Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean, PNM Tobago leader Ancil Dennis has called on Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley to engage in dialogue with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, urging for “cool heads” to prevail. Dennis likened the current conflict involving the US, Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago to a game of all-fours, cautioning that while Persad-Bissessar may feel empowered, the situation remains unpredictable. His appeal follows Venezuela’s accusation that Trinidad and Tobago is collaborating with the CIA, a claim that arose after the USS Gravely, a US warship, arrived in Trinidad for a five-day military exercise with the TT Defence Force. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the visit, stating it aims to combat transnational crime and enhance security cooperation. Dennis emphasized the Caribbean’s historical commitment to peace, rooted in its struggles against colonization and its dedication to sovereignty and non-interference. He highlighted the region’s preference for cultural and sporting rivalries over militarized conflicts, warning against the dangers of being drawn into external wars. Dennis urged Mottley to remind Persad-Bissessar of the Caribbean’s values, advocating for diplomacy and creative solutions to regional challenges. He concluded with a call for unity, stressing that the Caribbean’s strength lies in its ability to prioritize peace over conflict.
分类： politics
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Venezuela: Trinidad and Tobago helping US start a war — Warship worries
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Venezuela has issued a scathing statement condemning the joint military exercise between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago (TT) as a ‘hostile provocation’ and a ‘serious threat to Caribbean peace.’ The statement, released on October 26, came hours after the US naval warship USS Gravely docked at Port of Spain, sparking accusations of military aggression from Caracas. Venezuela claims the exercise, scheduled from October 26 to 30, is part of a broader US strategy to ignite conflict in the region. The Venezuelan government also alleged that the US is planning a ‘false flag attack’ to justify military intervention, drawing parallels to historical incidents like the Battleship Maine explosion in 1898 and the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused the US of using disinformation and manipulation to pave the way for war, while also criticizing TT Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for allegedly surrendering TT’s sovereignty to US interests. The statement further referenced recent US military actions in the Caribbean, including the alleged killing of 49 drug traffickers and the deaths of TT citizens Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo in a missile strike. Despite Venezuela’s vehement opposition, TT’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the USS Gravely’s visit, emphasizing its focus on combating transnational crime and enhancing regional security. Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers welcomed the warship’s presence, highlighting the long-standing partnership between TT and the US. Meanwhile, opposition leader Dr. Amery Browne criticized the government for escalating tensions with Venezuela, calling the situation ‘completely unnecessary’ and urging a return to diplomatic prudence.
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Kamla: We don’t need Venezuelan gas
In the wake of Venezuela’s announcement to suspend all gas agreements with Trinidad and Tobago (TT), Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has firmly stated that TT does not rely on Venezuelan gas and never has. Speaking to Newsday via WhatsApp, she emphasized that TT’s economic growth strategy is diversified across both energy and non-energy sectors, ensuring resilience against external pressures. Persad-Bissessar criticized the previous administration for over-reliance on the Dragon gas project, asserting that her government has avoided such vulnerabilities. She maintained that TT remains committed to peaceful relations with Venezuela, dismissing claims of tensions between the two nations. This statement follows Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez’s televised declaration to sever energy ties, citing TT’s alleged complicity with U.S. military actions in the Caribbean. Earlier, Persad-Bissessar led a TT delegation to Washington, securing an OFAC license for the Dragon gas deal, and expressed readiness to lead negotiations in Venezuela if necessary. Attorney General John Jeremie confirmed the license was officially granted on October 8.
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PM: By-election is not a test of my leadership
Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has emphasized that the upcoming Golden Isles by-election is not a referendum on his leadership but an opportunity to reaffirm his government’s achievements since taking office. Speaking during a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) canvassing event on Saturday, Davis dismissed concerns that the by-election would serve as a test of his administration. Instead, he framed it as a crucial step to continue the progress initiated by the late PLP MP Vaughn Miller, whose death triggered the by-election. Davis highlighted the importance of securing the seat to maintain momentum in areas such as economic recovery, social programs, and small business support. The PLP’s candidate, Darron Pickstock, a lawyer and Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation executive, has pledged to rebuild community trust and ensure that economic and social progress benefits all residents. Meanwhile, the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Coalition of Independents (COI) have also intensified their campaigns. FNM candidate Brian Brown, a community advocate, has focused on restoring trust in government, improving infrastructure, and addressing the cost of living. COI candidate Brian Rolle has called for a ‘new political direction,’ emphasizing accountability and people-centered governance. With less than a month remaining, the by-election is seen as a critical measure of public confidence as the Davis administration nears the end of its term.
