标签： Trinidad and Tobago

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.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, made a brief but impactful visit to Trinidad and Tobago on November 25. The high-profile meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar underscored the enduring alliance between the two nations, particularly in addressing regional security challenges. Caine, who had initially planned to visit Puerto Rico to engage with US troops stationed there, altered his itinerary to include a stop in Port of Spain. The meeting, held at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, also included key Trinidadian officials such as Attorney General John Jeremie, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge. Lasting less than two hours, the discussions focused on combating narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and transnational crime, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to regional stability. Following the meeting, Caine departed in a heavily guarded convoy, emphasizing the high-security nature of the visit. Meanwhile, Suriname has voiced concerns over US aggression towards Venezuela, with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil and Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons jointly condemning US military actions in the Caribbean. This development highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, as nations navigate alliances and tensions.