Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly supported Minister Anil Roberts’ claims regarding alleged irregularities in the acquisition of three luxury apartments by the family of St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. The apartments, located at the upscale Victoria Keyes development in Diego Martin, were reportedly purchased by Gonsalves’ wife, Eloise, and their children, Storm and Soleil Gonsalves, for a combined value exceeding $4.8 million. Roberts disclosed these findings on his social media blog, ‘Doubles and Coffee,’ on November 11, prompting a heated response from the Gonsalves family, including threats of legal action. In WhatsApp messages to Newsday on November 12, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that Gonsalves was free to pursue legal recourse but maintained that the allegations raised legitimate concerns. She highlighted the suspicious timing of a rent-to-own agreement for one of the apartments, which was finalized on April 30, 2025, just two days after Trinidad and Tobago’s general election and before the new government was sworn in. Persad-Bissessar underscored the disparity between the Gonsalves family’s access to luxury housing and the thousands of citizens awaiting affordable accommodation from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
分类： politics
-
Internet before more buildings
In a scathing critique of Trinidad and Tobago’s government, Rudy Paul, a concerned citizen, highlights the impracticality of multi-billion-dollar projects announced without clear funding sources. These projects, earmarked for completion over a decade, starkly contrast with the government’s five-year mandate, raising questions about their feasibility and underlying political motives. Paul draws parallels to Patrick Manning’s “Vision 2020,” a plan inspired by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but derailed by early elections and political shifts. He also points to the unfinished Arouca project and other abandoned initiatives, suggesting that such long-term planning is a tactic to secure re-election rather than genuine development. Paul advocates for completing existing projects, improving infrastructure like internet connectivity, and prioritizing practical solutions over grandiose, unfulfilled promises.
-
Venezuela congratulates Angola on 50 years of independence
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Bolivarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yvan Gil conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Angola on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro via Telegram. Minister Gil highlighted that this milestone not only strengthens the path toward peace and sovereignty but also acknowledges the rich cultural diversity shared between the two nations. He underscored the deep-rooted historical connections between Venezuela and Angola, reaffirming their mutual dedication to enhancing collaboration across economic, political, and cultural spheres. Diplomatic and political relations between Caracas and Luanda were formally established on December 6, 1986, marking the beginning of a robust partnership. Two decades later, Venezuelan Commander Hugo Chavez made a high-profile visit to Angola, further solidifying ties. The relationship continued to flourish, as evidenced by the meeting between Presidents Nicolas Maduro and Joao Lourenco during the Group of 77-China summit in Havana, Cuba, in September 2023. Currently, both nations are actively engaged in cooperative efforts, particularly in the mining sector. In April 2023, high-level political consultations were held in Angola’s capital, led by Venezuela’s Vice Minister for Africa, Yuri Pimentel, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral progress.
-
Chile: Candidates held final debate with heated exchanges
In a high-stakes final debate before the upcoming elections, Chilean presidential candidates from across the political spectrum engaged in a heated discussion on critical issues, including security, social policies, the economy, and governance. Organized by the National Television Association (ANATEL), the event featured Jeannette Jara of the ruling party coalition and the Christian Democrats (DC), Jose Antonio Kast of the far-right Republican Party, and Franco Parisi of the conservative People’s Party. Other participants included Johannes Kaiser of the National Libertarian Party, Evelyn Matthei of the right-wing Let’s Go Chile coalition, and independent candidates Harold Mayne-Nicholls, Marco Enriquez-Ominami, and Eduardo Artes. Security emerged as a central theme, with right-wing and far-right candidates advocating for hardline measures. Matthei notably declared that organized crime groups like Tren de Aragua would face only two options: prison or death. Kaiser, Kast, and Parisi echoed similar sentiments, while Artes emphasized the need to address who benefits from organized crime. Mayne-Nicholls stood out by focusing on prevention through youth opportunities. Jara proposed complementing security measures with community support and tracing criminal proceeds, advocating for lifting bank secrecy—a controversial proposal rejected by some candidates. The debate also explored alternatives such as closing northern borders, constructing more prisons, reclaiming territories controlled by organized crime, and reforming the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Judiciary.
-
Ambassador Benoit Bardouille appointed as Dominica’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization
In a significant diplomatic move, Dominica has appointed Ambassador Benoit Bardouille as its Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton, who highlighted Bardouille’s extensive experience and leadership in maritime affairs. Bardouille, the former CEO of the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA), brings over two decades of expertise in port management and maritime administration to this pivotal role. Minister Charles-Pemberton emphasized that this appointment underscores Dominica’s commitment to advancing its interests in maritime safety, ocean governance, and the sustainable development of its blue economy on the global stage. She expressed confidence that Bardouille will represent the nation with distinction, dedication, and national pride, further strengthening Dominica’s position in international maritime affairs.
-
Cummings on Grace’s contract: That’s the sprat, whale yet to come
A political storm has erupted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following revelations about a EC$144,000 one-year contract awarded to Grace Walters, the North Windward candidate for the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP). Daniel Cummings, the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for West Kingstown, has publicly criticized the contract, labeling it a ‘disgrace’ and vowing to expose further details. The contract, part of the Strengthening Health System Resilience Project (SHSRP), runs from January 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026, and aims to support health sector reform. Cummings dismissed Walters’ claims that his objections were rooted in racism or sexism, emphasizing that his concerns are based on the contract’s legitimacy and transparency. Walters, who took unpaid leave from her hospital administrator role to accept the contract, defended the agreement as a standard practice under the ULP government. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves have also backed Walters, urging Cummings to address his own past contracts with the CWSA. Cummings, however, maintains that his contract was fundamentally different, as it involved continuing his role as CEO under a new arrangement. The controversy has reignited debates about government accountability and the allocation of public resources, with Cummings promising to reveal more details in the near future.
