Colombia has recalled its ambassador to the United States, Daniel Garcia Pena, for consultations as tensions between the two nations escalate over drug policy and aid disputes. The move follows a series of heated exchanges between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened punitive tariffs and an end to US aid to Colombia. Trump accused Petro of being an ‘illegal drug leader’ and vowed to ‘close up’ drug cultivation in Colombia if Petro fails to act. Colombia’s Interior Minister Armando Benedetti interpreted Trump’s remarks as a ‘threat of invasion or military action.’ The rift deepened after the US deployed warships off the South American coast in August, targeting drug trafficking operations. At least 27 people have been killed in these operations, with recent strikes allegedly targeting Colombian armed groups. Petro has accused Trump of violating Colombia’s sovereignty and committing murder. The US has historically been Colombia’s largest aid provider, with $740 million allocated in 2023, half of which was earmarked for anti-drug efforts. However, relations have soured, with the US decertifying Colombia as an ally in the drug war and revoking Petro’s US visa. Petro’s administration has shifted focus from forced eradication to addressing the social issues driving drug trafficking, leading to a 70% increase in coca cultivation, according to UN estimates.
分类： politics
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US Supreme Court to rule on gun ownership by drug abusers
The United States Supreme Court has agreed to examine a federal law that prohibits individuals who abuse illegal drugs from owning firearms. This case, which will test the boundaries of the Second Amendment, involves Ali Danial Hemani, a dual US-Pakistani national and alleged habitual marijuana user, who was indicted for unlawfully possessing a Glock pistol. An appeals court previously ruled that denying Hemani the right to own a firearm violated his constitutional rights. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for gun control and individual liberties. The conservative-majority court, known for its pro-gun rulings, will determine whether the law imposes an unjustifiable burden on Second Amendment protections. The Justice Department, under former President Donald Trump, has argued that habitual drug users with firearms pose a unique societal danger, but the restriction is temporary and can be lifted if the individual ceases illegal drug use. This case is one of two gun rights disputes the court will address this term, the other involving a Hawaii law on concealed carry permits.
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Prime Minister absent from Divali Nagar finale
Amid escalating security concerns following a United States advisory to its citizens in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was conspicuously absent from the final night of Divali Nagar on October 19, where she was slated to deliver the keynote address. Despite multiple attempts by Newsday to reach her for comment, the Prime Minister remained unresponsive. Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), which organized the nine-night event, indicated around 1 pm on Sunday that no security sweep had been conducted at the Chaguanas venue, suggesting Persad-Bissessar’s attendance was unlikely. Nevertheless, the NCIC implemented additional security measures as a precaution. Later that evening, ushers and NCIC members confirmed to the media that the Prime Minister would not be attending. In her Divali message, Mangaroo emphasized the importance of unity and harmony, urging citizens to strengthen the bonds that unite them. In a special message in the Divali Nagar 2025 commemorative magazine, Persad-Bissessar reflected on the event’s theme, ‘Loka Sangraha – the Welfare of the World,’ highlighting the need for compassion, justice, and peace in a world plagued by conflict and division. She underscored the nation’s commitment to building a society where every individual can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope. Meanwhile, tensions have been rising nationwide since the US deployed military assets off the Venezuelan coast to combat the drug trade. Persad-Bissessar has faced criticism for her support of US operations and her controversial statement advocating violent measures against drug runners. On October 18, the US Embassy in Port of Spain issued a social media alert warning of a heightened state of alert and advised its nationals to avoid US government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago. Rumors circulated that Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General John Jeremie had been relocated to safe houses, a claim denied by acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin. Both Benjamin and Minister of National Security Roger Alexander acknowledged a credible threat but urged the public not to panic. Calls have grown for the Prime Minister to address the nation regarding the nature of the threat, particularly its connection to the US military presence in the southern Caribbean and potential risks to Trinidad and Tobago nationals. While Persad-Bissessar has remained publicly silent, she shared photographs on October 18 of herself and Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers hosting US Embassy staff at a private Divali celebration at her home in Phillipine, South Trinidad—coinciding with the embassy’s alert.
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Bahamians urged to avoid fast speed boats leaving Venezuela
NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – In light of the United States’ escalating military presence in the Caribbean as part of its campaign against alleged drug traffickers from Venezuela, Bahamian National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has issued a stern warning to citizens. Munroe advised Bahamians to steer clear of ‘go fast boats’ departing from Venezuela, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by the US operations. While the Bahamas does not intend to mirror the US military actions, Munroe stressed the importance of avoiding any involvement that could lead to unintended consequences.
