分类： politics

A significant diplomatic and economic debate has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago regarding the country’s relationship with the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The Joint Consultative Council for the Construction Industry (JCC) has issued a strong warning that the Caricom market remains indispensable for TT’s economic stability and diversification efforts.

JCC President Fazir Khan emphasized in a December 23 media release that Trinidad and Tobago must reject any notion of prospering without Caricom’s support. This statement came in response to recent criticisms from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who characterized Caricom as fractured and an ‘unreliable partner’ while indicating TT’s pursuit of partnerships beyond the region.

The Prime Minister had previously asserted that Caricom members had supported Venezuela against the United States in the latter’s anti-drug trafficking initiatives, specifically mentioning that Antiguans were ‘bad-mouthing’ the US, resulting in additional visa restrictions for that country.

In a counter-argument, Gaston Browne responded via Facebook on December 21, challenging the characterization of Caricom as unreliable. He highlighted that Caricom represents TT’s second-largest export market after the United States, with substantial economic benefits. ‘In 2024 alone,’ Browne noted, ‘TT earned more than US $1.1 billion in foreign exchange from trade with Caricom, comprising approximately US $784.7 million in domestic exports and US $501.3 million in re-exports to Caricom states.’

Khan supported this perspective, indicating that Caricom accounts for roughly ten percent of all global exports from Trinidad and Tobago and an even more significant portion of non-energy exports. Excluding petroleum and petroleum products, exports to Caricom reached over US$560 million in a recent benchmark year, representing approximately one quarter of all intra-regional exports—the largest share held by any member state.

For the domestic construction industry, this regional demand translates into critical employment opportunities for technicians, engineers, contractors, and professional consultants who would otherwise face limitations within the local market. Khan warned that any disruption to this relationship could result in hundreds of millions of US dollars in potential annual export losses, particularly affecting non-energy sectors that are still establishing themselves in extra-regional markets.

When questioned on December 22 about whether withdrawal from Caricom was under consideration by herself or the Cabinet, Persad-Bissessar stated, ‘Withdrawal from Caricom has not been discussed by Cabinet.’ She additionally expressed that she was not concerned about any economic impact resulting from the current Caricom divide.

A contentious US military radar installation at ANR Robinson International Airport has emerged as a central issue in Tobago’s upcoming January 12 House of Assembly elections. Minority Leader Kelvon Morris has pledged that his PNM party will remove the surveillance equipment if elected to power.

During a December 22 political rally in the Glamorgan/Belle Garden district, Morris declared: “We are going to move that radar as soon as the PNM becomes the next administration of Tobago.” The radar system, manufactured by American defense contractor Northrop Grumman, is a sophisticated G/ATOR system capable of detecting unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, and various artillery.

The installation has sparked significant controversy since Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar initially claimed on November 26 that US Marines were in Tobago to assist with road construction near the airport. She later acknowledged the radar’s true purpose in combating drug trafficking, explaining that secrecy was maintained for national security reasons.

Morris, who is contesting the Darrel Spring/Whim constituency, has sharply criticized Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s evolving stance on the matter. Augustine initially stated he received assurances from central government that the radar wouldn’t be used by the US to attack other nations, but later expressed that given the authority, he would neither install the radar nor permit US military access to the airport.

The PNM leader accused Augustine of compromising Tobago’s interests, suggesting he had “sold his voice for UNC financing” through various material incentives. Morris framed the radar issue as a matter of survival rather than partisan politics, warning residents that the installation could make Tobago a military target in potential conflicts between the US and nations like Venezuela.

He particularly condemned TPP member Certica Williams-Orr’s characterization of the radar as a “Christmas gift” to residents, countering that it represents instead a “gift of death” that jeopardizes Tobago’s security. The central government maintains authority over the installation as national security falls under the Sixth Schedule items beyond THA jurisdiction.

In a significant administrative decision, the Trinidad and Tobago government has officially prolonged the utilization of the nation’s current coat of arms through January 2, 2031. This extension emerges despite the parliamentary endorsement of a redesigned national emblem earlier this year that symbolically replaced colonial imagery with indigenous cultural elements.

The policy continuation was formally enacted via Legal Notice No. 468, issued by the Ministry of Homeland Security on December 18, 2025. This legal instrument invokes Section 5(2) of the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2025, which empowers the relevant minister to authorize extended usage of previous national symbols beyond initial deadlines.

The original legislative amendment, which took effect in early 2025, had established January 1, 2026 as the expiration date for the colonial-era emblem. The newly approved coat of arms—unanimously passed in the House of Representatives on January 13, 2025—features a golden steelpan and pansticks, replacing the controversial ships of Christopher Columbus that previously occupied the design.

This symbolic alteration was initiated by the former People’s National Movement (PNM) government as part of broader efforts to eliminate what officials described as “painful colonial vestiges” from the nation’s identity representation. The current decision to delay full implementation has provoked strong condemnation from PNM representatives, now serving in opposition roles, who view the extension as a setback in decolonization efforts.

The government has justified its determination by citing expediency considerations, though specific practical or administrative reasons for the six-year extension remain unspecified in the published legal notice.

