The legal saga surrounding former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and six co-defendants is approaching its final chapter. The criminal case, now in the last stage of appeals, is poised to conclude in the coming days. Bolsonaro’s legal team retains the option to file motions for reconsideration, which aim to alter the trial’s outcome. However, such appeals are only permissible when there are at least two acquittals—a condition not met in this case. Once all avenues for challenge are exhausted, the sentences will become final and enforceable. In September, the first chamber of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) handed down prison terms ranging from two to 27 years and three months to the so-called ‘coup group.’ Bolsonaro received the harshest sentence of 27 years and three months. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former aide-de-camp, is already serving a two-year sentence under an open regime. The case marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political and judicial history, underscoring the accountability of high-profile figures.
分类： politics
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Cuba reiterates condemnation of Israeli attacks on Beirut
The Caribbean nation, represented by its Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, has issued a stern condemnation of the Zionist regime’s ongoing actions in the Middle East. In a strongly worded statement shared on his social media platform, Rodriguez emphasized that Israel’s aggressive maneuvers cannot persist without consequences. He further cautioned that these attacks pose a significant threat to peace initiatives and the overall stability of the region.
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PM Defends Efforts to Bring ‘Order’ to Street Vending Across Antigua
In a recent address, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda defended the government’s initiatives to regulate street vending across the nation. Emphasizing the need for ‘order’ in public spaces, the PM outlined plans to create a more structured and organized system for vendors. The move aims to balance the economic benefits of street vending with the necessity of maintaining urban cleanliness and safety. The government has been working closely with local authorities and vendor associations to develop policies that ensure fair practices while addressing public concerns. Critics, however, argue that stricter regulations could negatively impact small-scale vendors who rely on informal markets for their livelihoods. The PM reassured that the new measures would be implemented with sensitivity to the needs of all stakeholders, fostering a harmonious coexistence between vendors and the broader community.
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Ex-Deputy Leaders Rigobert, Joseph return to endorse UWP
In a surprising turn of events, former United Workers Party (UWP) Deputy Leaders Gale Rigobert and Ezechiel Joseph made a notable return to the political arena on November 23. Their appearance at the UWP’s General Election Manifesto Launch in La Caye, Dennery, ended weeks of speculation about their political allegiances. The event, marked by fervent speeches and strategic endorsements, underscored their unwavering support for the party. Earlier in the evening, UWP Public Relations Officer Lenard “Spider” Montoute hinted at significant developments, teasing the crowd with the statement, “All the big fish are here tonight.” This followed comments by SLP Political Leader Philip J. Pierre, who had fueled rumors during a November 12 public meeting in Dennery South, suggesting that the UWP was unaware of impending political shifts. The speculation intensified after former UWP MP Edmund Estephane announced his decision to switch allegiance to the SLP. However, Rigobert and Joseph’s presence at the UWP event dispelled any doubts about their loyalty. Rigobert, a former Micoud North MP and Education Minister, delivered a passionate rallying cry, urging supporters to reclaim governance on December 1. Joseph, former MP for Babonneau and Agriculture Minister, emphasized his commitment despite personal challenges, endorsing UWP leader Allen Michael Chastanet as the next Prime Minister of Saint Lucia. He also dismissed rumors of discord with Chastanet, stating, “There is no divorce between Allen and myself.” Additionally, Joseph endorsed the party’s new candidate for Babonneau, Titus Preville, and firmly rejected any notion of wavering allegiance.
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Trump Labels Maduro a Terrorist
In a significant escalation of tensions between the United States and Venezuela, the Trump administration has officially labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his associates as members of a foreign terrorist organization. This designation targets the so-called ‘Cartel de los Soles,’ a term used to describe alleged corrupt Venezuelan officials, though it is not formally recognized as a criminal group. The move grants the U.S. government broader authority to impose stringent sanctions and explore expanded military options within Venezuela. As part of ‘Operation Southern Spear,’ the U.S. has already deployed warships and thousands of troops to the region, with recent bomber and fighter jet flights conducted near Venezuela’s coastline. Maduro has vehemently denied any involvement in drug trafficking and dismissed the existence of the cartel. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that three international airlines canceled flights departing Venezuela over the weekend following a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warning about ‘potentially hazardous’ airspace. Despite the heightened tensions, both leaders have hinted at a possible willingness to engage in future talks, with Trump stating he might speak with Maduro ‘at a certain time.’
