分类： politics

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has criticized the United National Congress (UNC) for its silence on its campaign pledge to restart the former Petrotrin refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre, suggesting the party has realized it cannot deliver on this promise. Beckles made these remarks during her contribution to the 2025/2026 budget debate in the House of Representatives on October 17. She highlighted the absence of any mention of the refinery in Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s budget presentation on October 13, contrasting it with the firm agreement in place when the People’s National Movement (PNM) left office after the April 28 general election. Beckles accused the UNC of misleading voters during the election by promoting false hopes of new jobs and foreign exchange revenues from the refinery’s revival. She emphasized that the PNM had made significant progress in restarting the refinery through a competitive evaluation process, which led to the selection of Nigerian company Oando Trading DMCC to lease and operate the facility. Beckles noted that this approach ensured no taxpayer burden and provided a structured path forward. However, she claimed the UNC scrapped this process without building on the PNM’s groundwork. Beckles also referenced a committee formed to explore the refinery’s feasibility, which reportedly admitted to minimal progress due to high capital costs and financial uncertainties. She criticized Minister Ernesto Kesar for prematurely claiming the refinery was ready to restart, warning the government against bypassing procurement laws. Beckles vowed to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the legal consequences of breaching the Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act. The refinery’s potential restart has been a contentious issue since the PNM’s 2024/2025 budget statement, which shortlisted three companies, including Oando, for the lease.

The recent budget debate in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament has thrust Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles into the spotlight, but not entirely for the reasons she might have hoped. On October 17, Beckles delivered her response to Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s budget presentation at the Red House in Port of Spain. This moment, intended to solidify her position as the PNM’s first female opposition leader, was overshadowed by a contentious ruling from Deputy Speaker Dr. Aiyna Ali. Dr. Ali referred Beckles to the privileges committee over a complaint of contempt, a move that has sparked significant debate.

Beckles, dressed in military black and gold, adopted a subdued yet critical tone during her three-hour speech. She labeled the budget as a “con-job,” analyzed fiscal figures, and warned of an impending economic crisis unlike any seen in the past four decades. However, her efforts were largely eclipsed by the drama surrounding Dr. Ali’s decision, which stemmed from a complaint filed by government whip Barry Padarath. The complaint was related to a statement issued by Beckles’ party earlier this month, accusing Speaker Jagdeo Singh of “biased and prejudicial” behavior.

This incident highlights the turbulent start to the 13th Republican Parliament’s budget debate. With many new faces in the House, including MPs and presiding officers, the political landscape remains unpredictable. The use of the privileges committee, a rare and serious parliamentary tool, adds to the tension. Beckles’ response also opened new lines of attack, particularly regarding her claims about the government’s economic management. She argued that the current administration had undone in five months what the PNM achieved in ten years, a statement met with skepticism. Additionally, her critique of the Tobago allocation figures was fact-checked and found to be inaccurate.

As the debate continues, Beckles faces the challenge of distinguishing her leadership style from both former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and current Prime Minister Keith Rowley. Her performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining her effectiveness as opposition leader and her party’s prospects in future elections.

The recent walkout by the People’s National Movement (PNM) from Parliament on October 10 has sparked intense debate, with critics labeling it as a calculated act of political theater rather than a genuine protest. The move, described as a ‘disgraceful retreat,’ is seen as an attempt to divert public attention from the party’s internal failures and lack of unity. Speaker Jagdeo Singh, who has been praised for his impartiality and adherence to parliamentary procedures, has become a focal point in this controversy. The PNM’s accusations of bias against Singh are dismissed as baseless, with critics arguing that the party’s real issue lies in its inability to handle scrutiny and accountability. The walkout, far from being a legitimate protest, is viewed as a desperate act of political posturing, aimed at masking the party’s leadership vacuum. The opposition’s behavior has been condemned as childish and detrimental to the democratic process, with calls for a return to constructive debate and respect for parliamentary institutions. The incident underscores the need for political maturity and a commitment to the principles of democracy, rather than resorting to theatrics and disruption.

Tobago West MP Joel Sampson has confirmed that the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Cepep) and the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) will persist in Tobago, despite plans to phase them out in Trinidad. Speaking during the budget debate in Parliament on October 17, Sampson emphasized that these initiatives remain under the jurisdiction of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), which has no intention of discontinuing them. He highlighted that URP is managed by the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development, while Cepep falls under the Division of Community Development, Youth Development and Sport. Sampson noted that since the THA took office in 2021, the programmes have been restructured to produce meaningful outcomes, including revenue-generating workshops and agricultural units. He acknowledged that central government funding has been insufficient, but the THA has creatively addressed the shortfall using unspent balances. Sampson reassured Tobagonians employed in these programmes that their jobs are secure, emphasizing that they operate under a proper structure rather than a political contract. This announcement comes after Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo revealed plans to eliminate Cepep and URP in Trinidad to curb state funding of criminal gangs, promising better-paid, full-time jobs for affected workers. Sampson also praised the government’s budget, calling it one of the most comprehensive in THA history, with Tobago receiving $3.724 billion, or 6.3% of the national budget.

The government’s recent decision to increase taxes on alcohol and tobacco in the 2025-2026 budget marks a significant shift towards a more responsible and equitable economic framework. This policy, far from being a mere fiscal adjustment, represents a strategic move to address both public health and financial stability. By imposing higher taxes on these non-essential and harmful goods, the government is realigning national spending priorities with the country’s most pressing needs. The initiative raises critical questions about societal values: Should access to alcohol and tobacco take precedence over funding for healthcare, education, and food security? The resounding answer is no. This policy underscores the interconnectedness of public health and financial health. Higher prices on cigarettes and alcohol are expected to reduce consumption, thereby alleviating the strain on the healthcare system and freeing up resources for essential services. Additionally, the measure aims to optimize foreign exchange reserves by discouraging the import of luxury goods like scotch whisky and premium beers. Instead, these funds can be redirected towards vital sectors such as medical equipment, educational technology, and agricultural development. The tax hike also provides a competitive edge to local producers, fostering economic diversification and safeguarding domestic jobs. However, the success of this policy hinges on its integration into a broader strategy. Strengthening customs enforcement to combat illicit trade, expanding the tax framework to include other non-essential imports, and balancing regional trade dynamics within Caricom are crucial next steps. This initiative reflects a government willing to make tough decisions for long-term national well-being, prioritizing economic justice and public welfare over short-term popularity. It’s a commendable first step towards a more sustainable and equitable future.