A political confrontation escalated in Guyana on Tuesday as National Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir refused to meet with Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, sparking threats of mass street protests. Mohamed had arrived at the Parliament Building in Brickdam seeking clarity on when opposition parliamentarians would convene to formally elect him as Opposition Leader—a position that remains vacant despite his party securing 16 of the 65 parliamentary seats in last year’s general elections. The meeting refusal occurred just days before the scheduled January 26 presentation of the 2026 National Budget. Mohamed initially intended to meet with Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs but encountered Speaker Nadir, who retreated to his office and declined engagement despite Mohamed’s attempts to knock on his door. Parliamentary staff subsequently informed Mohamed and his delegation that the Speaker would not receive them. The WIN leader warned that his party would not tolerate the situation lightly, stating that peaceful protests would be organized if necessary. He referenced international pressure from the United States, Britain, Canada, and the European Union, all of which have emphasized the critical importance of appointing an Opposition Leader for functional democracy. Mohamed highlighted several practical implications of the vacancy, including the inability to restructure the seven-member Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) during ongoing claims and objections processes, and the lack of a physical office for public grievances. While President Irfaan Ali has stated that the election of an Opposition Leader is a matter for opposition lawmakers, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has previously expressed that Mohamed’s potential appointment would be a ‘stain’ on Guyana. This political standoff occurs against the backdrop of legal challenges facing Mohamed and his father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, who are contesting extradition to the United States to face charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. Their committal hearing continues on February 5, 2026.
分类： politics
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Penny: Soon, population will say ‘enough is enough’
In a forceful parliamentary address on January 16, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles issued a stark warning to Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling United National Congress (UNC) government, asserting that citizens are approaching a breaking point over unfulfilled election commitments. The Arima Member of Parliament delivered her critique alongside Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales during a press conference that highlighted growing discontent with the administration.
Beckles directed pointed remarks toward Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, challenging the government’s assumption that its 26-seat majority in the House of Representatives grants unlimited authority. “Don’t feel because you have 26 seats that you can do to the people as you feel!” she declared, emphasizing that electoral strength does not equate to unchecked power.
The opposition leader accused the UNC of systematically misleading voters during the April 28 general election through empty promises that remain undelivered. She specifically cited assurances about job security for CEPEP and URP workers that allegedly vanished post-election, characterizing the government as fundamentally unconcerned with citizen welfare.
Economic indicators reveal troubling trends, according to Beckles. She referenced reports from major fast-food chains like KFC noting decreased consumer spending, alongside numerous business closures contradicting government claims of presenting “the best budget ever.” Notable casualties include MovieTowne Tobago, Nutrien, Proman, D Bocas, Woodside, and RIK on Queen Street, Port of Spain, plus numerous small bars forced to shut down after liquor license fees skyrocketed from $1,500 to $9,000—a move Beckles described as “absolute wickedness.”
The opposition leader questioned the government’s highly publicized national recruitment drive, demanding transparency about actual employment numbers generated. She further highlighted a 70% increase in natural gas prices and general inflation as evidence of deteriorating economic conditions.
Beckles condemned the government’s tendency to blame the previous People’s National Movement (PNM) administration when facing difficulties, noting that even salary and pension delays are attributed to the opposition. She concluded by promising that a future PNM government would immediately review what she termed “foolish measures” implemented by the current administration.
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Judge rules PM’s ‘administrative silence’ breached permanent secretary’s rights
In a landmark constitutional judgment, High Court Justice Westmin James has delivered a scathing rebuke of a sitting Prime Minister’s administrative conduct, ruling that prolonged silence on appointment recommendations constituted an unconstitutional violation of a senior public officer’s rights.
The court upheld the constitutional claim brought by retired public service director John Edwards against the Attorney General, finding that the Prime Minister’s repeated failure to respond to Public Service Commission (PSC) consultations effectively created an illegal “de facto veto” that blocked Edwards’ career advancement unjustly.
Evidence presented to the court revealed that between 2010 and 2013, Edwards received multiple recommendations from the PSC to act as Deputy Permanent Secretary. However, the Prime Minister failed to respond to three separate consultation requests in 2012 while approving other officers’ appointments within normal timeframes. This selective administrative silence continued until August 2013, when approval finally came—coinciding exactly with Edwards’ commencement of pre-retirement leave, rendering the authorization practically useless.
Justice James determined that this conduct violated Sections 4(b) and 4(d) of the Constitution, pertaining to protection of the law and equality of treatment by public authorities. The ruling emphasized that while Section 121 grants the Prime Minister appointment veto power, this authority must be exercised rationally, independently, and without unreasonable delay.
The court awarded Edwards $250,000 in damages—$100,000 as compensatory damages for distress and inconvenience, and $150,000 as vindicatory damages to underscore the seriousness of the constitutional breaches and deter future similar conduct by public authorities.
