In a significant diplomatic engagement, Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command, convened with senior officials of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) on October 15, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in St. George’s. The meeting underscored the deepening collaboration between the two entities, focusing on technical and logistical support, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and the potential for future joint initiatives. This dialogue followed the recent visit of the US Navy’s Medical Ship, which highlighted the scope of bilateral cooperation. Admiral Holsey’s visit to Grenada marked one year since he assumed leadership of the US Southern Command, succeeding General Laura Richardson. The discussions also emphasized enhanced training opportunities for Grenadian law enforcement and joint exercises to bolster operational readiness. The meeting was hosted by Commissioner of Police Randy Connaught, alongside Deputy Commissioner Jessmond Prince, Assistant Commissioner Vannie Curwen, and National Security Advisor Wilan Thompson. US Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean States, Karin Sullivan, accompanied Admiral Holsey. While the engagement was described as cordial and productive, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s absence, despite being initially scheduled to attend, remained unexplained. This meeting is part of a broader regional tour by Admiral Holsey, aimed at reinforcing partnerships with Caribbean nations.
分类： politics
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WATCH: Government Launches Systemwide Probe into Customs and Revenue Departments
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a sweeping investigation into the Customs and Revenue Departments in Antigua, following mounting concerns over irregularities and potential corruption. Addressing Parliament, Browne emphasized that the probe will encompass all revenue-collecting entities, aiming to identify systemic weaknesses, eliminate misconduct, and restore public trust in government operations. The investigation will employ both internal audits and external oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability. Browne stated, ‘We are going system-wide, especially within Customs and other revenue areas. There will be further redeployments, rotations, and additional systems, including routine spot checks.’ The Prime Minister also revealed that private citizens will be enlisted to assist in random container inspections alongside customs officials, targeting merchants suspected of underreporting or evading duties. Additionally, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will face scrutiny, as the government suspects large entities, including supermarkets, may be bypassing electricity meters, resulting in revenue loss. To oversee these reforms, a ‘revenue czar’ will be appointed to work with the Inland Revenue Department, conducting forensic accounting and strengthening compliance. Browne highlighted the correlation between the cost of goods and duties paid, vowing to use financial statements and import data to verify tax liabilities. This initiative follows recent procedural breaches within government departments, including the Customs Division, which led to redeployments and the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu earlier this week.
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Trump Confirms CIA Operations in Venezuela
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed his authorization of CIA operations within Venezuela. This admission has ignited a fierce response from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who denounced the move as part of a broader strategy by Washington to orchestrate coups in the region. Trump justified the decision by alleging that Venezuela had released prisoners into the United States and was a major source of drug trafficking. This revelation comes on the heels of recent US military strikes in the Caribbean, which targeted suspected drug vessels and resulted in 27 fatalities. United Nations experts have condemned these actions as ‘extrajudicial executions.’ In response, Maduro called for peace, declaring ‘no war, yes peace,’ and initiated military drills near Caracas. Venezuela’s foreign minister further criticized the US deployment of warships and fighter jets as acts of aggression and intimidation. According to The New York Times, the CIA’s mandate permits independent operations or coordination with broader US military efforts in Venezuela.
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Trump refiles $15 bn defamation lawsuit against New York Times
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his legal battle against The New York Times by refiling a $15 billion defamation lawsuit, according to recent court filings. This move comes just weeks after a federal judge dismissed the initial complaint in September. The lawsuit, now streamlined to 40 pages from its original 85, targets The Times, three of its reporters, and publisher Penguin Random House, accusing them of publishing “false, defamatory, and malicious” content. The legal action specifically highlights a book and two articles that Trump claims were designed to tarnish his professional reputation. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages of at least $15 billion, along with punitive damages to be determined at trial. This renewed legal challenge is part of Trump’s broader campaign against media outlets he perceives as biased against him. Since his return to the White House, Trump has escalated his criticism of the press, restricting access to journalists and filing multiple lawsuits demanding substantial compensation. In July, he sued media mogul Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over reports about a book and a letter allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with Trump regarding election coverage on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” which he claimed was unfairly edited to favor his 2024 election rival, Kamala Harris.
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Ex-regiment chief ‘moves on’, endorses Col Edwards
In a significant leadership transition, Colonel Keston Charles, the former commanding officer of the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Regiment, officially handed over command to Colonel Dwayne Edwards. Charles, who served as the 20th commanding officer, expressed his profound gratitude to the regiment’s members in a heartfelt Facebook post on October 17. He commended their “unwavering dedication, professionalism, and support” during his tenure, which began on July 10, 2023. Charles also endorsed Edwards, expressing full confidence in his abilities and urging the regiment to remain disciplined and united in their service to the nation. This transition follows recent changes in the TT Defence Force leadership, including the appointment of Captain Don Polo as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on October 7, replacing Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel. President Christine Kangaloo, acting on the advice of Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, revoked Daniel’s appointment after consultations with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. On October 16, Commodore Polo paid a courtesy visit to President Kangaloo, who extended her congratulations and best wishes for his new role.
