分类： politics

In a recent televised statement on Crimewatch, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed her dissatisfaction with Caricom, accusing the regional body of favoring Venezuela over TT. Her remarks came shortly after Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced that Venezuela would cease energy collaboration with TT, citing alleged aggression due to the presence of a US anti-narcotics fleet in the region. Persad-Bissessar dismissed these claims, asserting that TT does not rely on Venezuelan gas and has diversified its economy through energy and non-energy projects. She also emphasized that TT would not be used as a US military base, despite ongoing joint training exercises with the US aimed at enhancing internal security. The Prime Minister further criticized Caricom for its perceived unreliability, particularly in addressing TT’s challenges with drug trafficking, gang violence, and human trafficking. She also announced plans to extend the state of emergency (SoE) initially declared in July, citing a significant reduction in the murder rate. Meanwhile, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley condemned US military actions in the region, labeling them as extra-judicial killings and calling for adherence to international law. Persad-Bissessar concluded by offering support to TT students in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa and mobilizing aid for the island nation.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has announced plans to extend the country’s state of emergency (SoE), citing recommendations from the Commissioner of Police. The announcement was made during an interview on the prime-time TV programme *Crime Watch* hosted by Ian Alleyne on October 27. The current SoE, initially declared on July 18 and extended on July 28, was set to expire on October 28. A parliamentary motion to extend it further has been scheduled for debate on October 31, requiring a three-fifths majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The SoE grants law enforcement expanded powers, including the authority to arrest suspects without bail and conduct searches of public and private premises. Additionally, several prisoners have been relocated from the Maximum Security Prison to military bases. The extension comes amid heightened regional tensions, particularly between the United States and Venezuela, though the Prime Minister denied any direct connection to these geopolitical issues. Separately, an unverified document circulating on social media suggests a new policy to detain illegal immigrants at the Immigration Detention Centre in Aripo as part of a potential mass-deportation exercise. The authenticity of the document remains unconfirmed. The Prime Minister also reiterated that Trinidad and Tobago would not serve as a base for U.S. military operations in the region, despite the recent docking of the USS Gravely for training and humanitarian purposes.

Independent Senator Alicia Pauline Lalite-Ettienne has urged the government to be transparent with the public about the challenging times ahead, as she sharply criticized the 2026 budget for its contradictory measures. Speaking during her first contribution to the Senate budget debate on October 27, Lalite-Ettienne likened the budget to a Christmas tree adorned with glitter, yet warned that not all that glitters is gold. She acknowledged that the budget’s optimistic language might provide hope to a population in need, but emphasized that many of its policies would ultimately burden citizens by raising the cost of living. Lalite-Ettienne highlighted specific measures, such as a $1 reduction in the price of super gasoline, which she dismissed as a distraction from broader tax increases. She pointed to new levies on banks, insurance companies, and electricity, as well as increased fees and excise duties, which she argued would reduce disposable income for citizens. The senator also criticized the government’s abrupt termination of contracts under the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Cepep) and the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), calling for transitional measures to support affected workers. She stressed that while the government promised full-time employment as a replacement, immediate action was needed to prevent hardship. Lalite-Ettienne concluded by urging the government to be upfront about the economic challenges ahead, rather than masking them with superficial benefits.

The USS Gravely, a US naval warship, has docked at the Port of Port of Spain for a five-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago (TT), concluding on October 30. This visit is part of joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), aimed at enhancing tactical readiness, operational efficiency, and maintaining international standards of excellence. However, the Opposition has raised concerns, labeling the visit as a threat to national sovereignty and security. In a letter to the editor, Leisha S. Dhoray strongly condemns the Opposition’s stance, describing it as misguided, irresponsible, and unpatriotic. Dhoray argues that the Opposition’s reaction is based on fear-mongering and misinformation, with no evidence to support their claims. She highlights the positive outcomes of previous US-TT defense collaborations, such as the Tradewinds 2025 exercise and the USNS Comfort’s medical mission, which brought free healthcare to hundreds of citizens. Dhoray emphasizes that the USS Gravely’s visit is a continuation of constructive defense cooperation, aimed at advancing regional security, strengthening defense partnerships, and building mutual trust. She calls on the Opposition to support initiatives that strengthen national security and global partnerships, rather than engaging in reckless political grandstanding.