Significantly, the judge rejected the State’s arguments regarding delay in filing the claim, accepting Edwards’ explanation that he only discovered the true reason for his non-appointment through Freedom of Information Act disclosures in 2022. The court recognized the case’s broader implications for constitutional governance and accountability, noting that permitting such administrative silence would enable executives to circumvent legal requirements and undermine independent constitutional bodies like the PSC.
The judgment establishes crucial precedent regarding ministerial accountability and the limits of executive power, asserting that administrative silence cannot serve as an indirect veto mechanism without transparency or justification.
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US interest in Trinidad and Tobago: Energy, strategy, occupation risk
Recent geopolitical developments have thrust Trinidad and Tobago into an unexpected position of strategic importance, drawing parallels to the controversial US interest in Greenland. The Caribbean nation finds itself at the center of American economic and security calculations, primarily driven by two critical factors: energy infrastructure and geographic positioning.
Energy economics form the core of this emerging dynamic. Venezuela possesses among the world’s largest natural gas reserves but lacks sufficient processing capabilities. Trinidad’s Atlantic LNG facility represents the nearest large-scale liquefaction infrastructure, creating an inevitable interdependency. This energy symbiosis grants Trinidad significant leverage while simultaneously exposing it to external pressure.
The United States’ prioritization of energy security and strategic control points further complicates this relationship. Washington previously demonstrated reservations about Trinidad’s Dragon agreement with Venezuela, particularly during periods of shifting US policy toward Caracas. This suggests American interest in maintaining influence over regional energy corridors.
Geopolitical positioning amplifies Trinidad’s significance. The nation guards the southern Caribbean gateway, serving as a critical juncture between South America and the island chain. US authorities already monitor these waters as primary transit routes for narcotics trafficking from Venezuela and Colombia. This existing surveillance framework could potentially justify expanded American presence under counter-narcotics and border security rationales.
Historical context reveals Caribbean nations have consistently prioritized national interests over regional solidarity, as demonstrated during Venezuela’s Petrocaribe initiative which reduced purchases from Trinidad. This precedent undermines contemporary calls for unified regional resistance to external influence.
Trinidad now faces a complex sovereignty dilemma: pursue pragmatic accommodation with a global power or reinforce independent diplomatic and commercial relationships. This decision carries profound implications for the nation’s future autonomy and economic prosperity.
The fundamental question remains whether Trinidad will safeguard its sovereign integrity or exchange elements of self-determination for perceived security and economic benefits—a calculation many smaller nations must confront when larger powers manifest strategic interest in their territories.
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Attzs warns: Some communities in zones could be stigmatised
Independent Senator Dr. Marlene Attzs has raised significant concerns about potential stigmatization effects of Trinidad and Tobago’s proposed anti-crime legislation during parliamentary debates on January 21. The Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill 2026 aims to establish special security zones in high-crime communities under joint police-military command with social transformation councils.
Dr. Attzs, an economist and university lecturer, articulated that well-intentioned crime prevention measures could inadvertently brand entire communities as criminal hotspots. She emphasized the risk of collateral damage to law-abiding citizens, including hard-working parents, ambitious students, and elderly residents who have endured decades of hardship.
The senator specifically highlighted concerns regarding Clause 24, which grants security forces authority to require personal information disclosure within designated zones. While operationally understandable, she warned that indiscriminate use of such powers could create perceptions of permanent suspicion against entire neighborhoods.
Citing international research, Dr. Attzs demonstrated that community stigmatization often persists long after special operations conclude. This labeling effect manifests through employer hesitation, banking discrimination, educational biases, and internalized psychological impacts on children who begin believing their origins determine their future potential.
Her arguments referenced a 2024 Trinidad and Tobago Criminal Dynamics study by criminologist Dr. Randy Seepersad, which identified over 180 active gangs involving approximately 1,700 individuals. The research indicated that nearly 40% of murders are gang-related and emphasized that enforcement alone cannot dismantle criminal networks without sustained social intervention, youth engagement, and economic inclusion.
While acknowledging the real fear of crime affecting citizens’ daily lives—including business closures, community retreats behind gates, and normalization of violence among youth—Dr. Attzs cautioned against short-term thinking. She stressed that urgency in addressing crime must not override constitutional duties and reasoned policymaking, emphasizing that the fundamental question is whether these zones can suppress violence lawfully while producing lasting stability rather than temporary calm.
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Opposition raises red flags over proposed changes to FID Act
Jamaica’s House of Representatives has passed contentious amendments to the Financial Investigations Division (FID) Act despite significant opposition concerns regarding potential overreach and diminished safeguards. The legislative changes, driven by international compliance requirements, fundamentally reshape how Jamaica’s financial intelligence unit operates and shares information globally.
