分类： politics

In a surprising development, US President Donald Trump hinted at possible discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, despite the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Speaking to reporters on November 16, Trump stated, ‘Let’s see how that turns out. They would like to talk.’ This announcement came shortly after the US Department of State declared its intention to designate the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by Maduro and other high-ranking officials, as a terrorist organization. The US has also placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s arrest, accusing him of drug trafficking and other illicit activities. The aggressive US anti-narcotics campaign, including Operation Southern Spear led by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, has reportedly resulted in over 80 deaths, including two Trinidadians, and has further strained relations between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. Venezuela has accused Trinidad and Tobago of collaborating with the US, a claim vehemently denied by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who emphasized the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

In a recent address to supporters at the Patience Hill Community Centre, Tobago, PNM Tobago Council political leader Ancil Dennis made startling allegations against Trinidad-based contractors hired by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). Dennis claimed that these contractors have diverted funds intended for road construction to purchase ‘goodies’ for voters ahead of the upcoming THA elections, scheduled between January 12 and February 12. He warned that these items, including household appliances and food vouchers, are being imported from China and other places to influence voter support. Dennis urged Tobagonians to consider the long-term impact of their vote, emphasizing that the next four years could significantly affect future generations. Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Faith Brebnor, when contacted for comment, dismissed the allegations, suggesting that the PNM might be projecting its own intentions onto others.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has raised significant concerns over the government’s proposal to reopen the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, cautioning that it could burden taxpayers with new financial losses and potentially lead to private interests gaining control of Paria Fuel Trading Company. During a Facebook Live broadcast on November 17, Rowley refuted claims that the refinery’s closure under the previous PNM administration was politically motivated, asserting that it was solely due to the facility’s unsustainable financial condition. He revealed that the State is still servicing over US$400 million in debt tied to oil purchases for the refinery, emphasizing that Petrotrin had been hemorrhaging billions of dollars. Rowley argued that unless the government can secure a credible and sustainable oil supply to make the refinery commercially viable, any reopening linked to Paria could pave the way for private or quasi-private control of the nation’s fuel supply. He warned that such a scenario would allow private owners to dictate fuel prices, urging citizens to remain vigilant. Rowley also criticized the government’s lack of transparency on key details of the refinery proposal and expressed concerns about the potential politicization of First Citizens bank, whose share price has declined significantly. He called for the restoration of investor confidence and cautioned against repeating past financial missteps.

The United States Department of State has announced its intention to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), effective November 24. The announcement, made on November 16 by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accuses the cartel of being based in Venezuela and led by President Nicolás Maduro. The statement further alleges that high-ranking officials within Maduro’s regime are involved in the cartel, which has allegedly corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary. The US government asserts that neither Maduro nor his associates represent Venezuela’s legitimate government. The release also claims that Cartel de los Soles, alongside other designated FTOs such as Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, is responsible for terrorist violence across the hemisphere and drug trafficking into the United States and Europe. The US vows to utilize all available tools to safeguard national security interests and disrupt funding to narco-terrorists. The designation was made under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register. This move follows recent debates among US politicians regarding the legality of President Trump’s military strikes on alleged narco-terrorist boats in the southern Caribbean Sea, which resulted in numerous casualties.

The Tobago People’s Party (TPP) has entered the second day of its rigorous screening process for candidates vying for seats in the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections. The event, held at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on November 16, saw nominees accompanied by enthusiastic supporters as they presented their cases to the party’s screening committee. Led by TPP political leader Farley Augustine, the committee has been meticulously evaluating candidates since November 13, focusing on three of the 15 electoral districts. Among the districts under scrutiny were Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, Plymouth/Black Rock, and Bethel/New Grange. Notably, incumbent Terance Baynes, Assistant Secretary of the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development, was among the two candidates screened for the Bethel/New Grange district. The remaining eight candidates for this seat, including Tynielle Jack and Cloyd Williams, faced the committee on November 16. Earlier in the day, nominees for the Mason Hall/Moriah seat, including incumbent Ian Pollard and first-time contender Allan Stewart, underwent the screening process. Stewart, accompanied by his family, expressed confidence in his performance, emphasizing the importance of youth representation. Retired police officer Bevon Dennis highlighted his focus on safety, security, and employment opportunities for young men. Pollard, seeking re-election, defended his track record, attributing challenges to financial constraints and political opposition. The TPP’s screening process underscores the party’s commitment to selecting capable candidates for the THA elections, with a focus on community development and effective representation.

In a striking shift from traditional parliamentary discourse, Senator Anil Roberts has taken to his daily blog to level accusations against the family of St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. This unconventional approach, characterized by short video clips produced over morning coffee, marks a bold new venue for government communication. Roberts is not alone in this endeavor; Phillip Alexander, a fellow Minister in the Housing Ministry, has similarly used social media to voice contentious opinions, including those targeting Venezuela’s executive vice president, Delcy Rodriguez. These online rants have drawn rebukes from the Prime Minister, yet they continue unabated, reflecting a broader trend of politicians leveraging social media to bypass traditional journalistic scrutiny. The Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has not enforced her public demand for Alexander to ‘stay in his zone,’ suggesting a tacit acceptance of this new communication methodology. This shift towards social media as a primary tool for political communication is not without consequences. The pursuit of viral spread often replaces reasoned debate with theatrics, as seen in Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s inflation of a plastic bag for local media. This trend not only leaves the public uninformed but also fosters an environment ripe for misinformation and idle speculation, ultimately devolving political discourse into dissonance and despair.

The recent prison riots in Ecuador, which resulted in the deaths of 31 inmates, have drawn attention to the escalating issues of drug trafficking and gang violence in the region. The riots, involving notorious gangs Los Cheneros and Los Lobos, were marked by the discovery of firearms, knives, and explosives within the prison walls. Ecuador, situated between Peru and Colombia—both major drug-producing nations—has become a focal point in the global fight against narcotics. President Daniel Noboa, 37, has strengthened ties with the United States, notably with former President Donald Trump, and has plans to re-establish a US military base in Manta, a move that underscores the strategic importance of the region. The situation in Ecuador bears striking similarities to Trinidad and Tobago (TT), where drug exportation, gang turf wars, and political alliances with the US on drug interdiction are prevalent. TT’s prison system is also plagued by gang activity, with inmates reportedly using sophisticated cell phones to coordinate external operations. Hayden Forde, the newly appointed head of prisons, faces scrutiny over the allowance of internet connections in jails. The Prime Minister of TT remains steadfast in her commitment to curbing drug flow, emphasizing her partnership with the US. The crisis calls for a unified approach involving the homeland security minister, the police commissioner, and the acting prisons commissioner to safeguard the nation’s future.