分类： politics

The 2026 budget presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo under the new UNC administration marks a pivotal moment for Trinidad and Tobago. More than a fiscal plan, it represents a bold declaration of national renewal, addressing long-standing issues and delivering tangible benefits to citizens. The budget, meticulously crafted and confidently unveiled, underscores the government’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate and addressing urgent national needs. It focuses on repairing the damage of the past decade, particularly for workers, retirees, students, and families who have been marginalized for years. The document acknowledges the financial challenges inherited, including rising debt, depleted savings, and weakened public services, but shifts the focus from blame to action. Within just 150 days, the administration has made significant strides: distributing land leases to former Caroni workers, repairing hundreds of schools, providing book grants and laptops to students, and revitalizing abandoned hospitals and flood-prone communities. The government has also taken steps to stabilize employment by transitioning Cepep, URP, and reforestation workers into permanent roles, while addressing public servants’ concerns through salary increases and job security measures. Retirees have not been overlooked, with over 6,000 pension applications being processed and private pension income now exempt from taxation. A notable measure is the $1 reduction in the price of super gasoline, directly benefiting working families and small businesses. Beyond immediate relief, the budget emphasizes long-term reform, modernizing the Inland Revenue Division and revitalizing the energy sector through agreements with Exxon Mobil and the development of the Dragon field. While the budget’s tone is firm and unapologetic, calling out past failures and demanding accountability, its focus on delivering real change has resonated with citizens. This budget is not just a fiscal document; it’s a responsible and transformative step toward national renewal.

In a historic move, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has allocated 5% of the national budget to Tobago, amounting to $2.96 billion. This marks a significant departure from the past, where Tobago consistently received the bare minimum of 4.03% to 6.9% as recommended by the Dispute Resolution Committee in 2000. The allocation is not only higher in percentage terms but also in real value, surpassing previous budgets under both the current and former administrations. Ministerial spending on Tobago has also seen a notable increase, rising by 12.5% to $763 million, bringing the total spending to 6.3% or $3.72 billion. However, this has sparked criticism from Minority Leader Kelvon Morris, who labeled the budget as ‘smoke and mirrors,’ citing a decrease in development spending to $201.5 million and a lack of detailed breakdown of the $2.96 billion allocation. Despite the criticism, the Draft Estimates of Expenditure clearly outline the allocation, with $2.74 billion for recurrent expenditure, $201 million for development, and $28.5 million for Tobago’s Central Administrative Services. This increased allocation presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, as the focus on recurrent expenditure and institutional strengthening aims to drive economic growth. The move also strategically pressures the opposition PNM, which failed to significantly increase Tobago’s budget during its tenure.

In a significant ceremony held at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar distributed land leases to 110 former employees of Caroni (1975) Ltd. The event, timed to coincide with the Hindu festival of Divali, symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and justice over oppression. The Prime Minister emphasized the historical significance of the occasion, noting that many recipients had waited 22 years for this moment, a delay she attributed to the previous administration’s alleged neglect and mismanagement. Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein played a pivotal role in preparing the land parcels, ensuring the long-awaited distribution could proceed. Persad-Bissessar highlighted the resilience of the Caroni workers, whose labor once supported Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, and framed the land distribution as a restoration of dignity and belonging. She also drew parallels between the workers’ journey and the story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, underscoring themes of faith, perseverance, and renewal. The Prime Minister urged recipients to use their land wisely, viewing it as a foundation for future prosperity. Hosein later criticized the former government for neglecting the land sites, revealing that significant funds had been wasted on legal fees rather than development. The government plans to distribute a total of 2,000 lots, with the next phase set for Exchange, Couva. The ceremony concluded with a message of hope and unity, as Persad-Bissessar wished the nation a blessed Divali, invoking the blessings of Mother Lakshmi.

In a significant diplomatic event, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago (TT), Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sihani, was hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the second distribution ceremony for land leases to former workers of Caroni (1975) Ltd. The event, held on October 16 at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, marked a milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar warmly welcomed the ambassador, highlighting his journey from Saudi Arabia and his generous contribution of a $5 million grant to TT. She emphasized that the grant, which is not a loan, underscores the strong and enduring friendship between the countries. The Prime Minister also reiterated TT’s openness for business, inviting global partnerships. The ceremony was attended by several ministers, including Saddam Hosein and Barry Padarath, and was documented on the UNC’s Facebook page, which featured a photo of the PM, Ambassador Al-Sihani, and Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers. Ambassador Al-Sihani, who is also accredited to Venezuela, operates from Caracas, further strengthening the diplomatic ties in the region.

Former Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne has strongly criticized the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government’s handling of a recent US military strike on an alleged drug boat in international waters, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Trinidadians among four others. Browne condemned the government’s approach as reckless and inconsistent with TT’s longstanding principles of international law and diplomacy. He highlighted that the Prime Minister and other ministers had endorsed the strike with aggressive rhetoric, such as ‘Kill them violently,’ without demanding evidence, identification, or assistance in recovering remains. Browne expressed concern that this stance could harm TT’s relationships with regional and international partners, particularly within Caricom and the United Nations. He urged the government to align its foreign policy with the principles of the UN Charter and TT’s commitment to non-intervention in sovereign states’ affairs. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles also voiced concerns, particularly for fishermen in areas like Las Cuevas, who rely on safe waters for their livelihoods. She reiterated the opposition’s stance that the region should remain a ‘zone of peace.’ Former Prime Minister Stuart Young echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of due process and proportionality in addressing narcotics trafficking while maintaining regional stability.

In a significant development within Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape, Deputy Speaker Dr. Aiyna Ali has referred Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles to the Committee of Privileges. This decision stems from a matter of privilege raised by Couva South MP Barry Padarath, following the opposition’s walkout on October 10 and a subsequent media release criticizing the conduct of Speaker Jagdeo Singh. Dr. Ali announced the referral on October 17 during a session of the House of Representatives, after Beckles had contributed to a debate. Padarath’s complaint alleged that the media release, issued under the Opposition Leader’s banner, sought to undermine the independence of the House and constituted constructive contempt. Dr. Ali, after thorough research, concluded that a prima-facie case of contempt had been established, prompting the referral. Beckles, in her defense, had accused Speaker Singh of rejecting urgent questions and Prime Minister’s Questions filed by the Opposition, failing to adhere to established precedents for supplemental questions, and applying standing orders in a biased manner that favored the government.