The government, led by Finance Minister Fayval Williams, maintained that these revisions are essential for preserving Jamaica’s standing with international bodies like the Egmont Group—a worldwide network of financial intelligence units combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Williams emphasized that Jamaica’s previous evaluation highlighted deficiencies in its current framework, particularly the requirement for ministerial approval before information sharing, which contradicts international operational standards.
Central to the reform is the elimination of the mandate that the FID’s chief technical director must obtain ministerial consent before entering into information-sharing agreements with domestic or foreign agencies. The government asserts this change enhances operational independence and aligns with global best practices.
However, Opposition Leader Mark Golding and other legislators voiced substantial reservations. While supporting international cooperation against financial crimes, they cautioned that the amended language lacks precision and could create legal vulnerabilities. Golding specifically highlighted ambiguous phrasing regarding which ‘laws administered’ by receiving bodies justify information disclosure, warning this could lead to constitutional challenges and judicial review.
Further criticism focused on provisions permitting information sharing even when not strictly necessary for the receiving entity’s functions, provided confidentiality agreements exist. Opposition members argued this overly broad discretion, coupled with a clause requiring compliance with ‘government policy,’ might enable opaque ministerial influence without parliamentary oversight. Manchester Southern MP Peter Bunting illustrated how such policy could be manipulated secretly to protect specific individuals, such as cabinet ministers, from scrutiny.
In rebuttal, Minister Williams insisted the amendments reduce, rather than expand, political interference by removing the case-by-case ministerial approval process. She underscored the urgency of these changes ahead of Jamaica’s imminent Financial Action Task Force mutual evaluation.
Despite the opposition’s calls for tighter language and clearer limits to prevent abuse, the legislation passed through the House of Representatives, marking a significant shift in Jamaica’s financial regulatory landscape.
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Government focused on economic independence for Jamaica — Holness
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has positioned economic self-sufficiency as the cornerstone of national sovereignty, declaring that political independence remains incomplete without financial autonomy. The Jamaican leader articulated this governing philosophy during his keynote address at the 21st Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on January 20, 2026.
Holness drew a clear distinction between political and economic independence, emphasizing that the latter provides the substantive foundation for the former. “A generation persists in prioritizing political independence,” Holness observed. “My administration’s struggle is for Jamaica’s economic independence—the tangible capacity to underpin political sovereignty with financial strength.”
The Prime Minister criticized historical ideological approaches that led Jamaica through “wilderness of economic despair,” pledging his government would not repeat these patterns. He outlined how responsible fiscal management has enhanced Jamaica’s international credibility, particularly evident in the rapid recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
This credibility, Holness revealed, enabled Jamaica to secure US$6.7 billion in financing with favorable terms. “We’ve demonstrated ourselves as a responsible nation with robust institutions,” he stated. “The crucial achievement isn’t merely obtaining loans and grants, but accessing low-cost financing with minimal conditionalities.”
Holness expanded the conventional definition of private sector participation, highlighting that economic independence encompasses both corporate entities and informal micro-enterprises. “Our private sector includes not only National Commercial Bank,” he noted, “but also the woman frying fish in Border. Indeed, she represents the essence of our private sector.”
The Prime Minister committed to policies enabling such entrepreneurs to sell their products to both local and international tourists, thereby funding their children’s education and preserving human dignity. He expressly urged this unscripted message to “percolate and filter throughout the audience,” emphasizing his administration’s dedication to grassroots economic empowerment.
Holness concluded by noting that even small nations possess significant influence when understanding “new statecraft”—the strategic exercise of economic and diplomatic power on the global stage.
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Role of GOJ audit committees in hurricane recovery transparency underscored
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican financial authorities have positioned government auditors as critical pillars in the nation’s hurricane recovery framework, emphasizing their role in maintaining fiscal transparency during reconstruction efforts. Finance Minister Fayval Williams addressed the Government of Jamaica Audit Committees’ Conference Wednesday, framing oversight professionals as essential architects of national rebuilding.
Speaking at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel under the conference theme ‘Governance in Action: Strengthening Trust, Risk Oversight and Resilience,’ Williams asserted that auditors provide indispensable safeguards for reconstruction funds allocated after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. The minister characterized audit committees as operational guardians who translate principles of accountability into measurable public outcomes.
Williams directly linked audit oversight to Jamaica’s Vision 2030 development objectives, noting that while committee members might not be primary reporters on progress metrics, their work fundamentally enables ministries and agencies to execute mandates effectively. She emphasized that understanding institutional roles within Jamaica’s medium-term socioeconomic policy framework represents a professional necessity rather than an option for oversight personnel.
