分类： politics

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s position on Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) involvement in regional security, particularly concerning the escalating tensions with Venezuela, has sparked considerable debate. Critics have labeled her approach as overly aligned with the United States or even “far-fetched.” However, a closer examination reveals that her stance is neither unprecedented nor unreasonable. It is deeply rooted in an 80-year history of strategic cooperation with the US, shared security interests, and a pragmatic assessment of contemporary challenges.

TT’s relationship with the US dates back to the Second World War, when the 1940 Destroyers for Bases Agreement led to the establishment of a US naval base in Chaguaramas and the construction of critical infrastructure, including the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway. These developments not only bolstered the Allied war effort but also laid the groundwork for TT’s modern road network. Although the US presence in Chaguaramas ended in 1963, the two nations have maintained a cooperative partnership through various agreements, such as the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. These frameworks have facilitated information-sharing, law enforcement collaboration, and maritime security, which are vital in combating transnational crime, narcotics, and arms trafficking.

Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s concerns about Venezuela’s security developments are well-founded. Recent US legal actions against Venezuelan officials, including former intelligence chief Hugo “El Pollo” Carvajal and President Nicolás Maduro, highlight the gravity of the situation. TT is not insulated from the repercussions of Venezuelan instability, as evidenced by the infiltration of the Tren de Aragua gang, now designated a terrorist organization under TT’s Anti-Terrorism Act. This poses a direct threat to national security, border management, and social stability.

When the Prime Minister asserts that any incursion into TT’s territorial waters will be met with force, she is not echoing US rhetoric but reaffirming TT’s sovereignty and right to self-defense. Her engagement with the US on surveillance, intelligence, and counter-narcotics cooperation aligns with the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. This pragmatic approach is aimed at safeguarding TT’s people and borders.

However, this cooperation must be balanced with transparency. TT must ensure that its territory is never used as a staging ground for foreign military operations without full sovereign consent. Diplomatic efforts should continue to prioritize peace, dialogue, and regional stability through organizations like Caricom, while simultaneously strengthening TT’s readiness to defend its frontiers.

In essence, TT’s current engagement with the US is neither subservience nor a novelty. It is a continuation of a historical partnership shaped by shared interests, geography, and the need for security in a volatile region. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s approach is not “far-fetched” but a rational extension of TT’s historical trajectory and its responsibility to protect the republic.

Independent Senator Francis Lewis has raised concerns over the projected $1 billion in revenue from increased excise duties on rum, beer, and tobacco products, as outlined by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. Speaking during a Senate debate on October 29, Lewis challenged the assumption that consumption of these products would remain unaffected by price changes, a concept known as price inelasticity. He cited a historical example from the ‘beer wars,’ where a 33% price drop led to a 45% surge in sales, arguing that the market is more elastic than policymakers assume. Lewis, who has consulted for local alcohol manufacturers, warned against rapid tax hikes, emphasizing the potential harm to businesses still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the sector’s significance, noting it employs approximately 100,000 people, with small bars and rum shops heavily reliant on alcohol sales. Lewis also expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with industry stakeholders, suggesting that sudden tax increases could create uncertainty and hurt revenue. Despite his objections, the Senate approved the government’s proposals to raise excise rates on alcohol and tobacco products.

Members of Parliament (MPs) in Trinidad and Tobago are set to convene on October 31 to deliberate on the government’s proposal for a second extension of the state of emergency (SoE). The decision, which requires only a simple majority in the House of Representatives, appears to be a foregone conclusion, as both government and opposition MPs have remained tight-lipped in their responses to media inquiries. The motion does not necessitate approval from the Senate, where independent benches hold moderating influence. The issue was expected to be addressed during a post-Cabinet briefing on October 30 at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, when contacted via WhatsApp, indicated that her MPs would caucus that afternoon to discuss the matter. The SoE was initially declared on July 18 following a public statement by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, who warned of criminal gangs targeting public figures in politics and criminal justice. The House previously extended the SoE by three months on July 28, and MPs will now decide whether to grant another three-month extension. The Trinidad and Tobago Constitution outlines the procedure for extending the SoE, with the first two extensions requiring only a simple majority. However, any third extension would demand a special majority in the House and Senate approval. Attorney General John Jeremie’s motion will argue that the extension is ‘necessary and expedient.’ Meanwhile, government MPs have not responded to media inquiries, leaving reporters to await clarification at the post-Cabinet briefing. During the briefing, officials highlighted measurable decreases in crime as justification for the extension, while dismissing any connection to US-Venezuela tensions.

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has called on its divisions to limit their expenditures for the fiscal year 2026. This directive was announced by THA Secretary of Finance, Trade, and Economy, Petal Ann Roberts, during a media briefing following a post-budget retreat held at the Mt Irvine Bay Hotel on October 29. The retreat, chaired by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, focused on the fiscal 2026 budget allocations and the assembly’s five percent share of the national budget. Discussions included last year’s achievements and challenges, as well as future policies and actions. Roberts emphasized the retreat’s inclusive nature, with inputs from all secretaries, assistant secretaries, and administrators on their achievements, strategies, and cost-saving measures. The THA has received a total of $2.96 billion, including allocations for Cepep and URP programs, which are crucial for Tobago’s development. The strategy discussed aims to constrain expenditures to fiscal 2025 levels, with a shift of approximately $300 million from recurrent to development, bringing the revised development allocation to $501 million. Six priority areas were identified: tourism, agriculture, digital transformation, human capital development, investment in micro, small, and medium enterprises, and infrastructure. Health, education, and community development were also highlighted as critical areas. Roberts will present a revised budget detailing the projects, their impact, and costs at an upcoming house sitting. Augustine confirmed that a full re-prioritization will be provided within two weeks from October 29.

In a recent post-cabinet press briefing held at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Sean Sobers, reaffirmed the government’s uncompromising stance on the deportation of illegal migrants. The briefing, attended by Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen and Nicholas Morris, parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, saw Sobers address concerns raised by Newsday regarding the government’s hard-line position on mass deportations. Sobers emphasized that the government’s policy aligns with the Immigration Act, which categorizes illegal entry and overstaying as criminal offenses, warranting deportation. He dismissed suggestions to soften the approach, stating that the government stands by the position articulated by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander. Sobers also addressed concerns about the treatment of migrants, drawing parallels to controversial practices in the United States, but maintained that Trinidad and Tobago’s immigration authorities operate within normal legal frameworks. Additionally, he responded to reports of Trinidadian nationals allegedly killed in US military strikes on drug boats, promising to investigate but cautioning against unfounded allegations. Sobers also commented on recent political tensions with Venezuela, including the Venezuelan National Assembly’s criticism of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and reiterated Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to democratic principles.