分类： politics

Public Service Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has announced the union’s commitment to finalizing public sector wage negotiations by Christmas, ensuring workers receive long-overdue payments. Speaking at a media conference on October 14, Thomas addressed what she termed ‘misinformation from the opposition’ regarding the recent ten per cent wage offer proposed by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the October 13 budget presentation.

Thomas emphasized the PSA’s dedication to resolving the negotiations swiftly, stating, ‘We are serious about settling your negotiations. Our aim is to have your negotiation settled by Christmas so that your money will be in your pockets.’ She also criticized former Finance Ministry official Brian Manning for his public remarks, urging him to refrain from interfering in public servants’ affairs.

Thomas accused the opposition of spreading ‘lies’ and attempting to undermine the PSA’s achievements on behalf of civil servants, statutory authority workers, and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). She referenced a May 2022 memorandum of agreement from the chief personnel officer (CPO), which outlined previous wage proposals, describing the earlier two per cent offers as ‘disrespectful’ and a catalyst for protests.

Thomas hailed the revised ten per cent offer as a turning point for public sector workers, restoring dignity to the negotiation process. She confirmed that the CPO had acknowledged the PSA’s request for a meeting and expressed optimism about commencing formal talks.

Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste praised the ten per cent offer as a victory for public workers, condemning the previous ‘unjust’ four and five per cent offers. He highlighted the government’s efforts to save jobs and improve the standard of living for working-class citizens, emphasizing its people-centred approach. Additionally, the government announced initiatives to support small and micro enterprises, including mentorship and financing for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Thomas concluded by urging public servants to rely solely on the PSA for accurate information regarding the negotiations, warning against the opposition’s attempts to ‘create mischief.’

In a recent letter to the editor, legal expert E Galy expressed strong disapproval of the Privy Council’s decision to accept the appeal in the Jason Jones case. Galy argued that the Privy Council, as Trinidad and Tobago’s supreme judicial tribunal, was not established to alter the Constitution or existing laws. According to Galy, such authority lies solely with Parliament. The court’s role, as outlined by Galy, is to ensure that new laws conform to the Constitution and to uphold laws that have already been passed. Galy emphasized that the court is not empowered to render laws inoperable if they fall within the constitutional framework. In the case of Jason Jones, Galy pointed out that a law was suspended to allow a claimant, whose personal declarations could subject him to police investigation, an opportunity to overturn a law clearly within the constitutional remit. Galy argued that there is no provision in the Constitution or procedural law that permits the judiciary or the Privy Council to entertain such claims. The invocation of ‘changed times’ or ‘new era’ is not a recognized formula in the Constitution, nor is it the role of the Privy Council to adapt the nation to social movements or ideas from elsewhere. Galy concluded by stating that these principles are well-established in law and that any deviation from them could lead to unintended mutations in other branches of law, which is not the responsibility of the Privy Council.

The recently unveiled budget by the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration has been hailed as a deeply political maneuver, strategically timed months after the April 28 general election. Presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo on October 13, the budget was more than an economic roadmap; it was a victory lap for the United National Congress (UNC) and a testament to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s enduring influence. Tancoo’s repeated acknowledgment of her as the driving force behind the budget underscored her centrality in shaping its measures, which aim to fulfill campaign promises and strengthen the social contract with citizens. Key initiatives, such as the public servant pay increase, not only fulfill pledges but also strategically weaken the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) by placing them on the defensive. The budget also highlights a shift in governance style, with Persad-Bissessar taking a more hands-on approach compared to her first term, where figures like Winston Dookeran and Larry Howai were more prominent. A notable feature is the establishment of a financial oversight committee chaired by the Prime Minister, signaling her heightened control over fiscal matters. Beyond domestic concerns, the budget carries geopolitical undertones, with references to global leaders like Donald Trump and Narendra Modi, reflecting Persad-Bissessar’s broader vision for Trinidad and Tobago’s place on the world stage. Her recent speech at the Siparia Divali celebrations, where she vowed to ‘go to war’ for citizens, further emphasized the interconnectedness of fiscal policy and international relations. This budget is not just about economic management; it is a calculated move to cement Persad-Bissessar’s legacy and position the country for a future shaped by both domestic and global priorities.

Tobago’s Minority Leader Kelvon Morris has sharply criticized the island’s $2.96 billion fiscal package for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, labeling it as ‘seasoned with deceit, deception, and in some respect, dishonesty.’ Speaking at a media conference on October 15 at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Lowlands, Morris emphasized that ‘the devil is in the details,’ pointing out a significant reduction in development funds for Tobago.

In a significant escalation of efforts to combat narcotrafficking, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a military strike in international waters off the coast of Venezuela on October 14, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The operation, carried out under Trump’s authority as commander-in-chief, targeted a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) involved in drug trafficking. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike, which occurred within the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) operational area. Trump described the deceased as ‘narcoterrorists’ and emphasized that no U.S. personnel were harmed. This marks the fifth such strike in the past month, bringing the total death toll to 27. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. military presence, accusing Washington of attempting to orchestrate regime change. Maduro has vowed to protect Venezuela’s sovereignty, launching nationwide military exercises like ‘Independence 200’ to bolster defense against external threats. Venezuelan officials, including Delta Amacuro State Governor Loa Tamaronis, have reaffirmed their commitment to national independence, rejecting foreign intervention. The U.S. has long accused Maduro of facilitating narcoterrorism, a claim he denies, further straining bilateral relations.