分类： politics

In a recent letter to the editor, concerns were raised about the United National Congress (UNC) government’s handling of fireworks regulations during the Divali celebrations. Despite their election slogan, ‘When UNC wins, everybody wins,’ the government has been criticized for its apparent inaction on the indiscriminate sale and use of fireworks, mirroring the previous administration’s approach. Phillip Alexander, a prominent supporter of the UNC, has been vocal in defending the government and criticizing the past administration’s shortcomings. However, the lack of effective enforcement of fireworks bans during the Independence holiday and Divali night has sparked public outrage. The letter highlights the adverse effects of the loud explosions on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, autistic individuals, and those with noise sensitivities. The writer questions whether the UNC is truly different from the People’s National Movement (PNM) or merely a repackaged version of the same policies. The letter concludes by emphasizing the need for legislative reforms to promote responsible fireworks use, similar to practices in other Caribbean nations like Barbados.

In a recent address to the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 21, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Mohit underscored that every policy, program, and financial allocation is meticulously designed to empower and transform lives, particularly those of the poor, elderly, disabled, women, children, and families in crisis. Despite facing significant fiscal constraints, the ministry has remained steadfast in its focus on impactful expenditure rather than mere cost-cutting. In the previous fiscal year, the government invested over $4.5 billion in senior citizens’ grants, $267 million in public assistance, $79 million in disability grants, and $10 million in relief through the National Social Development Programme. Mohit highlighted that these efforts ensure no citizen is overlooked or unsupported. Looking ahead, the government plans to strengthen the social protection ecosystem by reviewing the standard means test to promote fairness and inclusion, modernizing delivery systems for greater efficiency, and enhancing collaboration with agencies like the Children’s Authority. The committee subsequently approved a budgetary allocation of $6,012,215,208 for the ministry. During the session, Mohit faced scrutiny from PNM MPs regarding the continuation of certain projects initiated under the previous administration. She assured that the government is actively considering these issues, while also addressing concerns about funding discrepancies for NGOs and the allocation of resources for women and children.

A contentious meeting of the Standing Finance Committee in the House of Representatives unfolded on October 22, as government and opposition members clashed over the approval of a $1.8 billion expenditure for the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training. Minister Prof Prakash Persad defended the ministry’s budget, describing it as a ‘lean, small, and agile’ entity. He acknowledged the challenges of establishing baseline financial figures for the newly reconstituted ministry and hinted at potential mid-year funding adjustments if allocations proved insufficient. However, the meeting quickly devolved into a heated exchange over long-standing vacancies within the ministry. Opposition MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly pressed Persad for clarity on the number of unfilled positions, to which he responded that 126 out of 911 positions had been filled, attributing the disarray to the previous administration. The debate grew increasingly acrimonious, with MPs from both sides interjecting and Speaker Jagdeo Singh repeatedly calling for order. Persad denied evading questions, while Gadsby-Dolly accused him of providing inconsistent answers. The session highlighted the deep political divisions surrounding the ministry’s restructuring and financial management.

After nearly two decades at the helm of Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary, Chief Justice Ivor Archie has officially announced his retirement, effective October 22. In a statement released on October 21, Archie reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and optimism for the future of the Judiciary. He emphasized the importance of leadership succession, stating, “The office of chief justice is not private property… It is a sacred baton held in trust for one’s successors and the nation.” Archie, who became the youngest chief justice in 2008, highlighted his deliberate decision to retire at 65, rather than waiting until the mandatory retirement age of 70, to pursue new challenges and opportunities. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended her “deep gratitude” for Archie’s 18 years of distinguished service, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation’s judicial landscape. During his tenure, Archie spearheaded judicial reforms, including the modernization of the Judiciary and the expansion of information technology use. However, his leadership was not without controversy, including legal challenges and allegations of misconduct. Archie’s successor will be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. As he steps down, Archie pledged his full support to his successor, vowing to offer no unsolicited advice. He also expressed heartfelt thanks to his colleagues, staff, and family for their unwavering support throughout his career.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez issued a stark warning to Trinidad and Tobago, asserting that its economy would face collapse without securing gas agreements with Venezuela. Speaking at the Venezuela Productiva 2030 Business Expo Forum on October 22, Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuelan gas must be paid for and criticized Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for relying on U.S. promises to access Venezuelan resources. Rodríguez accused Persad-Bissessar of being misled by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who allegedly promised free access to Venezuela’s gas. She described such claims as “fantasy” and warned that Trinidad’s business sectors would be left vulnerable if the country continued to pursue this path. Rodríguez underscored that Venezuela’s gas exports, including those to Trinidad and Tobago, are governed by international trade principles and require payment. She also highlighted the historical significance of Venezuela’s energy cooperation with Caribbean nations through initiatives like Petrocaribe, which the U.S. allegedly disrupted. Rodríguez’s remarks come amid renewed negotiations over the Dragon Gas project, a cross-border initiative involving Venezuela’s offshore reserves. Trinidad and Tobago recently secured a U.S. license to resume talks on the project, but Rodríguez insisted that only Venezuela’s government can facilitate the gas trade. Persad-Bissessar has yet to respond to Rodríguez’s comments.