标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a compelling defense of Trinidad and Tobago’s growing partnership with the United States, Dr. Errol N. Benjamin outlines significant strategic benefits emerging from the bilateral cooperation. The commentary, originally published as a letter to Newsday, highlights three pivotal advantages: the removal of tariffs on agricultural inputs like fertilizer, recognition as a key coalition partner in combating narcotics trafficking from Venezuela, and positioning the nation at the forefront of US security concerns in the region.

The analysis emphasizes how President Donald Trump’s acknowledgment of TT’s role in anti-trafficking operations, combined with historical US investment in the country’s energy sector through companies like Shell, establishes foundation for continued American involvement in developing oil and gas reserves. Additionally, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s high-profile meeting with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, signifies elevated security collaboration that places Trinidad and Tobago prominently on Washington’s strategic radar.

Dr. Benjamin notes the influential role TT plays in regional dynamics, with numerous Latin American nations reportedly following its lead in supporting US counter-narcotics initiatives. This leadership position potentially grants TT preferential status in American foreign policy considerations for the Caribbean.

Despite these advantages, the author expresses concern over domestic criticism directed at the government’s alliance with the US. Anti-Trump activists and ideologues have disparaged the partnership, with some labeling the nation as a ‘lackey’ and criticizing high-level visits from US officials. Dr. Benjamin characterizes the alliance as fundamentally military in nature, noting that associated developments—including warship port calls in Trinidad, US personnel and aircraft presence in Tobago, and installation of military equipment like radar systems—represent expected components of such cooperation. The commentary concludes by urging critics to adopt a more open-minded perspective toward the strategic benefits of the US partnership, leaving final judgment to readers’ critical assessment.

Labor Minister Leroy Baptiste has articulated a staunch defense of disparate wage settlements between public sector unions, asserting that collective bargaining inherently involves calculated risks with inevitable consequences. This position emerges amid controversy surrounding Minister Clyde Elder’s remarks criticizing unions that accepted a previous four percent wage increase from the former PNM administration while now witnessing the Public Services Association (PSA) secure a ten percent increase promised by the incumbent UNC government.

The PSA recently concluded protracted negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer, finalizing a ten percent wage hike after enduring years of frozen salaries dating back to 2013. Baptiste emphasized that the PSA’s persistence came with significant sacrifices, including legal expenditures and prolonged financial stagnation for its members.

“Negotiations fundamentally involve gambling and risk-taking,” Baptiste stated. “Unions make strategic decisions and must subsequently live with the outcomes. Those who accepted the four percent increase now benefit from updated salaries, while the PSA chose a different path that ultimately yielded different results.”

Regarding whether this settlement establishes a precedent for other unions, Baptiste clarified that the government maintains no legal obligation to renegotiate previously ratified agreements. Any reconsideration of existing contracts would fall exclusively under the Finance Minister’s discretion.

Meanwhile, TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) President Crystal Ashe congratulated the PSA while condemning Elder’s implications that political alignment influenced the wage outcome. “We are non-partisan and reject the notion that rewards should correlate with political affiliations,” Ashe asserted. “Any government should prioritize citizen welfare irrespective of union political positions.”

TTUTA continues awaiting implementation of its negotiated five percent increase for 2020-2023, having received no definitive timeline from either the Education or Finance ministries despite formal inquiries. Ashe remained noncommittal about pursuing higher increases in future negotiations, noting “we will cross that bridge when we reach it.”

In a tense parliamentary hearing on December 2, Fair Trading Commission (FTC) Executive Director Bevan Narinesingh faced rigorous interrogation from Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) Chairman Jagdeo Singh regarding the commission’s perceived inaction on potential anti-competitive practices within the pharmaceutical industry.

Speaker Singh, visibly frustrated throughout the proceedings, challenged Narinesingh on what he characterized as the FTC’s ‘lethargic’ response to serious allegations of monopolistic behavior in drug supply and distribution. The confrontation centered on the commission’s failure to utilize its statutory powers under the Fair Trading Act despite receiving formal complaints and documentation since September 2024.

Singh methodically outlined the FTC’s broad investigative authority, particularly emphasizing Section 9 provisions that empower the commission to act on its own initiative without requiring formal complaints. ‘Anti-competitive behavior in a marketplace is among the highest public-interest concerns needing protection,’ Singh asserted, receiving agreement from Narinesingh before pressing further on the commission’s inaction.

The hearing revealed that despite a September 6, 2024 letter from a private business association raising competition concerns, the FTC’s response consisted primarily of information requests rather than initiating formal investigations. Singh questioned why the commission hadn’t invoked Section 8 powers to compel document production from suspected entities instead of placing the burden on complainants to obtain sensitive corporate records.

Narinesingh defended the FTC’s approach, citing ongoing evidence gathering through meetings with Health Ministry officials in December 2024 and consultations with the Pharmacy Board. However, when pressed for documentation of these meetings, he could not immediately produce minutes or formal reports.

The exchange intensified when Singh referenced the FTC’s December 13, 2024 public statement acknowledging that concerns ‘may require further examination.’ The chairman demanded concrete actions beyond letter-writing and meetings, to which Narinesingh cited public notices inviting input through digital channels.

