Michael ‘Mikey’ Pilgrim, former interim Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and deputy political leader of the now-defunct Progressive Labour Party (PLP), shared his insights on the upcoming general elections in an interview with St. Lucia Times. Pilgrim, who served as interim prime minister from January to May 1982, emphasized that it is too early to predict the election outcome, stating, ‘At the moment, I think it is too early for me to make a call as to who will win the elections.’ He clarified that his remarks on November 4 were purely personal opinions. Pilgrim anticipates a fiercely contested election, noting that while the Labour Party gained momentum in the previous election, the current political landscape appears more settled. He advised voters to carefully consider which party is best suited to lead the nation in the coming years. Pilgrim also highlighted the evolving nature of political campaigns, contrasting the traditional community meetings of the 1980s with today’s reliance on social media. He observed that many young people now follow campaigns online, partly due to safety concerns and increased sophistication among voters. Pilgrim called for more substantive discussions during public engagements, urging politicians to focus on issues rather than personal attacks. He stressed the importance of presenting evidence-based facts and preparing thoroughly for public appearances to minimize mistakes. Pilgrim concluded by advocating for clean, fact-driven elections that prioritize the nation’s welfare over political theatrics.
分类： politics
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Antigua’s Gaston Browne reiterates call for Caribbean to be a zone of peace
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a fervent call for the Caribbean to remain a ‘zone of peace,’ expressing deep concerns over the United States’ escalating military presence in the region. Speaking at the launch of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference (CHOGM), set for November 1-4, 2024, Browne warned that any conflict arising from this build-up would disproportionately affect small island states, particularly those in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). He highlighted the region’s vulnerability, noting that even basic necessities like fruits are imported from North America. Browne drew parallels to the economic fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war, which caused prices in the Caribbean to surge by up to 10%, and cautioned that military action in the hemisphere would have far more severe consequences. He urged Caribbean nations to unite against any form of military intervention, emphasizing that the region should not be drawn into geopolitical disputes. Browne also condemned recent US airstrikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels in international waters, which have been criticized by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, for lacking evidence. The Prime Minister called for global peace, justice, and unity, reminding the world that humanity shares a common ancestry and that undermining any nation undermines all of humanity.
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Boodoosingh legally appointed as CJ
The recent appointment of Justice of Appeal Ronnie Boodoosingh as Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago has sparked significant political controversy. Acting President Wade Mark’s decision to appoint Boodoosingh has been criticized by government detractors, who argue that the process lacked proper constitutional consultation. While there is no dispute over Boodoosingh’s qualifications, the opposition claims that the swift nature of the appointment violated constitutional norms. The controversy stems from the sudden retirement of former Chief Justice Ivor Archie on October 22, 2025, which necessitated an immediate replacement. Mark, acting under Section 102 of the Constitution, consulted with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles. While the Prime Minister expressed no preference, Beckles argued that insufficient time was provided for meaningful consultation. Despite these objections, Mark proceeded with Boodoosingh’s swearing-in. Critics argue that the process undermines the constitutional mandate of the political directorate and the Cabinet. However, supporters of the appointment emphasize that the President retains the sole constitutional prerogative to appoint the Chief Justice, in line with the principle of the separation of powers. The debate raises broader questions about the balance of power and the role of consultation in judicial appointments. Legal experts suggest that any challenge to the legitimacy of the consultation process should be addressed through the courts. Israel B Rajah-Khan SC, president of the Criminal Bar Association, has highlighted the need for transparency and fairness in such appointments to uphold public trust in the judiciary.
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‘I can also make it’: Pride in Uganda over Mamdani win in New York mayor race
KAMPALA, Uganda — The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim mayor has sparked a mix of pride, inspiration, and introspection among Ugandans. Mamdani, a 34-year-old leftist politician of Ugandan-Indian descent, made history on Tuesday by becoming the youngest mayor of the United States’ largest city in over a century. Born in Uganda and raised in the U.S. since the age of seven, his victory has resonated deeply in his birth country, particularly at Makerere University in Kampala, where his father once served as a senior academic.
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FNM candidate for West GB and Bimini says proposed boundary change would make little difference at polls
The proposed division of the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency has ignited a heated debate, with Free National Movement candidate Omar Isaacs asserting that the boundary changes will have minimal impact on voter sentiment. Isaacs argues that years of government neglect, unfulfilled promises, and stalled infrastructure projects have left residents deeply disillusioned. He cited unfinished developments, poor road conditions, and inadequate investments in education and healthcare as key issues eroding public confidence in the Davis administration. Isaacs emphasized that promises such as a new dock and police station in West End remain unaddressed, leaving many residents in limbo. While he expressed willingness to support the split if it aligns with residents’ wishes, he questioned the fairness of allocating equal constituency allowances to areas with vastly different population sizes. Several residents, including Bimini’s Lorrick Roberts and West Grand Bahama’s James Vega, voiced support for the division, arguing that Bimini has long been overshadowed and deserves its own representation. They suggested pairing Bimini with the Berry Islands to achieve a fairer balance. Isaacs also criticized the current MP for failing to account for the existing constituency allowance, despite repeated requests. The debate highlights broader concerns about governance, representation, and resource allocation in the region.
