标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a significant escalation of efforts to combat narcotrafficking, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a military strike in international waters off the coast of Venezuela on October 14, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The operation, carried out under Trump’s authority as commander-in-chief, targeted a vessel linked to a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) involved in drug trafficking. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike, which occurred within the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) operational area. Trump described the deceased as ‘narcoterrorists’ and emphasized that no U.S. personnel were harmed. This marks the fifth such strike in the past month, bringing the total death toll to 27. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. military presence, accusing Washington of attempting to orchestrate regime change. Maduro has vowed to protect Venezuela’s sovereignty, launching nationwide military exercises like ‘Independence 200’ to bolster defense against external threats. Venezuelan officials, including Delta Amacuro State Governor Loa Tamaronis, have reaffirmed their commitment to national independence, rejecting foreign intervention. The U.S. has long accused Maduro of facilitating narcoterrorism, a claim he denies, further straining bilateral relations.

Tobago’s Minority Leader Kelvon Morris has sharply criticized the island’s $2.96 billion fiscal package for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, labeling it as ‘seasoned with deceit, deception, and in some respect, dishonesty.’ Speaking at a media conference on October 15 at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Lowlands, Morris emphasized that ‘the devil is in the details,’ pointing out a significant reduction in development funds for Tobago.

The 2025-2026 national budget, titled “T&T First: Building Economic Fairness through Accountable Fiscal Policies,” presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo and the United National Congress (UNC) government, has garnered widespread acclaim for its bold and people-centric approach. The budget strikes a balance between fiscal discipline and compassionate governance, focusing on restoring public confidence, rebuilding institutions, and safeguarding citizens through strategic social investments. Within just 150 days, the government has taken decisive steps, including justice for former Caroni workers, the revival of the Couva Children’s Hospital, and reducing the price of super gas, alongside modernising key agencies like the Inland Revenue Division and Customs and Excise Division. These initiatives underscore a commitment to transparent governance and sound economic management. The budget also emphasises diversification in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and renewable energy, paving the way for a more resilient economy. Additionally, measures to protect the elderly, youth, and vulnerable populations, coupled with modernising healthcare, infrastructure, and digital services, reflect a holistic vision for national development. However, the writer proposes regularising Venezuelan migrants as a strategic move to transform a humanitarian challenge into an economic opportunity. Granting legal work status would expand the tax base, increase national insurance contributions, and formalise informal jobs, benefiting both local and migrant workers. This approach could stimulate consumer spending, support small businesses, and inject new skills into critical industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality. Drawing inspiration from countries like Colombia and Costa Rica, which have successfully integrated migrant workers into their formal economies, Trinidad and Tobago has the opportunity to strengthen its economy while upholding its tradition of compassion and regional solidarity. The budget is not merely a financial plan but a blueprint for hope, accountability, inclusion, and transformation.

Public Service Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has announced the union’s commitment to finalizing public sector wage negotiations by Christmas, ensuring workers receive long-overdue payments. Speaking at a media conference on October 14, Thomas addressed what she termed ‘misinformation from the opposition’ regarding the recent ten per cent wage offer proposed by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the October 13 budget presentation.

Thomas emphasized the PSA’s dedication to resolving the negotiations swiftly, stating, ‘We are serious about settling your negotiations. Our aim is to have your negotiation settled by Christmas so that your money will be in your pockets.’ She also criticized former Finance Ministry official Brian Manning for his public remarks, urging him to refrain from interfering in public servants’ affairs.

Thomas accused the opposition of spreading ‘lies’ and attempting to undermine the PSA’s achievements on behalf of civil servants, statutory authority workers, and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). She referenced a May 2022 memorandum of agreement from the chief personnel officer (CPO), which outlined previous wage proposals, describing the earlier two per cent offers as ‘disrespectful’ and a catalyst for protests.

Thomas hailed the revised ten per cent offer as a turning point for public sector workers, restoring dignity to the negotiation process. She confirmed that the CPO had acknowledged the PSA’s request for a meeting and expressed optimism about commencing formal talks.

Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste praised the ten per cent offer as a victory for public workers, condemning the previous ‘unjust’ four and five per cent offers. He highlighted the government’s efforts to save jobs and improve the standard of living for working-class citizens, emphasizing its people-centred approach. Additionally, the government announced initiatives to support small and micro enterprises, including mentorship and financing for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Thomas concluded by urging public servants to rely solely on the PSA for accurate information regarding the negotiations, warning against the opposition’s attempts to ‘create mischief.’