分类： politics

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.