-
Supporters are grumbling, Comrade
The message was clear: hold off on the complaints until after the election. However, patience is wearing thin among supporters, who are increasingly vocal about their grievances. From questionable property deals in Miami to the opaque awarding of contracts for major infrastructure projects like the Vincy Expo building at Diamond, the discontent is palpable. The handling of Beryl relief funds and the delayed payments to airport restaurant workers have only added fuel to the fire. Even the state of village roads, described as nearly impassable, has become a rallying cry for dissatisfaction. The leadership’s apparent nepotism, with rumors of a son being groomed to take over, has further alienated supporters. The sentiment is clear: the grumbling is widespread and growing louder, even during rallies and social gatherings. This wave of discontent raises serious questions about the future of the current leadership and the loyalty of its base.
-
Suriname pleit voor versterking CELAC-EU-partnerschap
Suriname, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation Melvin Bouva, emphasized the importance of deepening the CELAC-EU partnership and maintaining regular dialogue on shared challenges such as climate change, security, and peace. Speaking at the fourth CELAC-EU Summit of Heads of State and Government held on November 9, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia, Bouva called for enhanced trade relations and improved movement of people and goods between the two regions. The summit, organized by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU), brought together leaders from 27 EU member states and 33 CELAC countries. Bouva highlighted the summit as a pivotal moment to strengthen long-standing cooperation based on shared interests and historical economic, social, and cultural ties. He expressed concern over rising tensions in the Caribbean and firmly opposed any external military presence that could threaten regional stability. As a member of CARICOM, Suriname advocated for peaceful coexistence, closer regional collaboration, and adherence to the principle of non-interference. The government remains committed to maintaining peace and security in alignment with the UN Charter. Bouva also noted Suriname’s focus on sustainable growth, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, and promoting economic and climate diplomacy as the country approaches its 50th independence anniversary on November 25, 2025. He highlighted Suriname’s unique position as one of the world’s most forested nations, with over 90% of its territory covered by forests, absorbing more carbon than it emits. Bouva urged high-emission countries to take responsibility by compensating nations like Suriname for their contributions to forest conservation. Additionally, Suriname stressed the need for improved access to climate financing and expressed support for the renewed CELAC-EU Roadmap 2025–2027, aimed at deepening bi-regional cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe in the pursuit of partnership and peace.
-
Fontaine condemns ID rule change for voter confirmation; calls for use of birth certificate to be restored
Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), has launched a scathing critique of Dominica’s Electoral Office, alleging that recent changes to voter confirmation requirements threaten the nation’s democratic integrity. Speaking at a press conference attended by opposition leaders Bernardo Hurtault of the Dominican Freedom Party and Joshua Francis of the United Progressive Party, Fontaine called for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral system. The controversy stems from Statutory Rules and Orders No. 39 (SRO-39), enacted on October 14, 2025, which mandates government-issued identification—such as passports, social security cards, or driver’s licenses—for voter confirmation. Birth certificates, previously accepted, were abruptly removed from the list of valid documents. Fontaine argued that this change disproportionately impacts impoverished citizens who cannot afford the cost of obtaining such IDs, accusing the ruling Dominican Labour Party of selectively funding passport applications for its supporters. He condemned the move as a violation of Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act 2025, which requires continuous voter registration, and criticized the Electoral Office for halting new registrations and reassigning officers without replacements. Fontaine also highlighted past incidents of political repression, including arrests during electoral reform protests and allegations of police brutality. He described these actions as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and maintain the current administration’s power. Fontaine demanded the reinstatement of birth certificates as valid voter identification and the resumption of lawful registration practices, vowing to collaborate with other opposition parties to safeguard free and fair elections in Dominica.
-
‘Kiffo’ Charles making power plays in Choiseul/Saltibus
Keithson ‘Kiffo’ Charles, a long-time resident of Choiseul, has officially entered the political arena as the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate for the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency. Despite his lack of prior political experience, Charles made a striking debut at his campaign launch on November 2, held at the La Fargue playing field. The event, described by the SLP as the largest turnout for a candidate launch this election cycle, showcased Charles’ vision for unity, cultural revival, and community development. In his inaugural speech, Charles emphasized his deep connection to the community, stating, ‘I am not a stranger asking for your vote. I am your neighbour, Kiffo, asking for your trust.’ He paid tribute to his late uncles, Dr. Augustine Charles and Joseph Charles, who were influential figures in his life, and outlined his plans to invest in youth development, restore local culture, and improve infrastructure. Charles also took aim at incumbent MP Bradley Felix, questioning his accomplishments over nine years in office. ‘Did you build the mini stadium for our youth? Did you finish the warehouses you promised?’ he challenged. Among his proposals are upgrades to the Choiseul Village Beach jetty and boardwalk, road rehabilitation, and the revival of cultural events like the Choiseul pageant and Calypso competition. Charles has already begun making tangible progress, commissioning lighting for the Delcer playing field and initiating work on the neglected Park Estate Road in Saltibus. While incumbent Bradley Felix remains confident, dismissing Charles as a ‘new candidate,’ the race is heating up, with many labeling Choiseul/Saltibus as a constituency to watch.