Amid escalating security concerns following a United States advisory to its citizens in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was conspicuously absent from the final night of Divali Nagar on October 19, where she was slated to deliver the keynote address. Despite multiple attempts by Newsday to reach her for comment, the Prime Minister remained unresponsive. Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), which organized the nine-night event, indicated around 1 pm on Sunday that no security sweep had been conducted at the Chaguanas venue, suggesting Persad-Bissessar’s attendance was unlikely. Nevertheless, the NCIC implemented additional security measures as a precaution. Later that evening, ushers and NCIC members confirmed to the media that the Prime Minister would not be attending. In her Divali message, Mangaroo emphasized the importance of unity and harmony, urging citizens to strengthen the bonds that unite them. In a special message in the Divali Nagar 2025 commemorative magazine, Persad-Bissessar reflected on the event’s theme, ‘Loka Sangraha – the Welfare of the World,’ highlighting the need for compassion, justice, and peace in a world plagued by conflict and division. She underscored the nation’s commitment to building a society where every individual can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope. Meanwhile, tensions have been rising nationwide since the US deployed military assets off the Venezuelan coast to combat the drug trade. Persad-Bissessar has faced criticism for her support of US operations and her controversial statement advocating violent measures against drug runners. On October 18, the US Embassy in Port of Spain issued a social media alert warning of a heightened state of alert and advised its nationals to avoid US government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago. Rumors circulated that Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General John Jeremie had been relocated to safe houses, a claim denied by acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin. Both Benjamin and Minister of National Security Roger Alexander acknowledged a credible threat but urged the public not to panic. Calls have grown for the Prime Minister to address the nation regarding the nature of the threat, particularly its connection to the US military presence in the southern Caribbean and potential risks to Trinidad and Tobago nationals. While Persad-Bissessar has remained publicly silent, she shared photographs on October 18 of herself and Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers hosting US Embassy staff at a private Divali celebration at her home in Phillipine, South Trinidad—coinciding with the embassy’s alert.
分类： politics
-
Bahamians urged to avoid fast speed boats leaving Venezuela
NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – In light of the United States’ escalating military presence in the Caribbean as part of its campaign against alleged drug traffickers from Venezuela, Bahamian National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has issued a stern warning to citizens. Munroe advised Bahamians to steer clear of ‘go fast boats’ departing from Venezuela, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by the US operations. While the Bahamas does not intend to mirror the US military actions, Munroe stressed the importance of avoiding any involvement that could lead to unintended consequences.
-
Estephane, Preville: Fresh faces, high stakes in Babonneau’s election
The Babonneau constituency is poised for significant transformation as it edges closer to achieving township status. With a series of economic and social developments on the horizon, the area is set to witness a potential political shake-up in the forthcoming general elections. The constituency, known for its pivotal role in recent electoral cycles, has historically oscillated between major political parties, making this election particularly noteworthy.
-
VIDEO: 30 vehicles returned to car dealerships last week, PM confirms
In a decisive move to uphold government integrity, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has ordered the return of more than 30 vehicles that were improperly acquired in violation of established policies. The vehicles, which were reportedly distributed to individuals without proper authorization, have sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about accountability within the administration. PM Browne emphasized that the dealers involved in the transactions were fully aware of their culpability, stating, ‘They knew they were breaching the rules, and this will not be tolerated.’ The incident has prompted a broader review of procurement processes and stricter enforcement of compliance measures. This action underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and its determination to address systemic issues that undermine public trust. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the PM’s firm stance while others call for further investigations into similar breaches.
-
Parmessar gekozen tot vicepresident van Grulac tijdens IPU-top in Genève
In a significant development for Suriname’s political representation on the global stage, Assembly Member Rabin Parmessar, leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), has been elected Vice President of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (Grulac). The election took place on Saturday in Geneva, ahead of the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Parmessar’s election underscores Suriname’s growing influence within the regional bloc, which coordinates parliamentary strategies and represents Latin American and Caribbean nations in international forums.
-
Pers blijft rapporteren, maar buiten de muren van Pentagon
A significant portion of the American press corps has withdrawn from the Pentagon after journalists refused to comply with the Department of Defense’s new media regulations. The tightened rules prohibit journalists from publishing any information not officially pre-released by the department—even if it is not classified. Those who declined to sign the agreement lost their access passes as of October 15. Nearly all major U.S. news organizations, including CNN, ABC, The New York Times, Reuters, Associated Press, and even the typically conservative Fox News, have turned their backs on the Pentagon. Only a small minority, including some new right-wing media outlets, have formally agreed to the new terms. The rest have vacated their offices, cleared out TV studios, and surrendered their press passes. Despite the exodus, journalists emphasize that their departure does not mean an end to defense reporting. They will continue their work from editorial offices or external sources outside the Pentagon. Many reporters left the building in a symbolic procession, handing in their press passes and leaving behind empty desks. Media organizations have criticized the new rules as a ‘historically dangerous precedent,’ arguing that they bring the U.S. closer to controlled state communication. Critics warn that this makes the work of investigative journalists—who are tasked with exposing abuse of power and misconduct—nearly impossible. Trust in the transparency of the U.S. government and military accountability is under severe pressure. The Pentagon, however, maintains that the measures are necessary ‘for the safety of the troops and the national interest.’
