分类： politics

Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has announced that the school supplies and book grant is currently under review, responding to inquiries from his predecessor, St. Ann’s East MP Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, during the Standing Finance Committee meeting on October 21. The draft estimates for the 2026 budget reveal no allocation for this grant, contrasting sharply with the $20 million spent in 2024. Although last year’s budget (fiscal 2025) initially omitted this item, $20 million was eventually allocated in the revised estimates. Gadsby-Dolly sought clarity on the apparent omission for fiscal 2026, questioning whether the mid-term review would determine the grant’s continuation or the amount allocated. Dowlath reiterated that the grant remains under review, prompting Gadsby-Dolly to press for a definitive answer. Speaker Jagdeo Singh intervened, emphasizing that the minister had provided a clear response. Gadsby-Dolly expressed concern, interpreting the minister’s statement as uncertainty. The discussion also highlighted significant shortfalls in the Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) for school repairs and upgrades. Despite allocations of $50 million for primary school improvements this year, only $1.5 million was spent last year. Dowlath acknowledged $34 million in arrears, promising funding through the mid-year review or alternative financing. Similar issues were noted for secondary schools, with $46 million in arrears and minimal spending from previous allocations. Gadsby-Dolly questioned whether the IDF was consistently underfunded, to which Dowlath did not directly respond. The committee ultimately approved the ministry’s total budget allocation of $5.266 billion.

In a powerful address to law students at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, issued a stark warning about the state of law and order in the country. Speaking at a Faculty of Law awards ceremony on October 17, Jeremie described the current situation as a state of anarchy, driven by persistently high homicide rates. He urged the students to find their calling and prioritize public service over personal economic gain, emphasizing the importance of their education in contributing to societal well-being. Jeremie’s speech also resonated with seasoned attorneys, challenging them to uphold moral and legal principles in their practice. His remarks come during a particularly violent period, with recent statistics indicating the bloodiest week of 2025. Despite claims from police officials about reducing crime rates, Jeremie’s candid assessment of the country’s lawlessness sets him apart from typical political narratives. His unwavering commitment to due process, fundamental rights, and the rule of law further distinguishes him within the Kamla Persad-Bissessar cabinet. As Jeremie navigates the tension between politics and professionalism, his tenure as Attorney General may redefine his relationship with the legal profession and the justice system.

In a recent letter to the editor, concerns were raised about the United National Congress (UNC) government’s handling of fireworks regulations during the Divali celebrations. Despite their election slogan, ‘When UNC wins, everybody wins,’ the government has been criticized for its apparent inaction on the indiscriminate sale and use of fireworks, mirroring the previous administration’s approach. Phillip Alexander, a prominent supporter of the UNC, has been vocal in defending the government and criticizing the past administration’s shortcomings. However, the lack of effective enforcement of fireworks bans during the Independence holiday and Divali night has sparked public outrage. The letter highlights the adverse effects of the loud explosions on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, autistic individuals, and those with noise sensitivities. The writer questions whether the UNC is truly different from the People’s National Movement (PNM) or merely a repackaged version of the same policies. The letter concludes by emphasizing the need for legislative reforms to promote responsible fireworks use, similar to practices in other Caribbean nations like Barbados.

In a recent address to the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 21, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Mohit underscored that every policy, program, and financial allocation is meticulously designed to empower and transform lives, particularly those of the poor, elderly, disabled, women, children, and families in crisis. Despite facing significant fiscal constraints, the ministry has remained steadfast in its focus on impactful expenditure rather than mere cost-cutting. In the previous fiscal year, the government invested over $4.5 billion in senior citizens’ grants, $267 million in public assistance, $79 million in disability grants, and $10 million in relief through the National Social Development Programme. Mohit highlighted that these efforts ensure no citizen is overlooked or unsupported. Looking ahead, the government plans to strengthen the social protection ecosystem by reviewing the standard means test to promote fairness and inclusion, modernizing delivery systems for greater efficiency, and enhancing collaboration with agencies like the Children’s Authority. The committee subsequently approved a budgetary allocation of $6,012,215,208 for the ministry. During the session, Mohit faced scrutiny from PNM MPs regarding the continuation of certain projects initiated under the previous administration. She assured that the government is actively considering these issues, while also addressing concerns about funding discrepancies for NGOs and the allocation of resources for women and children.

A contentious meeting of the Standing Finance Committee in the House of Representatives unfolded on October 22, as government and opposition members clashed over the approval of a $1.8 billion expenditure for the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training. Minister Prof Prakash Persad defended the ministry’s budget, describing it as a ‘lean, small, and agile’ entity. He acknowledged the challenges of establishing baseline financial figures for the newly reconstituted ministry and hinted at potential mid-year funding adjustments if allocations proved insufficient. However, the meeting quickly devolved into a heated exchange over long-standing vacancies within the ministry. Opposition MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly pressed Persad for clarity on the number of unfilled positions, to which he responded that 126 out of 911 positions had been filled, attributing the disarray to the previous administration. The debate grew increasingly acrimonious, with MPs from both sides interjecting and Speaker Jagdeo Singh repeatedly calling for order. Persad denied evading questions, while Gadsby-Dolly accused him of providing inconsistent answers. The session highlighted the deep political divisions surrounding the ministry’s restructuring and financial management.