Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Denoon explains TPP switch: I chose the people

    Denoon explains TPP switch: I chose the people

    In a dramatic political realignment, former PNM Tobago West constituency chairman Keigon Denoon has publicly explained his decision to join the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) as their candidate for Buccoo/Mt Pleasant. The 29-year-old community leader addressed a packed public meeting in Bon Accord/Crown Point on December 2, revealing the profound personal and philosophical considerations behind his party switch.

    Denoon, who serves as coordinator for the Youth Energised for Success (YES) programme, acknowledged the difficulty of his decision to oppose his former PNM political leader Ancil Dennis in the upcoming January 12 Tobago House of Assembly elections. ‘If anybody had told me years ago that I would have been standing on a TPP platform, I would have looked at them and say they’re crazy,’ Denoon confessed to the audience.

    The turning point came, he revealed, after a leaked voicenote of PNM members questioning his allegiance surfaced. Shortly thereafter, approximately thirty young supporters gathered at his gate, expressing excitement about his potential representation. One youth’s poignant question particularly resonated: ‘What is more important? Is a political party more important than the people that you claim to love and to serve?’

    Denoon described TPP political leader Farley Chavez Augustine as ‘one of the most strategic individuals I’ve met in a very long time,’ praising his combination of political acumen and spiritual grounding. The young candidate emphasized that his decision was ultimately about Tobago’s advancement rather than personal ambition. ‘I am not here for the applause; I am here to serve the people of Tobago,’ he declared.

    Drawing from his extensive background in community service—including his tenure as president of the Buccoo Village Council, Programme Administrator of the YES programme, director at the Lambeau Credit Union, and Caricom Youth Ambassador—Denoon positioned himself as a advocate for Tobago’s youth, particularly those who feel voiceless in the political process.

    With the January 12 elections approaching, Denoon framed the contest as a referendum on Tobago’s future direction, urging voters to support ‘an administration that tries and puts the people of Tobago first.’

  • Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith has firmly opposed Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s proposal to join Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Council (NSC), citing constitutional and procedural constraints. The controversy emerged following Augustine’s call for Tobago representation during a Tobago People’s Party rally on December 1st, specifically referencing the recent installation of a US military radar at Arthur NR International Airport.

    Griffith, who served as both national security minister and adviser during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s first administration, explained that Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary system strictly follows the British model regarding NSC composition. “The NSC is a cabinet committee,” Griffith emphasized. “To be a member, you must first be a member of cabinet, which requires being both a parliamentarian in the lower house and a government minister simultaneously.”

    The former police commissioner detailed that even junior ministers designated as “minister in the ministry of” cannot join cabinet meetings, making them ineligible for NSC participation. He noted that only select cabinet members typically join the security council, with the prime minister serving as permanent chair alongside automatic members like the attorney general and national security minister.

    Griffith addressed concerns about the radar installation by suggesting alternative participation methods: “If there’s a specific agenda item pertaining to Tobago’s security, the chief secretary could be invited as a guest for that particular discussion.” He warned that granting Augustine’s request would set a problematic precedent where every minister could demand NSC access based on portfolio-related security concerns.

    The political context remains complex, as no formal coalition exists between the ruling UNC and Augustine’s TPP, though two TPP MPs occupy government-aligned seats in parliament without holding ministerial positions.

  • Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has vehemently rejected allegations from former finance minister Colm Imbert regarding impending tax implementations. The controversy emerged as Parliament prepared to review the Finance Bill 2025 during its December 5 House session scheduled for 1:30 PM.

    Minister Tancoo characterized Imbert’s assertions as political theatrics, stating the bill’s circulation timeline complies entirely with parliamentary procedures that have been standard practice for over a decade. Through WhatsApp communications on December 3, Tancoo emphasized that finance bills routinely follow budget approvals to implement previously outlined policies.

    The minister accused the opposition of neglecting their parliamentary duties while he works extensively to address financial and administrative challenges inherited from the previous administration. Tancoo stressed the nation requires serious governance rather than complaints about legislative processes.

    Opposition MP Imbert had taken to social media platform X on December 5, claiming the government circulated a 44-page bill containing numerous new taxes including landlord taxes, electricity surcharges, a 20% National Insurance System rate increase, and enhanced fines alongside previously announced alcohol tax hikes.

