Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith has raised alarms over reports that Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander is seeking assistance from the US Embassy to revoke visas of US-based social media users, including bloggers with dual nationality, who are allegedly spreading propaganda and fear about Trinidad and Tobago. This development follows the recent revocation of the US visa of Gary Aboud, secretary of Fisherman and Friends of the Sea, who claims it was due to his opposition to the government’s support for US military deployment in the southern Caribbean, which began in August. In a video posted on November 24, Griffith acknowledged a country’s right to deny visas to individuals who violate its laws but expressed concern over the unprecedented move of a government official requesting another country to revoke visas of its own citizens. Griffith, who served as national security minister and adviser during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration (2010-2015), stated he was confident Persad-Bissessar would not endorse such actions, which could be perceived as silencing dissent. He emphasized that while individuals are entitled to their views, legal action should be taken only if laws are broken. Aboud, in a November 21 statement, questioned the government’s role in his visa revocation, to which Persad-Bissessar responded by denying any involvement and labeling his comments as reckless. She has publicly supported the US military deployment, described by the Trump administration as an anti-narcotics initiative targeting drug trafficking from Venezuela.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Tariff relief for Trinidad and Tobago
In a recent letter to the editor, Dr. Errol N. Benjamin reflects on the strategic implications of Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) alliance with the United States, particularly in the context of the ongoing Venezuelan crisis. Dr. Benjamin, who has been vocal about this issue for some time, underscores the benefits of this partnership, citing the recent tariff relief on fertilizers and other products as a tangible outcome. He argues that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s decision to align with the US demonstrates astute leadership, given the economic and security advantages it brings to TT.
Dr. Benjamin acknowledges the prevailing anti-Trump sentiment in the region, fueled by concerns over US hegemonic intentions and the desire for regime change in Venezuela, ostensibly for its oil and gas resources. He also notes the Caribbean’s aspiration to be a ‘zone of peace’ and the importance of sovereignty. However, he contends that these concerns, while valid, should not overshadow the pragmatic benefits of aligning with a global powerhouse like the US, especially when TT relies on the US for markets, financing, and security.
Addressing fears of becoming a military target, Dr. Benjamin questions the likelihood of such an outcome under Trump’s administration. He also highlights the strategic necessity of this alliance, particularly with Venezuela’s aggressive posturing in the region, including accusations of TT’s complicity in guerrilla warfare. Dr. Benjamin leaves the final judgment to the readers, urging them to critically evaluate the merits of this alliance in the broader geopolitical context.
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TT delegation meets key port operators in UAE
In a significant diplomatic and economic engagement, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Jearlean John, alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein, held high-level discussions with key UAE officials and industry leaders. The meetings, which took place on November 24 and 25 in Abu Dhabi, focused on port development, management, and investment opportunities aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s Revitalisation Blueprint. The delegation met with AD Ports Group’s CEO, Ahmed Al Mutwaa, whose organization oversees 50 ports globally, including the renowned Khalifa Port. Additionally, they engaged with UAE State Minister Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi to explore investment prospects. The visit also included planned meetings with UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed and private sector giants such as Royal Group Headquarters, DP World, and the Dubai Chamber of Industry and Commerce. These discussions underscore Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic efforts to bolster infrastructure and attract foreign investment.
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US top military officer at Diplomatic Centre
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff and a key military advisor to President Donald Trump, arrived in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) on November 26 for a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The meeting, held at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s, focused on reinforcing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations, enhancing regional stability, and addressing the critical issue of drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. The US Embassy, in a statement issued on November 24, emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to these objectives. General Caine’s visit follows recent military exercises conducted by the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in TT, which included two deployments in October and November. These exercises are part of a broader US-led anti-drug trafficking operation in the Southern Caribbean, supported by the TT government. However, the presence of US warships in the region has drawn criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who accused the US of pursuing regime change and TT of enabling such efforts. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has firmly denied these allegations, stating that the operations are solely aimed at combating drug trafficking.
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Red Force vs Volcanoes Super50 match abandoned due to rain
The 2025 CG United Super50 Cup faced yet another weather-induced setback as the highly anticipated match between Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and the Windward Islands Volcanoes was abandoned due to persistent rain. Scheduled to commence at 9 am on November 25 at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in UWI, St Augustine, the game was called off just before 10 am due to a waterlogged outfield and unfavorable playing conditions. This marked the fourth consecutive match in the tournament to be disrupted by rain, leaving fans and players frustrated. The Red Force, coming off back-to-back victories against Jamaica Scorpions and Guyana Harpy Eagles, entered the match in second place with 20 points, trailing leaders Barbados Pride by seven points. The Windward Volcanoes, positioned third with 15 points, were unable to improve their standing due to the abandonment. The tournament, already reduced to six teams due to financial constraints, has seen its schedule further compressed. The round-robin stage will conclude on November 29 in Tarouba, where the top two teams will compete in the final. Meanwhile, other matches, including the clash between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Leeward Islands Hurricanes, were also delayed due to rain at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair. Weather permitting, the Red Force will face the Leeward Hurricanes on November 27 in their final preliminary round match.
