分类： politics

In a significant diplomatic and economic breakthrough, Trinidad and Tobago has secured a six-month Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license to resume negotiations with Venezuela on the Dragon gas project. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal have both hailed this development as a testament to the government’s dedication and diplomatic efforts. Persad-Bissessar emphasized that the license, granted following her productive discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a fresh start for the project, which had been stalled for years. She highlighted the mutual benefits for Trinidad and Tobago, the US, and Venezuela, describing the agreement as a win for regional partnership, energy security, and economic growth. Moonilal, in a separate statement, pointed out that the previous OFAC license had been revoked under the former administration, costing taxpayers over $120 million. He refuted claims by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley that the figure was $100 million. The renewed negotiations, facilitated by the OFAC license, aim to ensure that the project advances without breaching US sanctions, with specific terms in place to benefit all parties involved, including US companies and the people of Venezuela.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Stuart Young has publicly criticized Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal for his apparent lack of understanding regarding the Dragon gas project negotiations with Venezuela. Young revealed that Moonilal confirmed his unfamiliarity with the details of a six-month provisional licence issued by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) during a statement on October 10. This licence is crucial for initiating discussions with Venezuela on the project. Young further emphasized that Moonilal’s ignorance was evident in his comments about ministry documentation being in Spanish, as well as his unawareness of the previous OFAC licences issued last December under the People’s National Movement (PNM) administration. Young clarified that OFAC licences are issued in English and that the National Gas Company (NGC) and its legal team had access to translated documents. He accused Moonilal of incompetence, stating that the minister’s lack of knowledge highlights the government’s inability to manage complex energy negotiations. Young also defended former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who Moonilal had criticized earlier, by clarifying that Rowley’s statements were not based on official Energy Ministry documents. Additionally, Young pointed out that the recent transfer of former ministry permanent secretary Pennelope Bradshaw-Niles has left Moonilal without access to critical institutional knowledge. Young concluded that Moonilal’s exclusion from key energy negotiations is a direct result of his incompetence.

The USS Sampson, a US Navy warship, recently docked in Panama City on August 30, raising eyebrows amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean. Critics argue that the US military’s presence in the region, ostensibly aimed at combating drug trafficking, is a thinly veiled pretext for more aggressive objectives. Many believe the true intent is to enforce the Monroe Doctrine and orchestrate regime change in Venezuela, with the tacit approval of the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and Guyana governments. This move has been met with widespread skepticism, as regional observers warn of the catastrophic consequences of a potential US-Venezuela conflict. Should hostilities erupt, the Caribbean, along with much of South and Central America, is expected to condemn the US for provoking such a crisis. Critics also caution that the TT and Guyana governments, by aligning themselves with the US, risk becoming complicit in a conflict that could destabilize the region. Furthermore, they argue that the US’s hegemonic influence, often referred to as Pax Americana, is waning, and any military intervention in Venezuela could backfire spectacularly. The misguided support from TT and Guyana, driven by short-sighted policies, may ultimately lead to severe repercussions for their nations. The situation underscores the fragile geopolitical dynamics in the region and the potential for unintended consequences.

The Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) has voiced strong objections to the recent decision to re-align the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau (ACIB) under the Office of the Attorney General. The move, which was announced through a subsequent erratum after being omitted from the initial gazette notice, has sparked concerns over potential political interference and the erosion of public trust in anti-corruption efforts. The ACIB, tasked with investigating corruption-related offenses such as bribery and misconduct in public office, has faced instability and resource shortages in recent years. TTTI highlighted that the bureau’s repeated shifts in oversight—from the Attorney General’s office to the Commissioner of Police and back—have compromised its operational effectiveness and independence. The institute argued that placing the ACIB under the Attorney General creates a conflict of interest, as the government would oversee investigations into its own members. Similarly, placing it under the Commissioner of Police raises concerns about bias, given that police officers are also subject to corruption allegations. TTTI described the re-alignment as a ‘regressive step’ and urged the government to adopt recommendations from a 2015 parliamentary committee report, which proposed establishing the ACIB as a fully independent entity. The institute emphasized the need for specialized resources, such as forensic accountants and cybercrime experts, and called for protected, non-political funding to ensure the bureau’s autonomy and impartiality.

Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has called on prison officers to maintain their integrity amidst rising concerns about contraband smuggling within correctional facilities. Speaking during an interview with Newsday on October 10 at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain, Alexander emphasized the ministry’s efforts to address the issue of illegal drones, though he refrained from disclosing specific details about the technology being considered to combat the problem.