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Cameroon’s veteran leader Paul Biya wins controversial eighth term
YAOUNDE, Cameroon—Paul Biya, the 92-year-old leader of Cameroon, has extended his 43-year presidency by winning an eighth term in office. The Constitutional Council declared on Monday that Biya secured 53.7% of the vote, outpacing his closest rival, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who garnered 35.2%. Biya’s campaign was notably subdued, with minimal public appearances, earning him the nickname ‘the sphinx’ for his secretive nature. Instead of traditional campaigning, Biya relied heavily on social media, including a campaign launch video on September 27 that critics claim used AI-generated imagery. His X account featured recycled photos and quotes, with his sole in-person appearance occurring late in the campaign in Maroua, a region traditionally loyal to him. Biya, who assumed power in 1982 during the Reagan era, has maintained a firm grip on Cameroon, appointing and dismissing officials at will and suppressing opposition. Despite international criticism and rumors of declining health, Biya has weathered social unrest, economic inequality, and separatist violence. Since 2018, when opposition parties alleged election fraud, Biya has limited his public engagements to pre-recorded speeches and family events with his wife, Chantal, and their three children.
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LETTER: The Conflict of Interest Surrounding an Independent Senator’s Political Candidacy
A recent controversy has emerged surrounding the political candidacy of an independent senator, sparking debates over potential conflicts of interest. The senator, who has long championed transparency and ethical governance, now faces scrutiny for simultaneously holding a legislative role while running for a higher political office. Critics argue that this dual position could compromise impartiality, as legislative decisions might be influenced by campaign ambitions. Supporters, however, contend that the senator’s independence and track record of integrity mitigate such concerns. The situation has reignited discussions about the need for clearer ethical guidelines in political candidacies, particularly for those in non-partisan roles. As the election approaches, the senator’s ability to navigate this ethical minefield will likely become a focal point of public discourse.
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COMMENTRY: Beyond Ambition—The Price of an ‘Independent’ Seat and the Need for True Public Service
The recent revelation that an Independent Senator in Antigua and Barbuda is seeking nomination to contest a seat for the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in St. Phillip’s South has sparked a heated debate about the integrity of public service appointments. While personal ambition is not inherently problematic, the blurring of lines between impartial roles and partisan politics raises significant concerns about the credibility of governance.
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US axes website for reporting human rights abuses by US-armed foreign forces
The US State Department has recently taken down an online portal designed to report alleged human rights violations by foreign military units equipped with American weapons. Known as the Human Rights Reporting Gateway (HRG), this platform served as a formal “tip line” for the US government, offering the only publicly accessible channel for organizations or individuals to directly inform authorities of potential serious abuses by US-armed foreign forces. The removal of this portal has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and a senior congressional aide who played a key role in drafting the legislation that mandated its creation. Despite the backlash, the State Department maintains that it continues to comply with the law. The HRG was established in 2022 under pressure to enforce updated provisions of the Leahy Law, named after former US Senator Patrick Leahy. This law requires the government to facilitate the receipt of information regarding alleged gross human rights violations by military units supported by Washington. Tim Rieser, a former senior aide to Senator Leahy who authored the 2011 amendment mandating such information gathering, expressed concern to the BBC, stating that the gateway’s removal indicates the State Department is “clearly ignoring the law.” Rieser warned that this move could lead to the US supporting foreign security forces involved in heinous crimes without accountability, thereby reducing the incentive for foreign governments to bring perpetrators to justice. In response, the State Department emphasized its ongoing efforts to receive reports of gross human rights violations and its engagement with credible organizations on a wide range of human rights issues, asserting that it remains committed to fulfilling its legal obligations.
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Somohardjo vraagt spoedoverleg met Rekenkamer en GBB over gronduitgifte
Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in Suriname’s National Assembly, has called for an emergency meeting with the Court of Audit and the Ministry of Land Policy following a damning report on land allocations in 2023. The report, which Somohardjo described as containing \”a stark and undeniable conclusion,\” reveals that land distributions were conducted unlawfully, leaving the public as victims of improper governance.
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Suriname en Venezuela verkennen verdieping landbouw, energie en visserij
On Friday, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname welcomed Venezuelan Ambassador Ayerim Flores Rivas for an introductory and exploratory meeting at the Cabinet of the President. The discussions reaffirmed the longstanding friendly relations between the two nations and explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation. Key areas of focus included agriculture, fisheries, oil and gas, with additional interest in cultural and health-related exchanges. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, who attended the meeting, emphasized Venezuela’s role as a significant economic partner. ‘We discussed the involvement of Venezuelan companies in Suriname’s fish processing and export sectors,’ Bouva stated. He also highlighted the strategic importance of the oil and gas industry, noting Venezuela’s valuable expertise in this domain. Bouva reiterated Suriname’s commitment to maintaining South America as a zone of peace, grounded in dialogue and mutual respect. The Communications Service of Suriname reported that the country will continue to advocate for regional stability. Ambassador Flores Rivas described the meeting as constructive and underscored the historical ties between the two nations. ‘Our relationship spans over fifty years. We see tremendous opportunities for collaboration, especially as Suriname develops its energy economy,’ the diplomat remarked.