In a significant move to enhance regional security, Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), held high-level discussions this week with Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin. The meetings, held in Antigua, focused on deepening bilateral defense cooperation between the United States and the Caribbean nation. Key areas of discussion included combating transnational organized crime, curbing illicit trafficking, and bolstering border security across the region. Admiral Holsey underscored the importance of the partnership, describing it as vital to maintaining stability and security in the Caribbean. SOUTHCOM reiterated its commitment to collaborating with Caribbean nations to disrupt criminal networks that pose threats to both regional and U.S. interests. This visit is part of SOUTHCOM’s broader strategy to strengthen defense alliances in the Caribbean through initiatives such as joint training, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance programs, facilitated by the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown. The discussions mark a continued effort to address shared security challenges and foster long-term cooperation in the region.
分类： politics
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CAL ‘nineyears late’troubling
In a recent development that has raised significant concerns about governance and accountability, the audited financial statements of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) for the year 2016 were tabled in the House of Representatives—nine years after their due date. This delay, highlighted in a letter to the editor by Motilal Ramsingh, underscores a broader issue of systemic negligence within public sector institutions.
The financial documents were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee, chaired by Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul, with MP Colm Imbert serving as vice-chair. Notably, both individuals have previously held the position of Minister of Finance and are well-versed in financial stewardship. Dhanpaul, who also served as a permanent secretary and a member of CAL’s board, is no stranger to the intricacies of corporate governance.
The nearly decade-long delay in presenting these accounts is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a pervasive culture of weak accountability and a blatant disregard for statutory reporting obligations. Such lapses erode public confidence, impede effective parliamentary oversight, and undermine the credibility of financial governance across the public sector.
The situation is further exacerbated by the recent change in CAL’s board and the departure of key executives, which has laid bare the farcical nature of accountability within the organization. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms to restore public trust in institutions.
As Ramsingh aptly notes, this incident should not be met with wry amusement among those once responsible for oversight but should instead prompt serious reflection and corrective action. The restoration of public trust in governance mechanisms is imperative to ensure transparency and accountability in the future.
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Venezuela VP: US bombs meant for Venezuelans falling on TT citizens
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has accused the United States of causing collateral damage in its aggressive campaign against drug trafficking, claiming that US bombs intended for Venezuelans have tragically impacted innocent citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. In a Telegram post on October 16, Rodríguez described the killing of six individuals—reportedly including two Trinidadians—on a suspected drug vessel from Venezuela on October 14 as a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” She criticized Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for endorsing US military actions, quoting her earlier statement: “The US Army should kill them all.” Rodríguez highlighted newspaper headlines from Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing that the US military’s actions have resulted in the extrajudicial deaths of “humble citizens” of the country. The US has conducted missile strikes on four suspected drug boats departing Venezuela, resulting in over 20 fatalities. Two unidentified bodies washed ashore in Trinidad and Tobago following the first strike. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of using the drug war as a pretext for regime change. Rodríguez warned that the US military deployment in the southern Caribbean, which includes seven warships, a nuclear submarine, and nearly 5,000 personnel, threatens regional peace. She called for unity among Caribbean and Latin American nations to safeguard peace.
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CAL ‘nine years late’ troubling
In a striking revelation, the 2016 audited financial statements of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) were finally tabled in the House of Representatives, nearly a decade overdue. This delay, highlighted in recent media reports, underscores a systemic issue of weak accountability and disregard for statutory obligations within the state enterprise. The documents were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee, chaired by Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul, with MP Colm Imbert as vice-chair. Both individuals have previously served as finance ministers and are well-versed in financial stewardship, making the delay even more concerning. Senator Dhanpaul, who also served as CAL’s board member and permanent secretary, is no stranger to the intricacies of financial governance. The prolonged delay in submitting these critical financial reports not only erodes public confidence but also hampers effective parliamentary oversight. It reflects a broader pattern of financial mismanagement within the public sector, exacerbated by the recent departure of key executives and board changes. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for those responsible for oversight, urging them to take corrective action and restore public trust in institutional governance.
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Abdulah: US strike that allegedly killed Trinis is ‘war crime’
The Alliance of Caribbean People has vehemently denounced the recent US military strike that allegedly resulted in the deaths of two Trinidadian nationals. The incident occurred on October 14 off the coast of Venezuela in international waters, where a vessel suspected of carrying narcotics was targeted. US President Donald Trump claimed the vessel was linked to a designated terrorist organization operating in the Caribbean. However, David Abdulah, an executive member of the Alliance, criticized the action during a media conference at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, on October 16. Abdulah stated, ‘Nobody has the right to engage in extrajudicial killings. Even in open warfare, enemy soldiers must be captured, not executed.’ He emphasized that such actions constitute a war crime under the Geneva Convention, regardless of the victims’ alleged criminal activities. Abdulah also urged Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to retract her support for the strikes, arguing that the narrative of combating narco trafficking is a facade. He warned that any military intervention against Venezuela or an assassination attempt on President Maduro would expose the true motives behind the US actions. In September 2024, the US State Department had denied allegations of CIA involvement in a plot against Maduro.
