标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has dismissed concerns raised by San Fernando East MP Brian Manning regarding the expenditures of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). The dispute arose during the Standing Finance Committee’s session on October 24, where a budget allocation of $2,943,574,800 for the THA was approved. Manning questioned the insurance costs for vehicles used by the Assembly, suggesting potential irregularities. Tancoo firmly refuted these claims, stating, ‘This is not the PNM. So not everything is about racket.’ He emphasized that the THA provides comprehensive insurance for its vehicles, dismissing Manning’s concerns as unfounded. Tancoo also recalled similar questions raised by Manning earlier in the week, urging clarity to prevent unnecessary debate. Manning, however, persisted, requesting detailed information on state vehicles insured by third parties, including the insurance amounts and agencies involved. Committee Chairman Jagdeo Singh advised Manning that while his inquiry might be legitimate, the committee was not the appropriate forum for such questions. Manning adjusted his request to focus solely on THA vehicles. The committee is set to reconvene on October 25 to finalize the budget, with key government departments, including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Judiciary, among the final areas of expenditure to be reviewed. The Senate is scheduled to begin its budget debate on October 27.

Trinidad and Tobago has joined the United States and six Latin American nations in officially endorsing Rodrigo Paz Pereira as Bolivia’s newly elected president. The endorsement was articulated in a joint statement released by the US State Department on October 21, titled ‘Joint Statement on the Bolivia Election.’ The statement was co-signed by Argentina, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. It congratulated President-elect Paz Pereira on his victory in the October 19 runoff election, which marked a significant shift in Bolivia’s political landscape after two decades of leftist governance. The statement praised the Bolivian people for their active participation in the democratic process, emphasizing that the election results reflected a collective desire for change and economic reform. The signatory nations expressed their readiness to support Bolivia’s new administration in stabilizing its economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering international trade and investment. They also pledged to collaborate with Paz Pereira’s government on regional and global security, economic prosperity, and addressing shared challenges. The Associated Press described Paz Pereira’s win as a ‘surprise electoral victory,’ signaling the end of Bolivia’s long-standing alignment with leftist policies. Paz has committed to rebuilding relations with the United States and attracting foreign investment to Bolivia, which has been isolated from international markets for years. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the election as a ‘transformative opportunity’ for bilateral cooperation on investment, immigration, and security. Paz also emphasized Bolivia’s renewed commitment to supporting democratic movements in Latin America, notably engaging with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in this alliance highlights its unique position as the only English-speaking country in the region supporting US-led initiatives, including military actions against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has launched a scathing critique against the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), accusing them of orchestrating a disinformation campaign to shield their alleged drug mafia financiers. In a statement released on October 24, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) condemned the PNM for undermining efforts to combat drug, arms, and human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The Prime Minister highlighted the nation’s vulnerable borders, which have facilitated illegal activities, including the entry of tens of thousands of migrants and the brutal murders of over 10,000 citizens in the past two decades. The OPM further alleged that PNM-controlled constituencies are disproportionately affected by drug-related gang violence, yet the party prioritizes the interests of its financiers over the welfare of its constituents. Amid these accusations, the government welcomed the USS Gravely warship and the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit for joint military training with TT’s defense force from October 26 to 30. This collaboration, part of the renewed Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between TT and the US, aims to enhance national security and operational readiness. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of international partnerships in safeguarding the nation, stating, ‘TT must always come first.’