The Free National Movement (FNM) is undergoing significant internal adjustments as it prepares for upcoming elections, with key figures reportedly shifting their focus to new constituencies. Dr. Duane Sands, the FNM Chairman, is rumored to be seeking the party’s nomination for Bamboo Town, a departure from Elizabeth, where he previously ran unsuccessfully twice. While Dr. Sands neither confirmed nor denied these claims, he emphasized the importance of awaiting official ratification from the party’s council and candidate election committee. ‘I would not want to pre-judge their deliberation,’ he stated. This move follows internal discord after former MP Renward Wells was denied a nomination. Additionally, St. Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright is reportedly eyeing a seat in western New Providence, with party vice chairman Jamal Moss emerging as the likely successor. The FNM is set to ratify additional candidates by the end of the month, having already confirmed 24 earlier this year. Party leader Michael Pintard highlighted the need for strategic planning, citing the pending boundaries report as a critical factor. Pintard also remained noncommittal about contesting a potential Golden Isles by-election, praising local candidate Brian Brown for his decade-long dedication to the constituency.
分类： politics
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Pintard condemns Lincoln Bain’s “unfortunate” defamatory remarks
In a dramatic public confrontation outside Parliament on Wednesday, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Michael Pintard and Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain engaged in a heated exchange that quickly escalated into a verbal altercation. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, occurred as dozens of public servants protested over pay adjustments. During the confrontation, Bain hurled unsubstantiated accusations at Pintard, including claims of drug abuse and mental illness, prompting widespread criticism.
Following the backlash, Bain issued an apology to Pintard during a Baptist Convention service, acknowledging that his behavior was ‘inappropriate.’ However, Pintard expressed concern over the lack of a clear retraction of the false claims, stating that such actions are deeply troubling. ‘To consistently make false claims intended to harm others’ reputations without clearly retracting them is unfortunate,’ Pintard remarked. He added that he would provide a more detailed response in due course.
This is not the first time the two leaders have clashed publicly. Last November, Bain labeled Pintard as ‘weak’ during an FNM press conference, following a US indictment that alleged Bahamian officials were involved in cocaine smuggling. The ongoing tension between the two political figures highlights the volatile nature of Bahamian politics and the challenges of maintaining civility in public discourse.
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Venezuelan Nobel winner Machado holds call with Netanyahu
CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP)—In a Friday phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado expressed her admiration for the fight against ‘totalitarian forces,’ a statement Israel interpreted as support for its ongoing military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu’s office shared on X that Machado commended the Israeli leader for his ‘resolute actions’ during the war and praised the agreement for the release of hostages in Gaza. However, in a separate post, Machado, known for her opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, made no direct reference to Israel or Gaza. Instead, she emphasized the need for courage and moral clarity to combat totalitarianism, drawing parallels between Venezuela’s struggle for democracy and the Middle East’s quest for peace. She specifically criticized the Iranian regime for its support of Maduro and its backing of groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a vocal critic of Netanyahu, recently questioned Machado’s Nobel Prize, citing her past efforts to garner Israeli support in her campaign against Maduro. Venezuela has maintained no diplomatic ties with Israel since 2009, when former President Hugo Chavez severed relations in protest of the 2008 Gaza war.
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Kamla: Each lease for Caroni workers is a ‘deya of justice’
In a significant ceremony held at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar distributed land leases to 110 former employees of Caroni (1975) Ltd. The event, timed to coincide with the Hindu festival of Divali, symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and justice over oppression. The Prime Minister emphasized the historical significance of the occasion, noting that many recipients had waited 22 years for this moment, a delay she attributed to the previous administration’s alleged neglect and mismanagement. Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein played a pivotal role in preparing the land parcels, ensuring the long-awaited distribution could proceed. Persad-Bissessar highlighted the resilience of the Caroni workers, whose labor once supported Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, and framed the land distribution as a restoration of dignity and belonging. She also drew parallels between the workers’ journey and the story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, underscoring themes of faith, perseverance, and renewal. The Prime Minister urged recipients to use their land wisely, viewing it as a foundation for future prosperity. Hosein later criticized the former government for neglecting the land sites, revealing that significant funds had been wasted on legal fees rather than development. The government plans to distribute a total of 2,000 lots, with the next phase set for Exchange, Couva. The ceremony concluded with a message of hope and unity, as Persad-Bissessar wished the nation a blessed Divali, invoking the blessings of Mother Lakshmi.
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Saudi envoy brings US$5m
In a significant diplomatic event, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago (TT), Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sihani, was hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the second distribution ceremony for land leases to former workers of Caroni (1975) Ltd. The event, held on October 16 at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, marked a milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar warmly welcomed the ambassador, highlighting his journey from Saudi Arabia and his generous contribution of a $5 million grant to TT. She emphasized that the grant, which is not a loan, underscores the strong and enduring friendship between the countries. The Prime Minister also reiterated TT’s openness for business, inviting global partnerships. The ceremony was attended by several ministers, including Saddam Hosein and Barry Padarath, and was documented on the UNC’s Facebook page, which featured a photo of the PM, Ambassador Al-Sihani, and Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers. Ambassador Al-Sihani, who is also accredited to Venezuela, operates from Caracas, further strengthening the diplomatic ties in the region.
