标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a spirited defense of Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership, citizen Patricia Blades has voiced strong support for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her United National Congress (UNC) administration through a published letter to Newsday. The correspondence comes as the government navigates complex governance decisions following their April electoral victory.

The letter emphasizes the extraordinary challenges facing the administration in what the author describes as ‘a world gone mad,’ acknowledging the difficult choices required in the current global climate. Blades specifically addresses the proliferation of unverified information circulating through social media platforms, warning that even if government secrets were publicly exposed, the accuracy of such information would remain questionable.

Blades characterizes the UNC’s position as facing a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ scenario, noting criticism from various sectors including Tobago representatives, opposition parties, and economic experts. Despite these multifaceted challenges, the author asserts that only Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar possesses the legitimate authority to act on behalf of the nation.

The letter concludes with a personal appeal for divine support, expressing prayers for the Prime Minister to obtain both the strength and capability to properly execute her duties during this demanding period of national leadership.

Seven months into its administration, the current government faces mounting criticism for its failure to establish transparent governance practices and meaningful citizen engagement. Prominent voices in civil society are raising fundamental concerns about the administration’s communication style and decision-making processes, which many characterize as opaque, unilateral, and disruptive.

A particularly troubling example cited involves the Tobago radar controversy, where the Prime Minister’s inconsistent explanations regarding national security matters have eroded public trust. The frequent shifts in official narratives have left citizens questioning whether critical decisions are being guided by a coherent and responsible strategic framework.

Simultaneously, the cultural sector is experiencing significant distress due to the abrupt implementation of noise-pollution regulations affecting major events, including Carnival festivities. With merely three months’ notice before implementation, event organizers and businesses face unnecessary logistical and financial pressure. Stakeholders argue that any policy changes of this magnitude should have initiated multi-year planning discussions, ideally with implementation targeted for 2027 rather than immediate enforcement.

The steelpan community represents another casualty of this governance approach. The unexpected withdrawal of state sponsorship from several steelbands—executed without prior consultation or warning—has jeopardized an essential component of the nation’s cultural identity. Even Pan Trinbago’s president, Beverly Ramsey-Moore, has publicly expressed dismay at the poorly timed and unilateral nature of this decision, noting that explanations only followed after the fact.

These patterns demonstrate a governing methodology that prioritizes announcement over consultation, creating an environment where citizens feel treated as obstacles rather than partners in national development. As the administration approaches its eighth month in power, there remains a conspicuous absence of the clear communication and strategic direction that form the foundation of effective governance. While advocates acknowledge that course correction remains possible, they emphasize that transparent dialogue, honest leadership, and genuine citizen partnership must become immediate priorities.

The Trinidad and Tobago Parliament demonstrates unprecedented legislative momentum as both the House of Representatives and Senate convene simultaneously for the second time within a week. This unusual frequency of concurrent sessions at the recently renovated Red House signals the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration’s determined push to advance its comprehensive governance agenda.

Despite government whip Barry Padarath and opposition whip Marvin Gonzales downplaying the significance of dual chamber meetings, statistical evidence reveals remarkable parliamentary activity. The current administration has conducted 27 legislative sessions across both chambers during its initial seven months—nearly matching the entire output of the first Keith Rowley administration during the same period. This accelerated pace becomes particularly notable considering the August recess that interrupted the government’s early months.

Today’s parliamentary agenda features critical deliberations on the Finance Bill (distinct from the Appropriation Bill) and proposed amendments to the Virtual Assets and Virtual Assets Service Providers Bill. Simultaneously, senators continue examining the controversial Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, which cleared the House on November 26 with 23 supporting votes against 10 objections.

The self-defence legislation has generated particular scrutiny after the Attorney General’s Ministry removed initial special majority requirements, raising concerns among lawmakers about potential dilution of the bill’s original intent. This development represents another crucial test of the government’s ability to fulfill campaign promises, following June’s successful passage of legislation revoking Stuart Young’s prime ministerial pension and October’s constitutional right to speedy trial declaration.

The administration’s expansive legislative program has already produced significant reforms including abolition of the TTRA, modifications to the Children’s Life Fund, citizenship law revisions, FATF compliance measures, and enhanced powers for Justice of the Peace officials. However, opposition figures like Colm Imbert have expressed concerns about inadequate review periods for proposed legislation.

While parliamentarians may consider dual sessions routine, citizens increasingly expect tangible results from their elected representatives, transforming these proceedings from ordinary parliamentary business into a critical measure of governmental effectiveness and promise-keeping.

In a landmark judicial decision, Trinidad and Tobago’s High Court has mandated the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs to pay over $10 million in combined damages to brothers Prakash and Adesh Maharaj. The ruling concludes a twelve-year legal battle that began with the ministry’s unlawful suspension of the brothers’ de facto retail marketing licenses in 2012, which forced the abrupt closure of their service stations and denied them access to their properties.

Master Wrenerson Lochan presided over the damages assessment, which followed a series of appellate decisions culminating in a 2020 Privy Council ruling that found the ministry had acted beyond its statutory authority. The court determined that the brothers held valid de facto licenses through consistent payment and acceptance of annual fees, establishing that the ministry possessed no lawful power to suspend their operations.

The judgment detailed how ministry officials executed sudden shutdowns of both the Fyzabad and King’s Wharf stations in late 2012, publicly accusing the brothers of petroleum regulation breaches and impropriety without due process. The closures received significant media attention, severely damaging the Maharajs’ business reputations. The court found that state agents took possession of the premises, posted security guards, and denied the brothers access to their equipment, business records, and inventory without undertaking proper safeguarding measures.

In his assessment, Master Lochan accepted the comprehensive expert analysis of chartered accountant Larry Ramoutar, who calculated losses spanning fuel and non-fuel profits, fixed assets, inventory, and operational float money. The State notably failed to present countervailing expert evidence or challenge Ramoutar’s methodology through cross-examination.

The final award includes $9,257,894 in compensatory damages divided between the brothers, $300,000 in vindicatory damages, approximately $1.58 million in accrued interest at 5% annually from 2022-2025, and an additional $250,000 collectively for distress and anguish stemming from reputational harm and financial hardship. The court characterized the ministry’s handling of the properties as “deeply concerning” and emphasized that the substantial awards serve both to compensate the claimants and deter future governmental overreach.

The ruling establishes significant precedent regarding state accountability, with Master Lochan noting that “citizens reasonably expect that no officer of the state would arbitrarily interfere with their property without embarking upon a process of law, one which is procedurally fair and consistent with natural justice.”