In a major campaign launch for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections, PNM Tobago Council leader Ancil Dennis has positioned his party as the sole contender with a viable plan for the island’s sustainable development. Speaking at the Magdalena Grand Hotel on December 21, Dennis unveiled the ‘Big Bold Red Deal’ – a comprehensive strategy designed specifically for Tobago’s 60,000 residents through extensive community consultations.

The centerpiece of PNM’s proposal involves creating 7,000 new jobs within four years across multiple sectors. Dennis emphasized that this employment initiative would directly address the island’s concerning birthrate decline by enabling families to achieve financial stability. The plan specifically targets 2,000 construction jobs, 1,000 agricultural positions, and 500 roles in the creative industries, with a firm commitment to prioritizing local contractors and workers.

Dennis sharply criticized the current Tobago People’s Party (TPP) administration, accusing them of economic stagnation and sidelining local businesses. He promised a return to transparency and accountability, particularly regarding official foreign travel, vowing that any taxpayer-funded trips would exclusively focus on securing concrete investments for Tobago’s development.

Additional components of the PNM plan include a $50 million annual contribution to community infrastructure development, micro-loans of up to $1 million for first-time entrepreneurs, and substantial support for the agricultural sector. Parlatuvier/L’anse Fourmi/Speyside candidate Maxslon N Robert revealed ambitions to transform Tobago into a ‘mega farm’ through new fishing ports and financial support for farmers developing five-acre plots.

The party also committed to cultural revitalization, with Mason Hall/North Mariah candidate Kwesi Des Vignes promising to ‘involve every single community’ in developing Tobago’s rich cultural expressions. Contract workers would see improved job security under PNM governance, with contract terms extending from three to five years according to Scarborough/Mt Grace candidate Petal Benoit.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John has characterized the nation’s road infrastructure as a comprehensive ‘mess’ requiring urgent attention. In a December 22 telephone interview with Newsday, Minister John emphasized her ministry’s non-partisan methodology in addressing pervasive pothole problems affecting communities across the dual-island nation.

The minister’s assessment follows controversial remarks from Phillip Alexander, Minister in the Ministry of Housing, who criticized residents of Westmoorings North for their complaints about road conditions. In a widely circulated Facebook video, Alexander asserted that constituents had effectively ‘voted for potholes’ by supporting incumbent MP Hans Des Vignes in recent elections, suggesting they should consequently endure the infrastructure deficiencies.

Minister John maintained she was unaware of Alexander’s comments, noting ‘He is free to say whatever he wants. We’re free to speak, just as you’re free to speak. We’ve a democracy: we are all free to run our mouths.’ This reference to democratic principles echoes previous disciplinary actions involving Alexander, who was previously instructed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to ‘stay in his lane’ following diplomatic controversies.

Despite the political friction, John confirmed her ministry is implementing a systematic approach to national infrastructure rehabilitation. ‘We have started to clean up some of the mess along highways and in communities,’ she stated, adding that no geographic area receives preferential treatment regarding repair prioritization.

Looking forward, Minister John revealed concrete plans for infrastructure revitalization, announcing that January 22 will mark the rollout of a comprehensive rehabilitation process in collaboration with Udecott (Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago). This initiative forms part of the United National Congress government’s broader strategy to address infrastructure deficits following their recent electoral victory.

Beyond her ministerial responsibilities, John shared personal insights into her Christmas traditions, describing a quiet, family-oriented celebration centered around culinary customs including fresh bread, ham, and black cake. She particularly emphasized the significance of spending Christmas Eve with her mother in the kitchen, characterizing these moments as deeply treasured annual occurrences.

Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape is embroiled in a heated controversy surrounding the undisclosed establishment of US military infrastructure on sovereign soil. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has launched scathing criticisms against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, accusing her of exhibiting dictatorial tendencies through evasive responses regarding American military presence in Tobago.

The core of the dispute centers on a sophisticated G/ATOR radar system developed by Northrop Grumman, a prominent US defense contractor specializing in advanced military technology including stealth aircraft and unmanned drones. This multi-role detection system, capable of identifying aerial threats from missiles to drones, became operational at the ANR Robinson International Airport in November alongside supporting US Marine facilities.

Beckles, who also serves as Political Leader of the People’s National Movement, condemned the Prime Minister’s dismissive attitude toward legitimate public inquiries. During a December 21 press engagement, Persad-Bissessar exhibited visible irritation when questioned about the military infrastructure, characterizing these national security concerns as ‘nonsense’ and a waste of her time.

The Opposition Leader highlighted concerning inconsistencies in the government’s narrative, noting that Tobagonian leadership including Chief Secretary Farley Augustine maintained no prior knowledge or consultation regarding the military installation. This lack of transparency extends to the National Security Council, where key regional representatives claim exclusion from critical decision-making processes.

Beckles, drawing from her diplomatic experience as Trinidad’s former UN ambassador, emphasized the fundamental principles of international law and CARICOM solidarity that previous administrations had consistently upheld. She expressed grave concerns about the Prime Minister’s simultaneous defense of US military actions while criticizing regional partners for questioning these developments.

The escalating confrontation underscores deeper tensions regarding national sovereignty, governmental accountability, and the proper channels for democratic oversight. Beckles reiterated that no elected leader stands above public scrutiny, emphasizing that transparency remains non-negotiable when concerning matters of national security and international military cooperation.