A critical moment emerged when Narinesingh revealed the FTC had determined ‘sufficient grounds’ for investigation by June 17, 2025 but claimed inability to proceed due to the commission’s board being dissolved since May. Singh challenged this justification, questioning where the Fair Trading Act circumscribes the executive director’s authority based on board availability.

The session concluded with Singh issuing comprehensive directives for the FTC to provide all relevant documentation, including internal communications, meeting minutes, and task assignments, before adjourning until January 26 for further review.

In a powerful endorsement of current leadership, Trinidad and Tobago citizen David Beckles has drawn stark contrasts between the nation’s previous and current security approaches in an open letter to Newsday. Writing from Arima, Beckles characterizes the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration as a decade of “chaos, neglect and empty posturing” where crime spiraled uncontrollably while citizens pleaded for effective action.

The correspondent describes the PNM’s security strategy as fundamentally flawed—prioritizing public relations over substantive solutions, with consistent blame-shifting and chronic mismanagement creating a climate of fear and institutional failure. According to Beckles, this approach left the population vulnerable and stripped the nation of confidence through inadequate investment, strategic delays, and systemic denial of the growing crisis.

In direct opposition, Beckles portrays Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s United National Congress (UNC) government as implementing transformative changes that prioritize citizen safety through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated enforcement. The current administration has reportedly equipped security agencies with long-deprived tools, technology, and oversight mechanisms while delivering targeted community interventions previously absent under PNM leadership.

The letter credits Persad-Bissessar with reinstating discipline, accountability, and humane governance to a sector that had descended into operational free fall. Beckles emphasizes that the Prime Minister’s proactive leadership style—rooted in the principle that citizens deserve tangible safety rather than excuses—has set the nation on a renewed path toward stability and competent governance where measurable actions have replaced political theater.

In an era of escalating geopolitical complexities stemming from US-Venezuela tensions, Caribbean nations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to safeguard their strategic interests. Trinidad and Tobago, like its regional counterparts, faces unprecedented challenges in maintaining balanced international relations while protecting economic and political stability across the hemisphere.

The evolving diplomatic landscape demands both agility and strategic foresight, with AI emerging as a transformative tool for modern statecraft. Through development initiatives, trade facilitation, and cultural diplomacy, Mexico under Ambassador Víctor Hugo Morales Meléndez has strengthened partnerships with Caribbean nations. Similarly, Panama’s strategic position as a logistics hub, guided by Ambassador Diomedes Carles, enhances regional connectivity through expanded aviation operations.

AI technology now provides critical capabilities for analyzing cross-border energy flows, identifying economic disruptions, and monitoring migration patterns arising from regional instability. This data-driven approach equips diplomats with actionable intelligence for informed decision-making amid trade and security uncertainties.

The transformation extends to economic diplomacy, where AI-powered market analytics and supply-chain monitoring enable smaller economies to identify competitive sectors and investment opportunities. As Mexico advances nearshoring and regional integration initiatives, Trinidad and Tobago can leverage analytical capabilities to attract investment and participate in emerging manufacturing networks.

Consular services and public diplomacy also benefit from technological integration, with automated document verification and data-driven diaspora engagement enhancing embassy efficiency despite limited resources. During periods of geopolitical tension, these tools prove invaluable for citizen protection and regional stability maintenance.

While technology augments diplomatic capabilities, the human elements of judgment, negotiation, and cultural understanding remain irreplaceable. The Caribbean’s next generation of diplomats must operate at the intersection of geopolitics, economics, and technology, combining analytical rigor with cultural intelligence to shape the region’s influence in an increasingly complex global landscape.

A contentious debate has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago’s labor landscape following Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s confirmation of a 10% salary increase exclusively for Public Services Association (PSA) members. The announcement has sparked widespread discontent among other labor groups whose collective agreements were signed in April but now appear excluded from similar benefits.

Clyde Elder, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities, solidified the government’s position on November 28 by declaring, “An agreement made and signed is what it is.” The former trade unionist turned minister defended the selective increase by emphasizing the PSA’s political advocacy: “They put up that fight. They fought with the party – the UNC – and today, because of that fight, they are seeing the rewards.”

The remarks have exposed underlying tensions in labor-government relations, revealing what critics describe as a system where political alignment determines economic benefits. Joanne Ogeer, secretary general of the Communication Workers’ Union, warned that such approaches create “peace by silence rather than peace by justice,” where negotiations become influenced by political loyalty rather than workers’ rights.

Financial disclosures from the Chief Personnel Officer’s office indicate the PSA settlement will require $3.8 billion in back pay and $420 million in recurrent expenditure, raising questions about fiscal sustainability and equitable distribution of public funds. The situation echoes previous administrations’ contentious relationships with unions, though observers note the current government’s approach represents an evolution toward more explicit political conditioning of labor benefits.

The developing scenario places essential workers—including firefighters, prison officers, police, and security personnel—in precarious positions, potentially facing the consequences of political maneuvering within the country’s labor movement.