分类： politics

In a heartfelt letter to the editor published in Newsday, Barry S. Bissessar, a self-proclaimed ‘Fyzo boy’ and former schoolmate of Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, extended his congratulations on Tancoo’s recent appointment to public office. However, Bissessar also took the opportunity to remind the minister of a significant campaign promise: the removal of the seven per cent Online Purchase Tax (OPT).

Bissessar recalled that the current Prime Minister, during his time as opposition leader, had repeatedly criticized the OPT as a ‘nuisance tax’ and vowed to eliminate it. The tax was introduced during the 2016-2017 budget by the then finance minister, placing an additional burden on an already heavily taxed population.

While acknowledging that the removal of the OPT might have been overlooked in the preparation of the 2025-2026 budget, Bissessar expressed confidence that the issue would be addressed during the mid-year review or, at the latest, in the next budget cycle. The letter serves as both a congratulatory message and a gentle nudge to the finance minister to fulfill a key electoral promise.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the unwavering allegiance to political parties and leaders often overshadows the principles of good governance, public welfare, and integrity. This phenomenon, as highlighted by commentator Trevor Sudama, is not new nor exclusive to any single party. Simon Wright, in a recent letter to the press, pointed out a growing and dangerous trend where political loyalty supersedes national interest. This sentiment is echoed among supporters of both the United National Congress (UNC) and the People’s National Movement (PNM), where dissent is often met with harsh criticism and ostracism. Sudama recounts his own experiences of being vilified by the UNC leadership and its base for raising concerns about corruption, governance, and the party’s direction. He, along with Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and Ralph Maraj, faced dismissal from the government in 2001 after questioning the administration’s actions, including the handling of the Piarco terminal project and the collapse of Clico. Despite the backlash, Sudama remains steadfast in his commitment to integrity and independence of thought, emphasizing the importance of speaking truth to power. He reflects on the irony of politics, where former opponents of the UNC now lead the party, and past PNM sympathizers are at the forefront of a UNC government. Sudama’s narrative underscores the complexities and contradictions inherent in political life, where blind loyalty often trumps rational discourse and accountability.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has launched a scathing critique against Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, accusing her government of undermining its sovereignty by hosting a US military force. Speaking on his weekly television program, *Con Maduro*, on November 18, Maduro claimed that Persad-Bissessar had ‘mortgaged’ the nation’s sea and territory to accommodate a foreign military presence just 15 kilometers from Venezuela’s coast. He argued that this decision threatens regional stability and disrupts the historical brotherhood between the two nations. Maduro specifically referenced the US Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which has been conducting joint military exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force since late October. This marks the unit’s second deployment to the region in less than a month. Maduro warned that such actions represent a ‘false step against peace’ and violate the shared history of the Caribbean. He further asserted that the people of Trinidad and Tobago, including their military, oppose the militarization of their territory and the perceived threats against Venezuela. Meanwhile, Persad-Bissessar defended the US presence, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that it has contributed to reducing gun, drug, and human trafficking in the region. The US Southern Command has justified its military activities as part of efforts to combat narco-terrorism, with at least 21 strikes carried out in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since September. However, the Venezuelan government views this as a covert attempt to destabilize its regime. Amid escalating tensions, former US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to engage in discussions with Maduro following a request from Venezuela’s administration.

President Christine Kangaloo has introduced a significant amendment to the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025, aimed at clarifying the scope of police authority during investigations under emergency conditions. The sixth amendment, officially gazetted on November 17, explicitly states that law enforcement officers are empowered to prosecute individuals for any offences uncovered while lawfully exercising emergency powers. This amendment, effective retroactively from July 18—the date the state of emergency was declared—ensures that evidence of crimes discovered during the enforcement of emergency regulations is subject to punishment under existing laws. The update, designated as Regulation 20A, does not provide immunity to offenders but reinforces the legal framework for police actions during emergencies. This development follows legal challenges from a murder suspect detained under the regulations, who threatened to seek judicial review, alleging unlawful detention. The suspect’s legal team argued that the extension of detention under Regulation 13(3) was unjustified, as the initial arrest was not explicitly made under emergency powers. In response, the police defended their actions, citing the discovery of prohibited ammunition during a search and asserting that the detention was lawful under the regulations. The police emphasized the necessity of continued detention for public safety, given the suspect’s alleged ties to criminal elements.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signaled his readiness to engage in direct talks with US government representatives, even as tensions between the two nations intensify. This development follows the recent deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group to the Caribbean, a move widely interpreted as a show of force by the United States. Maduro’s announcement came during his television program, Con Maduro, on November 17, shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed openness to dialogue with the Venezuelan leader. Maduro emphasized the importance of diplomacy, stating, ‘Those who want to speak with Venezuela will speak – face-to-face.’ He further underscored the need for mutual understanding through dialogue, citing the principles of the UN Charter and Venezuela’s Constitution. The US State Department, meanwhile, has announced its intention to designate the Venezuelan drug trafficking group, Cartel de los Soles, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), with the designation set to take effect on November 24. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading the cartel and has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Maduro has repeatedly addressed the US public directly in recent appearances, advocating for peace and dialogue. The USS Gerald R Ford strike group’s arrival adds to the US military presence in the region, which includes the nuclear attack submarine USS Newport News and members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The MEU is currently conducting joint military exercises with Trinidad and Tobago’s Defense Force as part of Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating narcoterrorism in the Western Hemisphere. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has supported the US military deployment, framing it as an anti-narcotics initiative, while also asserting her country’s sovereignty and neutrality in the US-Venezuela conflict.