The address acknowledged Hurricane Melissa’s severe consequences, including compromised infrastructure, displaced families, and battered communities. Williams contrasted this destruction with the demonstrated resilience of Jamaican citizens and their determination to rebuild.
Cabinet Secretary Audrey Sewell reinforced these sentiments, detailing how auditing practices evolved during the crisis response. She revealed that real-time auditing procedures implemented under the Hurricane Melissa Relief Initiative have strengthened institutional credibility among international partners and diaspora communities. This approach, Sewell noted, has facilitated continued support through grants and concessional financing arrangements.
Both officials emphasized that Jamaica’s coordinated disaster response stemmed directly from years of foundational audit work, including identified system gaps, raised concerns about controls, and documented lessons from previous assessments. This historical oversight enabled the government to renew outdated systems and develop robust strategies before the hurricane crisis, providing institutional resilience when tested by natural disaster.
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Several PLP nomination races are heating up
The Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate selection process entered a vigorous phase yesterday as eleven aspirants presented their cases before the party’s Candidates Committee, signaling intense internal competition ahead of the upcoming general election. The PLP headquarters transformed into a vibrant political arena with dozens of supporters creating a festive atmosphere through music, Junkanoo rushes, and enthusiastic chanting while adorned in party regalia.
In the Freetown constituency, a notable contest emerged between incumbent MP Wayne Munroe and long-time party member Ormanique Bowe, who arrived with substantial supporter presence. Ms. Bowe, a local business owner, emphasized her role as a maternal figure for the constituency, expressing strong confidence in her nomination prospects. Mr. Munroe responded to the challenge with philosophical acceptance, acknowledging competition as a sign of party strength while maintaining his belief in being the optimal candidate.
The St. Anne’s constituency witnessed three contenders—Keno Wong, Latorna McPhee, and Chris Saunders—vying for nomination. Mr. Wong, former chairman of the National Neighbourhood Watch Council, cited community encouragement as his motivation, while Mr. Saunders, a veteran journalist, referenced the unexpected political shift in Georgia as inspiration for potential change despite previous electoral setbacks.
Former Senator Robyn Lynes adopted a strategic approach by expressing openness to any available constituency rather than challenging sitting MPs, emphasizing her decision emerged from financial stability, family preparedness, and spiritual guidance rather than personal ambition. Meanwhile, Tasha Bullard-Hamilton presented her vision for Bimini and The Berry Islands, highlighting ancestral connections and presenting comprehensive development plans addressing healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Several incumbent MPs including Wayde Watson (Bain and Grants Town), Zane Lightbourne (Yamacraw), Patricia Deveaux (Bamboo Town), and Lisa Rahming (Marathon) also underwent the committee review process. The party announced intentions to ratify its second candidate batch on Thursday, expected to include Sylvanus Petty, Kirk Cornish, Clay Sweeting, and Bradley Fox Jr.
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Senator Lalite-Ettienne: Parts not easily sourced, timeframe too short for repairs
In a nuanced Senate deliberation on January 20, Independent Senator Alicia Lalite-Ettienne endorsed the government’s Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill while advocating for practical adjustments to its grace period provisions. The visually impaired senator drew upon her husband’s experiences as a taxi driver to highlight systemic challenges in vehicle maintenance within Trinidad and Tobago’s import-dependent automotive ecosystem.
Senator Lalite-Ettienne articulated how sourcing specific vehicle components—particularly for models like the Toyota Yaris—often requires international procurement, with lead times extending to months rather than days. She emphasized that while the bill’s 3-7 day compliance window appears reasonable theoretically, it fails to account for logistical realities in developing nations without local manufacturing capabilities. The senator specifically requested implementation of a documentation system that motorists could present to law enforcement while awaiting parts, noting that current enforcement approaches lack necessary flexibility.
The legislative amendment, previously passed in the House of Representatives on January 16, establishes graduated grace periods for regulatory violations, allowing motorists to rectify issues before automatic fines trigger. Government Senator David Nakhid responded that discretion remains essential in enforcement, acknowledging that legislation cannot anticipate all practical complexities.
Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates raised complementary concerns regarding administrative burdens on under-resourced police and licensing officers. She cited the 2018 case of Patrick Awong—detained for eight hours over a previously paid fine—as evidence of systemic vulnerabilities that could exacerbate under the new timeline pressures. Senator John-Bates warned that automated systems could generate penalties despite compliance if certification paperwork experiences processing delays.
Despite these concerns, Senator Lalite-Ettienne affirmed her fundamental support for the legislation, framing vehicle maintenance as a civic responsibility comparable to personal health management. The debate highlighted the ongoing tension between legislative idealism and implementational practicality in Trinidad and Tobago’s governance landscape.