分类： politics

During the 12th sitting of the House of Representatives on November 21, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander acknowledged the severe understaffing of the Transit Police Unit, which has been left to ‘deteriorate’ over the past nine years. The unit is currently operating with a skeleton staff and is short by at least 60 officers. This revelation came in response to a question from opposition MP Marvin Gonzales, following a recent robbery of a Route 2 maxi taxi driver by masked men in Arouca on November 19. Alexander assured that a superintendent director has been appointed and reconstruction efforts for the Transit Police have commenced. However, he declined to disclose the government’s specific security strategies, stating, ‘I do not want to put on the table the strategies the government intends to use.’ He emphasized the importance of protecting transit infrastructure and mentioned a meeting with the Route 2 Maxi Taxi Association on November 20 to discuss future measures. Alexander also highlighted the Transit Police’s role in overseeing security along the Priority Bus Route, noting ten robberies last year and one so far this year. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles attempted to inquire about budget allocations for additional Transit Police personnel, but House Speaker Jagdeo Singh ruled the question ‘not allowed,’ as the initial query had already been addressed.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has firmly denied any involvement by her administration in the revocation of activist Gary Aboud’s US visa. She emphasized that such decisions are solely within the jurisdiction of the US government and its embassy. Persad-Bissessar stated, ‘The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has absolutely no involvement in the decisions or actions taken by the Government of the United States or the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago regarding their visa or immigration policies. Any concerns or requests for clarification must be directed to the appropriate US authorities.’

In addition, the Prime Minister refuted claims that her government is silencing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Trinidad and Tobago, labeling Aboud’s assertions as ‘reckless, misleading, and risks causing unnecessary fear.’ She reaffirmed her commitment to upholding democratic principles, stating, ‘I categorically state that there has never been – and will never be – any attempt by my Government to intimidate, punish, or suppress the voices of civil society.’

Persad-Bissessar also reiterated her support for US military actions in the Caribbean, aimed at combating transnational criminal activities such as narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and gun running. She blamed these criminal networks for the unprecedented levels of violence and suffering in the region. ‘My Government firmly supports the United States and our international partners in their mission to combat transnational trafficking and dismantle criminal networks that prey on our citizens,’ she said.

The Prime Minister highlighted the positive impact of US military assets in reducing the flow of illegal weapons and drugs into Trinidad and Tobago. ‘Their partnership is welcomed, and their results are evident. My Government remains committed to strengthening regional security, protecting our citizens, and working alongside international partners – including the United States – to ensure that peace, safety, and the rule of law prevail in TT,’ she concluded.

Gary Aboud, the corporate secretary of Fisherman and Friends of the Sea (FFOS), claimed that his US visa was revoked due to his criticism of US missile strikes in the Caribbean over the past two and a half months. He received the revocation notice via email on November 20, citing ‘new information’ that had come to the attention of US authorities.

In a significant move under the Emergency Powers Regulations of 2025, Trinidad and Tobago’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has authorized the preventive detention of Olive Green-Jack, a Diego Martin resident, for her alleged inflammatory social media posts. The decision, announced on November 20, follows an investigation into Green-Jack’s online activities, which authorities claim were aimed at inciting violence against the government and public officials. Her posts, directed at the Venezuelan government, allegedly encouraged external actors to commit acts of violence against Prime Minister Keith Rowley, government officials, and civilians. Minister Alexander emphasized that these actions posed an ‘imminent threat to public safety.’ The detention order, signed on November 12, permits Green-Jack’s confinement at the Women’s Prison Golden Grove in Arouca or another designated facility. Under the regulations, law enforcement officers are empowered to arrest individuals subject to such orders without a warrant. The Emergency Powers Regulations, enacted on July 18, 2025, and extended twice since, remain in effect during the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE). This case underscores the government’s heightened focus on national security amid concerns over external influence and domestic stability.

Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Commander Dr. Daryl Dindial has reaffirmed that the planned meeting with the Public Services Association (PSA) on November 21 will proceed as scheduled. The meeting aims to discuss a proposed ten per cent wage increase for public servants, a key campaign promise by the United National Congress (UNC) during the April 28 general election. Dindial dismissed claims by PSA president Felisha Thomas regarding hidden agendas and stalled negotiations, emphasizing that the economy is dynamic and requires a comprehensive understanding for effective wage discussions. He noted that the Ministry of Finance will present the current economic state to provide context for the negotiations. Thomas, however, has insisted that the PSA is solely interested in receiving the ten per cent wage offer and is not concerned with economic presentations. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has clarified that the CPO is the constitutionally mandated authority for such negotiations and expects discussions to proceed professionally. The proposed wage increase covers the 2014–2016 and 2017–2019 collective bargaining periods, with Thomas optimistic about concluding negotiations by Christmas.

In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court order that directed the Registrar of the Supreme Court to forward documents from Eastman Enterprises Ltd’s lawsuit to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Appeal Court, on November 21, ruled that the referral was premature and ‘plainly wrong,’ citing the absence of fact-finding and untested allegations as key factors in its decision. The panel, comprising Justices Peter Rajkumar, James Aboud, and Ricky Rahim, emphasized that the allegations had ‘not been tested’ and could not properly ground a referral. Despite this reversal, the court upheld the trial judge’s decision to stay Eastman’s claim, affirming that the company must first comply with the contract’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedure before pursuing litigation. In a letter to DPP Roger Gaspard, SC, attorney Kareem Marcelle urged the discontinuation of any consideration of the referred material, asserting that the documents were ‘null, void, unlawful, and of no effect.’ Cepep has stated its commitment to pursuing all legitimate avenues in the interest of justice and public administration, seeking legal advice on alleged fraudulent misrepresentation.

In a recent session of the House of Representatives on November 21, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to respond to a query regarding the alleged presence of US military forces in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The question, posed by Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales, sought clarification on whether the TT government had authorized US military operations, including warships in the Gulf of Paria and aircraft in TT airspace, based on videos, satellite imagery, and media reports. Minister Sturge invoked public interest immunity, stating that he would not disclose any information unless convinced that doing so would serve the public interest. He referenced Standing Order 27(1)(g), which permits ministers to withhold information if its release is deemed contrary to national interest. This development has sparked debates over transparency and sovereignty, as the public remains uninformed about the extent of US military activities in TT territory.

As anticipation builds for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has yet to announce the specific date, though he confirmed it will occur sooner than expected. Speaking to reporters on November 20 at the Parliament building in Port of Spain during a UNICEF event, Augustine emphasized that the election must be held between January 12 and February 12, as mandated by Act 40 of 1996. Augustine, who leads the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), expressed confidence in his party’s prospects, citing significant achievements during his administration’s four-year tenure. These include substantial investments in school repairs, gratuities, and insurance, as well as efforts to stabilize the island’s economy. The TPP, formed in August 2023 after a split from the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP), will face competition from the PDP, the People’s National Movement (PNM), and other smaller parties and independent candidates. Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor praised the TPP’s resilience and leadership, rating their performance as a nine out of ten despite numerous challenges. Augustine’s administration aims to surpass its previous accomplishments, reinforcing its commitment to Tobago’s development.