分类： politics

A heated debate unfolded in Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives on October 23, as Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo defended the allocation of $475 million to an employment fund in the 2026 budget. The fund aims to support the government’s ambitious recruitment drive to create or fill 20,000 jobs. However, opposition MPs raised concerns about the adequacy of the funding, with St Ann’s East MP Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly arguing that the sum would only cover wages below the national minimum wage. Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young questioned how the fund would benefit former workers of the Cepep and URP programs, which were previously terminated. Tancoo assured that the fund would support a wide range of employment opportunities and that ministries could reallocate funds to ensure payment. He also praised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for launching a public website for job applications. The debate grew contentious, with Young accusing the government of failing to address the needs of unemployed Cepep and URP workers. Tancoo countered by criticizing the opposition’s track record in filling public sector vacancies. The session concluded with Speaker Jagdeo Singh urging MPs to move on due to time constraints.

The Standing Finance Committee meeting on October 24 turned into a heated debate as Housing Minister David Lee faced intense scrutiny from opposition MPs over significant budget cuts to his ministry. The session, held at the Red House, was temporarily suspended by Speaker Jagdeo Singh following a contentious exchange involving allegations of racism. The opposition questioned Lee about the ministry’s 2026 budget, which was reduced by nearly $100 million, from $684 million to $588 million. Diego Martin East MP Colm Imbert pressed Lee on how the ministry planned to hire staff despite the funding reduction, to which Lee jokingly replied, “We do magic.” Imbert retorted sarcastically, “Magic? Okay, thank you. Good answer.” Lee later clarified that the ministry currently has 92 positions, with 50 filled, 38 vacant, and four awaiting permanent appointments. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with the Public Service Commission to address staffing gaps and suggested supplementary funding or virements could be pursued if necessary. St Ann’s East MP Nyan Gadsby-Dolly questioned the drop in the ministry’s 2025 expenditure from $11 million to $9 million, probing whether personnel had left without replacement. Lee attributed the shortfall to Salaries Review Commission-related payments in the previous fiscal year. He also outlined broader housing budget allocations from 2024 to 2026, noting that $488.9 million would primarily service debt through the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), with only $32.4 million allocated for operational expenses. Imbert expressed concerns that the funding was insufficient to build new homes, questioning the HDC’s ability to deliver tangible housing outcomes. Lee defended the HDC’s self-sustaining model but acknowledged ongoing debates over profit and reinvestment priorities. The discussion also touched on aging HDC rental apartments, with Imbert highlighting the urgent need for maintenance. Lee assured that the agency would meet its obligations despite budget cuts, citing new procurement processes aimed at reducing corruption. Tensions flared further when MP Keith Scotland accused Lee of shutting down key public employment programmes in east Port of Spain. Lee vehemently denied the claim, stating, “East Port of Spain is not closed down.” The session reached a boiling point when MP Barry Padarath described the opposition’s behaviour as “hooliganism,” prompting Gadsby-Dolly to condemn the comment as racist. Speaker Singh suspended the sitting for ten minutes, urging MPs to reflect on decorum. Upon resumption, Singh ruled that both sides must withdraw their statements, restoring order to the proceedings.

Trinidad and Tobago has joined the United States and six Latin American nations in officially endorsing Rodrigo Paz Pereira as Bolivia’s newly elected president. The endorsement was articulated in a joint statement released by the US State Department on October 21, titled ‘Joint Statement on the Bolivia Election.’ The statement was co-signed by Argentina, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. It congratulated President-elect Paz Pereira on his victory in the October 19 runoff election, which marked a significant shift in Bolivia’s political landscape after two decades of leftist governance. The statement praised the Bolivian people for their active participation in the democratic process, emphasizing that the election results reflected a collective desire for change and economic reform. The signatory nations expressed their readiness to support Bolivia’s new administration in stabilizing its economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering international trade and investment. They also pledged to collaborate with Paz Pereira’s government on regional and global security, economic prosperity, and addressing shared challenges. The Associated Press described Paz Pereira’s win as a ‘surprise electoral victory,’ signaling the end of Bolivia’s long-standing alignment with leftist policies. Paz has committed to rebuilding relations with the United States and attracting foreign investment to Bolivia, which has been isolated from international markets for years. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the election as a ‘transformative opportunity’ for bilateral cooperation on investment, immigration, and security. Paz also emphasized Bolivia’s renewed commitment to supporting democratic movements in Latin America, notably engaging with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in this alliance highlights its unique position as the only English-speaking country in the region supporting US-led initiatives, including military actions against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers.

The Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives witnessed heated exchanges between government and opposition MPs on October 23 as they deliberated on the 2025/2026 budget. The focus of the debate centered on the allocation of $285,517,600 for the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, alongside contentious discussions on expenditure for planting poui trees and the termination of the Cepep program. Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Kama Maharaj outlined a $1 million initiative to beautify highways by planting poui trees, drawing parallels to similar projects in Japan involving cherry blossoms. He suggested involving volunteers and school children in the effort, prompting Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland to question whether children would be paid for their participation. Scotland also criticized the government for dismissing former Cepep workers who could have been retained for such initiatives, leading to tense exchanges in the chamber. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo had previously announced the termination of Cepep and URP in his October 13 budget presentation, proposing a $475 million Employment Fund to replace these programs with full-time, better-paid jobs. Social Development Minister Vandana Mohit and Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath indicated that former Cepep workers could apply for jobs through the National Recruitment Drive. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles raised concerns about potential political patronage in the new unemployment fund, questioning its fairness and transparency.

The 2025-2026 Budget, unveiled on October 13 by Trinidad and Tobago’s new administration, has been hailed by some as a blueprint for hope and transformation. Under the theme “T&T First: Building Economic Fairness through Accountable Fiscal Policies,” Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo presented a polished and thematic budget that signaled strategic realignments across ministries. However, for advocates of mental health and inclusion, the budget fell short of delivering the urgent and transformative changes needed for vulnerable groups. While the government pledged to decentralize mental health services and promote community-based care, the plan lacked critical details such as timelines, infrastructure, and workforce development. The Social Sector Investment Programme highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s third-place ranking in the Caribbean for mental illness prevalence, yet the budget’s response to this crisis was deemed tepid. Dr. Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor, a psychologist and educator, criticized the absence of targeted measures for people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and the LGBTQ+ community. Despite growing advocacy for mental health reform and inclusion, the budget failed to address systemic barriers or integrate mental health literacy into the education system. Dr. Nakhid-Chatoor emphasized that true economic fairness requires more than rebranding; it demands a reimagining of progress, urgent investment in community-based care, and the embedding of inclusion into every ministry. She called for a redrawing of the track—one that is urgent, accountable, and inclusive of every citizen—to break the cycle of marginalization and ensure measurable outcomes.

A significant legal battle has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago as Denesh Maharaj, a Piarco resident, challenges the legality of his detention under the 2025 state of emergency regulations. Maharaj, who faces charges of firearm and ammunition possession, as well as marijuana trafficking, was detained by police and later subjected to a preventative detention order. His legal team, comprising Keron Ramkhalawan, Anwar Hosein, and Shalini Sankar, contends that his detention was unlawful and violated his constitutional rights to liberty and due process under Sections 4(a), 4(b), and 5(2)(h) of the Constitution. Maharaj seeks declarations that the order authorizing his extended detention was illegal, along with damages and costs. The case raises critical questions about the police’s authority to extend detention periods under emergency regulations, particularly beyond the 48-hour limit without proper oversight. Maharaj’s attorneys argue that his initial arrest was conducted under common law, not emergency powers, and that the subsequent use of emergency regulations to prolong his detention was unjustified. At a recent hearing, Justice Seepersad expressed concern over the absence of state representation and emphasized the need for proper attendance at future proceedings. The case has been adjourned to January 14, 2026, while a related constitutional challenge regarding the police’s power to extend detention periods remains pending a ruling from the Privy Council on the legality of the 2011 state of emergency regulations.

The Assembly of Southern Lawyers (ASL) has extended its congratulations to Ronnie Boodoosingh on his recent appointment as Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago. The ASL lauded Boodoosingh’s illustrious legal career, which began in 1992 when he was admitted to practice law. He initially worked as an advocate at JD Sellier & Company before transitioning to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as a prosecutor. In 2007, he was appointed to the High Court bench, and in 2020, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal. ASL President Saira Lakhan highlighted Boodoosingh’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to advancing access to justice, particularly in the southern region. Boodoosingh, who holds a master’s degree in international dispute resolution from the University of London, has also made significant contributions to legal education as a lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School and as the founder of the Human Rights Law Clinic. The ASL expressed optimism about collaborating with Boodoosingh to strengthen the administration of justice, reduce court backlogs, and enhance public confidence in the judiciary. The assembly also emphasized the importance of reopening and fully operationalizing courts in the southern region, including those in San Fernando. Meanwhile, attorney Prakash Ramadhar reflected on the tenure of outgoing Chief Justice Ivor Archie, who served for 17 years, calling for greater transparency and accountability in judicial appointments. Ramadhar also raised concerns about the current system of judicial appointments, advocating for public scrutiny of those in positions of power. Boodoosingh was officially appointed by acting President Wade Mark, marking a new chapter in Trinidad and Tobago’s judiciary.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has voiced concerns over the lack of adequate consultation in the appointment of the new Chief Justice, Ronnie Boodoosingh. Speaking to the media outside the Red House in Port of Spain on October 24, Beckles emphasized that her objections were not about Boodoosingh’s qualifications but rather the rushed timeline of the process. She highlighted that a letter with errors was presented at 6:30 PM while she was in Parliament, corrections were sought by 8:30 AM the next morning, and the appointment was finalized by 2 PM the same day. Beckles described this as insufficient consultation, though she acknowledged Boodoosingh’s competence, noting his background as an ethics teacher at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Boodoosingh was sworn in by acting president Wade Mark on October 22. The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago also raised concerns about the expedited and abbreviated process leading to his appointment.

The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has firmly responded to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent criticisms, asserting its constitutional mandate to address matters related to the rule of law and judicial integrity. In a statement issued on October 24, LATT addressed the Prime Minister’s remarks following its commentary on the appointment of the new Chief Justice, Ronnie Boodoosingh. The association emphasized its statutory duty to independently and impartially comment on issues affecting the administration of justice, upholding the highest standards of the legal profession. LATT President Lynette Seebaran-Suite, SC, underscored the importance of respectful public discourse on legal and constitutional matters, particularly among high-ranking officials, to preserve democratic institutions. The association reaffirmed its commitment to serving the public interest and maintaining its dignified role in national life. This response came after Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar launched a scathing critique of LATT, labeling it a “defiled and discredited organisation” and dismissing its concerns about the Chief Justice appointment process. LATT had earlier raised concerns about the “hastened and truncated” procedure, questioning whether proper consultation had occurred as required by the Constitution. Despite logistical challenges caused by the abrupt retirement of former Chief Justice Ivor Archie, LATT maintained that constitutional procedures should not have been bypassed. The controversy deepened as Acting President Wade Mark proceeded with the appointment despite objections from Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who claimed insufficient consultation time. Senior Counsel Martin Daly also criticized the process, describing it as “botched” and poorly handled, while acknowledging Boodoosingh’s qualifications. Criminal Bar Association President Israel Khan, SC, defended Boodoosingh’s integrity and independence, citing his past refusal to engage in sycophancy during a previous judicial controversy. LATT concluded by vowing to remain undeterred in fulfilling its constitutional role and calling for continued respect for democratic institutions.

During a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 23, Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young raised critical questions regarding the allocation of funds for small guest houses and the regulation of the scrap metal industry. Young directed his inquiries to Trade, Investment, and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj, emphasizing the potential of small guest houses to generate foreign exchange revenues for Trinidad and Tobago (TT). He questioned whether the $1.5 million allocated to the ministry was adequate to support these establishments, particularly given the rising costs of imported materials due to recent tariffs. Maharaj responded by outlining the ministry’s targeted approach to hotel development, citing ongoing projects such as Tradewinds in San Fernando and Crews Inn in Chaguaramas. He also mentioned efforts to attract private sector investment, including potential collaborations with foreign hotel chains like Best Western. However, Young expressed concerns that the current funding might not suffice for smaller guest houses seeking assistance throughout the year. On the topic of the scrap metal industry, Young inquired about the adequacy of the $400,000 budget for regulatory measures, recalling past efforts to curb criminal activities in the sector. Maharaj assured that the allocated funds would be sufficient, with additional support available if needed. The minister also highlighted the ministry’s broader mission to diversify the economy and strengthen the non-energy sector through strategic planning and robust management.