    The 2025/2026 budget presented on October 13 projects $59.232 billion in expenditure against $55.367 billion revenue, creating a $3.865 billion deficit. This contrasts with the previous PNM government’s budget that showed a $5.517 billion deficit. Tancoo’s budget calculations assume oil at US$73.25/barrel and natural gas at US$4.25/mmbtu, slightly adjusted from last year’s energy price projections.

  • Padarath, Gonzales: Nothing unusual about joint parliamentary sittings

    Padarath, Gonzales: Nothing unusual about joint parliamentary sittings

    Senior parliamentary figures from both government and opposition have dismissed concerns about simultaneous legislative sessions scheduled for December 5th, characterizing the arrangement as routine procedure rather than extraordinary circumstance.

    Government Business Leader Barry Padarath and Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales separately affirmed that both chambers of Trinidad and Tobago’s parliament will convene concurrently within the Red House’s northern and southern chambers. This coordinated scheduling enables parallel consideration of two significant legislative measures requiring urgent attention.

    The Senate will resume deliberations on the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025, continuing debates initiated December 2nd. Attorney General John Jeremie, who inaugurated the discussions, will deliver concluding arguments before the legislation advances to committee review and ultimate voting. The proposed law demands a three-fifths supermajority for passage, necessitating 19 affirmative votes in the 31-member Senate. With the government controlling 15 seats, securing four additional votes from opposition and independent senators becomes crucial for enactment.

    Simultaneously, the House of Representatives will examine the Finance Bill, 2025—legislative machinery designed to implement budgetary policies recently approved by lawmakers.

    Padarath emphasized the architectural intentionality behind the Red House’s dual chambers, noting via WhatsApp message that ‘one of the main reasons there are two chambers is for occurrences like this.’ The Public Utilities Minister further asserted the government’s commitment to fulfilling legislative promises while taking a political jab at the opposition PNM party, accusing them of being ‘legislatively lazy.’

    Gonzales corroborated this perspective, referencing historical precedent for such parallel proceedings and stating simply: ‘Nothing unusual to me.’

  • Reyme: Staatsbezoek moet leiden tot helende samenwerking en perspectief samenleving

    Reyme: Staatsbezoek moet leiden tot helende samenwerking en perspectief samenleving

    In a landmark address during the extraordinary parliamentary session marking the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, A20 faction leader Steven Reyme articulated a compelling vision for transforming Suriname-Netherlands relations. The Monday session became a platform for Reyme to outline principles of mutual respect, equality, and future-oriented cooperation that should define bilateral ties.

    Reyme emphasized the symbolic significance of the royal visit occurring exactly fifty years after Suriname’s independence, noting the historical parallel between the former Queen and Prime Minister who witnessed independence and today’s female President and King. This chronological symmetry, he suggested, creates an ideal moment to inaugurate a new chapter in relations where historical acknowledgment progresses alongside societal development and perspective.

    The parliamentarian highlighted the crucial role of the Surinamese diaspora in the Netherlands, numbering over 360,000 individuals, whom he described as “living bridges between our nations.” Reyme praised their contributions to Dutch society while maintaining strong connections to Suriname, seeing this dual allegiance as embodying the strength of shared history, culture, and future aspirations.

    Addressing Suriname’s contemporary challenges, Reyme noted the nation stands at the threshold of significant transformations: youth demanding opportunities, an economy requiring diversification, and communities seeking stability and development. He expressed openness to cooperation facilitating knowledge transfer, trade, investments, education, security, sports, and culture—but emphasized this must occur “without dependency, through mutual respect.”

    The faction leader acknowledged and appreciated recent Dutch steps toward recognition and apologies, stating that “the path of healing cooperation, historical acknowledgment, and shared responsibility must continue to be pursued.” Reyme expressed hope that this state visit might initiate a new period of respectful collaboration focused on peace, development, justice, and mutual understanding between the two nations.

  • Hilaire reacts to win, calls Election Day “brutal”

    Hilaire reacts to win, calls Election Day “brutal”

    Dr. Ernest Hilaire, the reelected Member of Parliament for Castries South, characterized the recent election day as an exceptionally demanding experience, labeling it “brutal” following one of the most arduous campaigns of his political tenure. His remarks came as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) achieved a decisive return to governance, capturing 14 parliamentary seats. With two independent candidates openly pledging support to the incoming administration, political analysts are already interpreting the results as an effective 16-1 triumph.