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Trump says Venezuela’s Maduro offered ‘everything’ to ease tensions
In a fiery exchange at the White House on Friday, US President Donald Trump directed a blunt verbal assault at Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, claiming the leftist leader had made significant concessions to de-escalate tensions with Washington. ‘He has offered everything, you’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to mess around with the United States,’ Trump remarked when questioned about reports of Venezuela’s proposed de-escalation plans. The US has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has intensified its military presence in the region, deploying stealth warplanes and seven Navy ships as part of its counter-narcotics operations. Earlier this week, B-52 bombers conducted a prolonged flight over the Caribbean near Venezuela, a move the US military described as a demonstration of its commitment to deterring threats and ensuring global readiness. This military buildup has raised concerns in Caracas that Washington’s ultimate objective is regime change. Venezuela is allegedly linked to several drug-smuggling vessels targeted by US forces in a recent campaign that has resulted in over two dozen deaths. Trump defended the strikes, stating, ‘We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs.’ However, Washington has yet to provide evidence supporting its claims that the targets were drug smugglers. Experts argue that such summary killings are illegal, even if the targets are confirmed narcotics traffickers.
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Venezuelan diplomat urges regional countries to speak out on US military buildup
In a fervent appeal to Caribbean nations, Venezuelan Ambassador to Dominica, Jose Durabio Moros Savelli, has called for regional solidarity in opposing the United States’ escalating military presence in waters near Venezuela. Savelli emphasized the critical importance of maintaining peace in the Caribbean, warning that any conflict initiated by the US could have devastating consequences for the entire region, including economic and humanitarian crises. The US has justified its military buildup by accusing Venezuelan leaders of involvement in illegal narcotics trade. On Thursday, the US military conducted a strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the first survivors being captured since President Donald Trump intensified military operations in the area. This marks at least the sixth such strike since August, with the death toll from these operations now standing at 28. Savelli expressed grave concerns over the deployment of nuclear submarines and other advanced military assets, urging Caribbean countries to uphold international law and prevent the outbreak of war. He also highlighted the importance of mobilizing international public opinion to pressure the US government to prioritize peace. The Trump administration has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying an amphibious squadron, nuclear-powered submarines, reconnaissance aircraft, and warships as part of its campaign against Latin American drug cartels.
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Judge strikes down law that prevented JPs from granting station bail
In a landmark ruling on October 15, Justice Carol Gobin of the High Court declared that Justices of the Peace (JPs) retain their authority to grant bail for indictable offences, overturning a government policy that had stripped them of this power. The decision came in response to a judicial review filed by Joel Alexander, who was detained in deplorable police cells for nearly 57 hours due to the policy. Justice Gobin ruled that Section 10 of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act, 2011 (AJIPA) did not revoke JPs’ jurisdiction to grant station bail, calling the government’s interpretation of the law ‘null, void, and illegal.’ She criticized the policy for normalizing inhumane detention conditions and undermining constitutional rights to liberty and the presumption of innocence. Alexander was awarded $140,000 in damages, and the court ordered the immediate restoration of JPs’ bail powers. The ruling also emphasized the need for accountability in safeguarding citizens’ rights, echoing broader concerns about governmental overreach.
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Cabinet mum on claim of TT deaths on ‘drug boat’
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago was in a hurry on October 16, leaving a land distribution ceremony for former Caroni (1975) Ltd workers at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s to attend a virtual meeting of Caricom heads, followed by her weekly Cabinet meeting. Reporters had hoped to question her about allegations that two Trinidadian nationals were aboard a drug boat reportedly destroyed by the US military in the Southern Caribbean. They also sought her stance on US anti-narcotics operations, especially in light of President Donald Trump’s admission of authorizing CIA covert activities in Venezuela. However, the Prime Minister’s swift departure left these queries unanswered. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge was also seen rushing off from the event. Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein, when questioned about the government’s position on the drug boat incident, declined to comment, citing the Prime Minister’s directive for ministers to ‘stay in your lane’ regarding their portfolios. Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who chaired the 41st Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, highlighted the meeting’s focus on regional integration, economic resilience, and collective security. While Holness did not specify whether discussions included the US military presence in the Caribbean, US Southern Command head Admiral Alvin Holsey’s recent visits to Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda raised questions about potential US radar base installations. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized his country’s reluctance to host foreign military assets, while Grenada’s government stated that any decisions would prioritize sovereignty, public safety, and national interests.
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Beckles begins budget debate in House
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is set to initiate the debate on Trinidad and Tobago’s $59.2 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026. The session will commence at the Red House in Port of Spain on October 17 at 10 am. This marks Beckles’ first response to the budget since her appointment as opposition leader and PNM political leader on May 6 and June 22, respectively. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, who presented the budget on October 13, delivered a three-and-a-half-hour address, setting the stage for Beckles’ equally lengthy response. Following Beckles’ contribution, other Members of Parliament, including the Prime Minister, will have up to 45 minutes to speak, with an optional ten-minute extension. Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath indicated that the debate could extend over four to five days, potentially including weekend sessions, with the Standing Finance Committee reviewing the budget over an additional five days. The government, holding 26 seats in the House, will determine the debate’s conclusion after all 13 opposition MPs have spoken. The Tobago People’s Party, with two MPs, has also expressed its intention to participate. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s contribution is anticipated later in the debate. The Senate will subsequently review the budget, though it is barred from voting on money bills. Concurrently, the PNM will host a post-budget political meeting at the Belmont Community Centre on October 17, featuring Beckles and other prominent MPs as speakers.