标签： Trinidad and Tobago

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.

The arrival of the USS Gravely, a US Navy guided-missile destroyer, at the Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has ignited a wave of political and public discourse. The vessel’s visit, scheduled from October 26-30, coincides with joint training exercises between the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and the TT Defence Force. While the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs framed the visit as part of longstanding bilateral cooperation, Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles expressed unease, drawing parallels to the 1983 US invasion of Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury. Beckles called for greater transparency, urging the Minister of Foreign Affairs to provide detailed explanations to the public. Government ministers, however, dismissed concerns as fearmongering, emphasizing the visit’s focus on goodwill, humanitarian aid, and training. Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John highlighted the US military’s assistance to local schools and the TTDF, while Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander described the visit as routine. Opposition MPs, including Diego Martin Central MP Symon De Nobriga, countered that the geopolitical tensions between the US and Venezuela have heightened public anxiety, necessitating clear communication from the government. The USS Gravely, armed with advanced weaponry, arrives amid escalating US-Venezuela tensions, with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth deploying additional naval assets to the region. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has appealed for peace, while US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz reaffirmed the partnership’s focus on addressing shared threats like transnational crime. Public opinion remains divided, with some citizens expressing confidence in peaceful resolutions, while others remain cautious about potential regional repercussions.