标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago has officially approved the $59.2 billion national budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026, following an extensive five-day review by the Standing Finance Committee. The final vote, held on October 25, saw unanimous support from the 28 government members, while all 12 opposition members voted against the proposal. The budget, initially presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo on October 13, is based on projected oil and gas prices of US$73.25 per barrel and US$4.35 per mmbtu, respectively. Despite these optimistic projections, the fiscal package carries a deficit of $3.865 billion. The next phase of the budgetary process will commence on October 27, when Senators are scheduled to debate the financial plan at 10 am.

During the final session of the Standing Finance Committee on October 25, a heated exchange erupted between Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young and Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal over an $82,000 increase in electricity allowances within the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries’ budget. Young, a former energy minister, questioned whether the hike was tied to the establishment of additional offices for Moonilal and junior minister Ernesto Kesar in south Trinidad. The increase was listed under the sub-heading ‘goods and services – general administration.’ Young argued that the additional offices were an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, particularly since the Ministry already operates from Port of Spain. Moonilal countered that the funds were allocated to cover arrears owed to TTEC, the national electricity provider, which he claimed were left unpaid by Young during his tenure. He further defended the southern offices, stating they were a long-standing presence in San Fernando and provided convenience for stakeholders in the energy sector. The debate intensified as Young also challenged a $150,000 increase in rent, which Moonilal attributed to unpaid arrears from the previous administration. Young accused Moonilal of excessive spending on office renovations, emphasizing that most energy sector stakeholders are based in Port of Spain. The session concluded without resolution, highlighting ongoing tensions over fiscal responsibility and resource allocation within the Ministry.

In a series of bold and controversial moves, US President Donald Trump has unveiled an expansionist agenda that has sparked widespread debate and concern across the Americas. Trump’s initial statement about taking over Iceland, Canada, and Mexico was followed by the symbolic renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, a move that many interpret as a clear indication of his intentions for the region.

In a significant shift in foreign policy, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has joined the United States and six Latin American countries in endorsing Rodrigo Paz Pereira as Bolivia’s new president. The joint statement, issued on October 21, two days after Bolivia’s elections, marks a notable alignment of TT with US government interests, according to international relations experts. The statement expressed the signatories’ readiness to support the incoming administration in stabilizing Bolivia’s economy, reinforcing democratic institutions, and enhancing international trade and investment. Caribbean Policy Consortium co-founder Prof Anthony Bryan noted that this move represents a departure from TT’s traditional policy of neutrality and its efforts towards a coordinated Caricom foreign policy. Dr Evan Ellis, a research professor at the US Army War College, viewed the joint statement as a positive initiative, reflecting the emergence of a new group of US-friendly governments in the region. He emphasized the collective recognition of Paz’s victory and the hope for Bolivia’s constructive direction under his leadership, particularly in economic policy, anti-drug efforts, and anti-corruption activities.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s National Recruitment Drive has garnered significant attention, with over 110,000 applications received, highlighting a long-standing demand for such initiatives. However, the program’s success is overshadowed by unresolved concerns regarding unemployment support, funding, and sustainable job creation. Without addressing these issues, the initiative risks being perceived as merely a public relations exercise. The Prime Minister’s contradictory statements on October 23 about cuts to Cepep and URP programs further complicate matters. During her visit to the National Cycling Centre in Couva, Ms. Persad-Bissessar portrayed herself as a savior, criticizing Cepep jobs for their inability to provide financial stability, likening them to “hand-to-mouth feeding” and even invoking the term “slavery.” Yet, her administration’s abrupt termination of workers without prior notice contradicts her professed empathy. The government’s broad accusations of nepotism and corruption within these programs also raise questions about their selective targeting. Additionally, the lack of clarity on funding sources for new hires and salary increases adds to the uncertainty. While the recruitment drive aims to fill 20,450 positions, it falls short of addressing the broader unemployment crisis. Ms. Persad-Bissessar must provide a comprehensive plan during the Senate budget debate to create new opportunities, not just fill existing vacancies. As a leader elected to serve the people, this remains her fundamental responsibility.