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Trinidad and Tobago stands firm with US on regional security
The government of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has publicly diverged from Caricom’s collective stance on maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace, opting instead to support the United States’ military intervention in the region. This decision, announced on October 19, follows Caricom’s October 18 statement reaffirming the principle of regional peace, which noted TT’s reservation on the matter. The Caricom statement emphasized dialogue and international cooperation to combat narco-trafficking and illegal arms trade, while TT’s government expressed unwavering support for US-led operations aimed at curbing transnational crime. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has consistently endorsed US military presence in the southern Caribbean, citing the threat posed by criminal organizations. International relations experts have criticized TT’s stance, with some describing it as a setback for Caricom’s integration efforts. Meanwhile, the US has intensified its anti-narcotics operations, recently targeting a vessel allegedly linked to Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN), a group classified as a terrorist organization. The incident has raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for collateral damage in the ongoing US-Venezuela tensions.
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Estephane, Preville: Fresh faces, high stakes in Babonneau’s election
The Babonneau constituency is poised for significant transformation as it edges closer to achieving township status. With a series of economic and social developments on the horizon, the area is set to witness a potential political shake-up in the forthcoming general elections. The constituency, known for its pivotal role in recent electoral cycles, has historically oscillated between major political parties, making this election particularly noteworthy.
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VIDEO: 30 vehicles returned to car dealerships last week, PM confirms
In a decisive move to uphold government integrity, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has ordered the return of more than 30 vehicles that were improperly acquired in violation of established policies. The vehicles, which were reportedly distributed to individuals without proper authorization, have sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about accountability within the administration. PM Browne emphasized that the dealers involved in the transactions were fully aware of their culpability, stating, ‘They knew they were breaching the rules, and this will not be tolerated.’ The incident has prompted a broader review of procurement processes and stricter enforcement of compliance measures. This action underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and its determination to address systemic issues that undermine public trust. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the PM’s firm stance while others call for further investigations into similar breaches.
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Parmessar gekozen tot vicepresident van Grulac tijdens IPU-top in Genève
In a significant development for Suriname’s political representation on the global stage, Assembly Member Rabin Parmessar, leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), has been elected Vice President of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (Grulac). The election took place on Saturday in Geneva, ahead of the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Parmessar’s election underscores Suriname’s growing influence within the regional bloc, which coordinates parliamentary strategies and represents Latin American and Caribbean nations in international forums.
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Pers blijft rapporteren, maar buiten de muren van Pentagon
A significant portion of the American press corps has withdrawn from the Pentagon after journalists refused to comply with the Department of Defense’s new media regulations. The tightened rules prohibit journalists from publishing any information not officially pre-released by the department—even if it is not classified. Those who declined to sign the agreement lost their access passes as of October 15. Nearly all major U.S. news organizations, including CNN, ABC, The New York Times, Reuters, Associated Press, and even the typically conservative Fox News, have turned their backs on the Pentagon. Only a small minority, including some new right-wing media outlets, have formally agreed to the new terms. The rest have vacated their offices, cleared out TV studios, and surrendered their press passes. Despite the exodus, journalists emphasize that their departure does not mean an end to defense reporting. They will continue their work from editorial offices or external sources outside the Pentagon. Many reporters left the building in a symbolic procession, handing in their press passes and leaving behind empty desks. Media organizations have criticized the new rules as a ‘historically dangerous precedent,’ arguing that they bring the U.S. closer to controlled state communication. Critics warn that this makes the work of investigative journalists—who are tasked with exposing abuse of power and misconduct—nearly impossible. Trust in the transparency of the U.S. government and military accountability is under severe pressure. The Pentagon, however, maintains that the measures are necessary ‘for the safety of the troops and the national interest.’
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US conducts another strike on boat allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean
In a significant escalation of its anti-drug trafficking efforts, the United States military conducted a targeted strike on a vessel in the Caribbean suspected of involvement in illegal narcotics trade. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation on Sunday, revealing that the strike occurred on Friday. According to Hegseth, the ship was linked to a Colombian terrorist organization and was found carrying substantial quantities of narcotics. The operation resulted in the deaths of three individuals aboard the vessel, with no reported casualties among US forces.
This strike marks the seventh in a series of recent US military actions against ships allegedly engaged in drug trafficking. Hegseth, in a post on X, likened the cartels to ‘the Al Qaeda of the Western Hemisphere,’ accusing them of using violence and terrorism to threaten national security and harm American citizens. He emphasized that the US military would treat these organizations as terrorists, vowing to ‘hunt and kill’ them.
The operation is part of the Trump administration’s increasingly aggressive stance against South American countries involved in drug smuggling. President Trump has recently authorized the CIA to operate in Venezuela and is reportedly considering military action within the country as part of a broader campaign to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Additionally, Trump has publicly clashed with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who accused the US of killing an innocent Colombian national during a previous strike. In response, Trump announced the cancellation of all US payments and subsidies to Colombia.
This latest strike underscores the administration’s commitment to combating drug trafficking but also highlights the growing tensions between the US and South American nations. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected.