The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has escalated its operational readiness to the highest level, known as State One Alert, following an abrupt directive for all military personnel to report to their respective bases by early evening on October 31. This unprecedented move was prompted by heightened regional instability, particularly reports of a potential US military strike against targets in neighboring Venezuela. Senior intelligence and military sources confirmed that an urgent circular was issued mid-morning, mandating all active soldiers, sailors, and air guard officers to return to duty. An internal message emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This is not a drill,’ and advising personnel to prepare for confinement. Even those on leave were instructed to remain on standby. Troops were directed to report to four main bases: Cumuto, La Romaine, Chaguaramas, and Long Circular. State One Alert signifies the military’s maximum readiness, poised for immediate deployment to safeguard national assets and borders. High-level officials described the measure as precautionary, aimed at addressing potential regional or national disturbances stemming from the escalating US-Venezuela crisis. International media reports suggest the US is intensifying its campaign against the Maduro government, including possible military action. Despite the mobilization, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs urged calm, denying any changes to national security arrangements and attributing public anxiety to ‘false news reports.’ Defence Minister Wayne Sturge refrained from confirming the orders in Parliament, citing public interest concerns. However, these assurances have failed to alleviate widespread unease, with schools and businesses closing early across parts of Trinidad. The TTDF remains on State One Alert, with troops confined to installations awaiting further instructions.
分类： politics
-
Politic : Laurent Saint-Cyr in Doha, Qatar
Laurent Saint-Cyr, the President pro tempore and Coordinator of Haiti’s Transition Council, embarked on a crucial diplomatic mission to Doha, Qatar, on October 31, 2025. His participation in the Second World Summit on Social Development marks a pivotal moment for Haiti, which is grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa. Saint-Cyr emphasized that this visit is far from symbolic, stating, ‘We will continue our work on the ground, alongside our diplomatic efforts, to ensure that resolving the Haitian crisis remains a top priority among all major global emergencies.’ The summit, attended by heads of state, government leaders, and international organizations, provides Haiti with a unique platform to secure financial and technical assistance, strengthen security, and lay the groundwork for free and credible elections. During his stay, Saint-Cyr will also engage with Qatari authorities to further discussions initiated at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, aiming to mobilize essential resources and partnerships. Back in Haiti, the Transition Council and the government remain actively engaged in coordinating relief efforts and providing support to communities most affected by the hurricane.
-
Vader en zoon Mohamed op borgtocht vrij na Amerikaanse uitleveringsaanvraag
Guyanese businessmen Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed, the latter also a political leader of the opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), were released on bail on Friday following their arrest in connection with an extradition request from the United States. The two appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where they were each granted bail of 150,000 Guyanese dollars. The case has been adjourned until November 10, when the extradition proceedings will formally resume. The court imposed strict conditions on the defendants, requiring them to surrender their passports and report to the Ruimveldt Police Station every Friday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, starting November 7, 2025. Their defense team, comprising attorneys Siand Dhurjon, Nigel Hughes, and Roysdale Forde, argued that the arrest and extradition request were constitutionally flawed and beyond the jurisdiction of the Guyanese court. Dhurjon claimed that his clients were neither heard nor informed about the US charges beforehand. Forde dismissed the prosecution’s argument that the Mohameds were a flight risk, emphasizing Azruddin Mohamed’s deep-rooted interests in Guyana and his role as the presumptive opposition leader. The US charges, unveiled in early October by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida, include allegations of gold smuggling, tax evasion, money laundering, and fraud. The case revolves around an alleged gold export scheme worth approximately $50 million, with US authorities claiming that taxes and royalties were evaded on over 10,000 kilograms of gold. The Mohameds are also linked to a $5.3 million gold shipment seized in Miami. Their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, has been under US sanctions since June 2024 by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for alleged trade and money laundering practices. Both men remain in Guyana pending further developments in the extradition case.
-
FLASH : Electoral Decree Revealed, Diaspora and Women Voting Mandatory
On October 31, 2025, Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) released the 2025 Draft Electoral Decree, a comprehensive 103-page document featuring over 400 articles. The decree, which is now open for public consultation, mandates diaspora voting and ensures women’s participation in the electoral process through incentives for political parties. Political actors and civil society organizations are invited to collect printed copies of the document from the CEP offices in Pétion-ville and submit feedback by November 10, 2025. Key provisions include Article 6, which grants the CEP authority over electoral operations both domestically and in Haitian diaspora communities, and Article 140, which requires political parties to include at least one woman in their Senate candidate lists per department. Additionally, Article 138 mandates that 30% of National Assembly candidates must be women, with parties exceeding 50% receiving increased state funding. The decree also introduces discounted registration fees for women, candidates with disabilities, and those with advanced academic degrees. The draft decree will undergo revisions based on feedback before being published in the official gazette, ‘Le Moniteur.’
