Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has expressed his intention to investigate the reasons behind the delay in receiving reports from the State of Emergency (SoE) Review Tribunal. The tribunal, which reviews challenges to Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs), has reportedly submitted six reports to Alexander’s office, yet the minister claims he has not seen any of them. PDOs are issued under SoE regulations to detain individuals considered threats to national security or public safety, with detainees having the right to challenge their detention through the tribunal. Last week, the tribunal defended itself against claims by detainees’ attorneys that decisions on their clients’ detentions were delayed or withheld, stating that multiple reports had been completed and forwarded to the ministry between September 12 and October 22. However, Alexander, in conversations with Newsday on November 6 and 12, reiterated that he had not received any reports and was unsure of the cause of the delay. He emphasized the independence of the tribunal and expressed his reluctance to interfere in its processes, stating that he would consult his permanent secretary to avoid any perception of undue influence. Alexander acknowledged the concerns of detainees but assured that the process remains transparent and professional.
分类： politics
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Alexander releases SoE review tribunal recommendations to detainees
In a recent development surrounding the state of emergency (SoE) in Trinidad and Tobago, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander released four redacted copies of Review Tribunal reports on November 12, following attorneys’ claims that their detained clients had not received the tribunal’s recommendations. The reports, dated September 12, 19, 27, and October 6, revealed that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to review two requests but found sufficient cause for the preventative detention of other detainees. The tribunal had previously confirmed sending six reports to the minister between September and October, with a cover letter dated October 31.
Attorney Darren Mitchell, representing several detainees, criticized the government’s handling of emergency powers, labeling the indefinite detention of individuals as unconstitutional. He accused the police commissioner of using preventative detention orders (PDOs) as a substitute for proper investigations, stating, ‘The police have given up on crime detection investigations and convictions to embrace successful policing.’ Mitchell also questioned the timing of the reports’ release, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic to delay judicial review.
Mitchell further condemned the silence of professional bodies like the Law Association and the Criminal Bar Association, accusing them of failing to uphold justice and human rights. ‘Those expected to stand for justice are seemingly acquiescing or partnering with injustice,’ he said.
The tribunal defended its actions, emphasizing that its role under the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025 is limited to reviewing detention requests and submitting reports to the minister, who then decides whether to share relevant portions with detainees. The tribunal assured the public that it has performed its duties in accordance with the law.
The government extended the SoE for a second three-month period on October 31, with 98 of 156 PDOs executed by the police so far. The Ministry of Homeland Security has not clarified whether the remaining tribunal reports have been forwarded to other detainees.
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Persad-Bissessar: Ralph free to take legal action
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly supported Minister Anil Roberts’ claims regarding alleged irregularities in the acquisition of three luxury apartments by the family of St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. The apartments, located at the upscale Victoria Keyes development in Diego Martin, were reportedly purchased by Gonsalves’ wife, Eloise, and their children, Storm and Soleil Gonsalves, for a combined value exceeding $4.8 million. Roberts disclosed these findings on his social media blog, ‘Doubles and Coffee,’ on November 11, prompting a heated response from the Gonsalves family, including threats of legal action. In WhatsApp messages to Newsday on November 12, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that Gonsalves was free to pursue legal recourse but maintained that the allegations raised legitimate concerns. She highlighted the suspicious timing of a rent-to-own agreement for one of the apartments, which was finalized on April 30, 2025, just two days after Trinidad and Tobago’s general election and before the new government was sworn in. Persad-Bissessar underscored the disparity between the Gonsalves family’s access to luxury housing and the thousands of citizens awaiting affordable accommodation from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
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Venezuela congratulates Angola on 50 years of independence
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Bolivarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yvan Gil conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Angola on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro via Telegram. Minister Gil highlighted that this milestone not only strengthens the path toward peace and sovereignty but also acknowledges the rich cultural diversity shared between the two nations. He underscored the deep-rooted historical connections between Venezuela and Angola, reaffirming their mutual dedication to enhancing collaboration across economic, political, and cultural spheres. Diplomatic and political relations between Caracas and Luanda were formally established on December 6, 1986, marking the beginning of a robust partnership. Two decades later, Venezuelan Commander Hugo Chavez made a high-profile visit to Angola, further solidifying ties. The relationship continued to flourish, as evidenced by the meeting between Presidents Nicolas Maduro and Joao Lourenco during the Group of 77-China summit in Havana, Cuba, in September 2023. Currently, both nations are actively engaged in cooperative efforts, particularly in the mining sector. In April 2023, high-level political consultations were held in Angola’s capital, led by Venezuela’s Vice Minister for Africa, Yuri Pimentel, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral progress.
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Chile: Candidates held final debate with heated exchanges
In a high-stakes final debate before the upcoming elections, Chilean presidential candidates from across the political spectrum engaged in a heated discussion on critical issues, including security, social policies, the economy, and governance. Organized by the National Television Association (ANATEL), the event featured Jeannette Jara of the ruling party coalition and the Christian Democrats (DC), Jose Antonio Kast of the far-right Republican Party, and Franco Parisi of the conservative People’s Party. Other participants included Johannes Kaiser of the National Libertarian Party, Evelyn Matthei of the right-wing Let’s Go Chile coalition, and independent candidates Harold Mayne-Nicholls, Marco Enriquez-Ominami, and Eduardo Artes. Security emerged as a central theme, with right-wing and far-right candidates advocating for hardline measures. Matthei notably declared that organized crime groups like Tren de Aragua would face only two options: prison or death. Kaiser, Kast, and Parisi echoed similar sentiments, while Artes emphasized the need to address who benefits from organized crime. Mayne-Nicholls stood out by focusing on prevention through youth opportunities. Jara proposed complementing security measures with community support and tracing criminal proceeds, advocating for lifting bank secrecy—a controversial proposal rejected by some candidates. The debate also explored alternatives such as closing northern borders, constructing more prisons, reclaiming territories controlled by organized crime, and reforming the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Judiciary.