Alexander stressed that integrity is an inherent quality, rooted in one’s upbringing and family values. He urged officers not to allow their integrity to be questioned or undermined by baseless allegations. While acknowledging potential flaws in the prison service vetting process, he expressed confidence in the existing system, noting that individuals may sometimes be compromised due to personal circumstances.

Reflecting on a lesson from his mother, Alexander shared, “She always told me, ‘You have $20 in your pocket: make it work for you. Once you start taking things from people, you’ll have to bow to them.’”

In the short term, Alexander aims to enhance safety and conditions within penal institutions. He highlighted ongoing physical improvements to prisons, including cleaning efforts, and reiterated plans to relocate the Port of Spain Prison to a more suitable location. The current facility, he noted, is overcrowded and poorly situated in a busy business and residential district.

Alexander also addressed the recent multi-million-dollar quarry raid in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, commending the police for their efforts while acknowledging minor issues within the service. He urged the public to trust the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and support their crime-fighting initiatives.

Regarding his budget priorities, Alexander expressed hope that all agencies under his purview would receive the necessary resources to function effectively.

In a tense session of the House of Representatives on October 10, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge invoked standing order 27(g) to sidestep an urgent question from the opposition regarding the abrupt termination of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Darryl Daniel. The query, posed by Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales, sought clarity on the reasons behind Daniel’s removal, particularly in light of the ongoing state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago. Sturge’s decision to decline answering, citing public interest, sparked a heated exchange among lawmakers. Gonzales, the opposition chief whip, emphasized the importance of parliamentary accountability, while House Leader Barry Padarath defended Sturge’s right to invoke the standing order. Speaker Jagdeo Singh noted that while the standing orders permit ministers to withhold information deemed contrary to public interest, they do not grant the Speaker authority to challenge such claims. The Ministry of Defence had earlier stated that President Christine Kangaloo revoked Daniel’s appointment on the advice of Sturge, following consultations with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The decision, described as the result of extensive deliberations, assured that the operational effectiveness of the defence force would remain unaffected. Daniel, who served as CDS since March 2019, was succeeded by Coast Guard Commander Captain Don Polo, the next most senior officer with two years left in service.

A heated parliamentary debate on October 10 culminated in Opposition MPs staging a walkout over the appointment of Junior Benjamin as Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) and the promotion of ACP Kurt Simon to Acting Deputy Commissioner. While both officers have previously held these roles, the debate centered on the timing and procedural concerns surrounding their appointments, particularly during a state of emergency (SoE) declared by the incumbent CoP, Allister Guevarro, who is set to attend an international conference in Denver, Colorado, from October 18-21. MP Marvin Gonzales criticized the absence of senior police leadership during a critical period, citing 72 murders since the SoE was declared. Despite Opposition support for Benjamin and Simon, Gonzales emphasized the need for accountability and governance. Government Leader Barry Padarath defended the appointments, asserting that the travel was strategic and aimed at strengthening international partnerships. The debate grew contentious, with frequent objections and accusations of bias against Speaker Jagdeo Singh, who ruled most objections out of order. The Opposition’s walkout was followed by a PNM statement condemning the Speaker’s perceived partiality, claiming a pattern of unfair treatment. The motion ultimately passed with Government MPs voting in favor.

The Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has expressed concerns over the government’s fiscal management ahead of the budget presentation scheduled for October 13. Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles, speaking at a media briefing on October 10, highlighted the challenges posed by declining oil prices and production, which are critical to the nation’s revenue. With oil prices hovering around US$50 per barrel, Beckles questioned how the government plans to address the budget deficit, given the numerous promises made during the April 28 general election campaign. Former Finance Minister Colm Imbert echoed these concerns, stating that the government faces significant hurdles due to reduced oil revenues. Imbert emphasized that the budget estimates, unless inflated, will not meet the revenue requirements to sustain the country’s operations. He projected a budget expenditure of approximately $60 billion but warned that generating such revenue would be ‘very, very difficult.’ Imbert also criticized the government’s decision to abolish property tax and shut down the TT Revenue Authority, questioning the administration’s strategy for revenue generation. Beckles raised additional concerns about job losses, particularly in programs like Cepep, URP, and the Reforestation Programme, which were discontinued earlier this year due to allegations of corruption. She highlighted the plight of over 40,000 individuals left unemployed and called for urgent government action. Both Beckles and Imbert stressed the importance of timely salary payments, recalling instances where pensioners were unable to cash their cheques due to insufficient funds. The opposition leaders urged the government to address these issues transparently and responsibly in the upcoming budget.