-
Independence Message from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the nation on the occasion of Dominica’s 47th Independence Day, reflecting on the country’s journey of progress and resilience. Despite challenges, Dominica has emerged as a proud and forward-looking nation. The Prime Minister highlighted significant achievements, including the development of an international airport, the establishment of a geothermal plant in Laudat, and the construction of climate-resilient homes. These initiatives symbolize the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. The Citizenship by Investment Programme has been instrumental in funding critical infrastructure, while the new Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority has enhanced regional cooperation and transparency. On October 1st, Dominica joined three other nations in implementing full free movement within the region, a milestone that strengthens Caribbean unity. Prime Minister Skerrit urged the youth to seize opportunities and contribute to the nation’s development, while expressing gratitude to the diaspora for their unwavering support. Drawing inspiration from scripture, he called for renewed unity and faith, emphasizing that Dominica’s potential is limitless when its people work together. The Prime Minister concluded with a prayer for God’s blessings on the nation and its citizens, wishing everyone a Happy Independence Day.
-
Azruddin, Nazar Mohamed granted bail in US extradition case, despite claims of Venezuelan, Middle East connections
Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed were granted bail on Friday, October 31, 2025, despite a U.S. extradition request accusing them of wire fraud, money laundering, and gold smuggling. The duo, arrested earlier that day, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in Georgetown, Guyana. The U.S. government, represented by lawyer Terrence Williams via Zoom, opposed bail, citing allegations of an ‘international criminal enterprise’ with connections to Venezuela and the Middle East. Williams claimed the Mohameds could flee to Venezuela, where they allegedly have property and ties to high-ranking officials. However, defense lawyers Nigel Hughes and Siand Dhurjon argued that these allegations were baseless and unsubstantiated. Magistrate Latchman granted each defendant GY$150,000 bail, requiring them to surrender their passports and report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station. The case is set to continue on November 10, 2025, to determine if sufficient evidence exists for extradition. Outside the courtroom, Azruddin Mohamed denied all charges, accusing the Guyana government of colluding with the U.S. to prevent him from assuming his role as Opposition Leader. The defense team also raised constitutional concerns, hinting at potential appeals to the Constitutional Court.
-
ABDF Clarifies Reports of Foreign Military Presence in Antigua
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has issued a public statement to clarify the presence of foreign military personnel on the island. The ABDF confirmed that there is no verified or authorized activity by American soldiers in St. John’s or any other part of Antigua and Barbuda. This announcement comes in response to circulating rumors and unverified reports regarding foreign military operations on the island.
In contrast, the ABDF acknowledged the presence of Canadian military personnel, emphasizing their role in collaborative planning and preparatory exercises for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which Antigua and Barbuda will host. This partnership is part of a broader cooperation framework between the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Canada, designed to enhance local readiness, coordination, and security measures for the upcoming high-profile event.
The ABDF reiterated its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to ensure the safety, security, and seamless execution of CHOGM 2026. The public was urged to rely on official ABDF communication channels for accurate information and to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.
-
T&T Enters State One Alert Level as PM Calls for Calm
Trinidad and Tobago has escalated its national security measures by declaring a State One Alert, the highest level of military readiness. Effective immediately, all members of the Defence Force and Coast Guard have been ordered to report to their respective bases by 6 p.m. today. A directive issued to personnel emphasized, “This is not a drill,” and instructed all ranks to prepare for potential confinement. The State One Alert mandates full operational readiness, requiring soldiers to return to key military installations, with even those on leave placed on standby. Concurrently, the police force has implemented similar measures, restricting officer leave until further notice. The sudden mobilization has sparked widespread speculation about potential unrest or external threats. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has urged calm, stating that she has no information regarding imminent regional strikes or the specific reasons behind the alert. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge echoed this reassurance, asserting that the country faces no immediate threats. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed public anxiety to misinformation, clarifying that the United States is currently engaged in disaster recovery efforts in Jamaica rather than military operations. Despite official reassurances, the move has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who view it as an overreach of government authority.
-
Trinidad gov’t urges ‘calm’ amid reports of US military action
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has moved to quell rising public anxiety sparked by unverified reports suggesting an imminent shift in the national and regional security landscape. In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs clarified that the United States has dismissed claims of an impending military action in Venezuela, emphasizing that any policy announcements would come directly from President Donald Trump. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers is actively engaging with the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, and the government has assured citizens there is no cause for concern. The U.S. Southern Command is reportedly focused on aiding Jamaica’s disaster recovery efforts, not on military operations in the region. The Trinidad and Tobago government pledged to promptly inform the public of any developments that might affect the country’s security. This statement coincides with ongoing parliamentary debates over extending the state of emergency by three months. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to confirm whether the military had been placed on high alert, citing public interest concerns. Local media reports had earlier suggested that the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force was on heightened alert due to rumors of a potential U.S. military strike on Venezuela. An internal military message instructed all personnel to report to their bases by October 31, fueling widespread speculation. The U.S. has been increasing its military presence near Venezuela, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking, a claim Venezuela denies, accusing the U.S. of threatening regional peace. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto recently condemned the U.S. for its “illegal and immoral military threat” at the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, CARICOM leaders recently convened to discuss regional security concerns, though Trinidad and Tobago did not endorse the meeting’s conclusions.
-
Nieuwe RvC CASAS moet luchtvaarttoezicht versterken en blacklisting EU helpen opheffen
Suriname has taken a significant step toward revitalizing its aviation sector with the official installation of a new Board of Commissioners (RvC) for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname (CASAS). The board, inaugurated on Friday at the President’s Cabinet, is tasked with strengthening aviation oversight and restoring international safety standards. This move aims to help Suriname regain its standing on the global stage, particularly by addressing its placement on the EU blacklist and rebuilding trust with international aviation authorities.