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US steps up diplomacy in Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda to combat narco-terrorists
The United States Southern Command (SouthCom) is intensifying its efforts to bolster military presence in the Southern Caribbean, combining diplomatic engagement with military strategy. This initiative aligns with President Trump’s directive to dismantle narco-terrorist networks operating from Venezuela, which are reportedly exporting cocaine and fentanyl to the United States. On October 15, SouthCom Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey concluded his visit to Grenada with a high-level meeting at the police headquarters in St. George’s. He was joined by Royal Grenada Police Force Acting Commissioner Randy Connaught and National Security Advisor Willan Thompson to discuss bilateral security measures addressing regional threats. SouthCom emphasized the importance of its longstanding partnerships with Caribbean nations in combating transnational criminal organizations and illicit traffickers. Grenada’s government, led by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, disclosed that the US has sought permission to install radar equipment and deploy technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport. Meanwhile, SouthCom showcased its military capabilities, including the deployment of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit with AH-1Z Cobra and UH-1Y Venom aircraft, conducting live-fire exercises over the Caribbean Sea. These operations are part of the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group’s mission to disrupt drug trafficking and enhance homeland security. Admiral Holsey also met with Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, to strengthen regional cooperation. However, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne reiterated his country’s stance against hosting foreign military assets, emphasizing neutrality and sovereignty.
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Rick Fox ‘would renounce Canadian citizenship’ for local political stage
Former NBA star Rick Fox has expressed his willingness to fully commit to Bahamian politics, even if it means relinquishing his Canadian citizenship. Born in Canada to a Bahamian father and an Italian mother, Fox has recently sparked public curiosity about his political eligibility after hinting at a potential run for office on Facebook. In an interview with The Tribune, Fox clarified his stance, stating that while he does not need to renounce his dual citizenship to vote, he would adhere to Bahamian laws if he entered frontline politics. He emphasized his pride in being a Bahamian, holding only a Bahamian passport. Fox also addressed criticisms about his national identity, asserting that he would never apologize for being born abroad, a result of his parents’ love and marriage. He recounted his family’s journey, from his mother’s Italian-Canadian roots to his father’s early struggles in Massachusetts before returning to The Bahamas to establish a successful business. Fox shared personal memories of growing up in The Bahamas, including his participation in the 1973 Independence celebrations. Since returning to his homeland in 2021, Fox has registered to vote and encourages all Bahamians to view voting as a civic duty. Beyond his basketball fame, Fox has taken on roles as a sports ambassador and CEO of Partanna, a climate technology company, focusing on national development and addressing challenges while identifying opportunities for growth.
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Tribune president interviews for MICAL seat
A wave of enthusiasm swept through the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) headquarters as supporters from the MICAL constituency rallied behind Robert Dupuch-Carron, a prominent figure in Bahamian media and aviation. The founder of Bahamas Aviation Climate and Severe Weather Networks Ltd (BACSWN) and president of The Tribune Media Group, Dupuch-Carron, was interviewed by the PLP’s candidates committee, sparking fervent chants of “We want Robert!” from his loyal backers. Residents from Mayaguana, Acklins, Inagua, and Crooked Island gathered early, waving placards and donning PLP gold, to express their support for the potential candidate. In an unusual gesture, some supporters were even permitted inside the headquarters during the interviews. The MICAL seat has become a focal point since incumbent MP Basil McIntosh announced he would not seek re-election, creating a vacancy that has ignited significant interest within the governing party. Dupuch-Carron, who described his interview as straightforward, positioned himself as a “change candidate,” emphasizing the importance of free speech, democratic choice, and addressing infrastructure deficiencies in the southern islands. He outlined ambitious plans to enhance airports, transportation, food stores, banks, ATMs, pharmacies, and street lighting, while also advocating for youth opportunities and regional trade. Dupuch-Carron also highlighted his deep family ties to the constituency, with ancestors like Sir Etienne Dupuch playing pivotal roles in the region’s history. He vowed to continue this legacy if selected. Other contenders for the PLP nomination include Angela Michelle Cox-Lockhart and Laverne Bertrum “Dyie” Ingraham, both of whom have presented their visions for the constituency. Cox-Lockhart emphasized her commitment to strong representation, while Ingraham cited political neglect as his motivation for running. The PLP’s Candidates Committee also interviewed several other candidates for various constituencies, signaling a dynamic and competitive nomination process.
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Admiral leading US forces in Caribbean to step down
WASHINGTON, United States — Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of US Southern Command, has announced his retirement, effective December 12, 2025, just one year into his tenure. Holsey’s departure comes amid a controversial counter-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean, which has seen US forces conduct strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, resulting in 27 fatalities. Critics argue these operations are illegal, while regional powers, particularly Venezuela, fear they may be a precursor to regime change.
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Rights groups demand legal memo on Caribbean boat strikes
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) have jointly filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to uncover the Office of Legal Counsel’s (OLC) guidance and related documents concerning lethal strikes on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean. This move follows U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s refusal to confirm the existence of such guidance during her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, Charles Young, nominee for U.S. Army General Counsel, acknowledged the guidance’s existence in a separate hearing, revealing it was developed through an interagency lawyers’ working group involving the White House and executive branch agencies. Public reports suggest the OLC’s opinion asserts expansive presidential authority to use military force against individuals linked to drug cartels. Jeffrey Stein of the ACLU’s National Security Project condemned these strikes as ‘murder, pure and simple,’ emphasizing the need for public scrutiny of the administration’s legal justifications. Since early September, President Trump has reportedly ordered five strikes in the Caribbean, resulting in at least 27 deaths. The administration defends these actions by labeling drug cartels as ‘non-state armed groups’ engaged in armed conflict with the U.S. However, critics, including bipartisan lawmakers, legal experts, and international bodies, argue the strikes violate both international and domestic law. Baher Azmy of CCR warned of the administration’s ‘indiscriminate pattern of lawlessness,’ stressing the importance of transparency. Amnesty International’s Daphne Eviatar condemned the strikes as ‘murder—plain and simple,’ urging Congress to halt these actions and hold those responsible accountable.