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Former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, has extended his congratulations to newly-appointed Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, emphasizing the need for the Judiciary to seize this transition as a pivotal moment to restore public trust in the justice system. In a statement issued on October 29, Maharaj lauded Justice Boodoosingh as “eminently qualified, deserving, and suitable” for the nation’s highest judicial office, praising his “dedication to duty, integrity, and commitment to the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law.” Maharaj highlighted that Boodoosingh’s “calmness, patience, and fairness” are essential qualities for navigating the “serious challenges” currently facing the justice system. While acknowledging debates surrounding the consultation process preceding the appointment, Maharaj underscored the constitutional importance of ensuring fairness and transparency in selecting a Chief Justice, which he believes bolsters public confidence. He also recognized the contributions of former Chief Justice Ivor Archie but stressed the urgent need for reforms to address systemic issues. Maharaj called on the public to support Justice Boodoosingh in his efforts to tackle these challenges, reminding citizens that the courts are the guardians of their rights. Meanwhile, Senior Counsel Martin Daly criticized the appointment process as “poorly handled” and lacking transparency, despite supporting Boodoosingh’s elevation. Daly questioned the abrupt transition and the rushed consultation process, suggesting it weakened public trust. Attorney Yaseen Ahmed, a longtime colleague of Boodoosingh, praised his integrity and academic excellence, endorsing his appointment as Chief Justice.

During a Senate debate on October 27, Opposition Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul and Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, SC, raised critical questions regarding the proposed increases in duties on alcohol and tobacco in Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025/2026 budget. The motions aimed to implement these duties, which Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo estimated could generate approximately $800 million in revenue. However, Dhanpaul expressed skepticism about achieving this target, citing historical data from 2017 when a 20% increase in alcohol taxes led to a revenue drop from $900 million to $700 million. He also highlighted potential structural issues, such as increased smuggling and consumption of harmful products, as well as the cultural impact on traditions like Christmas and Carnival. Dhanpaul criticized the lack of a clear link between the tax hikes and public health benefits, noting that revenues would likely go directly into the Consolidated Fund rather than health initiatives. Vieira echoed these concerns, emphasizing the absence of stakeholder consultation and the adverse effects on businesses, tourism, and low-income earners. He warned that the sudden implementation of higher duties could disrupt cash flows, breach supply contracts, and make Trinidad and Tobago one of the most expensive destinations in the Caribbean for alcohol consumption. Both senators argued that the measures could erode social traditions and harm the hospitality sector, particularly small businesses and neighborhood bars. In contrast, Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh defended the tax hikes as part of a caring government’s efforts to uplift the poor and vulnerable, estimating potential health sector savings of $260 million.

Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro has emphasized the necessity of extending the current State of Emergency (SoE) to effectively dismantle criminal networks in Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking on October 29, Guevarro highlighted the significant progress made since the SoE was first implemented on July 18, but cautioned that criminal elements remain adaptable and persistent. He recommended a further extension to ensure long-term stability, stressing that the final decision rests with Parliament. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed on October 27 that Guevarro had formally advised the government to extend the measure. The government has scheduled a parliamentary debate for October 31 to discuss the proposed extension. While the government does not require opposition support to approve an additional three-month extension in the Lower House, any period beyond that would necessitate a three-fifths majority. The initial SoE was declared in response to a surge in murders and intelligence reports of planned attacks by criminal networks, targeting senior government officials, judiciary members, law enforcement officers, and prison personnel. Under the SoE, the police and Defence Force have been granted enhanced powers to arrest suspects and conduct searches. Guevarro clarified that his recommendation is based solely on internal security assessments and not influenced by regional tensions involving Venezuela and the United States.