分类： politics

In a striking intervention into regional geopolitics, former Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has issued a forceful call for national defense strengthening while offering a robust defense of United States positioning in escalating tensions with Venezuela.

The retired official, who previously served as both National Security Minister and security advisor, delivered his assessment through a December 19th Facebook video address. Griffith framed the current situation as one where Venezuela, unable to directly confront the United States, is instead targeting smaller neighboring nations like Trinidad and Tobago through intimidation tactics.

‘Let’s be unequivocal: Trinidad and Tobago has not threatened Venezuela. The United States has,’ stated Griffith, drawing an analogy to boxing weight classes. ‘This represents the geopolitical equivalent of a heavyweight boxer striking a middleweight, and that middleweight, too intimidated to respond to the heavyweight, subsequently turns to threaten a lightweight who never attacked him.’

Griffith systematically addressed several claims advanced by Venezuelan officials, including allegations that Trinidad serves as a operational base for destabilizing Venezuela, facilitates U.S. military activities, and participated in the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. He contextualized these developments within historical patterns, noting that territorial claims frequently precede concrete actions.

The former security chief referenced Venezuela’s previous declaration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as persona non grata and termination of bilateral gas agreements as evidence of escalating tensions. He characterized Venezuela’s recent warning to Trinidad regarding potential U.S. actions as ‘perhaps the most reckless statement yet.’

Griffith advocated for immediate high-level diplomatic engagement with the United States explicitly focused on safeguarding Trinidad’s security interests. His recommendations encompassed substantial military enhancements including helicopter acquisitions for the Air Guard, armed and surveillance drone capabilities, and modernization of Coast Guard vessels allegedly neglected by previous administrations.

The proposed defense package additionally includes surface-to-air missile systems, establishment of a national operational war room, and support for expanded defense force recruitment. Griffith emphasized the necessity of strategic planning to manage illegal immigration flows while warning that delayed action could prove catastrophic.

He concluded with an urgent appeal for national unity, asserting that without United States support, Trinidad would face severe limitations in defending itself against potential aggression.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has categorically refuted allegations that government funds were utilized to finance her political party’s holiday festivities. The United National Congress (UNC) leader addressed these claims during the party’s Christmas Supper event held at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s on December 18.

In her definitive statement to attendees, Persad-Bissessar declared, ‘Not one cent of government money has been expended on this Christmas Supper.’ She further challenged critics who accused her administration of extravagant spending and insensitivity toward ordinary citizens amid ongoing economic challenges.

The Prime Minister elaborated on the funding mechanism, revealing that proceeds from a previous UNC fundraising dinner in Couva on December 13 directly financed the current event. ‘Every attendee who purchased tickets for that occasion essentially funded tonight’s gathering through their contributions,’ she explained, emphasizing the self-sustaining nature of the party’s celebrations.

Addressing concerns about perceived neglect since the UNC’s electoral victory on April 28, Persad-Bissessar offered a public apology while defending her government’s intensive workload. ‘The work was intense and the time was so short,’ she acknowledged before assuring citizens, ‘We will never ever forget you.’ The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of government spending and political accountability in Trinidad and Tobago.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration, accusing the government of transforming Trinidad and Tobago’s national security into political theater. The focal point of contention revolves around the controversial installation of a US military radar system at Tobago’s ANR Robinson International Airport and broader US-Trinidad security cooperation matters.

In a strongly-worded video statement, Beckles emphasized that national security must transcend political maneuvering, asserting that citizens deserve transparent explanations regarding foreign military installations on sovereign territory. While acknowledging that certain security matters require confidentiality, she maintained that the current administration has created unacceptable opacity around critical defense decisions.

The controversy erupted when Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar initially concealed, then subsequently disclosed the radar’s establishment between November 26-28. The PM justified the deployment as enhancing surveillance capabilities against narco-traffickers in territorial waters. However, Beckles revealed that the radar manufacturer contradicted this narrative, confirming the G/ATOR system is designed for aerial threat detection—not maritime surveillance—capable of identifying unmanned systems, cruise missiles, and artillery.

Further complicating matters, Persad-Bissessar credited the radar with assisting a major drug bust involving $171 million worth of marijuana, despite the system’s technical specifications not aligning with this claimed functionality. The Prime Minister additionally suggested that criticizing US military presence might incur negative consequences for Trinidadian citizens.

The radar deployment mirrors similar US initiatives in the region, including August approaches to Grenada regarding Maurice Bishop International Airport. Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has proceeded cautiously with US deadlines, contrasting with Trinidad’s apparent rapid compliance.

Beckles condemned the government’s inconsistent explanations as undermining public trust and national sovereignty, emphasizing that proper security management requires competence and honesty rather than political performance.

The political landscape in Tobago is poised for a significant electoral contest as 42 candidates officially enter the race for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections scheduled for January 12. According to an official disclosure from the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) on December 19, the nomination process concluded successfully across the island following established electoral protocols.

Four distinct political parties have thrown their hats into the ring, setting the stage for a multifaceted competition. The People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) have demonstrated comprehensive electoral ambitions by fielding candidates in all 15 available constituencies. Meanwhile, the Innovative Democratic Alliance has entered the fray with 11 nominated candidates, indicating strategic participation across key districts. The Unity of the People party completes the political spectrum with a single candidate nomination.

