Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago was in a hurry on October 16, leaving a land distribution ceremony for former Caroni (1975) Ltd workers at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s to attend a virtual meeting of Caricom heads, followed by her weekly Cabinet meeting. Reporters had hoped to question her about allegations that two Trinidadian nationals were aboard a drug boat reportedly destroyed by the US military in the Southern Caribbean. They also sought her stance on US anti-narcotics operations, especially in light of President Donald Trump’s admission of authorizing CIA covert activities in Venezuela. However, the Prime Minister’s swift departure left these queries unanswered. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge was also seen rushing off from the event. Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein, when questioned about the government’s position on the drug boat incident, declined to comment, citing the Prime Minister’s directive for ministers to ‘stay in your lane’ regarding their portfolios. Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who chaired the 41st Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, highlighted the meeting’s focus on regional integration, economic resilience, and collective security. While Holness did not specify whether discussions included the US military presence in the Caribbean, US Southern Command head Admiral Alvin Holsey’s recent visits to Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda raised questions about potential US radar base installations. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized his country’s reluctance to host foreign military assets, while Grenada’s government stated that any decisions would prioritize sovereignty, public safety, and national interests.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Appeal Court partially upholds ruling in El Socorro property dispute
The Court of Appeal in Trinidad and Tobago has partially upheld a High Court decision that nullified demolition orders issued by the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation (SLRC) against two property owners in El Socorro. The case, involving brothers Primnath Geelal and Rupnarine Geelal, centered on allegations of unauthorized building additions dating back to 2017 and 2018. The SLRC had issued ‘show cause’ and ‘demolition’ notices, claiming the structures violated the Public Health Ordinance and Municipal Corporations Act. The Geelals argued that the buildings were over 40 years old, with only minor cosmetic changes made since 2014. In October, Justices Prakash Moosai, Gillian Lucky, and Eleanor Donaldson-Honeywell ruled that the SLRC acted unfairly by failing to conduct a proper inquiry or ensure procedural fairness. While the court upheld the nullification of a December 2017 demolition notice due to procedural unfairness, it reinstated a subsequent show cause notice. Justice Donaldson-Honeywell emphasized that enforcement actions must comply with natural justice and constitutional safeguards. The court ordered an oral hearing by January 30, 2026, for Primnath Geelal to present evidence on whether the disputed works were structural or cosmetic. Costs were awarded to the Geelals, with the SLRC directed to pay two-thirds of assessed costs to Primnath and full costs to Rupnarine, who was never served any notice. The ruling highlighted that planning regulation enforcement must be tailored to the specific facts of each case.
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Ex-foreign minister on US strikes: Don’t break the law to uphold the law
Former Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne has strongly criticized the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government’s handling of a recent US military strike on an alleged drug boat in international waters, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Trinidadians among four others. Browne condemned the government’s approach as reckless and inconsistent with TT’s longstanding principles of international law and diplomacy. He highlighted that the Prime Minister and other ministers had endorsed the strike with aggressive rhetoric, such as ‘Kill them violently,’ without demanding evidence, identification, or assistance in recovering remains. Browne expressed concern that this stance could harm TT’s relationships with regional and international partners, particularly within Caricom and the United Nations. He urged the government to align its foreign policy with the principles of the UN Charter and TT’s commitment to non-intervention in sovereign states’ affairs. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles also voiced concerns, particularly for fishermen in areas like Las Cuevas, who rely on safe waters for their livelihoods. She reiterated the opposition’s stance that the region should remain a ‘zone of peace.’ Former Prime Minister Stuart Young echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of due process and proportionality in addressing narcotics trafficking while maintaining regional stability.
