分类： politics

In a dramatic turn of events during the marathon budget debate in the House of Representatives, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo declared that the People’s National Movement (PNM) had ‘fallen’ after no opposition MP rose to respond to a government speaker. The debate, which began at 10 am on October 17 and concluded at 2:22 am on October 18, is set to resume on October 21 with a detailed examination of revenue and expenditure by the Standing Finance Committee. The session featured 14 speakers, alternating between opposition and government MPs, until it reached Claxton Bay MP Hansen Narinesingh, who delivered his maiden speech. Speaker Jagdeo Singh congratulated Narinesingh and then turned to the opposition benches, only to find no one willing to speak. Tancoo seized the moment, criticizing the PNM for abdicating its responsibility, particularly noting the absence of opposition leader Pennelope Beckles. He accused the opposition of having ‘nothing to say’ and praised the budget as ‘excellent.’ House Leader Barry Padarath later issued a statement titled ‘PNM Collapses in 2026 Budget Debate,’ highlighting the opposition’s failure to continue the debate despite having five members yet to speak. Padarath described the PNM’s inaction as a clear sign of their inability to analyze and respond to the national budget, suggesting that the party had ‘collapsed’ under the pressure.

Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin has confirmed that tactical police units in Trinidad and Tobago are on heightened alert following a security advisory issued by the US Embassy. However, Benjamin firmly denied rumors circulating online that senior public officials, including the Prime Minister and Attorney General, have been relocated to safe houses. He emphasized that such claims are baseless and urged the public to rely only on credible sources for information. The US Embassy’s alert coincides with increased US military presence in the South Caribbean, reportedly targeting anti-narcotics operations. Recent incidents include the destruction of five small boats and a narco-submarine off Venezuela’s coast, resulting in 29 fatalities. President Trump’s designation of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a narco-terrorist, accompanied by a $50 million bounty, has fueled speculation about potential US intervention in Venezuela. Benjamin reassured the public that the heightened alert is a precautionary measure and that there is no cause for panic. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge echoed this sentiment, stating that Trinidadians need not worry. The US Embassy has advised US nationals to avoid government facilities and remain vigilant, while also recommending enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates. Opposition MP Stuart Young has called on the Prime Minister to address the nation and provide clarity amid growing concerns.

In a scathing critique of the 2025/2026 budget, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has accused the UNC-led government of steering Trinidad and Tobago toward economic collapse. Speaking at the Red House in Port of Spain on October 17, Beckles, the first female PNM leader to deliver such a response, outlined a series of alarming strategies she claims the government is employing. These include imposing punitive taxes on citizens and businesses, depleting foreign exchange reserves, and misleading the public with unrealistic economic projections. Beckles described the budget as ‘fake and fraudulent,’ citing discrepancies in fiscal deficit calculations and a lack of credible revenue sources. She also criticized the government’s reliance on borrowing, particularly foreign debt, which she warned could exacerbate the country’s fiscal crisis. Beckles highlighted the draconian tax increases on locally manufactured rum and beer, which she argued unfairly target ordinary citizens. She further accused the government of political interference in state enterprises and financial institutions, warning that such actions could jeopardize public savings. Beckles concluded by promising that the PNM would work to rebuild the nation, emphasizing the need for stability and competence in governance.

In a scathing critique, Barry Padarath, the Leader of Government Business, has lambasted the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) for what he describes as a dereliction of their parliamentary responsibilities. The accusation came in a Facebook post following an unexpected halt to the budget debate on October 17, triggered by the absence of contributions from five PNM MPs. Padarath, who also serves as the Minister of Public Utilities and MP for Couva South, highlighted that after the seventh government speaker, Hansen Narinesingh, concluded his remarks, no PNM member stepped forward to continue the debate, despite having five members yet to speak. He pointed out that confusion reigned on the PNM bench, exacerbated by the absence of the Leader of the Opposition during this critical juncture. Padarath further criticized senior PNM members, including Colm Imbert, Marvin Gonzales, Simon De Nobriga, and Stuart Young, for their inaction when called upon to participate. He asserted that this incident underscores the PNM’s inability to effectively analyze and respond to the national budget, signaling a collapse under pressure. The government now anticipates the commencement of the Standing Finance Committee on October 21. Meanwhile, the PNM is scheduled to hold a news conference at Balisier House in Port of Spain on October 18 to address the controversy.

San Fernando East MP Brian Manning has voiced strong opposition to the new taxes and tax increases proposed in the recent budget, arguing that they will negatively impact businesses and ultimately burden ordinary consumers. Speaking in the House of Representatives on October 17, Manning highlighted several measures, including the bank/insurance levy, container-processing fee increase, landlord surcharge, LPG price hike, and single-use plastic tax, as particularly harmful. He criticized Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, whom he mockingly referred to as ‘Taxcoo,’ and labeled the budget as ‘fake and fraudulent.’ Manning also accused trade union leaders of prioritizing their own interests over their members’ welfare, aligning with the UNC in what he termed a ‘coalition of chaos and confusion.’ Manning further criticized the 0.25% levy on banks and insurance companies, which aims to raise $575 million annually, arguing that it would increase banking fees and overall costs for the public. He also condemned the landlord surcharge, equating it to a property tax, and questioned the $2,500 registration fee. Additionally, Manning criticized the electricity surcharge for commercial and industrial clients, the 100% hike in container processing fees, and the rise in excise duties on alcoholic drinks, which he said would drive up consumer prices. He also slammed the proposed $15,000 penalty for dangerous driving, calling it ‘blood money,’ and criticized the taxes on single-use plastics and electric vehicles. Manning concluded by questioning the government’s commitment to the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery and sarcastically endorsing the proposed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).