标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The recent uproar involving allegations against the family of St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and the social media assertions made by Minister Anil Roberts highlights a critical issue that goes beyond individual political figures – the fundamental responsibility of governance and its true focus. Governments are established to serve their citizens, ensuring justice, stability, economic advancement, and overall well-being. When governance deviates from addressing national priorities to engaging in personal disputes or political distractions, it undermines public trust and weakens democratic foundations. Defensive reactions to criticism, rather than transparent engagement, signal insecurity and discourage dissent. This environment fosters fear, stifling voices from citizens, journalists, and civil society who seek to address pressing issues. Such a climate borders on tyranny, where freedom of expression is curtailed, and governance becomes self-serving rather than people-centric. The core focus of any government should remain on essential pillars of national development: education, healthcare, housing, security, economic growth, and social justice. Citizens demand action on critical challenges like unemployment, cost of living, crime, and infrastructure, not distractions from political feuds or media battles. Leadership must exhibit composure and clarity of purpose, rising above personal affronts to prioritize the improvement of citizens’ lives. It is imperative for governments in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region to refocus their efforts on governance that fosters confidence and unity. Transparency, accountability, and respect for diverse opinions must guide public discourse. When controversies overshadow progress and personality clashes replace policy, it is the people who suffer. If controversy is used to mask inefficiency or divert attention from unresolved national issues, it is the duty of citizens, media, and civil society to demand a return to focus. True leadership is not threatened by criticism but strengthened by it. Governance is about fulfilling public trust, not protecting personal interests. It is time for governments to rise above the noise and recommit to the service, development, and empowerment of their people.

In a recent letter to the editor, Lyndon De Gannes addresses the ongoing debate surrounding affordable cars and public transportation. He critiques the elitist notion that ordinary citizens must choose between owning a vehicle and relying on public transit. This perspective, he argues, is both absurd and counterproductive. De Gannes highlights the recent measures introduced by Ministers Satyakama Maharaj and Eli Zakour to make vehicles more affordable, a policy long championed by the UNC. Instead of welcoming this relief for middle- and lower-income families, critics have raised objections, often from the comfort of their luxury vehicles. De Gannes emphasizes that affordable cars and efficient public transport are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many developed countries successfully integrate both systems, allowing citizens to enjoy the benefits of personal mobility and mass transit. He points out that under the previous PNM government, citizens faced a lose-lose situation: vehicles became more expensive, and public transportation deteriorated. De Gannes argues that owning a car provides essential freedom and dignity, enabling families to transport elderly parents, children, and groceries with ease. It also empowers small entrepreneurs who rely on mobility for their livelihoods. He calls for an end to the elitist treatment of affordable cars and supports Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s efforts to create a win-win system that improves the quality of life for all citizens.

In a landmark political shift, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has elected Dr. Goodwin Friday and his New Democratic Party (NDP) to power, ending Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ 24-year administration. Preliminary results from the November 27 general election indicate the NDP secured a decisive victory, capturing 11 of the 15 parliamentary seats and preventing Gonsalves from achieving an unprecedented sixth consecutive term.

Dr. Friday, 66, a political science doctorate holder and 23-year parliamentary veteran representing North Grenadines, will assume leadership following this electoral upset. The victory mirrors regional political patterns, notably Trinidad and Tobago’s recent transition where Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNC party similarly moved from opposition to government last April.

Persad-Bissessar publicly congratulated Friday, stating on social media: “I commend the citizens of Saint Vincent for upholding the highest ideals of democracy. May God bless the newly elected government as they begin this new chapter of service.”

The campaign was marked by significant controversy as Gonsalves, 79, alleged foreign interference attempts. Two days before voting, he accused Trinidadian lawyers of collaborating with the NDP to ‘rig’ the election and warned about unauthorized foreign campaigners. These claims emerged alongside domestic scandals involving Gonsalves’ family property acquisitions in Trinidad, currently under investigation by housing authorities.

Reuters reports the election presented a “clear ideological contrast” between parties. While Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party advocated maintaining existing foreign policies, including support for Venezuela’s Maduro regime, Friday’s NDP campaigned on strengthening ties with China and implementing Citizenship by Investment programs.

Despite his party’s overall defeat, Gonsalves reportedly retained his personal parliamentary seat in the Windward constituency, ensuring his continued political presence despite the broader administration change.

In a recent development in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament, Attorney General John Jeremie has been referred to the Privileges Committee over comments made during a ‘hot mic’ moment in the Lower House. Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal has dismissed the referral as ‘trivial and frivolous,’ emphasizing that such banter is commonplace in parliamentary proceedings. Speaking at his constituency office in Debe on November 26, Moonilal, a former leader of government business, recalled his own participation in similar exchanges over the years. He argued that the country faces more pressing issues than what he termed ‘irrelevant and useless escapades.’

Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, however, defended the referral, stating that it was necessary to address AG Jeremie’s persistent use of derogatory language in Parliament. Gonzales cited an instance where Jeremie was overheard saying, ‘Hush your mouth, boy, why you ain’t take your little man?’ Moonilal responded by noting that all MPs have the right to raise matters of privilege, but the final decision rests with the Speaker.

In a separate but related matter, Moonilal commented on the recent visit by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, to Trinidad and Tobago. While he deferred to the Prime Minister and relevant ministers on national security issues, Moonilal expressed optimism about the high-level discussions on regional security. He highlighted the serious threats posed by narco-traffickers and drug cartels in the Caribbean, underscoring the importance of such diplomatic engagements.