分类： politics

In a landmark announcement during the 2026 national budget presentation, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at revitalizing the nation’s judiciary. The reforms, designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, include the creation of a new Judiciary Chancellor role to oversee case management, thereby allowing the Chief Justice to focus on jurisprudence. Tancoo emphasized that these measures are critical to addressing case backlogs and strengthening the leadership of the justice system.

Central to the reforms is the expansion of court facilities and the constitutional enshrinement of the right to a timely trial, which Tancoo described as a ‘cornerstone of democratic justice.’ Additionally, victim support services will be significantly expanded to include restitution programs, job placement assistance, and housing opportunities for crime victims. Increased funding and staffing for the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Public Defenders’ offices were also announced to ensure better access to legal representation.

Tancoo underscored the urgency of these reforms, stating, ‘For the first time, the administration of justice will be given the priority it so desperately needs but was so desperately lacking.’

The proposal has sparked discussions within the judiciary. Chief Justice Ivor Archie, while cautious, acknowledged the potential benefits of the reforms. In his address for the new law term, Archie noted that the judiciary already operates with a ‘silent chancellor’ in the form of a court administrator who handles day-to-day operations. He stressed the need for a concrete proposal that clearly defines the role, appointment process, and accountability of the proposed Judiciary Chancellor.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who first floated the idea in July, explained that the Judiciary Chancellor would focus on court administration, freeing the Chief Justice to concentrate on legal cases and judicial officers. Archie emphasized the importance of understanding the proposal within Trinidad and Tobago’s constitutional framework, noting that the role of a chancellor in other countries, such as England, differs significantly due to varying constitutional arrangements.

Archie concluded by highlighting the shared goal of improving the administration of justice and fostering collaboration between the executive and judicial branches. ‘What is important is an informed discussion where all views are given a respectful hearing,’ he said, expressing optimism about achieving a consensus on the reforms.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized fairness and equality as the cornerstone of her UNC government’s 2025-2026 budget during a press briefing at the Red House rotunda on October 13. The fiscal package, presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, introduced several measures aimed at rebalancing economic sectors and ensuring accountability. Persad-Bissessar defended a 0.25% levy on the assets of banks and insurance companies, alongside a landlord business surcharge on undeclared rental properties, clarifying that this was not a property tax but a mechanism to protect both landlords and tenants. She stressed that the budget was not about taxing individuals but about fostering accountability. The Prime Minister highlighted a reduction in the price of super gasoline by $1 per liter, which she said would save consumers $500,000 annually. Additionally, the removal of VAT on agricultural inputs was framed as a move to empower farmers. Persad-Bissessar contrasted her government’s $3 billion budget deficit with the former PNM administration’s $16-$18 billion deficits, attributing the improvement to diligent management. She also announced a 3% increase in National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, expected to boost the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) annual collections by 23%. The PM urged citizens to consider private pensions, which are tax-free, unlike government pensions. She warned that without immediate action, the NIS would face collapse, leaving no funds for pensions or benefits. Persad-Bissessar praised Tancoo’s allocation of $2.96 billion for the Tobago House of Assembly’s development plan, along with an additional $763 million through various ministries, totaling $3.7 billion or 6.3% of the national budget. Responding to a reporter, she identified 8,000 public sector vacancies and promised better job opportunities.