    Addressing supporters shortly after his electoral success, Hilaire acknowledged the tremendous strain the election had placed on both himself and his campaign team. He attributed their victory to remarkable perseverance and shared commitment to their constituency’s development agenda. “I possess the most exceptional team, truly, because today proved extraordinarily difficult,” Hilaire stated. “They comprehend the transformative vision we champion for Castries South… Substantial work remains ahead of us.”

    While expressing profound gratitude toward his supporters, the parliamentarian did not refrain from critiquing his political opponent, Tommy Descartes of the United Workers Party (UWP). Hilaire accused Descartes of perpetuating outdated political tactics rather than pioneering a refreshed approach to public service. “Rather than establishing a novel trajectory for political engagement in our nation, he entrenched the familiar patterns of negativity,” Hilaire remarked.

    Looking forward, Hilaire emphasized that the priority now transitions to effective governance and advancing the developmental projects and policy initiatives outlined for the Castries South constituency during the campaign.

  • OECS Member States make strong showing at MEDays Forum 2025

    OECS Member States make strong showing at MEDays Forum 2025

    Against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical fractures, the 17th MEDays Forum convened in Morocco from November 26-29, 2025, under the royal patronage of King Mohammed VI. The high-level international gathering, organized around the theme ‘Fractures and Polarisation: Reinventing the Global Equation,’ featured a significant delegation from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) that included Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

    The forum emerged as a critical platform for addressing mounting global challenges, including fractured multilateral systems, economic volatility, and accelerating climate disruptions. For Caribbean leaders, these issues represent immediate threats rather than abstract concepts, as small island developing states remain disproportionately vulnerable to global systemic shocks.

    Prime Minister Mitchell delivered a powerful address calling for the transformation of historical trauma into contemporary partnership. He emphasized that the Africa-Atlantic-Caribbean corridor, once defined by the transatlantic slave trade, should be reimagined as a modern avenue of cooperation and shared prosperity. Mitchell advocated for a revitalized multilateral framework that acknowledges the existential threats facing small nations.

    During the closing ceremonies, President Burton drew upon Dominica’s indigenous Kalinago heritage to emphasize the importance of cultural wisdom and mutual respect in addressing contemporary challenges. She stressed the critical need for accessible financing mechanisms and coordinated international action to support vulnerable states.

    Prime Minister Browne addressed the compounding ‘poly-crisis’ affecting small island nations, demanding urgent financial system reforms, vulnerability-based assessment metrics, and meaningful inclusion of small states in global decision-making processes concerning climate, trade, technology, and security.

    His Excellency Ian M Queeley, Ambassador of the Eastern Caribbean States in Rabat, expressed satisfaction with the strong OECS representation, noting that the participation demonstrated the region’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships with African nations. The ambassador reaffirmed the embassies’ dedication to maintaining this diplomatic channel for future cooperation.

    The collective interventions of Caribbean leaders underscored their vital role in shaping global transformation narratives and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient international order through strengthened Africa-Caribbean cooperation.

  • Skerrit congratulates St. Lucia’s Phillip J. Pierre on second consecutive election victory

    Skerrit congratulates St. Lucia’s Phillip J. Pierre on second consecutive election victory

    In a significant display of regional political solidarity, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has extended heartfelt congratulations to St. Lucia’s Prime Minister-elect Phillip J. Pierre following his party’s decisive electoral victory. The St. Lucia Labour Party secured an overwhelming mandate, capturing 14 of the 17 parliamentary seats in what analysts are calling a remarkable affirmation of public trust.

    The electoral outcome represents a substantial political triumph for Pierre, who has maintained continuous parliamentary representation since 1997. His principal opponent, United Workers Party leader Allen Chastanet, managed to retain only his personal constituency seat, while independent candidates secured the remaining two positions in the legislative assembly.

    Prime Minister Skerrit characterized the victory as “massive” in scale and significance, attributing the success to Pierre’s unwavering commitment to accessible governance. “When leadership remains proximate to the citizens and acknowledges that ultimate authority resides with the populace, they willingly entrust you with their power,” Skerrit observed in his post-election analysis.

    The Dominican leader elaborated on the philosophical underpinnings of effective political leadership, emphasizing that longevity in public service derives not from temporal endurance but from sustained emotional connection with constituents. “The critical factor isn’t material provision or rhetorical eloquence,” Skerrit noted, “but rather the capacity to make citizens feel understood, valued, and represented in their aspirations and challenges.”

