Former Point Fortin Mayor Abdon Mason has issued a compelling call for all 41 Members of Parliament (MPs) in Trinidad and Tobago to set aside partisan differences and collaborate on the proposed stand-your-ground legislation. Speaking at a public consultation held at the Point Fortin Borough Corporation on October 7, Mason emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests over political affiliations. While he expressed gratitude to Point Fortin MP Ernesto Kesar for organizing the session, Mason refrained from outright endorsing the bill, stating, ‘I would support any legislation which aims to protect the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.’ Mason highlighted the nation’s growing divide between ‘the fearless and the fearful,’ placing himself in the latter category as a father concerned for his children’s safety. He also lamented the polarization between political factions and ethnic groups, urging unity and mutual respect. Recalling a dramatic demonstration by Minister of National Security Roger Alexander, Mason underscored the urgency of addressing home invasion fears. He appealed to MPs to transcend political noise and focus on the legislation’s potential benefits for the population, emphasizing the need for progress beyond electoral disappointments. Mason concluded, ‘Let us leave the pettiness aside and look at the true value of the legislation and its benefit to the population.’
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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PM: Lee remains Housing Minister
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reaffirmed her decision to retain Caroni Central MP David Lee as Minister of Housing, despite ongoing legal challenges. In a WhatsApp message to Newsday on October 10, Persad-Bissessar stated, ‘Yes, he remains Minister of Housing. There will be no change to that.’ This declaration underscores her unwavering support for Lee, even as he faces renewed legal scrutiny. The Prime Minister emphasized her government’s commitment to the rule of law, asserting that the judicial process must proceed unimpeded. On October 9, opposition chief whip Marvin Gonzales argued that Lee should step down from his ministerial role while his case is before the courts, though he acknowledged Lee’s right to retain his parliamentary seat. Lee, along with businessman Hugh Leong Poi, was re-arrested on October 7 on charges related to the misuse of a vehicle tax exemption granted to MPs. Initially dismissed on April 7 by Chief Magistrate Christine Charles due to insufficient evidence, the charges were reinstated by Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC. Lee was released on $1 million bail on October 8. Persad-Bissessar expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating, ‘We have respect for the courts of the land. Minister Lee was acquitted of these allegations before. Now that the charges have been re-laid, we have confidence in the courts to deliver a just result.’
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Let courts decide Lee’s fate
Recent developments surrounding Housing Minister David Lee have ignited a heated public debate, with many calling for his immediate dismissal following the re-filing of charges against him. However, these demands have been met with strong opposition from those who argue that such actions undermine the fundamental principles of justice and democracy. Political analyst Professor Hamid Ghany has emphasized that the circumstances of this case are distinct from others, noting that the charges were previously dismissed, suggesting a lack of substantial evidence. He posits that these charges may once again fail under legal scrutiny. The core issue at hand transcends Lee’s political career, touching upon the foundational democratic principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty.’ Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reiterated her confidence in the judicial system, urging the nation to respect the rule of law and due process. This stance highlights the necessity of maintaining fairness and integrity in the face of media trials and political witch-hunts, which threaten to erode the very fabric of democratic institutions.
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Point Fortin man acquitted of murder
In a significant legal development, Kareem Guadeloupe, a 45-year-old man from Point Fortin, has been acquitted of the 2022 murder of Ikem Best. The verdict was delivered by a Port of Spain jury on October 9, marking the conclusion of a complex and protracted legal battle. Guadeloupe had been charged with the murder on April 15, 2023, following the fatal shooting of Best on October 7, 2022, along Circular Drive, Francis Lane, Warden Road, Point Fortin. Best was standing by the roadside when occupants of a grey B15 car opened fire, resulting in his death. This was Guadeloupe’s second trial, as the first, which commenced in May 2025 before Justice Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds, was aborted due to the emergence of prejudicial evidence. Justice Ramsumair-Hinds discharged the jury, ruling that the evidence could not be rectified through judicial directions. Throughout the proceedings, Guadeloupe maintained his innocence. He was represented by attorneys Michelle Ali and Analisa Ramsaran from the Public Defenders Department, while State prosecutors Kezia Gray-Birkette and Tammy Cato represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Notably, Guadeloupe had previously been acquitted in 2019 for the 2005 murders of brothers Neil and Nigel Seebran, whose bodies were discovered in a grave near their home in Cedros.
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Trinidad and Tobago whip Bermuda 3-0 in World Cup qualifier
Trinidad and Tobago (TT) breathed new life into their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bermuda at the Bermuda National Stadium on October 10. This crucial win marked TT’s first triumph in the final round of Concacaf qualifiers, propelling them to four points in Group B after three matches. The team had previously drawn 0-0 with Curacao and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Jamaica, making this victory a turning point in their journey.
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3 sex charges against man, 23, dismissed
In a significant legal development, a 23-year-old man facing three sexual offence charges saw his case dismissed by Master Adia Mohammed in the High Court’s Criminal Division on October 9. The accused, a labourer, had been charged with sexual touching of a child, sexual penetration, and exposing a minor to pornography. These charges stemmed from an alleged incident on May 3, where the accused and the 12-year-old victim reportedly consumed alcohol together. The case was revisited during a sufficiency hearing, where the court was expected to receive a professional assessment of the minor’s mental capacity to provide a credible statement. Despite the State’s request for additional time to secure this evaluation, Master Mohammed dismissed the charges. The accused, who was initially granted bail earlier this year, had been required to report weekly to the Princes Town Police Station as part of his bail conditions. Attorney Kiran Panday represented the accused throughout the proceedings.
