分类： politics

The Standing Finance Committee of Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives witnessed intense disagreements during its budget deliberations on October 21 and 22, as opposition and government members clashed over time management and the handling of inquiries. Speaker Jagdeo Singh opened the October 22 session by acknowledging the committee’s poor performance the previous day, particularly in managing time effectively. Singh emphasized the need for a balanced approach, urging both sides to collaborate and streamline the process. He suggested that some questions could be addressed in writing to save time, citing Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles’s earlier request for written responses as an example. Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath defended the government, placing the blame squarely on the opposition for the delays and inefficiencies. However, Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales and Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young countered, accusing the government of evading questions and failing to provide clear answers. Young described the government’s responses as a ‘boldface refusal’ to address critical issues. Despite the tension, Singh called for a conciliatory spirit moving forward, and Gonzales pledged the opposition’s commitment to completing the budget review within the allotted five days. The committee approved expenditures for several public bodies without incident, but the heated exchanges underscored the deep political divide. The budget deliberations are set to conclude by October 25, with both sides vowing to continue their respective approaches.

Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape has been thrown into disarray following Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s explosive allegations against the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM). In a statement on October 24, Persad-Bissessar accused the PNM of being financially supported by the local drug mafia, a claim the opposition has vehemently denied, labeling it as “baseless, reckless, and defamatory.” The PNM countered that the Prime Minister’s accusations were a desperate attempt to divert attention from her government’s failures and the growing public discontent with her leadership. The opposition further criticized her for refusing to address the nation during a period of heightened regional tensions with Venezuela, accusing her of adopting an erratic and isolationist foreign policy. The PNM emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong international relations, particularly with the United States, citing long-standing security agreements like the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. In response, Persad-Bissessar doubled down on her claims, accusing the PNM of protecting drug traffickers and undermining national security. International relations expert Prof. Anthony Bryan weighed in, describing the Prime Minister’s language as “strong and defamatory,” and potentially libelous given the lack of evidence. The ongoing feud has further polarized the nation, with citizens demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders amidst economic instability and rising hardships.

During the October 22 session of the Standing Finance Committee, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander repeatedly invoked ‘national security interests’ to avoid answering questions, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. This approach, while not unprecedented, reached new heights as Alexander dismissed inquiries on topics ranging from police vehicle leasing to minor equipment purchases, labeling them as state secrets. For instance, when MP Keith Scotland questioned the use of drones detailed in the budget, Alexander accused him of revealing ‘national security information.’ Similarly, a $2.5 million allocation for a new unit was deemed ‘operative and covert,’ with Alexander refusing further discussion. This pattern of deflection drew criticism from opposition MPs, who accused the minister of overusing national security as a shield. The situation highlighted Alexander’s struggle to balance operational security with parliamentary accountability, a challenge exacerbated by his recent additional responsibility for prisons in the Prime Minister’s portfolio reshuffle. Critics argue that Alexander, a former TV host and controversial police officer, appears more adept at the operational aspects of security policy than navigating the complexities of parliamentary scrutiny. The PNM’s criticism of Alexander’s lack of transparency also drew scrutiny, given their own history of invoking secrecy during their tenure. The episode underscores the need for greater clarity and oversight in how national security concerns are addressed in parliamentary proceedings.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has launched a scathing critique against the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), accusing them of orchestrating a disinformation campaign to shield their alleged drug mafia financiers. In a statement released on October 24, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) condemned the PNM for undermining efforts to combat drug, arms, and human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The Prime Minister highlighted the nation’s vulnerable borders, which have facilitated illegal activities, including the entry of tens of thousands of migrants and the brutal murders of over 10,000 citizens in the past two decades. The OPM further alleged that PNM-controlled constituencies are disproportionately affected by drug-related gang violence, yet the party prioritizes the interests of its financiers over the welfare of its constituents. Amid these accusations, the government welcomed the USS Gravely warship and the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit for joint military training with TT’s defense force from October 26 to 30. This collaboration, part of the renewed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between TT and the US, aims to enhance national security and operational readiness. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of international partnerships in safeguarding the nation, stating, ‘TT must always come first.’

In Trinidad and Tobago, cronyism and nepotism have long been pervasive issues, deeply embedded in both the private and public sectors. The practice of leveraging personal connections to secure opportunities has become a defining characteristic of the nation’s professional and political landscape. This ‘contactocracy,’ as it is often termed, perpetuates a cycle where governance and societal progress are hindered by favoritism rather than meritocracy. A recent revelation by Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein has brought this issue to the forefront. Hosein disclosed that a well-known blogger received payments exceeding $3.3 million between 2017 and 2025 through a company registered in her name. Despite the company’s claim of ‘over 25 years of experience in communications and media consultancy,’ it had only been operational for three weeks when it was awarded the contract by the Ministry of Finance in 2017. The blogger defended her eligibility, asserting her competence as a digital marketing strategist. While government contracts with private entities are not inherently problematic, the lack of transparency and merit-based selection processes raises significant concerns. The absence of a verifiable digital footprint for the work allegedly performed further fuels skepticism. This case underscores a broader issue: the prioritization of connections over qualifications in state contracts. Such practices not only erode public trust but also perpetuate inefficiencies and inequities in governance. The narrative of ‘eat-ah-food’—a colloquial term for benefiting from state resources—often overshadows legitimate contributions, as seen in the author’s own experiences. Despite delivering impactful campaigns for state organizations like Cepep and the Ministry of Health, the author faced accusations of cronyism when appointed to the EMA board. This highlights the politicization of public service and the need for systemic reform to ensure fairness and accountability in governance.

As he celebrated his 76th birthday, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley expressed his support for a joint statement by ten former Caricom leaders, urging the Caribbean region to remain a zone of peace. The statement comes amid growing concerns over the United States’ military presence in the region and recent deadly maritime strikes targeting alleged drug traffickers off Venezuela’s coast, which have reportedly claimed the lives of Venezuelans and two Trinidad and Tobago nationals. Rowley criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s decision not to endorse the statement, labeling it as ‘reckless’ and a ‘dangerous dereliction of duty.’ He emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s historical leadership in regional unity and expressed disappointment in the current government’s stance. The joint statement, signed by former leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, calls for a reduction in military buildup to preserve peace and stability. It also reaffirms the region’s commitment to sovereignty and the rule of law, as established during the 1972 Chaguaramas meeting. The appeal coincides with the scheduled arrival of the USS Gravely, a U.S. warship, in Port of Spain for military exercises, raising concerns among international relations experts about potential U.S. intentions to influence Venezuelan politics.