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Expert: Government help needed to get justice if Trinis killed in US strike
The families of Trinidadian nationals allegedly killed in a US military airstrike on October 14 are seeking closure, but international law expert Dr. Safiya Ali emphasizes that such efforts would require significant political and diplomatic support from local authorities. The US military, which has been increasing its presence in the Caribbean to combat what it describes as Venezuela’s narco-terrorism, began targeting small boats suspected of facilitating illegal activities in September. These operations have resulted in five confirmed attacks, claiming 27 lives, with unconfirmed reports of a sixth strike on October 16, where some survivors were reportedly found. The October 14 attack killed six individuals, two of whom are believed to be Trinidadian nationals: Chad Joseph of Las Cuevas and another identified only as Samaroo. Despite President Donald Trump’s announcement of the strike, no official details about the victims’ identities or nationalities have been released. Dr. Ali, an international law lecturer at the University of the West Indies and former general counsel at Caricom, outlined potential avenues for justice, including diplomatic channels under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, appeals to the Association for Caribbean States or Caricom, and representations to the United Nations Security Council. However, she expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures, particularly given the US’s veto power. Dr. Ali also noted that the Trinidad and Tobago government’s stance, as indicated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s support for the US military actions, could hinder efforts to pursue justice. The Prime Minister has consistently taken a hardline approach against Venezuela and illegal trade, refusing to allocate state resources to assist Trinidadian nationals involved in such activities. Dr. Ali urged caution in supporting the US military’s actions, citing the lack of transparency and the potential for wrongful acts under international law. Meanwhile, fishermen in Cedros have expressed growing fears for their safety due to increased patrols by Venezuela’s Guardia Nacional in the surrounding waters. Marlon Parmel, president of the Bonasse Fisherfolk, reported that fishermen have observed continuous patrols, deterring them from venturing far from Trinidad’s shores. The situation has escalated since the alleged arrest of Rex James, a local fisherman, by the Guardia Nacional in June, with his current whereabouts unknown. The US military’s latest airstrike on October 16, reported by Reuters, marks the sixth such attack, with survivors reported for the first time. However, details remain scarce, as the Pentagon has yet to comment on the incident.
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Reggae Girlz name 20-member squad for Trinidad and Tobago friendly
The Jamaican women’s national football team, affectionately known as the ‘Reggae Girlz,’ has unveiled a 20-player roster for their upcoming international friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on October 28. This match, tentatively scheduled at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, serves as a vital preparatory step for both teams ahead of the 2025/26 Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers, which commence next month. While the exact match time remains unconfirmed, the encounter promises to be a significant test for both sides. Notably absent from the Jamaican squad is Manchester City star Khadija Shaw, who is expected to rejoin the team for the qualifiers. However, the squad boasts a strong contingent of foreign-based players from leagues in Canada, England, Portugal, Turkey, and the United States. Coach Hubert Busby announced the team during a press conference on October 16 and revealed plans for a training camp in Trinidad and Tobago from October 23 to 29. On the opposing side, Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s team, under the guidance of newly appointed coach Angus Eve, has assembled a 35-member training squad. This group includes seasoned players like goalkeeper Kimika Forbes and midfielder Karyn Forbes, alongside emerging talents such as defender Kaitlyn Darwent and striker Nikita Gosine. The final Trinidad and Tobago squad is set to be announced early next week. Both teams are eyeing the Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers, with Trinidad and Tobago placed in Group F alongside Barbados, El Salvador, and Honduras, while Jamaica will compete in Group B with Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guyana, and Nicaragua. The qualifiers, spanning three FIFA Women’s international match windows from November 2025 to April 2026, will determine the six group winners who will join Canada and the United States in the Concacaf Women’s Championship. This championship will serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Reggae Girlz, who made history by reaching the round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, are determined to build on their recent success and secure a spot in these prestigious global events.
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Bandits force man to take them home with him
In a series of alarming incidents, armed bandits carried out coordinated robberies in Trinidad, leaving victims traumatized and authorities scrambling for answers. The first incident occurred in Glencoe on the night of October 16, when a 58-year-old man was ambushed on his way home from the Princes Casino at West Mall. At the corner of Rodney Road and Schullere Street, the victim encountered a silver SUV blocking his path. Two masked assailants, one armed with a cutlass and the other with a gun, forced their way into his vehicle, demanding he drive them to his residence. Once there, the bandits tied up the man and his 24-year-old son, ransacked the home, and fled with $11,000 in cash, a high-end iPhone, and the victim’s SUV. The son managed to free himself and his father, prompting a police response that led to the interception of the stolen vehicle in St. James. One suspect is in custody, assisting with the investigation. In a separate but similarly brazen attack the same night, a San Juan woman was robbed in Woodbrook. As she approached her car on Fitt Street, two men accosted her, stealing $25,000 worth of jewelry and $15,000 in gold bracelets before fleeing in a silver Nissan Almera. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspects in both cases, highlighting a concerning trend of violent robberies in the region.
