In a rare moment of unity, Trinidad and Tobago’s political leaders paused their 2026 budget debate to celebrate Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, in the Rotunda of the Red House in Port of Spain on October 17. The event, marked by the lighting of deyas (oil lamps), saw participation from House Speaker Jagdeo Singh, Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath, and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles. The celebration was a symbolic gesture of cultural harmony in the multicultural nation. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, in his Divali address on October 18, drew parallels between the festival’s themes of light overcoming darkness and the return of Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC as Prime Minister in the April 28 general election. Padarath likened Persad-Bissessar to the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of prosperity and righteousness, and emphasized the importance of respecting women in society. He also critiqued the previous administration, stating that the current government has restored good governance after a decade of ‘darkness.’ Opposition MP Hans Des Vignes echoed the sentiment, extending warm Divali greetings to the Hindu community and highlighting the festival’s universal message of unity, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment. Des Vignes urged citizens to draw inspiration from Divali to address the nation’s social and economic challenges, reaffirming commitments to justice, equality, and cultural heritage. Both leaders called for the preservation of Trinidad and Tobago’s rich multicultural identity, emphasizing the festival’s themes of peace, love, and respect.
分类： politics
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Israel’s Netanyahu says will run for PM in next year’s election
In a televised appearance on the right-wing Channel 14, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his intention to run in the November 2026 elections. When questioned about his candidacy and prospects for victory, Netanyahu confidently responded, ‘Yes’ to both inquiries. The announcement comes as Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, continues to navigate a politically charged landscape. Netanyahu, who has served as Israel’s prime minister for over 18 years since 1996, holds the record for the longest tenure in the role. His leadership has been marked by significant achievements and controversies alike. In the most recent elections, Likud secured 32 seats in the Knesset, with its ultra-Orthodox allies and the Religious Zionism alliance adding 18 and 14 seats respectively, marking a strong showing for the far-right bloc. However, Netanyahu’s current term has been overshadowed by a contentious judicial overhaul plan that ignited widespread protests across Israel. Additionally, his handling of the ongoing conflict triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack from Gaza has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from families of hostages. Despite these challenges, Netanyahu remains a formidable figure in Israeli politics as he prepares for another electoral bid.
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Tancoo claims PNM collapsed as debate ends prematurely
In a dramatic turn of events during the marathon budget debate in the House of Representatives, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo declared that the People’s National Movement (PNM) had ‘fallen’ after no opposition MP rose to respond to a government speaker. The debate, which began at 10 am on October 17 and concluded at 2:22 am on October 18, is set to resume on October 21 with a detailed examination of revenue and expenditure by the Standing Finance Committee. The session featured 14 speakers, alternating between opposition and government MPs, until it reached Claxton Bay MP Hansen Narinesingh, who delivered his maiden speech. Speaker Jagdeo Singh congratulated Narinesingh and then turned to the opposition benches, only to find no one willing to speak. Tancoo seized the moment, criticizing the PNM for abdicating its responsibility, particularly noting the absence of opposition leader Pennelope Beckles. He accused the opposition of having ‘nothing to say’ and praised the budget as ‘excellent.’ House Leader Barry Padarath later issued a statement titled ‘PNM Collapses in 2026 Budget Debate,’ highlighting the opposition’s failure to continue the debate despite having five members yet to speak. Padarath described the PNM’s inaction as a clear sign of their inability to analyze and respond to the national budget, suggesting that the party had ‘collapsed’ under the pressure.
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France’s ex-president Sarkozy goes to jail
PARIS, France — Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is set to begin his prison sentence on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first former head of state from an EU country to be incarcerated. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in late September for his involvement in a criminal conspiracy to secure illegal campaign funding from the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi during his 2007 presidential bid. Despite appealing the verdict and decrying it as an “injustice,” Sarkozy will be held at La Sante prison in Paris. In a defiant statement following his conviction, Sarkozy declared, “If they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison — but with my head held high.” This makes him the first French leader to face imprisonment since Philippe Petain, the Nazi-collaborating head of the Vichy regime, who was jailed after World War II. Sarkozy is expected to be placed in solitary confinement, occupying a nine-square-meter cell to minimize interaction with other inmates and prevent unauthorized photography. The presiding judge, Nathalie Gavarino, emphasized the “exceptional gravity” of the offenses, ordering his incarceration even as he appeals. Sarkozy’s legal team is likely to seek his release immediately, but the court retains the authority to deny it if there are concerns about evidence tampering or witness intimidation. If released, he could be placed under judicial supervision or house arrest with an ankle tag. Sarkozy’s legal troubles have mounted since his 2012 re-election loss, including a prior graft conviction. In the Libyan case, prosecutors alleged that his aides struck a deal with Kadhafi in 2005 to fund his campaign, with promises to restore Kadhafi’s international image. However, the court acquitted Sarkozy of charges related to embezzlement, corruption, and illicit campaign financing. Despite losing his Legion of Honour distinction, Sarkozy retains some support on the French right, with his son Louis Sarkozy urging supporters to rally outside their family home. The case has also sparked controversy, with the presiding judge receiving death threats, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn such actions as “unacceptable.” La Sante prison has housed notable figures, including Venezuelan militant Carlos the Jackal and French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who was found dead in his cell in 2022.
