Johannesburg, South Africa (AFP) – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voiced deep concern on Sunday regarding the United States’ escalating military presence near Venezuela, emphasizing the potential for conflict. Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg following the G20 summit, Lula revealed his intention to address the issue directly with US President Donald Trump. “I am very troubled by the military assets the United States has deployed in the Caribbean Sea. This situation worries me, and I plan to discuss it with President Trump,” Lula stated. He further cautioned against the dangers of military escalation, drawing parallels to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “Once a shot is fired, it becomes difficult to predict the outcome,” he warned. The US has recently positioned an aircraft carrier strike group, additional naval warships, and stealth aircraft in the vicinity of Venezuela. On Friday, the US issued a warning to civilian aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace, urging them to “exercise caution.” Since September, US forces have targeted over 20 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, resulting in more than 80 fatalities. US officials claim these operations were aimed at drug traffickers but have yet to provide substantiating evidence. The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading a “terrorist” drug cartel and has not dismissed the possibility of deploying US troops. Lula, highlighting Brazil’s shared border with Venezuela, stressed the importance of seeking a diplomatic resolution before tensions escalate further. Notably, Trump opted not to attend the G20 summit in South Africa, citing a misalignment between the summit’s focus on global trade and climate change and US policies.
分类： politics
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US embassy: Follow the rules, don’t jeopardise your visa
The US Embassy in Port of Spain has issued a stern warning to visa holders in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing the importance of adhering to US laws to avoid severe consequences. In a social media post on November 23, Mike Mitchell, the visa chief at the US Embassy, cautioned that violating US laws could lead to visa revocation, deportation, and ineligibility for future visas. Mitchell stressed that a US visa is a privilege, not a right, and urged visa holders to follow the rules to safeguard their travel privileges. This warning follows the recent revocation of Gary Aboud’s US visa, a prominent environmental activist and corporate secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea. Aboud speculated that his visa cancellation was linked to his criticism of US missile strikes on suspected drug boats in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific. These strikes, which have resulted in over 80 deaths, have been criticized by Aboud and international groups, including the United Nations, as illegal. Aboud, who was arrested in 2013 during a protest, received notification of his visa cancellation on November 21, citing ‘new information’ as the basis for the decision. He questioned whether the Trinidad and Tobago government influenced the decision, given Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s strong support for the US war on drug cartels. Persad-Bissessar denied any involvement, labeling Aboud’s comments as reckless.
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Padarath defends PM: She meant cuffing Imbert ‘politically’
In a heated parliamentary session on November 21, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago found herself at the center of a political storm. The incident, involving Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert, has sparked a robust defense from the United National Congress (UNC) leadership and its women’s league. Barry Padarath, Leader of Government Business and Public Utilities Minister, firmly stated that Persad-Bissessar has no need to apologize for her remarks, emphasizing that the UNC will not tolerate intimidation from any quarter. Padarath described the exchange as a response to what he termed ‘political molestation’ by Imbert, asserting that the Prime Minister stood up for herself and others who have faced similar denigration from the People’s National Movement (PNM). He highlighted a history of ‘disgusting and vile attacks’ by the PNM, questioning the silence of civil society during such incidents. The UNC Women’s League echoed Padarath’s sentiments, praising Persad-Bissessar for her strength and composure under provocation. They criticized the PNM Women’s League for demanding an apology, labeling it a misogynistic double standard. The league argued that the video evidence clearly showed Imbert’s behavior as the root of the conflict, characterizing it as ‘male intimidation’ rather than parliamentary debate. The incident unfolded during a debate on the virtual assets bill, where Persad-Bissessar and Imbert clashed over procedural matters. Imbert’s pointed remarks led to Persad-Bissessar’s sharp retort, ‘Because I will cuff you down,’ which has since become a focal point of the controversy. Padarath reiterated that the UNC will not apologize for defending itself, signaling a shift in the political dynamics of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Brazil’s Bolsonaro detained for trying to break ankle bracelet and flee
Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro was taken into custody on Saturday after the Supreme Court determined he posed a significant flight risk. Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest while appealing a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a foiled coup attempt, allegedly tried to disable his ankle monitor to escape. The court revealed that Bolsonaro used a soldering iron on the device, which he claimed was out of “curiosity.” Despite the damage, the monitor remained functional. Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the detention as a preventive measure, citing concerns over a planned vigil organized by Bolsonaro’s son, Flavio, which could create chaos and facilitate an escape. Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, has been confined to an upscale condominium in Brasilia since August. Moraes also highlighted the proximity of Bolsonaro’s residence to the US embassy, raising fears he might seek asylum. Bolsonaro, a former army captain and ally of ex-US President Donald Trump, has faced widespread criticism for his handling of the Amazon deforestation and the COVID-19 pandemic. His conviction in September accused him of leading a criminal organization to maintain authoritarian power. The case has left Brazil’s conservative electorate without a clear leader ahead of the 2026 presidential elections, where leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plans to run for a fourth term. Bolsonaro’s legal team has vowed to appeal the detention, citing his alleged frail health due to a 2018 stabbing incident. Meanwhile, reactions to his imprisonment have been polarized, with supporters decrying it as political persecution and opponents celebrating his downfall.
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G20 grapples with splintering world order
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP)—As the G20 summit concluded in South Africa on Sunday, leaders emphasized the importance of multilateralism, even as they grappled with a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by unilateral U.S. policies, escalating conflicts, and intensifying geopolitical rivalries. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked, ‘Too many nations are retreating into protectionist blocs or geopolitical battlegrounds. What we’re witnessing is not a transition but a rupture.’ The summit, notably boycotted by the United States, sparked intense discussions on the future of the G20 in an increasingly fragmented world. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his closing remarks, described the gathering as ‘crucial,’ noting the growing global demand for progress on pressing issues. Despite the challenges to international cooperation, the G20 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism in a joint declaration, asserting that shared goals outweigh differences. Attendees included representatives from Europe, China, India, Japan, Turkey, Brazil, and Australia, marking the first G20 summit hosted in Africa. The leaders acknowledged the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and inequality. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the G20 might be nearing the end of an era, suggesting a refocus on strategic economic issues. The G20, established after the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, was initially designed to enhance global economic stability. However, the U.S. absence, attributed to policy disagreements with South Africa, cast a shadow over the event. Emerging economies and the Global South were highlighted as increasingly pivotal within the G20 framework. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva asserted that multilateralism remains robust, despite efforts to undermine it. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed disappointment over the U.S. decision to skip the summit but noted the emergence of new global alliances.
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Gadsby-Dolly: PM must apologise for threat to ‘cuff down’ Imbert
St Ann’s East MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has publicly criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for what she described as a violent threat directed at Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert during a House of Representatives session on November 21. Gadsby-Dolly, a former education minister, called for an immediate apology from the Prime Minister, emphasizing the inappropriateness of such behavior from a national leader. In a video from the session, Persad-Bissessar is heard saying, ‘Don’t point at me,’ followed by a comment that was obscured by loud reactions from government MPs. Gadsby-Dolly expressed her disappointment in a Facebook post, stating that the Prime Minister’s conduct was embarrassing and set a poor example for young women and aspiring female politicians. She accused Persad-Bissessar of threatening to ‘cuff down’ Imbert, a statement made in full view of the Parliament. Gadsby-Dolly stressed that this incident transcends party politics and warned that such language sows seeds of violence. She questioned how the Prime Minister could advocate for non-violence among students while engaging in such behavior. The PNM’s Women’s League echoed these concerns, urging Persad-Bissessar to reflect on the impact of her words and the example they set for the nation. This incident follows a previous controversy involving then-energy minister Stuart Young, who apologized for disparaging remarks made about Persad-Bissessar and other UNC MPs during a House meeting last October.