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Beckles begins budget debate in House
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is set to initiate the debate on Trinidad and Tobago’s $59.2 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026. The session will commence at the Red House in Port of Spain on October 17 at 10 am. This marks Beckles’ first response to the budget since her appointment as opposition leader and PNM political leader on May 6 and June 22, respectively. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, who presented the budget on October 13, delivered a three-and-a-half-hour address, setting the stage for Beckles’ equally lengthy response. Following Beckles’ contribution, other Members of Parliament, including the Prime Minister, will have up to 45 minutes to speak, with an optional ten-minute extension. Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath indicated that the debate could extend over four to five days, potentially including weekend sessions, with the Standing Finance Committee reviewing the budget over an additional five days. The government, holding 26 seats in the House, will determine the debate’s conclusion after all 13 opposition MPs have spoken. The Tobago People’s Party, with two MPs, has also expressed its intention to participate. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s contribution is anticipated later in the debate. The Senate will subsequently review the budget, though it is barred from voting on money bills. Concurrently, the PNM will host a post-budget political meeting at the Belmont Community Centre on October 17, featuring Beckles and other prominent MPs as speakers.
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Karen Sylvester to exhibit at Studio Joli
Renowned artist Karen Sylvester is set to unveil her latest exhibition, ‘Somewhat Familiar,’ at Studio Joli in St James, Trinidad, starting October 18. The showcase will feature Sylvester’s signature lush landscapes and intricate details, which have cemented her reputation as a master of her craft. Drawing inspiration from her childhood along the banks of a river in Trinidad’s Northern Range, Sylvester’s works are a heartfelt tribute to nature and her homeland. Despite lacking formal training, she has honed her skills through meticulous observation, blending sketches, photographs, and vivid memory recall to transform physical landscapes into evocative emotional experiences. Since 1993, Sylvester has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she is deeply committed to community engagement, contributing to art auctions, environmental conservation, and educational initiatives. Her works are celebrated in the National Museum and private collections worldwide. ‘Somewhat Familiar’ will run until October 30, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in her art and rediscover their appreciation for the natural world. For more details, contact Studio Joli at 705-7907 or visit their website.
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Penny referred to Privileges Committee for saying Speaker biased
In a significant development within Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape, Deputy Speaker Dr. Aiyna Ali has referred Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles to the Committee of Privileges. This decision stems from a matter of privilege raised by Couva South MP Barry Padarath, following the opposition’s walkout on October 10 and a subsequent media release criticizing the conduct of Speaker Jagdeo Singh. Dr. Ali announced the referral on October 17 during a session of the House of Representatives, after Beckles had contributed to a debate. Padarath’s complaint alleged that the media release, issued under the Opposition Leader’s banner, sought to undermine the independence of the House and constituted constructive contempt. Dr. Ali, after thorough research, concluded that a prima-facie case of contempt had been established, prompting the referral. Beckles, in her defense, had accused Speaker Singh of rejecting urgent questions and Prime Minister’s Questions filed by the Opposition, failing to adhere to established precedents for supplemental questions, and applying standing orders in a biased manner that favored the government.
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Acting CoP: Murder spike not enough reason to extend SoE
Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin has stated that any decision regarding an extension to the current state of emergency (SoE) will be deferred until the substantive Commissioner of Police (CoP), Allister Guevarro, returns from official duties. Guevarro is currently attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) annual conference in Denver, Colorado, and is expected to resume his role on October 23. The SoE is currently set to expire on October 28. Benjamin emphasized that while there has been a noticeable spike in murders this month, particularly in the North Eastern, Northern North, and Central divisions, this alone does not justify extending the emergency measures. He highlighted that the overall murder toll for the year stands at 299, significantly lower than the 501 recorded during the same period in 2024. Benjamin acknowledged the recent increase but stressed that policing strategies are being adapted to address the situation. He noted that the police are focusing on hotspots and priority offenders, especially with a long weekend approaching. Benjamin also pointed out that a decision of such magnitude should not be driven by panic, as statistics indicate a usual uptick in murders during the latter half of the year. He assured that the police are prepared to intensify operations, particularly as the Christmas season approaches, to curb the rise in crime.