    Drawing historical parallels, Skerrit referenced veteran politician Stephenson King’s enduring parliamentary presence since the late 1980s as exemplary of this people-centered approach. The commentary suggests a emerging regional governance model where political success correlates directly with leaders’ demonstrated empathy and relational consistency with their electorate.

    This electoral endorsement, according to Skerrit’s assessment, validates the principle that governmental legitimacy and effectiveness emerge from continuous engagement with citizen needs rather than ideological positioning or policy promises alone. The victory stands as testament to the enduring relevance of empathetic leadership in contemporary Caribbean politics.

  • COMMENTARY: A note on the electoral defeat of Ralph Gonsalves, the decline of the 1970s Caribbean left, and lessons earned across a lifetime

    COMMENTARY: A note on the electoral defeat of Ralph Gonsalves, the decline of the 1970s Caribbean left, and lessons earned across a lifetime

    The recent electoral defeat of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in St. Vincent & the Grenadines represents far more than the conclusion of a lengthy political career. This watershed moment signifies the ultimate collapse of a progressive tradition that once dominated Caribbean political thought during the 1970s—a movement that inspired generations but ultimately failed to develop into a sustainable, democratic force capable of institution-building.

    The historical context traces back to the Black Power Revolution of 1970, when the Trinidad Regiment mutinied under Geddes Granger’s leadership. This anti-colonial uprising inspired young Sandhurst graduates like Rafiq Shah and Rex LaSalle to challenge established structures. Across Dominica and other islands, educational institutions such as St. Mary’s Academy became hotbeds of revolutionary thinking, with students including the late Dr. Wellsworth Christian embracing calls for Black dignity and regional sovereignty.

    While the socialist ideals of that era provided a necessary antidote to colonial oppression, retrospective analysis reveals critical shortcomings. The movement fundamentally misunderstood democratic principles, undervalued the rule of law, and dismissed the importance of private enterprise in economic development. Ironically, certain colonial-era institutions—independent judiciary systems, competent healthcare frameworks, and professional civil services—proved more effective than their replacements despite their problematic origins.

    The progressive generation that produced leaders like Gonsalves ultimately succumbed to power’s corrupting influence. Rather than building sustainable institutions, they created political machines prioritizing spectacle over substance. The region now faces multiple crises: collapsing scientific innovation, epidemic crime rates, and systemic corruption that has transformed civil services into extensions of political parties.

    This analysis identifies deeper philosophical failures—the abandonment of fundamental values like nonpartisan service and moral integrity that were once taught in Caribbean households. True development requires rebuilding institutional frameworks based on humility, restraint, and genuine public service rather than dynastic ambition and power consolidation.

    The Caribbean’s future stability depends on cultivating sober thinking, disciplined citizenship, and robust institutions that can withstand political turbulence. This necessitates honest historical reckoning and courageous breaks from the intoxication of power that has characterized regional politics for decades.

  • Triumphant Pierre Makes History With Longest Unbroken Run as MP

    Triumphant Pierre Makes History With Longest Unbroken Run as MP

    In a monumental political achievement, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has carved his legacy in Saint Lucian history by securing an unprecedented seventh consecutive term as Member of Parliament for Castries East. His Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) delivered a decisive mandate in the December 1, 2025 general election, capturing 14 of 15 parliamentary seats.

    Addressing supporters from his constituency office in Marchand on Monday evening, the 71-year-old leader expressed profound gratitude toward his supporters and campaign team. He emphasized the ‘special relationship’ he has cultivated with Castries East constituents since first contesting the seat in 1997, noting that some original campaign team members remain with him nearly three decades later.

    The Prime Minister condemned the personal attacks directed at his daughter during the campaign, describing them as representing a troubling low in Saint Lucian political discourse. Despite these challenges, Pierre extended conciliatory gestures toward the opposition, specifically congratulating Allen Chastanet, the sole United Workers Party candidate to retain a parliamentary seat.

    Reflecting on his political journey from parliamentary representative to cabinet minister and ultimately Prime Minister, Pierre acknowledged former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony for initially bringing him into cabinet leadership. He pledged immediate action on campaign promises, including implementing VAT-free days and ensuring public servants receive promised back pay.

    The Prime Minister is scheduled to be formally sworn in by week’s end, with his new cabinet appointments expected shortly thereafter. Pierre concluded with a forward-looking statement: ‘This country is on the right trajectory, and we have to move forward together.’