. Gonsalves has also pledged to campaign for Pierre’s St. Lucia Labour Party after the SVG elections. Furthermore, endorsements from regional figures like Grenadian MP Tevin Andrews and Dominica Labour Party member Ian Douglas have added momentum to the ULP’s campaign, with Douglas urging Vincentians to vote for the ULP despite their concerns, emphasizing a brighter future under the party’s leadership.
-
Opposition MP Says Real Test Will Be the Budget, Not the Throne Speech
Opposition Member of Parliament Richard Lewis has expressed his dissatisfaction with this year’s Throne Speech, describing it as a reiteration of the government’s usual overview with little substantive content. Speaking shortly after the Governor General delivered the address, Lewis criticized the speech for its narrow focus on developments since 2020, while neglecting to acknowledge the significant achievements made between 2004 and 2014, which he believes were pivotal in the development of Antigua and Barbuda. Lewis emphasized that the Throne Speech holds limited importance in his assessment of the government’s direction, stating that the true measure of its priorities will be revealed in the upcoming national budget, set to be presented in December. He expressed his eagerness for the budget presentation, which he believes will provide a platform for a more meaningful discussion on critical issues such as persistent water shortages, strategies to address the wealth gap, and improvements to roads and education infrastructure. Lewis stressed that these issues demand clear answers and actionable plans, which he hopes the budget will deliver.
-
Diego woman detained for alleged online posts inciting Venezuela to attack PM
In a significant move under the Emergency Powers Regulations of 2025, Trinidad and Tobago’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has authorized the preventive detention of Olive Green-Jack, a Diego Martin resident, for her alleged inflammatory social media posts. The decision, announced on November 20, follows an investigation into Green-Jack’s online activities, which authorities claim were aimed at inciting violence against the government and public officials. Her posts, directed at the Venezuelan government, allegedly encouraged external actors to commit acts of violence against Prime Minister Keith Rowley, government officials, and civilians. Minister Alexander emphasized that these actions posed an ‘imminent threat to public safety.’ The detention order, signed on November 12, permits Green-Jack’s confinement at the Women’s Prison Golden Grove in Arouca or another designated facility. Under the regulations, law enforcement officers are empowered to arrest individuals subject to such orders without a warrant. The Emergency Powers Regulations, enacted on July 18, 2025, and extended twice since, remain in effect during the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE). This case underscores the government’s heightened focus on national security amid concerns over external influence and domestic stability.
-
CPO tells PSA head: Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is not stagnant
Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Commander Dr. Daryl Dindial has reaffirmed that the planned meeting with the Public Services Association (PSA) on November 21 will proceed as scheduled. The meeting aims to discuss a proposed ten per cent wage increase for public servants, a key campaign promise by the United National Congress (UNC) during the April 28 general election. Dindial dismissed claims by PSA president Felisha Thomas regarding hidden agendas and stalled negotiations, emphasizing that the economy is dynamic and requires a comprehensive understanding for effective wage discussions. He noted that the Ministry of Finance will present the current economic state to provide context for the negotiations. Thomas, however, has insisted that the PSA is solely interested in receiving the ten per cent wage offer and is not concerned with economic presentations. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has clarified that the CPO is the constitutionally mandated authority for such negotiations and expects discussions to proceed professionally. The proposed wage increase covers the 2014–2016 and 2017–2019 collective bargaining periods, with Thomas optimistic about concluding negotiations by Christmas.
-
‘Many persons have called me daddy’
Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas has firmly dismissed calls for the removal of Golden Isles Returning Officer Neil Campbell, despite allegations of a conflict of interest. Campbell recently referred to Davis as his ‘adopted father,’ a statement that the opposition Free National Movement (FNM) claims compromises the integrity of the upcoming by-election. Davis, however, argued that personal relationships in a small nation like The Bahamas do not equate to undue influence or bias. He emphasized the robust safeguards in place to ensure the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, including the presence of election agents and the ability to challenge results in court if necessary. Davis also addressed public concerns about his connection to Campbell, stating that familiarity does not translate into interference. ‘Many persons have called me daddy,’ he remarked, attributing the term to his personal character rather than any professional obligation. The FNM, led by Chairman Dr. Duane Sands, has insisted that Campbell’s removal is essential to maintain public trust in the election’s fairness. Meanwhile, the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has accused the FNM of spreading fear and misinformation to undermine confidence in the electoral system. In preparation for the by-election, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has announced that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will assist police in maintaining order and ensuring a peaceful voting process.
-
Lawyer tells DPP: Disregard Cepep lawsuit files sent by High Court
In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court order that directed the Registrar of the Supreme Court to forward documents from Eastman Enterprises Ltd’s lawsuit to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Appeal Court, on November 21, ruled that the referral was premature and ‘plainly wrong,’ citing the absence of fact-finding and untested allegations as key factors in its decision. The panel, comprising Justices Peter Rajkumar, James Aboud, and Ricky Rahim, emphasized that the allegations had ‘not been tested’ and could not properly ground a referral. Despite this reversal, the court upheld the trial judge’s decision to stay Eastman’s claim, affirming that the company must first comply with the contract’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedure before pursuing litigation. In a letter to DPP Roger Gaspard, SC, attorney Kareem Marcelle urged the discontinuation of any consideration of the referred material, asserting that the documents were ‘null, void, unlawful, and of no effect.’ Cepep has stated its commitment to pursuing all legitimate avenues in the interest of justice and public administration, seeking legal advice on alleged fraudulent misrepresentation.
-
Holness says ODPEM shift to his office temporary
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has addressed concerns regarding his decision to temporarily place the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) under his direct oversight. The move, announced in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s impact on October 28, aims to bolster operational efficiency and coordination in disaster management efforts. Holness emphasized that the reassignment is not permanent but crucial for accelerating response mechanisms during critical times.