分类： politics

The arrival of the USS Gravely, a US Navy guided-missile destroyer, at the Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has ignited a wave of political and public discourse. The vessel’s visit, scheduled from October 26-30, coincides with joint training exercises between the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and the TT Defence Force. While the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs framed the visit as part of longstanding bilateral cooperation, Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles expressed unease, drawing parallels to the 1983 US invasion of Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury. Beckles called for greater transparency, urging the Minister of Foreign Affairs to provide detailed explanations to the public. Government ministers, however, dismissed concerns as fearmongering, emphasizing the visit’s focus on goodwill, humanitarian aid, and training. Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John highlighted the US military’s assistance to local schools and the TTDF, while Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander described the visit as routine. Opposition MPs, including Diego Martin Central MP Symon De Nobriga, countered that the geopolitical tensions between the US and Venezuela have heightened public anxiety, necessitating clear communication from the government. The USS Gravely, armed with advanced weaponry, arrives amid escalating US-Venezuela tensions, with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth deploying additional naval assets to the region. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has appealed for peace, while US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz reaffirmed the partnership’s focus on addressing shared threats like transnational crime. Public opinion remains divided, with some citizens expressing confidence in peaceful resolutions, while others remain cautious about potential regional repercussions.

The Editor: The ongoing erosion of decorum and respect within the highest echelons of our republic is a matter of grave concern. Parliament, once revered as a sanctuary for constructive debate and national advancement, has increasingly devolved into a platform for hostility, personal vendettas, and blatant disregard for the electorate. Both sides of the political spectrum have exhibited behavior unworthy of the nation’s leaders. The pervasive bitterness, arrogance, and verbal aggression not only reflect a lack of mutual respect but also a profound disrespect for the public, including schoolchildren and citizens who observe these proceedings with growing disillusionment. Parliament is intended to embody service, accountability, and exemplary conduct. However, when elected officials prioritize theatrics over substantive discourse, they undermine public trust and weaken the democratic foundation of our society. The refusal to address legitimate inquiries, the cacophony of shouting across the floor, and the apparent unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue all contribute to the degradation of our republic’s dignity and the principles our forebears valiantly defended. The citizenry deserves leaders who embody grace, humility, and respect—leaders capable of disagreeing without dishonor, debating without disdain, and representing without ridicule. It is imperative that Parliament reverts to a culture of decency, maturity, and national responsibility. Our children are watching, and the future of our nation hinges on the examples we set today. Nicholas Ashby, via e-mail.

The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago has officially approved the $59.2 billion national budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026, following an extensive five-day review by the Standing Finance Committee. The final vote, held on October 25, saw unanimous support from the 28 government members, while all 12 opposition members voted against the proposal. The budget, initially presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo on October 13, is based on projected oil and gas prices of US$73.25 per barrel and US$4.35 per mmbtu, respectively. Despite these optimistic projections, the fiscal package carries a deficit of $3.865 billion. The next phase of the budgetary process will commence on October 27, when Senators are scheduled to debate the financial plan at 10 am.

During the final session of the Standing Finance Committee on October 25, a heated exchange erupted between Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young and Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal over an $82,000 increase in electricity allowances within the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries’ budget. Young, a former energy minister, questioned whether the hike was tied to the establishment of additional offices for Moonilal and junior minister Ernesto Kesar in south Trinidad. The increase was listed under the sub-heading ‘goods and services – general administration.’ Young argued that the additional offices were an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, particularly since the Ministry already operates from Port of Spain. Moonilal countered that the funds were allocated to cover arrears owed to TTEC, the national electricity provider, which he claimed were left unpaid by Young during his tenure. He further defended the southern offices, stating they were a long-standing presence in San Fernando and provided convenience for stakeholders in the energy sector. The debate intensified as Young also challenged a $150,000 increase in rent, which Moonilal attributed to unpaid arrears from the previous administration. Young accused Moonilal of excessive spending on office renovations, emphasizing that most energy sector stakeholders are based in Port of Spain. The session concluded without resolution, highlighting ongoing tensions over fiscal responsibility and resource allocation within the Ministry.

On October 24, approximately 20 demonstrators gathered peacefully outside the US Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to protest what they termed as US aggression in the Caribbean. The protest, held at Queen’s Park Savannah, was organized by activists and representatives from various civil society organizations, who called for the protection of regional sovereignty and the preservation of the Caribbean as a “zone of peace.”

Among the participants was Abeo Jackson, a radio/television host and new mother, who expressed deep concern over the future of her child in a region she believes is under threat. Jackson condemned the extrajudicial killing of 43 men by US forces in the Caribbean, which the US justified as an attack on narco-trafficking. She described the incident as a violent desecration of regional sovereignty and criticized the Trinidad and Tobago government for its silence on the matter.

“This is not about drugs. It is about natural resources, oil, and power,” Jackson asserted. She accused the government of aligning with US military objectives, calling it a betrayal of the Caribbean consensus that the region must remain a zone of peace. Jackson emphasized that Caribbean sovereignty is not for sale and that Caribbean lives should not be treated as collateral damage.

Shan-Nia Lewis, a young protester, delivered an impassioned speech linking global conflicts to regional vulnerability. She expressed frustration over the government’s silence following the deaths of two Trinidad and Tobago nationals allegedly killed in recent US airstrikes. Lewis warned that young people would bear the brunt of any escalation in regional tensions.

Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada, Chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC), also condemned US military operations in regional waters, describing them as a threat to peace and sovereignty. Wadada criticized the US’s intensified military buildup off Venezuela’s coast, calling it a reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine and a smokescreen for broader geopolitical objectives, including possible regime change in Venezuela.

David Abdulah, political leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), commended former Caricom heads of government for issuing a joint statement rejecting military intervention and reaffirming the region as a “zone of peace.” He condemned the recent docking of a US destroyer off Trinidad’s coast, calling it an “abomination” and warning that any attempt at regime change in Venezuela would destabilize the entire region.

The protesters collectively demanded an end to US military intervention in the Caribbean, urging regional unity and the protection of sovereignty and peace.