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Cabinet Stakeholder Meetings- Farmers and Supermarkets Next
In a significant move to enhance governance and economic collaboration, the Cabinet has announced the expansion of its weekly stakeholder meetings to include farmers and supermarket operators. Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant revealed that the initiative follows a successful inaugural session with 14 local contractors earlier this week. The government aims to institutionalize these meetings as a cornerstone of its governance model, fostering direct dialogue between policymakers and key economic stakeholders. Farmers are slated to meet with the Cabinet next Wednesday, with supermarket operators expected to join the discussions shortly thereafter. Merchant emphasized that these sessions will be an ongoing process, with the Ministry of Works identifying additional contractors for future engagements while other ministries propose their own stakeholder groups. The primary objectives of these meetings are to provide direct support, gather critical feedback, and address operational challenges faced by industry participants. The initiative is closely aligned with the government’s broader food security agenda, with farmers set to discuss critical issues such as irrigation, fencing, seedling production, access roads, subsidies, and the reallocation of unused agricultural lands. Supermarket operators, on the other hand, will focus on consumer prices, supply chain efficiency, and national food resilience. Merchant underscored the importance of these weekly sessions in promoting transparency, enhancing sector performance, and ensuring that policies are grounded in real-world insights. The government views this initiative as a vital tool for fostering collaboration and driving sustainable economic growth.
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St Thomas race heats up as Chandler enters BLP candidate contest
In a significant development within Barbados’ political landscape, Dr William Chandler, a distinguished political economist, has announced his candidacy for the St Thomas constituency under the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). This move comes in the wake of the retirement of long-serving MP Cynthia Forde, who has endorsed Chandler as her successor. Dr Chandler, whose career spans international financial services and emerging markets, brings a wealth of experience and a deep sense of civic duty to the race.
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Bolsonaro arrested in Brazil after Supreme Court Justice’s decision
In a landmark ruling, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for orchestrating a coup conspiracy following his defeat in the 2022 general elections. The decision, announced on September 11, found Bolsonaro guilty of multiple charges, including organized crime, coup d’etat, and the abolition of democratic rule. Only one of the five justices dissented in the First Chamber’s verdict. Bolsonaro, a former Army captain, had been under house arrest since August 4 for violating precautionary measures and was subsequently transferred to the Federal Police headquarters in the Federal District. His legal team has appealed the decision, arguing that the conviction was based on insufficient evidence and contradictions in the ruling. They also maintain that Bolsonaro had no direct involvement in the alleged crimes. Despite the appeal, the former president’s defense has not yet exhausted all legal avenues to challenge or reduce the sentence. The ruling specifically targets Bolsonaro and does not affect others convicted in connection with the violent post-election plot.
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Palestinian party predicts another people’s uprising in the West Bank
A leftist organization has issued a stark warning, declaring that a third intifada (uprising) is closer than ever, fueled by escalating violence and systemic oppression in the West Bank. The group pointed to the recent killings of two Palestinian youths, aged 16 and 18, in Kafr Aqab, a town north of occupied East Jerusalem, as emblematic of the ongoing atrocities. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) condemned Israel’s alleged disregard for Palestinian lives and denounced the systematic aggression by Jewish settlers. The PFLP asserted that such actions would ignite widespread unrest, describing the situation as a ‘spark that will burn away the illusions of calm.’ They warned that the accumulated anger of Palestinians would erupt ‘like lava in the face of the occupation.’ The group characterized Israel as a ‘monstrous entity’ led by a ‘criminal system’ that combines megalomania with a ‘sadistic enjoyment of blood.’ They further accused the Israeli regime of embodying a ‘deeply rooted racist and fascist ideology,’ manifested through acts of burning, destruction, and attacks against civilians. The PFLP vowed that Palestinians would neither remain passive nor submit to what they termed ‘organized terrorism’ by Israel, emphasizing their resolve to resist oppression.