The United National Congress (UNC) government, led by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, presented its inaugural national budget for 2025-2026, striking a balance between relief measures and revenue-generating policies. The budget, delivered in the House of Representatives on October 13, 2025, was framed as a ‘give and take’ fiscal package aimed at fulfilling election promises while addressing economic challenges. Key highlights include a $1 per litre reduction in super gasoline prices, a 10% wage increase for public servants, and the removal of VAT on essential food items—measures designed to ease the financial burden on citizens. However, the government also introduced new levies, such as increased customs duties on alcohol and tobacco, a 3% hike in National Insurance System (NIS) contributions, and a landlord surcharge, targeting big businesses and commercial entities. Tancoo emphasized that the budget reflects the UNC’s commitment to ‘putting the people of Trinidad and Tobago first,’ with a projected expenditure of $59.232 billion and revenue of $55.367 billion, resulting in a $3.865 billion deficit. The budget also allocated significant funds to Tobago ($3.724 billion) and prioritized sectors like education ($8.766 billion), health ($8.214 billion), and national security ($6.366 billion). Additionally, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will oversee a newly established Financial Oversight & Appropriations Committee (FOAC) to ensure transparent management of state resources. The budget debate is set to begin on October 17, with Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles expected to respond.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized fairness and equality as the cornerstone of her UNC government’s 2025-2026 budget during a press briefing at the Red House rotunda on October 13. The fiscal package, presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, introduced several measures aimed at rebalancing economic disparities and ensuring accountability. Among the key announcements was a 0.25% levy on the assets of banks and insurance companies, alongside a landlord business surcharge targeting undeclared rental properties. Persad-Bissessar clarified that the surcharge was not a property tax but a mechanism to protect both landlords and tenants while boosting public revenue. She also highlighted a reduction in the price of super gasoline by $1 per liter, which she estimated would save consumers $500,000 annually. Additionally, the removal of VAT on agricultural inputs was framed as a move to empower farmers. The Prime Minister contrasted her government’s $3 billion budget deficit with the former PNM administration’s $16-$18 billion deficits over a decade, attributing the improvement to diligent management. Other measures included a 3% increase in National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, expected to raise the National Insurance Board’s annual collections by 23%. Persad-Bissessar also addressed the dire state of the NIS, warning that without immediate action, funds for pensions and benefits would soon be depleted. She praised Tancoo’s allocation of $2.96 billion for the Tobago House of Assembly’s development plan, which represents 5% of the national budget, and an additional $763 million through various ministries, bringing Tobago’s total allocation to $3.7 billion. In response to a reporter’s question, the PM identified 8,000 public sector vacancies, promising better job opportunities.

In a significant development following the October 13 budget presentation, the Public Services Association (PSA) has expressed readiness to commence immediate negotiations with the government. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced a revised ten per cent wage offer aimed at resolving long-standing public sector wage disputes, which have persisted for nearly a decade. PSA President Felisha Thomas emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the union has already proposed dates for talks as early as October 16. ‘Our membership has waited long enough,’ Thomas remarked, underscoring the need for swift action. This marks Thomas’s first budget as PSA president, having been elected in March 2025. Tancoo described the government’s move as a ‘bold and historic step’ to address years of stagnation and restore dignity to public sector workers. He also revealed plans to ratify collective agreements with various public sector bodies, including the Teaching Service and the Defence Force, at an estimated annual cost of $214 million, with arrears totaling $730 million by December 2025. Additionally, Tancoo announced reforms to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), including a gradual increase in the retirement age from 60 to 65 by 2036 and phased contribution hikes starting in January 2026. While Thomas acknowledged mixed reactions to the NIS changes, she reiterated the PSA’s commitment to prioritizing wage negotiations. ‘Now is the time to get the job done,’ she concluded.

The recent state of emergency (SoE) in Trinidad and Tobago has sparked a debate over its effectiveness compared to the previous one under the PNM government. While both SoEs aimed to curb crime, the current administration has achieved a significant reduction in murders, with only 78 recorded compared to 114 during the last SoE. This improvement, despite a recent uptick, highlights a more focused and stable approach under the current UNC government.

However, the previous SoE was marred by political and institutional chaos. It began with the shocking assassination of state attorney Randall Hector, followed by then-Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s abrupt resignation announcement. This triggered widespread confusion and instability, compounded by the controversial appointment of Stuart Young as Rowley’s successor without internal or national elections. The arrest and suspension of then-Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher further deepened the turmoil.

In contrast, the current SoE has been marked by stability and tangible results. Deputy Commissioner of Police Benjamin reported a 22% drop in violent crimes, a 15% reduction in serious crimes, and a 34% decrease in vehicle thefts. These achievements, coupled with the absence of political drama, underscore the effectiveness of the current administration’s approach.

The PNM’s mismanagement of its SoE, characterized by instability and heavy-handedness, likely contributed to its historic electoral defeat, paving the way for the UNC’s landslide victory. The stark contrast between the two SoEs serves as a reminder of the importance of stability and focus in governance during crises.