分类： politics

Eloise Gonsalves, the wife of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, has firmly refuted allegations of corruption surrounding her family’s acquisition of properties at the Victoria Keyes housing development in Diego Martin, Trinidad. In a video shared on the Unity Labour Party (ULP) Facebook page on November 13, Eloise, who was born in Trinidad to Dominican parents, emphasized that her family received no preferential treatment in their dealings with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). She dismissed the claims made by Minister in the Ministry of Housing Anil Roberts on November 11 as ‘political malice,’ attributing them to the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) ahead of the November 25 general election. Eloise stated, ‘The political malice has started against my family. But if the NDP gets in, it ends with you and your family. They are attacking Grace Walters (a ULP candidate) viciously and now they’re lying about us.’ She explained that the property investment was a family decision following the destruction of her 90-year-old mother’s home during Hurricane Maria, with the aim of providing housing for her mother’s sons and grandchildren in Trinidad. Prime Minister Gonsalves echoed his wife’s sentiments during a November 12 broadcast on NBC Radio in St Vincent, labeling Roberts’ statements as ‘misrepresentations’ and ‘falsehoods.’ He accused Roberts of violating his family’s rights as Trinidadian citizens and engaging in ‘political mischief’ by disclosing private information. Gonsalves denied any misuse of political influence to secure advantages for his family.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has downplayed criticisms surrounding its decision to prohibit fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, describing the backlash as “a storm in a tea cup.” The decision, announced earlier this week by the Urban Development Corporation (Udecott), aims to address noise pollution concerns raised by residents. Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Barry Padarath, emphasized that the matter will be resolved through a combination of consultations and legislative action. Speaking at a certificate of comfort distribution ceremony in Chaguanas on November 13, Padarath referenced Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent social media statement highlighting the adverse effects of noise from fetes on local communities. He assured that the government is committed to harmonizing policy with legislation and engaging stakeholders to find viable alternatives. Padarath also noted that the ban would not significantly impact Carnival celebrations or the revenue of Udecott-managed venues. He cited the Hyatt Regency hotel and the Government Campus Plaza as examples of facilities outside residential areas that could host events without causing disturbances. Attorney General John Jeremie is currently reviewing existing Environmental Management Authority (EMA) laws to address noise pollution, which have not been updated in years. Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein highlighted the government’s recent ban on public fireworks displays during Independence Day, citing the need to protect vulnerable populations and animals. He revealed that new legislation on fireworks usage is in its final stages and will soon be presented to Parliament. Roger Marshall of the Fireworks Action Coalition of TT (FACTT) welcomed the government’s decisive approach, urging fete promoters and fireworks users to act responsibly and consider the broader community impact.

In a significant move to address land tenure issues, Minister of Legal Affairs and Agriculture Saddam Hosein accused the former PNM administration of politicizing the Land Settlement Agency (LSA), leading to delays in granting statutory leases to squatters. Hosein made these remarks during a ceremony at the Chaguanas Borough Corporation auditorium on November 13, where 103 eligible applicants received Certificates of Comfort (CoCs). These documents, issued under the State Land (Regularization of Tenure) Act, provide protection from eviction and recognize occupants as eligible for further steps toward legal land ownership. Hosein outlined a three-phase process, with the CoC being the first step, followed by a statutory lease, which allows a 30-year payment period for obtaining a deed of tenure. He emphasized that the current UNC government is committed to rectifying delays and ensuring the LSA serves society’s most vulnerable. Hosein also highlighted the creation of his ministry to expedite the issuance of statutory leases, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of inclusive care for all citizens.

The Opposition has launched an investigation into whether Minister Anil Roberts violated the Integrity in Public Life Act and the Data Protection Act by disclosing personal information about St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and his family. The revelation pertains to the purchase of three apartments at the upscale Victoria Keyes development in Diego Martin. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, speaking at a media conference on November 13, suggested that Roberts may have breached Section 28 of the Integrity in Public Life Act, which mandates confidentiality for sensitive information unless required by duty or justice. Beckles criticized Roberts for his ‘reckless’ behavior in publicly sharing financial and personal details of Prime Minister Gonsalves’ wife, Eloise, and their two younger children, Storm and Soleil. She emphasized that the purchase of the apartments was legal and available to anyone on the open market, dismissing any allegations of corruption. Beckles also condemned Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for supporting Roberts, accusing him of attempting to embarrass the SVG leader. Opposition Senators Amery Browne and Faris Al-Rawi echoed these sentiments, denouncing Roberts’ actions as a distraction from ongoing allegations surrounding the LifeSport Programme. Browne stressed that attacks on politicians’ families are unacceptable, while Al-Rawi highlighted the financial inaccessibility of the Diego Martin development for low and middle-income citizens due to changes made during the UNC’s tenure. The Vincentian PM’s wife has denied any preferential treatment in the acquisition of the apartments. An open house event for the Victoria Keyes development is scheduled for November 22, with apartments starting at $1 million.

Farley Augustine, the Chief Secretary and leader of the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), has announced that the party will unveil its complete roster of candidates for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections by next week. Augustine dissolved the THA on November 12 during a legislative session in Scarborough, paving the way for elections scheduled between January 12 and February 12, 2026. Speaking at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on November 13, Augustine expressed unwavering confidence in the TPP’s ability to retain its current 13 seats and potentially gain more. He emphasized the party’s focus on its achievements and a long-term development plan for Tobago, spanning from 2025 to 2040, aimed at fostering robust socio-economic growth. Augustine also highlighted the strategic use of an export license obtained by the THA on November 4, which will serve as collateral to upgrade equipment at Studley Park Ltd, thereby boosting production capacity. While Augustine refrained from specifying an exact election date, he assured that it would be announced in due course after consultations with the Prime Minister and the President. The TPP’s screening process for candidates is set to take place on November 16 at the Shaw Park Complex. Augustine dismissed the opposition PNM’s campaign slogan, recalling their previous electoral losses in 2013. The TPP’s campaign will focus on its vision for Tobago’s future, leveraging its track record and strategic initiatives to secure electoral success.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has issued a stern warning against the proliferation of fake news, particularly from international media outlets. Her remarks came in support of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who refuted a CNN report alleging that Britain had ceased sharing intelligence with the US on drug-trafficking vessels due to concerns over US military actions in the Caribbean. Rubio emphasized that no changes have occurred that would hinder Washington’s operational capabilities. Speaking after a Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, Rubio clarified that Britain had not raised any concerns directly with him. Persad-Bissessar, via her official social media account, criticized the irresponsible dissemination of false reports by both international and local media, which she claimed undermine efforts to combat narco-trafficking and organized crime. She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to partnering with the US to address the flow of drugs, guns, and human trafficking into Trinidad and Tobago, stressing that the Caribbean cannot be considered a zone of peace as long as powerful cartels continue to wreak havoc. Additionally, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the commencement of Operation Southern Spear in the southern Caribbean Sea, aimed at defending the homeland and eliminating narco-terrorists from the hemisphere.