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Griffith: ‘Government shouldn’t ask others to revoke visas’
Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith has raised alarms over reports that Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander is seeking assistance from the US Embassy to revoke visas of US-based social media users, including bloggers with dual nationality, who are allegedly spreading propaganda and fear about Trinidad and Tobago. This development follows the recent revocation of the US visa of Gary Aboud, secretary of Fisherman and Friends of the Sea, who claims it was due to his opposition to the government’s support for US military deployment in the southern Caribbean, which began in August. In a video posted on November 24, Griffith acknowledged a country’s right to deny visas to individuals who violate its laws but expressed concern over the unprecedented move of a government official requesting another country to revoke visas of its own citizens. Griffith, who served as national security minister and adviser during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration (2010-2015), stated he was confident Persad-Bissessar would not endorse such actions, which could be perceived as silencing dissent. He emphasized that while individuals are entitled to their views, legal action should be taken only if laws are broken. Aboud, in a November 21 statement, questioned the government’s role in his visa revocation, to which Persad-Bissessar responded by denying any involvement and labeling his comments as reckless. She has publicly supported the US military deployment, described by the Trump administration as an anti-narcotics initiative targeting drug trafficking from Venezuela.
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TT delegation meets key port operators in UAE
In a significant diplomatic and economic engagement, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Jearlean John, alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein, held high-level discussions with key UAE officials and industry leaders. The meetings, which took place on November 24 and 25 in Abu Dhabi, focused on port development, management, and investment opportunities aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s Revitalisation Blueprint. The delegation met with AD Ports Group’s CEO, Ahmed Al Mutwaa, whose organization oversees 50 ports globally, including the renowned Khalifa Port. Additionally, they engaged with UAE State Minister Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi to explore investment prospects. The visit also included planned meetings with UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed and private sector giants such as Royal Group Headquarters, DP World, and the Dubai Chamber of Industry and Commerce. These discussions underscore Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic efforts to bolster infrastructure and attract foreign investment.
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US top military officer at Diplomatic Centre
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff and a key military advisor to President Donald Trump, arrived in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) on November 26 for a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The meeting, held at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s, focused on reinforcing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations, enhancing regional stability, and addressing the critical issue of drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. The US Embassy, in a statement issued on November 24, emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to these objectives. General Caine’s visit follows recent military exercises conducted by the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in TT, which included two deployments in October and November. These exercises are part of a broader US-led anti-drug trafficking operation in the Southern Caribbean, supported by the TT government. However, the presence of US warships in the region has drawn criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who accused the US of pursuing regime change and TT of enabling such efforts. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has firmly denied these allegations, stating that the operations are solely aimed at combating drug trafficking.
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Trinidad PM and senior US military official hold ‘excellent’ talks
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – General Dan Caine, Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, engaged in high-level discussions with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her cabinet on Tuesday. The talks underscored the robust bilateral relationship between the two nations, with a focus on regional security, stability, and combating transnational crime. The US Embassy highlighted that Caine’s visit aimed to strengthen regional unity and address the critical issue of illicit trafficking and criminal organizations. Joint Staff spokesperson Joseph Holstead noted that the discussions centered on challenges such as narcotics, arms, and human trafficking, emphasizing the importance of US-Trinidad cooperation in safeguarding regional security. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar described the talks as “excellent,” reaffirming the enduring partnership between the two countries. The visit coincides with increased US military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of a nuclear-powered submarine, reconnaissance aircraft, and warships, as part of efforts to counter Latin American drug cartels. However, this military buildup has drawn criticism, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemning US airstrikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels as violations of international law. The Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Albert Ramdin urged Venezuela and the US to prioritize diplomacy over conflict, emphasizing the need for peace in the hemisphere. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the US of seeking regime change through military threats and criticized Trinidad and Tobago for allegedly supporting US plans.
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US revokes visa of Haitian official accused of backing gangs
The United States has taken a decisive step in its efforts to combat criminal activities in Haiti by imposing visa sanctions on a high-ranking Haitian government official. The US State Department announced the move on Monday, accusing the unnamed official of supporting gangs and obstructing efforts to dismantle criminal organizations in the Caribbean nation. While the official’s identity and the specific gangs involved were not disclosed, the department confirmed that any existing visas held by the individual would be revoked. This action underscores Washington’s commitment to addressing the ongoing instability in Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence, political turmoil, and economic hardship. In May, the US designated two Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as terrorist organizations. The State Department reiterated its support for Haiti’s stability and emphasized the need for progress toward free and fair elections. The announcement follows recent arrests of prominent Haitian businessmen, including Dmitri Vorbe and Pierre Reginald Boulos, who were accused of contributing to the country’s destabilization. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has faced escalating violence since early 2024, when gangs forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. The US sanctions highlight the international community’s growing concern over Haiti’s security crisis and its impact on regional stability.