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Tylah Ariel makes her solo debut at Kafe Blue
Emerging singer-songwriter Tylah Ariel Head is set to make her highly anticipated solo debut with *Live With You* at Kafe Blue in Port of Spain on November 28. This event is not just a concert but a significant milestone in her musical journey, marking her return to the stage after a brief hiatus. Tylah, a 30-year-old artist from west Trinidad, has spent years honing her craft in songwriting and production, creating a sound that is uniquely her own—soulful, introspective, and deeply honest.
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Carpha: One Health system will mitigate post-disaster diseases
The Caribbean region is grappling with increased risks of foodborne, waterborne, and zoonotic diseases in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 30. Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha), emphasized the urgent need for robust One Health systems that integrate human, animal, and environmental health. Speaking at Carpha’s Regional Pandemic Fund workshop in Port of Spain on November 24, she highlighted the strain on health systems caused by disasters and outbreaks. ‘The disruption of water, food, and sanitation infrastructure significantly raises the risk of disease,’ she noted. Jamaica is also managing a vector-borne outbreak, underscoring the link between extreme weather events and communicable diseases. Dr. Indar stressed the importance of preemptive One Health coordination, which Carpha has been advancing through regional collaboration. In early 2024, Carpha convened experts from public health, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and other fields to develop a unified action plan. This initiative has led to the creation of the Regional One Health Foodborne Diseases and Zoonotic Action Plan, updated national plans, and a SharePoint platform for real-time information sharing. Carpha’s next steps include operationalizing its Integrated One Health Surveillance Platform and enhancing agency coordination through simulation exercises. Ian Ho-a-shu, Senior Health Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), praised Carpha’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of surveillance technology and workforce development in building resilience. He highlighted IDB’s support for emergency responses, including post-Hurricane Melissa aid in Jamaica. Carpha’s achievements over the past two years demonstrate the region’s capacity to combat emerging health threats, with a clear goal of reducing the impact of pandemics in the Caribbean.
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Debe pensioner saves grandson, 5, from fire
A 69-year-old pensioner, Jairam ‘Baba’ Balliramsingh, remains hospitalized with first-degree burns after bravely rescuing his five-year-old grandson from a devastating house fire in Debe. The incident occurred on November 22 at their two-storey concrete home on Ramai Trace, Congo Village. Balliramsingh, who is now in the intensive care unit at San Fernando General Hospital, rushed into the burning living room to save his grandson, Travis Jagroo, who was later discharged after being treated for smoke inhalation. The fire, which broke out around 9 am, destroyed significant household items, including an air-conditioning unit, furniture, and clothing. Balliramsingh’s wife, Rosina, recounted the harrowing experience, praising her husband’s selflessness and the swift response of neighbors who helped extinguish the flames before fire officers arrived. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by PC Seecharan, while the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation’s Disaster Management Unit has provided emergency relief to the family.
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Promoters ‘deeply concerned’ about Carnival venues
The TT Promoters Association (TTPA) has expressed profound concerns regarding the future of Carnival 2026 following a recent meeting with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development. The meeting, held on November 21, was prompted by the government’s decision to prohibit the use of state-owned sporting facilities for Carnival-related events, including fetes. Notably absent from the meeting was Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, who was occupied with parliamentary duties. Instead, the TTPA engaged with the deputy permanent secretary and other ministry representatives. Despite persistent appeals to lift the venue bans, the government’s stance remains unaltered, casting a shadow over the upcoming Carnival season. A follow-up meeting is slated for November 25 to explore alternative solutions and potential support mechanisms. The TTPA emphasized its ongoing efforts to secure alternative venues but voiced significant worries about the industry’s sustainability under the current restrictions. In a parliamentary address on November 21, Minister Benjamin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting stakeholders, highlighting that the National Carnival Commission (NCC) has made spaces available in the Queen’s Park Savannah and Chaguaramas.
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US top-ranked military officer to meet PM
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is set to visit Trinidad and Tobago on November 25, 2025, for a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The visit, announced by the US Embassy on November 24, underscores the robust bilateral relationship between the two nations. Key discussions will focus on enhancing regional stability, fostering unity, and addressing the critical issue of countering illicit trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. This visit follows the recent engagements of the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which conducted joint military exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force in October and November. General Caine, the highest-ranking military officer in the US, serves as the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of War, and National Security Council. With a distinguished career that includes roles as an F-16 fighter pilot, weapons officer, White House staff member, and special operations officer, Caine brings a wealth of experience to this diplomatic mission.