分类： politics

In a significant move aimed at bolstering Tobago’s economic prospects, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the issuance of an export license for quarry operations at Studley Park during her visit to the island on November 4. This initiative, described as ‘low-hanging fruit,’ requires minimal financial investment but is projected to generate up to $1.4 billion in revenue over the next three years. The announcement underscores the Prime Minister’s strategic vision for enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s economic and political unity, particularly in the context of the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections. The license, to be managed by Studley Park Enterprises Ltd, a company owned by the THA, marks a pivotal step in unlocking Tobago’s aggregate resources. However, the initiative also raises complex regulatory and environmental challenges that THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine must navigate. Beyond the immediate economic impact, the Prime Minister hinted at broader reforms, including the replacement of the current budgetary range with a ‘fair share’ project-based model and addressing the long-standing issue of Tobago’s autonomy. This announcement signals a potential turning point in the relationship between the two islands, as Ms. Persad-Bissessar emphasized a unified vision for the nation’s future.

Opposition Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul has raised alarms over the potential dire consequences of the 2025/2026 budget collapse, warning that the upcoming holiday season could be particularly harsh for civil servants and citizens reliant on public assistance. Speaking at a media conference on November 6, Dhanpaul highlighted that the opposition had foreseen the $59.2 billion fiscal package’s failure, predicting it would unravel before the end of January 2026 during their contributions to the budget debate in Parliament. As a former finance minister and permanent secretary, Dhanpaul pointed out that the signs of impending financial distress were evident, with delayed payments over the past few months. He anticipates that Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo will soon seek additional funds from Parliament to address the shortfall. Newsday has attempted to reach Tancoo for a response to these claims, but no statement has been issued yet.

Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne has sharply criticized the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government for allegedly abandoning its long-standing foreign policy positions in favor of mimicking those of another country, widely believed to be the United States. Speaking at a briefing hosted by Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles on November 4, Browne began by referencing a UN spokesman’s condemnation of the US military’s recent destruction of several alleged drug boats, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 60 people. The UN labeled this action a violation of international human rights principles. Browne described the government’s foreign policy as ‘inauthentic and unrepresentative,’ accusing it of merely adopting narratives and talking points from external sources. He emphasized TT’s geographical proximity to Venezuela, stating that this permanent reality necessitates prudent, wise, and sustainable management of bilateral relations. Browne also questioned Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ recent characterization of Venezuelan ambassador Alvaro Sanchez Cordero as ‘my good friend,’ despite the government’s alleged support for regime change in Caracas. He further criticized the government for accusing the opposition of having a ‘narco agenda,’ referencing a 2013 incident where police found marijuana outside former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s residence, though no culpability was established. Browne also highlighted concerns raised by the Antilles Episcopalian Conference and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Port of Spain regarding the US military buildup in the Caribbean and the normalization of conflict. He lamented the government’s lack of an independent foreign policy and its alleged endorsement of extrajudicial killings, including a minister’s threat to use nuclear weapons against Venezuela. Browne concluded by criticizing the government for not issuing its own statement congratulating Bolivia’s new president, instead co-signing a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He warned against the dangers of war, particularly for small states like TT, and reminded leaders of the consequences faced by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now before the International Criminal Court for alleged drug war-related murders.