标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a rare moment of unity, Trinidad and Tobago’s political leaders paused their 2026 budget debate to celebrate Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, in the Rotunda of the Red House in Port of Spain on October 17. The event, marked by the lighting of deyas (oil lamps), saw participation from House Speaker Jagdeo Singh, Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath, and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles. The celebration was a symbolic gesture of cultural harmony in the multicultural nation. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, in his Divali address on October 18, drew parallels between the festival’s themes of light overcoming darkness and the return of Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC as Prime Minister in the April 28 general election. Padarath likened Persad-Bissessar to the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of prosperity and righteousness, and emphasized the importance of respecting women in society. He also critiqued the previous administration, stating that the current government has restored good governance after a decade of ‘darkness.’ Opposition MP Hans Des Vignes echoed the sentiment, extending warm Divali greetings to the Hindu community and highlighting the festival’s universal message of unity, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment. Des Vignes urged citizens to draw inspiration from Divali to address the nation’s social and economic challenges, reaffirming commitments to justice, equality, and cultural heritage. Both leaders called for the preservation of Trinidad and Tobago’s rich multicultural identity, emphasizing the festival’s themes of peace, love, and respect.

Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin has confirmed that tactical police units in Trinidad and Tobago are on heightened alert following a security advisory issued by the US Embassy. However, Benjamin firmly denied rumors circulating online that senior public officials, including the Prime Minister and Attorney General, have been relocated to safe houses. He emphasized that such claims are baseless and urged the public to rely only on credible sources for information. The US Embassy’s alert coincides with increased US military presence in the South Caribbean, reportedly targeting anti-narcotics operations. Recent incidents include the destruction of five small boats and a narco-submarine off Venezuela’s coast, resulting in 29 fatalities. President Trump’s designation of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a narco-terrorist, accompanied by a $50 million bounty, has fueled speculation about potential US intervention in Venezuela. Benjamin reassured the public that the heightened alert is a precautionary measure and that there is no cause for panic. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge echoed this sentiment, stating that Trinidadians need not worry. The US Embassy has advised US nationals to avoid government facilities and remain vigilant, while also recommending enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates. Opposition MP Stuart Young has called on the Prime Minister to address the nation and provide clarity amid growing concerns.

In a scathing critique of the 2025/2026 budget, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has accused the UNC-led government of steering Trinidad and Tobago toward economic collapse. Speaking at the Red House in Port of Spain on October 17, Beckles, the first female PNM leader to deliver such a response, outlined a series of alarming strategies she claims the government is employing. These include imposing punitive taxes on citizens and businesses, depleting foreign exchange reserves, and misleading the public with unrealistic economic projections. Beckles described the budget as ‘fake and fraudulent,’ citing discrepancies in fiscal deficit calculations and a lack of credible revenue sources. She also criticized the government’s reliance on borrowing, particularly foreign debt, which she warned could exacerbate the country’s fiscal crisis. Beckles highlighted the draconian tax increases on locally manufactured rum and beer, which she argued unfairly target ordinary citizens. She further accused the government of political interference in state enterprises and financial institutions, warning that such actions could jeopardize public savings. Beckles concluded by promising that the PNM would work to rebuild the nation, emphasizing the need for stability and competence in governance.

The recent budget debate in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament has thrust Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles into the spotlight, but not entirely for the reasons she might have hoped. On October 17, Beckles delivered her response to Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s budget presentation at the Red House in Port of Spain. This moment, intended to solidify her position as the PNM’s first female opposition leader, was overshadowed by a contentious ruling from Deputy Speaker Dr. Aiyna Ali. Dr. Ali referred Beckles to the privileges committee over a complaint of contempt, a move that has sparked significant debate.

Beckles, dressed in military black and gold, adopted a subdued yet critical tone during her three-hour speech. She labeled the budget as a “con-job,” analyzed fiscal figures, and warned of an impending economic crisis unlike any seen in the past four decades. However, her efforts were largely eclipsed by the drama surrounding Dr. Ali’s decision, which stemmed from a complaint filed by government whip Barry Padarath. The complaint was related to a statement issued by Beckles’ party earlier this month, accusing Speaker Jagdeo Singh of “biased and prejudicial” behavior.

This incident highlights the turbulent start to the 13th Republican Parliament’s budget debate. With many new faces in the House, including MPs and presiding officers, the political landscape remains unpredictable. The use of the privileges committee, a rare and serious parliamentary tool, adds to the tension. Beckles’ response also opened new lines of attack, particularly regarding her claims about the government’s economic management. She argued that the current administration had undone in five months what the PNM achieved in ten years, a statement met with skepticism. Additionally, her critique of the Tobago allocation figures was fact-checked and found to be inaccurate.

As the debate continues, Beckles faces the challenge of distinguishing her leadership style from both former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and current Prime Minister Keith Rowley. Her performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining her effectiveness as opposition leader and her party’s prospects in future elections.

Tobago West MP Joel Sampson has confirmed that the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Cepep) and the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) will persist in Tobago, despite plans to phase them out in Trinidad. Speaking during the budget debate in Parliament on October 17, Sampson emphasized that these initiatives remain under the jurisdiction of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), which has no intention of discontinuing them. He highlighted that URP is managed by the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development, while Cepep falls under the Division of Community Development, Youth Development and Sport. Sampson noted that since the THA took office in 2021, the programmes have been restructured to produce meaningful outcomes, including revenue-generating workshops and agricultural units. He acknowledged that central government funding has been insufficient, but the THA has creatively addressed the shortfall using unspent balances. Sampson reassured Tobagonians employed in these programmes that their jobs are secure, emphasizing that they operate under a proper structure rather than a political contract. This announcement comes after Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo revealed plans to eliminate Cepep and URP in Trinidad to curb state funding of criminal gangs, promising better-paid, full-time jobs for affected workers. Sampson also praised the government’s budget, calling it one of the most comprehensive in THA history, with Tobago receiving $3.724 billion, or 6.3% of the national budget.

In a dramatic turn of events during the marathon budget debate in the House of Representatives, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo declared that the People’s National Movement (PNM) had ‘fallen’ after no opposition MP rose to respond to a government speaker. The debate, which began at 10 am on October 17 and concluded at 2:22 am on October 18, is set to resume on October 21 with a detailed examination of revenue and expenditure by the Standing Finance Committee. The session featured 14 speakers, alternating between opposition and government MPs, until it reached Claxton Bay MP Hansen Narinesingh, who delivered his maiden speech. Speaker Jagdeo Singh congratulated Narinesingh and then turned to the opposition benches, only to find no one willing to speak. Tancoo seized the moment, criticizing the PNM for abdicating its responsibility, particularly noting the absence of opposition leader Pennelope Beckles. He accused the opposition of having ‘nothing to say’ and praised the budget as ‘excellent.’ House Leader Barry Padarath later issued a statement titled ‘PNM Collapses in 2026 Budget Debate,’ highlighting the opposition’s failure to continue the debate despite having five members yet to speak. Padarath described the PNM’s inaction as a clear sign of their inability to analyze and respond to the national budget, suggesting that the party had ‘collapsed’ under the pressure.