分类： politics

In a recent letter to the editor, Dr. Errol N. Benjamin reflects on the strategic implications of Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) alliance with the United States, particularly in the context of the ongoing Venezuelan crisis. Dr. Benjamin, who has been vocal about this issue for some time, underscores the benefits of this partnership, citing the recent tariff relief on fertilizers and other products as a tangible outcome. He argues that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s decision to align with the US demonstrates astute leadership, given the economic and security advantages it brings to TT.

Dr. Benjamin acknowledges the prevailing anti-Trump sentiment in the region, fueled by concerns over US hegemonic intentions and the desire for regime change in Venezuela, ostensibly for its oil and gas resources. He also notes the Caribbean’s aspiration to be a ‘zone of peace’ and the importance of sovereignty. However, he contends that these concerns, while valid, should not overshadow the pragmatic benefits of aligning with a global powerhouse like the US, especially when TT relies on the US for markets, financing, and security.

Addressing fears of becoming a military target, Dr. Benjamin questions the likelihood of such an outcome under Trump’s administration. He also highlights the strategic necessity of this alliance, particularly with Venezuela’s aggressive posturing in the region, including accusations of TT’s complicity in guerrilla warfare. Dr. Benjamin leaves the final judgment to the readers, urging them to critically evaluate the merits of this alliance in the broader geopolitical context.

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.

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.

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.

The opposition has announced plans to file at least one privilege motion during the November 26 parliamentary session, targeting a senior government official for allegedly offensive remarks made in the previous sitting. Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales revealed at a media conference on November 25 that he intends to bring a motion against Attorney General John Jeremie over an alleged homophobic comment captured on a ‘hot mic’ during the November 21 session. The remark, ‘Hush yuh mouth, boy. Go and take yuh lil man,’ was made during a pause in proceedings as MPs debated the Virtual Assets and Virtual Assets Service Providers Bill, 2025. The target of the comment remains unclear. Gonzales condemned the statement as ‘reprehensible,’ expressing the opposition’s lack of surprise at such behavior. Additionally, Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert is considering a similar motion against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. During the sitting, the PM warned Imbert to stop pointing at her, to which he replied, ‘Why not?’ Persad-Bissessar responded, ‘Because I will cuff you down.’ Imbert is yet to decide whether to proceed with the motion. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath defended the PM, stating she meant to address Imbert politically and accused him of initiating the conflict through ‘political molestation.’ Imbert denied these allegations. The opposition has demanded apologies from Persad-Bissessar, Padarath, and Jeremie.