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Ex-foreign minister on US strikes: Don’t break the law to uphold the law
Former Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne has strongly criticized the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government’s handling of a recent US military strike on an alleged drug boat in international waters, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Trinidadians among four others. Browne condemned the government’s approach as reckless and inconsistent with TT’s longstanding principles of international law and diplomacy. He highlighted that the Prime Minister and other ministers had endorsed the strike with aggressive rhetoric, such as ‘Kill them violently,’ without demanding evidence, identification, or assistance in recovering remains. Browne expressed concern that this stance could harm TT’s relationships with regional and international partners, particularly within Caricom and the United Nations. He urged the government to align its foreign policy with the principles of the UN Charter and TT’s commitment to non-intervention in sovereign states’ affairs. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles also voiced concerns, particularly for fishermen in areas like Las Cuevas, who rely on safe waters for their livelihoods. She reiterated the opposition’s stance that the region should remain a ‘zone of peace.’ Former Prime Minister Stuart Young echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of due process and proportionality in addressing narcotics trafficking while maintaining regional stability.
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Penny referred to Privileges Committee for saying Speaker biased
In a significant development within Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape, Deputy Speaker Dr. Aiyna Ali has referred Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles to the Committee of Privileges. This decision stems from a matter of privilege raised by Couva South MP Barry Padarath, following the opposition’s walkout on October 10 and a subsequent media release criticizing the conduct of Speaker Jagdeo Singh. Dr. Ali announced the referral on October 17 during a session of the House of Representatives, after Beckles had contributed to a debate. Padarath’s complaint alleged that the media release, issued under the Opposition Leader’s banner, sought to undermine the independence of the House and constituted constructive contempt. Dr. Ali, after thorough research, concluded that a prima-facie case of contempt had been established, prompting the referral. Beckles, in her defense, had accused Speaker Singh of rejecting urgent questions and Prime Minister’s Questions filed by the Opposition, failing to adhere to established precedents for supplemental questions, and applying standing orders in a biased manner that favored the government.
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Trump refiles $15 bn defamation lawsuit against New York Times
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his legal battle against The New York Times by refiling a $15 billion defamation lawsuit, according to recent court filings. This move comes just weeks after a federal judge dismissed the initial complaint in September. The lawsuit, now streamlined to 40 pages from its original 85, targets The Times, three of its reporters, and publisher Penguin Random House, accusing them of publishing “false, defamatory, and malicious” content. The legal action specifically highlights a book and two articles that Trump claims were designed to tarnish his professional reputation. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages of at least $15 billion, along with punitive damages to be determined at trial. This renewed legal challenge is part of Trump’s broader campaign against media outlets he perceives as biased against him. Since his return to the White House, Trump has escalated his criticism of the press, restricting access to journalists and filing multiple lawsuits demanding substantial compensation. In July, he sued media mogul Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over reports about a book and a letter allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with Trump regarding election coverage on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” which he claimed was unfairly edited to favor his 2024 election rival, Kamala Harris.
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Ex-regiment chief ‘moves on’, endorses Col Edwards
In a significant leadership transition, Colonel Keston Charles, the former commanding officer of the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Regiment, officially handed over command to Colonel Dwayne Edwards. Charles, who served as the 20th commanding officer, expressed his profound gratitude to the regiment’s members in a heartfelt Facebook post on October 17. He commended their “unwavering dedication, professionalism, and support” during his tenure, which began on July 10, 2023. Charles also endorsed Edwards, expressing full confidence in his abilities and urging the regiment to remain disciplined and united in their service to the nation. This transition follows recent changes in the TT Defence Force leadership, including the appointment of Captain Don Polo as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on October 7, replacing Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel. President Christine Kangaloo, acting on the advice of Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, revoked Daniel’s appointment after consultations with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. On October 16, Commodore Polo paid a courtesy visit to President Kangaloo, who extended her congratulations and best wishes for his new role.
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Trump says Venezuela’s Maduro offered ‘everything’ to ease tensions
In a fiery exchange at the White House on Friday, US President Donald Trump directed a blunt verbal assault at Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, claiming the leftist leader had made significant concessions to de-escalate tensions with Washington. ‘He has offered everything, you’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to mess around with the United States,’ Trump remarked when questioned about reports of Venezuela’s proposed de-escalation plans. The US has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has intensified its military presence in the region, deploying stealth warplanes and seven Navy ships as part of its counter-narcotics operations. Earlier this week, B-52 bombers conducted a prolonged flight over the Caribbean near Venezuela, a move the US military described as a demonstration of its commitment to deterring threats and ensuring global readiness. This military buildup has raised concerns in Caracas that Washington’s ultimate objective is regime change. Venezuela is allegedly linked to several drug-smuggling vessels targeted by US forces in a recent campaign that has resulted in over two dozen deaths. Trump defended the strikes, stating, ‘We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs.’ However, Washington has yet to provide evidence supporting its claims that the targets were drug smugglers. Experts argue that such summary killings are illegal, even if the targets are confirmed narcotics traffickers.