标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The United States has imposed a stringent six-month deadline for Trinidad and Tobago to renegotiate the Dragon gas deal with Venezuela, as per the October 8 OFAC license issued by the Donald Trump administration. This contrasts sharply with the two-year waiver granted under President Joe Biden in 2023 and the two-and-a-half-year extension sought by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley. The deal, described by some as “resurrected” and by others as “undead,” has become a political battleground, with the US aiming to exert pressure on the Nicolás Maduro regime while influencing Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign policy alignment.

For the ruling United National Congress (UNC), the situation offers a chance to validate recent diplomatic efforts and undermine the People’s National Movement (PNM)’s claims of energy policy success. Dr. Rowley’s resignation earlier this year and his endorsement of Stuart Young were driven by his desire to secure the Dragon deal. However, the UNC’s adept maneuvering has shifted the US stance, potentially eroding what could have been a cornerstone of Dr. Rowley’s legacy.

Dr. Rowley recently described the OFAC situation as “fluid,” expressing concern over the Prime Minister’s declaration that the deal was dead. Meanwhile, Mr. Young’s hasty press conference in April, following a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a critical tweet from Mr. Trump, further complicated matters. The UNC and PNM both face criticism for their lack of transparency, with Mr. Young’s reference to a “30-year license” misleadingly referring only to Venezuelan authorization.

Despite its significance, the Dragon deal’s political impact may be overestimated. Repeated appeals to citizens for credit on abstract future economic benefits, which may never materialize, offer limited political traction.

The Congress of the People (COP) has publicly endorsed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the United National Congress (UNC) regarding the re-arrest and subsequent charges against Housing Minister David Lee on October 7. Lee, a UNC deputy political leader and Member of Parliament for Caroni Central, was re-arrested alongside businessman Hugh Leong Poi on allegations of defrauding the State of $1.4 million in tax revenue. The charges stem from the importation of a luxury Mercedes Benz G63 AMG sedan valued at over $2 million, with Lee accused of falsely claiming the vehicle as his own to exploit tax exemptions available to MPs. The case involves $293,094.02 in value-added tax (VAT), $298,650 in motor vehicle tax, and $824,548.62 in customs duty. The alleged offenses occurred between March 24 and June 8, 2019. Earlier this year, Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence to proceed to trial. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has since initiated steps to potentially reinstate the charges. COP Chairman Lonsdale Williams emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, stating, ‘We note that a minister of government along with another individual has been charged. At the COP, we reiterate that unless proven guilty, all such persons are innocent, and the law must take its course.’ Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar expressed confidence in the judicial process, affirming respect for the courts. The COP, formerly part of the People’s Partnership coalition led by the UNC, has not secured any ministerial or parliamentary positions following the April 28 general election.

The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has officially welcomed Captain Don Polo as its new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), marking a significant leadership transition within the organization. The appointment, described as a pivotal moment in the TTDF’s ongoing evolution, underscores its unwavering commitment to national defence and security. Captain Polo, previously the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard, brings over three decades of dedicated service and a wealth of operational expertise to his new role. His promotion was announced on October 8, following the revocation of former CDS Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel’s appointment by President Christine Kangaloo, acting on the advice of Defence Minister Wayne Sturge. The leadership change, which took effect on the evening of October 7, was made public the following morning. Air Vice Marshal Daniel, who served for 37 years, including two extended terms beyond retirement age, was commended for his distinguished service and invaluable contributions to the nation’s security framework. The TTDF expressed profound gratitude for Daniel’s leadership, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to Trinidad and Tobago. As the organization embarks on this new chapter, it reaffirms its mandate to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while supporting government and public efforts toward peace, stability, and national development.

The United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago (TT) to initiate negotiations with Venezuela regarding the highly anticipated Dragon gas deal. Attorney General John Jeremie disclosed that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued the licence on October 8, marking the first step in a phased approach. This initial phase requires TT to meet specific benchmarks, which would subsequently provide US companies with certain advantages. Jeremie described these conditions as both reasonable and achievable, emphasizing that the licence is valid for six months. However, formal discussions with the Venezuelan government have yet to commence. Despite the absence of direct talks, Jeremie asserted that the Dragon gas deal remains active, citing ongoing, albeit undisclosed, communication between the two nations. The announcement was made at the Attorney General and Legal Affairs office in Port of Spain, underscoring the significance of this development in regional energy diplomacy.