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Jamaican-born Earle-Sears fails in bid to become Virginia governor
In a historic election that marked a significant political shift in Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger emerged victorious, becoming the state’s first female governor. Her triumph over Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has been widely interpreted as voters’ first major verdict on Trump’s potential return to office. Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term congresswoman, secured a comfortable win, as polls had consistently shown her leading by seven to 12 points throughout the campaign. Her victory speech emphasized her commitment to lowering costs, enhancing community safety, and strengthening Virginia’s economy. Spanberger also positioned herself as a defender of federal workers, vowing to oppose Trump’s aggressive federal downsizing policies. Earle-Sears, a Marine veteran and the first black Republican woman elected to the Virginia House in 2002, ran a campaign focused on conservative issues such as transgender athletes and abortion. Despite her trailblazing career, she was unable to overcome Spanberger’s momentum. The election results underscore a potential shift in Virginia’s political landscape, with Spanberger’s win signaling a rejection of Trump-aligned candidates.
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PNP’s Dwayne Vaz accuses former MP George Wright of hijacking hurricane relief supplies
In a heated session of the House of Representatives, Dwayne Vaz, the People’s National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central, accused his predecessor, George Wright of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), of hijacking a shipment of hurricane relief supplies intended for the constituency. The supplies were dispatched in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28. Vaz described the incident as a blatant case of ‘political victimisation,’ alleging that Wright and his team diverted the aid from its intended recipients. The controversy unfolded on Tuesday, following Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s two-hour address detailing the preliminary damage estimates from the hurricane. Vaz claimed that despite assurances from the government to avoid politicized relief distribution, chaos ensued when Wright allegedly commandeered the supplies. Vaz recounted that Wright’s team arrived with trucks and loaded the relief materials, leaving the intended beneficiaries empty-handed. He emphasized the need for improved coordination and security during future relief operations, suggesting that the current MP should oversee distribution to ensure fairness. Vaz expressed concern over the public’s perception of the incident, noting that it left a ‘bitter taste’ among citizens who questioned the integrity of the relief process. He called for transparency and accountability to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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Gonzales: Is PM fit to lead National Security Council?
Marvin Gonzales, the Opposition Chief Whip and MP for Arouca/Lopinot, has publicly criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Defense Minister Wayne Sturge for their perceived inaction during a period of heightened public anxiety on October 31. The concerns arose following reports of a potential US military strike in the region, which sparked widespread panic, traffic disruptions, and panic-buying among citizens. Gonzales addressed these issues during a briefing at the Opposition Leader’s office in Port of Spain on November 4. He accused the Prime Minister of providing an inadequate response by merely urging the public to remain calm without addressing the underlying fears. Gonzales highlighted the chaos of that day, including the early dismissal of workers and the heightened alert status of local military and police forces. He also revealed that the opposition had attempted to seek clarification from Sturge through parliamentary procedures, but the Defense Minister declined to respond, citing national interest. Gonzales further questioned the Prime Minister’s leadership, noting her apparent lack of awareness regarding the heightened state of security forces upon her arrival at the Red House. He called for the resignation of both Persad-Bissessar and Sturge, accusing them of failing to manage the crisis effectively. Gonzales also scrutinized the Prime Minister’s recent meeting with newly appointed defense officials, questioning why she did not seek updates on the security situation during these interactions. He urged the Prime Minister to clarify her ability to lead the National Security Council and demanded transparency regarding the status of Southcom’s operations in the Caribbean. Additionally, Gonzales raised concerns about the non-functioning of the state of emergency tribunal and the ongoing hunger strike by detainees at the Eastern Correctional Facility, attributing these issues to the alleged negligence of Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander.
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PM gives Tobago more financial control: Make your own money
In a landmark move to bolster Tobago’s financial independence, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar presented an export licence to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on November 4. The licence, granted to Studley Park Enterprises Ltd, aims to enable the island to market its aggregate regionally and generate much-needed foreign exchange. The announcement was made during a special sitting of the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough, attended by key Cabinet members and THA officials. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing Tobago’s long-standing quest for greater autonomy and economic self-sufficiency. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of Tobago and Trinidad coexisting as equal partners, pledging her government’s commitment to fostering development and fairness. She also unveiled plans to transition from population-based budgeting to project-based budgeting, ensuring larger allocations for Tobago’s strategic development projects. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the revival of the Riseland housing project in Carnbee, which had been previously halted. Persad-Bissessar’s visit to Tobago, her first since the UNC-led coalition’s election victory in April, was met with enthusiasm and optimism, signaling a new era of collaboration and progress for the twin-island nation.
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Kamla urges fisherfolk to stay in Trinidad and Tobago waters
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has issued a stern warning to Trinidad and Tobago (TT) fishermen, urging them to remain within the nation’s maritime boundaries following US missile strikes targeting drug-trafficking vessels in the Southern Caribbean. Since September 2, the US has reportedly killed at least 60 individuals in such operations across the Caribbean Sea and Pacific, raising concerns among local fishermen about venturing far out to sea. President Donald Trump has also acknowledged the fear gripping the fishing community in the wake of these bombings. Speaking to the media after a special sitting at the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough on November 4, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that TT is not a target of these operations, stating, ‘Stay in TT waters and you will be safe.’ She clarified that the US actions are aimed at narco-traffickers, gun-runners, and human traffickers, not the nation’s fishermen. The Prime Minister also dismissed claims that tourism is being affected, citing the recent Tobago carnival, which attracted thousands of visitors. She highlighted the increasing prices of illegal drugs in Trinidad as evidence of the effectiveness of anti-drug efforts. Addressing rumors of TT’s potential withdrawal from Caricom, Persad-Bissessar reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the regional bloc while advocating for broader international partnerships. She stressed the need for TT to attract global investors to foster economic growth, noting that the country remains the only Caricom member with investment-grade ratings. Despite criticism from other Caricom states over TT’s support for US military actions, Persad-Bissessar maintained that peace is unattainable without addressing drug trafficking.