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Ambassador Benoit Bardouille appointed as Dominica’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization
In a significant diplomatic move, Dominica has appointed Ambassador Benoit Bardouille as its Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton, who highlighted Bardouille’s extensive experience and leadership in maritime affairs. Bardouille, the former CEO of the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA), brings over two decades of expertise in port management and maritime administration to this pivotal role. Minister Charles-Pemberton emphasized that this appointment underscores Dominica’s commitment to advancing its interests in maritime safety, ocean governance, and the sustainable development of its blue economy on the global stage. She expressed confidence that Bardouille will represent the nation with distinction, dedication, and national pride, further strengthening Dominica’s position in international maritime affairs.
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Cummings on Grace’s contract: That’s the sprat, whale yet to come
A political storm has erupted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following revelations about a EC$144,000 one-year contract awarded to Grace Walters, the North Windward candidate for the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP). Daniel Cummings, the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for West Kingstown, has publicly criticized the contract, labeling it a ‘disgrace’ and vowing to expose further details. The contract, part of the Strengthening Health System Resilience Project (SHSRP), runs from January 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026, and aims to support health sector reform. Cummings dismissed Walters’ claims that his objections were rooted in racism or sexism, emphasizing that his concerns are based on the contract’s legitimacy and transparency. Walters, who took unpaid leave from her hospital administrator role to accept the contract, defended the agreement as a standard practice under the ULP government. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves have also backed Walters, urging Cummings to address his own past contracts with the CWSA. Cummings, however, maintains that his contract was fundamentally different, as it involved continuing his role as CEO under a new arrangement. The controversy has reignited debates about government accountability and the allocation of public resources, with Cummings promising to reveal more details in the near future.
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Supporters are grumbling, Comrade
The message was clear: hold off on the complaints until after the election. However, patience is wearing thin among supporters, who are increasingly vocal about their grievances. From questionable property deals in Miami to the opaque awarding of contracts for major infrastructure projects like the Vincy Expo building at Diamond, the discontent is palpable. The handling of Beryl relief funds and the delayed payments to airport restaurant workers have only added fuel to the fire. Even the state of village roads, described as nearly impassable, has become a rallying cry for dissatisfaction. The leadership’s apparent nepotism, with rumors of a son being groomed to take over, has further alienated supporters. The sentiment is clear: the grumbling is widespread and growing louder, even during rallies and social gatherings. This wave of discontent raises serious questions about the future of the current leadership and the loyalty of its base.
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Suriname pleit voor versterking CELAC-EU-partnerschap
Suriname, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation Melvin Bouva, emphasized the importance of deepening the CELAC-EU partnership and maintaining regular dialogue on shared challenges such as climate change, security, and peace. Speaking at the fourth CELAC-EU Summit of Heads of State and Government held on November 9, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia, Bouva called for enhanced trade relations and improved movement of people and goods between the two regions. The summit, organized by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU), brought together leaders from 27 EU member states and 33 CELAC countries. Bouva highlighted the summit as a pivotal moment to strengthen long-standing cooperation based on shared interests and historical economic, social, and cultural ties. He expressed concern over rising tensions in the Caribbean and firmly opposed any external military presence that could threaten regional stability. As a member of CARICOM, Suriname advocated for peaceful coexistence, closer regional collaboration, and adherence to the principle of non-interference. The government remains committed to maintaining peace and security in alignment with the UN Charter. Bouva also noted Suriname’s focus on sustainable growth, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, and promoting economic and climate diplomacy as the country approaches its 50th independence anniversary on November 25, 2025. He highlighted Suriname’s unique position as one of the world’s most forested nations, with over 90% of its territory covered by forests, absorbing more carbon than it emits. Bouva urged high-emission countries to take responsibility by compensating nations like Suriname for their contributions to forest conservation. Additionally, Suriname stressed the need for improved access to climate financing and expressed support for the renewed CELAC-EU Roadmap 2025–2027, aimed at deepening bi-regional cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe in the pursuit of partnership and peace.
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Fontaine condemns ID rule change for voter confirmation; calls for use of birth certificate to be restored
Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), has launched a scathing critique of Dominica’s Electoral Office, alleging that recent changes to voter confirmation requirements threaten the nation’s democratic integrity. Speaking at a press conference attended by opposition leaders Bernardo Hurtault of the Dominican Freedom Party and Joshua Francis of the United Progressive Party, Fontaine called for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral system. The controversy stems from Statutory Rules and Orders No. 39 (SRO-39), enacted on October 14, 2025, which mandates government-issued identification—such as passports, social security cards, or driver’s licenses—for voter confirmation. Birth certificates, previously accepted, were abruptly removed from the list of valid documents. Fontaine argued that this change disproportionately impacts impoverished citizens who cannot afford the cost of obtaining such IDs, accusing the ruling Dominican Labour Party of selectively funding passport applications for its supporters. He condemned the move as a violation of Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act 2025, which requires continuous voter registration, and criticized the Electoral Office for halting new registrations and reassigning officers without replacements. Fontaine also highlighted past incidents of political repression, including arrests during electoral reform protests and allegations of police brutality. He described these actions as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and maintain the current administration’s power. Fontaine demanded the reinstatement of birth certificates as valid voter identification and the resumption of lawful registration practices, vowing to collaborate with other opposition parties to safeguard free and fair elections in Dominica.