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Overnight military shake-up
A significant restructuring within the military leadership has unfolded, raising questions about the transparency and timing of the changes. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge had previously signaled impending reforms in September, criticizing the deteriorating conditions of military bases, the poor state of soldiers’ uniforms, and disparities between senior officers and rank-and-file personnel. He vowed to address these issues “in the coming weeks.”
However, the abrupt dismissal of Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel and the appointment of Captain Don Polo as the new Chief of Defence Staff on October 7 has drawn scrutiny. The ministry’s press release stated that the changes were made “after lengthy deliberations and mature consideration,” yet the suddenness of the decision contrasts with this claim. The outgoing leader’s tenure was expected to last another six months, adding to the confusion.
The appointment process itself has raised eyebrows. While Section 191 of the Defence Act governs the selection of the Chief of Defence Staff, the ministry referenced Section 12, which pertains to promotions. This suggests that Capt Polo may have been elevated to a higher rank, such as commodore, to assume the role. The move follows an earlier, unexplained leadership shake-up in August, which was reversed within 24 hours of being announced.
Despite the controversy, the installation of a new Chief of Defence Staff marks a decisive step in reshaping the Defence Council, which oversees military command and administration. The council includes the Defence Minister, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Permanent Secretary of the line ministry, with a new Permanent Secretary appointed in June.
The Chief of Defence Staff plays a pivotal role in leading the Defence Force, one of the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean. The force is tasked with safeguarding national sovereignty, supporting regional objectives, and responding to disasters—a mission increasingly critical amid the climate crisis. However, the leadership change occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions, including a state of emergency triggered by the disappearance of 28,000 rounds of ammunition and escalating US-Venezuela relations.
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India batters pummel West Indies on first day of second Test
India’s young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a masterclass on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies, propelling his team to a commanding position at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The left-handed opener remained unbeaten on 173 off 253 balls, guiding India to a formidable total of 318 for two by stumps on October 10. Jaiswal’s innings, studded with 22 boundaries, has put India in a dominant position as they aim to secure the series victory. The West Indies bowlers struggled to make an impact, with only Jomel Warrican managing to claim two wickets. The visitors now face a daunting task to level the series after suffering a heavy defeat in the first Test. Jaiswal’s opening partner, KL Rahul, contributed 38 before being stumped off Warrican’s bowling. Sai Sudharsan, who joined Jaiswal at the crease, played a crucial knock of 87, forming a 193-run partnership for the second wicket. Despite falling short of a century, Sudharsan’s innings further solidified India’s stronghold. Captain Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20, ensuring no further loss of wickets before the close of play. The West Indies, who were outplayed in the first Test, will need a remarkable turnaround to challenge India’s dominance in this match.
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Bruised baby dies at health facility, toddler dies at home
In a heartbreaking series of events, two infants lost their lives under tragic circumstances in Trinidad and Tobago, prompting police investigations. On Tuesday evening, a 47-day-old baby boy was pronounced dead at the Chaguanas Health Facility. Authorities were alerted to the sudden death around 5 pm, where they discovered the infant’s body lying on a bed with visible bruises. An autopsy has been ordered, and the body has been transferred to a funeral home for safekeeping. Earlier that same day, a 20-month-old girl was found unresponsive at her home in Lowkey Trace, Penal. The child’s grandmother recounted that her daughter had left her three children in her care over the weekend. On October 6, the toddler developed a slight fever, and despite attempts to feed her baby formula at 11:30 pm, she refused to drink and fell asleep. The grandmother placed the child on her stomach on a living room mattress before retiring to bed. Upon checking at 3 am, she found the girl unresponsive. Emergency health personnel were unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead by a district medical officer. An autopsy has also been ordered in this case, with no visible signs of violence reported. Police are actively investigating both incidents to determine the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths.
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That stubborn 10 per cent
Amidst severe financial constraints, the government remains committed to fulfilling its pledge of a ten per cent salary increase for public servants during the 2014-2019 period, as promised during the election campaign. This commitment, however, places the administration in a precarious position, given the current economic challenges of declining revenue, rising debt, and the potential threat of a credit rating downgrade. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is reportedly grappling with the complexities of reconciling this promise with other pressing national priorities, as evidenced by the delayed announcement of the national budget, which is typically presented by early October. The situation is further complicated by the unresolved wage negotiations for the 2020-2022 period, raising questions about whether the Public Services Association (PSA) will accept a similar five per cent increase agreed upon by other unions or push for more. Additionally, the settlement with the PSA could set a precedent for other unions, such as the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), potentially reigniting industrial unrest if parity is not achieved. The government’s decision to offer the PSA a ten per cent increase is not merely a labour agreement but a move that could significantly impact the broader industrial relations landscape, with other unions likely to demand similar terms. As the government navigates these challenges, the future of its relationship with the labour movement remains uncertain, with potentially significant implications for the country’s economic stability.