The EBC confirmed that Nomination Day proceedings on Friday unfolded without incident, reflecting the commission’s adherence to transparent and efficient electoral management. This smooth operational execution underscores the commission’s commitment to maintaining electoral integrity throughout the pre-election period.

This election represents a crucial political event for Tobago’s governance structure, with the outcome determining the assembly’s composition and leadership direction for the coming term. The substantial candidate participation across multiple parties suggests a robust democratic process and potentially competitive outcomes across various electoral districts.

The political contest for control of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) officially commenced on Friday as candidates from the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) successfully submitted their nomination documents at the Glamorgan Multipurpose Facility.

Chief Secretary and TPP political leader Farley Augustine expressed satisfaction with the efficient nomination process, describing it as thoroughly organized. ‘All prospective candidates underwent a preparatory session with the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) last week,’ Augustine revealed. ‘This preliminary review ensured all documentation was properly certified and helped alleviate any pre-filing apprehensions.’

Augustine, who filed his nomination for the Parlatuvier/L’Anse Fourmi/Speyside electoral district, conveyed strong confidence in his party’s electoral prospects. The TPP has implemented strategic measures by pairing candidates with experienced campaign managers and election agents to optimize their electoral performance.

Addressing voter participation expectations, Augustine projected significantly higher turnout rates compared to April’s general elections. ‘Tobagonians demonstrate greater engagement in THA elections because the assembly directly impacts their daily lives—from road maintenance and healthcare to educational services and social support systems,’ he explained.

When questioned about governance challenges during his administration’s tenure, Augustine acknowledged difficulties but emphasized his team’s resilience. ‘We faced numerous tests of our capabilities, but our consistent stability throughout these challenges demonstrates the strength of Tobago’s leadership,’ he stated.

The TPP’s complete candidate roster includes fifteen contenders across various electoral districts, with the critical assembly election scheduled for January 12, which will determine Tobago’s governance for the forthcoming four-year term.

Political factions in Tobago have formally initiated their campaigns for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections scheduled for January 12. The nomination process unfolded smoothly across multiple venues on Friday, setting the stage for a highly contested political battle.

Ancil Dennis, Political Leader of the PNM Tobago Council and candidate for Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, expressed unwavering confidence in his party’s prospects. Following the submission of his nomination papers at the Buccoo Multipurpose Centre, Dennis declared that the Progressive National Movement (PNM) anticipates reclaiming governance. He launched a sharp critique against the incumbent Tobago People’s Party (TPP), alleging significant regression across all developmental sectors during their four-year tenure. “Every sector in Tobago has gone backwards significantly – tourism, agriculture, construction – you name it. I believe the people of Tobago would make the right decision, which is a change,” Dennis asserted.

The PNM’s campaign received bolstering support from party stalwart Pennelope Beckles, who emphasized the party’s positive energy and expectation of victory. Beckles highlighted the strength of the PNM’s candidate roster, which includes Dexter Miller (Bagatelle/Bacolet), Carl McEwen (Belle Garden/Glamorgan), and Karyn Forbes (Plymouth/Black Rock) among others.

Simultaneously, at the Calder Hall Multipurpose Facility, the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) completed its nomination process with equal optimism. Political Leader Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus praised the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) for their professional handling of the application procedure, awarding them perfect marks for efficiency. The IDA is contesting with eleven candidates across various electoral districts, including Tsoiafatt-Angus herself in Scarborough/Mt Grace, Stacy Herbert in Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, and Mauricia Douglas in Signal Hill/Patience Hill.

The convergence of these political activities signals Tobago’s readiness for a transformative electoral process that will determine the island’s administrative direction for the coming term.

The legal challenge mounted by businessman Danny Guerra against his preventive detention under Trinidad and Tobago’s state of emergency has encountered procedural delays. The Emergency Review Tribunal adjourned proceedings on December 18 to accommodate attorneys representing the Minister of Homeland Security, who requested additional time to prepare written submissions.

Led by Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, the ministerial legal team’s request for extension faced strong opposition from Guerra’s defense counsel. Richard Thomas, KC, heading a legal team comprising Nerisa Bala and Emily Rampersad, contended that the minister’s representatives failed to adhere to established practice directions governing such review proceedings.

The tribunal ultimately granted the extension, setting December 23 as the deadline for the minister’s submissions, with Guerra’s legal team afforded until the following day to formulate their response. No subsequent hearing date has been scheduled.

Guerra’s detention stems from his November 20 arrest by the Special Investigations Unit, which alleges his leadership of an organized criminal network engaged in arms trafficking, money laundering, and illegal quarry operations. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s detention order further references an alleged assassination plot targeting a government minister.

Notably, Thomas received special authorization through Legal Notice 459, gazetted on December 17, enabling his representation in Trinidad and Tobago courts despite not being locally admitted.

This case represents another chapter in Guerra’s legal difficulties, following previous charges filed on October 11 against both him and his son for unlicensed aggregate processing. Those charges resulted in $50,000 bail for each defendant granted by a justice of the peace.

The current state of emergency, initially declared on July 18 and extended for three months in October, remains in effect until January 2026, providing the legal framework for Guerra’s ongoing detention without formal charges.