-
US conducts another strike on boat allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean
In a significant escalation of its anti-drug trafficking efforts, the United States military conducted a targeted strike on a vessel in the Caribbean suspected of involvement in illegal narcotics trade. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation on Sunday, revealing that the strike occurred on Friday. According to Hegseth, the ship was linked to a Colombian terrorist organization and was found carrying substantial quantities of narcotics. The operation resulted in the deaths of three individuals aboard the vessel, with no reported casualties among US forces.
This strike marks the seventh in a series of recent US military actions against ships allegedly engaged in drug trafficking. Hegseth, in a post on X, likened the cartels to ‘the Al Qaeda of the Western Hemisphere,’ accusing them of using violence and terrorism to threaten national security and harm American citizens. He emphasized that the US military would treat these organizations as terrorists, vowing to ‘hunt and kill’ them.
The operation is part of the Trump administration’s increasingly aggressive stance against South American countries involved in drug smuggling. President Trump has recently authorized the CIA to operate in Venezuela and is reportedly considering military action within the country as part of a broader campaign to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Additionally, Trump has publicly clashed with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who accused the US of killing an innocent Colombian national during a previous strike. In response, Trump announced the cancellation of all US payments and subsidies to Colombia.
This latest strike underscores the administration’s commitment to combating drug trafficking but also highlights the growing tensions between the US and South American nations. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected.
-
Hoefdraad zal ‘onrechtmatige vervolging’ internationaal aanvechten
Former Surinamese Minister of Finance and Planning, Gillmore Hoefdraad, continues to challenge his prosecution, even after the Court of Justice declared his case inadmissible. The court ruled on Friday that his prosecution was lawful, following his indictment by the National Assembly in August 2020. Hoefdraad, who fled the country, was sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison and a fine of SRD 500,000 for his involvement in a high-profile corruption scandal at the Central Bank of Suriname. The Public Prosecutor’s Office also sought a criminal investigation to determine if Hoefdraad unlawfully benefited from his actions, though no progress has been made since his conviction. Hoefdraad’s legal advisor, Murwin Dubois, argues that international jurisprudence, particularly the principle of Ne Bis in Idem—which prohibits double jeopardy—could favor Hoefdraad. Dubois cites cases where the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of defendants under similar circumstances. The case has drawn international attention, especially after Interpol refused to assist in Hoefdraad’s extradition, citing political motivations behind the prosecution. Interpol’s decision highlighted procedural flaws and the lack of original legislation justifying the extradition request. Hoefdraad’s legal team now seeks international avenues to address the legality of his prosecution, as domestic courts have dismissed his appeals.
-
Security : Presentation and authentication measures of the biometric National Identification Card
In a significant move to bolster regional security and combat cybercrime and transnational crime, Haiti’s National Identification Office (ONI), in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS), hosted a high-level discussion and information session this week at the Oasis Hotel. The event, attended by members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Haiti, focused on the technical features and authentication process of the new Unique National Identification Card (CINU).
Led by Reynold Guerrier, Director General of the ONI, the session aimed to enhance the ability of consular missions to detect fraudulent identity documents, which are frequently submitted during visa applications or administrative procedures at foreign offices. The initiative is particularly critical for countries heavily impacted by Haitian migration, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the United States, the Bahamas, and Spain. Representatives from the People’s Republic of China and Japan, a major institutional supporter of the ONI, also participated.
During the session, Guerrier detailed the advanced security features of the biometric National Identity Card (NIC), which includes an electronic chip storing fingerprints, facial recognition data, and iris scans. The card also incorporates a QR code and a 2D barcode, making it highly resistant to forgery. Constructed from durable polycarbonate, the card is valid for 10 years. A live demonstration enabled diplomats to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit documents, while technical materials were distributed to aid their identification and verification processes.
This initiative underscores Haiti’s commitment to modernizing its identification system and strengthening international cooperation in the fight against identity fraud and transnational crime.
-
Flags in front of the National Congress do not fly at half-mast despite national mourning
In the wake of the passing of esteemed politician Vicente Sánchez Baret, President Luis Abinader declared this Saturday a day of official mourning. However, a notable deviation from protocol has sparked controversy: the flags at the Centro de los Héroes fountain were not lowered to half-mast, as mandated by Decree 608-25. This decree explicitly requires the National Flag to be flown at half-mast on military and public buildings across the nation during the mourning period. The oversight occurred as the coffin of the late senator was being transported from the National Congress, where President Abinader and congressional members paid their respects. The flags surrounding the fountain, a symbolic site in front of the National Congress, remained fully raised, directly contravening the executive order. Vicente Sánchez Baret, who served as senator for the Sánchez Ramírez province during three separate terms (1986-1990, 1994-1998, and 1998-2002), was widely revered for his unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, democracy, and social justice. His legacy is particularly cherished in his home province, where he championed national development and equitable progress. Survived by his wife, Yadira Henríquez, former director of the Presidency’s Social Plan, and their three children—Flory, Yessika, and Vicente Sánchez Henríquez, the current representative for District 1 of the National District—Sánchez Baret’s contributions to public service remain a beacon of integrity and dedication.