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Ag CoP: No officials in ‘safe houses’ after US Embassy alert
Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin has confirmed that tactical police units in Trinidad and Tobago are on heightened alert following a security advisory issued by the US Embassy. However, Benjamin firmly denied rumors circulating online that senior public officials, including the Prime Minister and Attorney General, have been relocated to safe houses. He emphasized that such claims are baseless and urged the public to rely only on credible sources for information. The US Embassy’s alert coincides with increased US military presence in the South Caribbean, reportedly targeting anti-narcotics operations. Recent incidents include the destruction of five small boats and a narco-submarine off Venezuela’s coast, resulting in 29 fatalities. President Trump’s designation of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a narco-terrorist, accompanied by a $50 million bounty, has fueled speculation about potential US intervention in Venezuela. Benjamin reassured the public that the heightened alert is a precautionary measure and that there is no cause for panic. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge echoed this sentiment, stating that Trinidadians need not worry. The US Embassy has advised US nationals to avoid government facilities and remain vigilant, while also recommending enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates. Opposition MP Stuart Young has called on the Prime Minister to address the nation and provide clarity amid growing concerns.
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Antigua PM vows crackdown on corruption, warns even major donors at risk
In a bold declaration during a parliamentary session on Thursday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda announced a stringent zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, even if it implicates influential business supporters. Addressing the Lower House, Browne emphasized that his administration is committed to eradicating malfeasance within state agencies and revenue departments, regardless of the political or financial clout of those involved. He underscored the importance of safeguarding public revenue to ensure it directly benefits the populace, signaling an end to under-the-table deals and revenue leakage that have plagued previous governments. Browne’s statement, ‘The time for leniency is over,’ reflects his determination to restore public confidence and ensure that government funds are utilized in the national interest. He also acknowledged that some of the individuals implicated in corruption are significant campaign contributors but affirmed that his government is prepared to make sacrifices to uphold integrity and transparency.
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Citizen Seeks Full Disclosure of Legal Fees in State of Emergency Cases
Civic activist Jeremy Enriquez has formally invoked the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to compel the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries to reveal the extent of public funds expended on legal fees and damages linked to the July 2020 State of Emergency (SOE) detentions. In a detailed seven-page letter dated September 25, 2025, Enriquez addressed Minister Kareem Musa, emphasizing the necessity of transparency for public accountability. He referenced several High Court rulings that deemed the Government’s detentions unlawful, resulting in compensatory and vindicatory damages awarded to 16 claimants. Enriquez highlighted that taxpayers are now burdened with covering both these damages and escalating legal costs.
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Simons: Punt achter Decemberzaak; geen gratieverzoek, geen discussie
In a recent press conference, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding the December case, clarifying that she has not received an official pardon request from the four men convicted in the trial. She emphasized that her office has only received a letter from their lawyer, Irvin Kanhai, and not a signed petition from the individuals themselves.
President Simons underscored that a pardon request must be a personal act, requiring the direct involvement and signature of the convicted individuals. This principle aligns with the nearly 1,000 pardon requests submitted in anticipation of Suriname’s 50th anniversary of independence. ‘A pardon is a request from the detainee themselves. As long as that is not on my desk, I know nothing about it,’ she stated. She further clarified that unsigned letters do not qualify as formal pardon requests.
The President noted that she has received numerous pardon requests from other detainees, all of which were processed through the Ministry of Justice & Police and met all necessary requirements, including the signatures of the applicants.
Regarding the December case, President Simons declared it legally closed. ‘What I personally think, or what you personally think, no longer matters. The judge has made the decision; the case is over,’ she responded to a question. She assured that the human rights of all detainees, including the four convicted individuals, are being respected but reiterated that she sees no reason to reopen the matter.
‘We forget no one, including these four individuals. But neither you nor anyone else will get me to reopen this drama,’ she firmly stated. President Simons concluded by emphasizing her focus on the future of Suriname, stating, ‘I carry an entire country on my shoulders. The situation is not easy, but I continue to work to provide a better life for all Surinamese people.’
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Hilaire, UWP react to CCJ ruling in customs case
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has delivered a landmark ruling, dismissing Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s appeal in a protracted customs case tied to the importation of a Land Rover Discovery vehicle. The decision, issued on October 15, 2025, upheld prior judgments from the High Court and the Court of Appeal, affirming that the Comptroller of Customs acted lawfully in withdrawing the charges. The CCJ further stated that seeking judicial review of the Comptroller’s decision was “legally misconceived.” Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire hailed the verdict as a personal vindication after nearly a decade of legal and political scrutiny. In a social media post, Hilaire emphasized his resilience, vowing to continue serving his constituents despite ongoing challenges. The United Workers Party (UWP), however, criticized the ruling, labeling it a blow to accountability and transparency in Saint Lucia. The party argued that the decision prevented a full examination of the facts, leaving the public in the dark. The CCJ’s ruling marks the definitive conclusion of the case, with no further appeals possible, and the court lamented the case’s excessive consumption of judicial resources.
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4,697 new voter registations since June 2022
The Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) has announced the publication of its latest voter registration updates, marking a significant step in maintaining electoral transparency. Since the June 2022 General Election, the number of registered voters has grown by 4,697, bringing the total to 92,491 as of 30 September 2025. The PEO routinely publishes an addendum list every three months, alongside a comprehensive consolidated list released biannually in June and December. The most recent addendum list, covering July to September 2025, includes 852 new registrations, while the June 2025 consolidated list contains 91,639 names. Starting 16 October 2025, registered voters will have a seven-day window to inspect both the addendum and consolidated lists. This review period allows individuals to submit claims or objections regarding any discrepancies. The lists will be accessible at various public locations, including Parliamentary Elections Constituency Offices, post offices, police stations, and medical stations. The PEO emphasizes the importance of verifying personal details, particularly for those who registered between July and September 2025. Requests for corrections must be submitted to the relevant Registration Officer by 23 October 2025. This initiative underscores the PEO’s commitment to ensuring accurate and inclusive voter rolls ahead of future elections.