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.

In Trinidad and Tobago, cronyism and nepotism have long been pervasive issues, deeply embedded in both the private and public sectors. The practice of leveraging personal connections to secure opportunities has become a defining characteristic of the nation’s professional and political landscape. This ‘contactocracy,’ as it is often termed, perpetuates a cycle where governance and societal progress are hindered by favoritism rather than meritocracy. A recent revelation by Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein has brought this issue to the forefront. Hosein disclosed that a well-known blogger received payments exceeding $3.3 million between 2017 and 2025 through a company registered in her name. Despite the company’s claim of ‘over 25 years of experience in communications and media consultancy,’ it had only been operational for three weeks when it was awarded the contract by the Ministry of Finance in 2017. The blogger defended her eligibility, asserting her competence as a digital marketing strategist. While government contracts with private entities are not inherently problematic, the lack of transparency and merit-based selection processes raises significant concerns. The absence of a verifiable digital footprint for the work allegedly performed further fuels skepticism. This case underscores a broader issue: the prioritization of connections over qualifications in state contracts. Such practices not only erode public trust but also perpetuate inefficiencies and inequities in governance. The narrative of ‘eat-ah-food’—a colloquial term for benefiting from state resources—often overshadows legitimate contributions, as seen in the author’s own experiences. Despite delivering impactful campaigns for state organizations like Cepep and the Ministry of Health, the author faced accusations of cronyism when appointed to the EMA board. This highlights the politicization of public service and the need for systemic reform to ensure fairness and accountability in governance.

Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has announced plans to convene with state security officials to deliberate on whether the current State of Emergency (SoE) should be extended beyond its October 28 expiration date. The SoE, initially declared on July 18, was prompted by intelligence from Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, who revealed that organized criminal gangs were plotting widespread violence, including murders, robberies, and kidnappings. On the same day, Guevarro oversaw the relocation of gang leaders from the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca to military and Coast Guard facilities to sever their communication networks and disrupt their operations. Parliament subsequently extended the SoE for three months on July 29. Speaking at a cancer screening clinic in Tunapuna on October 24, Alexander emphasized that any decision to extend the SoE would be strategic, contingent on whether the government’s objectives had been met. He noted that discussions with relevant stakeholders were essential before a final decision could be made, though no specific timeline for these talks has been set. Meanwhile, Commissioner Guevarro, in an August 11 interview, stated that the immediate threat had been neutralized but acknowledged ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal networks responsible. The public awaits further updates as the government weighs its next steps.

The Standing Finance Committee of Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives witnessed intense disagreements during its budget deliberations on October 21 and 22, as opposition and government members clashed over time management and the handling of inquiries. Speaker Jagdeo Singh opened the October 22 session by acknowledging the committee’s poor performance the previous day, particularly in managing time effectively. Singh emphasized the need for a balanced approach, urging both sides to collaborate and streamline the process. He suggested that some questions could be addressed in writing to save time, citing Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles’s earlier request for written responses as an example. Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath defended the government, placing the blame squarely on the opposition for the delays and inefficiencies. However, Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales and Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young countered, accusing the government of evading questions and failing to provide clear answers. Young described the government’s responses as a ‘boldface refusal’ to address critical issues. Despite the tension, Singh called for a conciliatory spirit moving forward, and Gonzales pledged the opposition’s commitment to completing the budget review within the allotted five days. The committee approved expenditures for several public bodies without incident, but the heated exchanges underscored the deep political divide. The budget deliberations are set to conclude by October 25, with both sides vowing to continue their respective approaches.