The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly criticized the United States for its airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, which are allegedly linked to drug trafficking. Türk asserts that these actions violate international human rights law. In a statement released on October 31, Türk revealed that over 60 people have been killed in these attacks since early September, with no justification under international law. He emphasized that these operations, framed by the US as part of anti-drug and counter-terrorism efforts, fall under international humanitarian law but still fail to meet the stringent requirements for the use of lethal force as outlined in international human rights law. Türk called for immediate, independent, and transparent investigations into these incidents. He acknowledged the complexities of combating drug trafficking but urged the US to adhere to international legal standards, including relevant counter-narcotics treaties. Türk advocated for the use of established law enforcement methods, such as intercepting boats and detaining suspects under criminal law, rather than resorting to lethal force. The US has not named any other countries involved in these operations, but reports suggest that the US is also considering strikes on Venezuelan military bases. The Trump administration has labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a narco-terrorist, a claim Maduro denies, accusing the US of attempting to orchestrate a regime change. Maduro has called for peace, stating that Venezuela will defend itself against any external threats.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Rotary Club of Maraval hosts Bubbles n Beerfest on November 8
The Rotary Club of Maraval is set to host its second annual Bubbles n Beerfest on November 8, 2024, at the St Andrews Golf Club in Moka, Maraval. The event, scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM, promises an evening filled with music, entertainment, and charitable giving. Proceeds from the festival will be directed towards vital community projects spearheaded by the Rotary Foundation Committee. Attendees will be treated to two complimentary glasses of Prosecco, two beers, and a delightful array of snacks, ensuring a festive atmosphere. The night will feature live performances by The Collective Classics band, led by Roger Salloum, who will take the audience on a musical journey through the 80s and 90s. Exciting giveaways will also be part of the festivities, adding an extra layer of excitement. Dr. Adele Springer, chair of the foundation committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, ‘We are thrilled to bring Bubbles n Beerfest back to our community. The generosity and enthusiasm shown last year made a real difference, and we are excited to see how much more we can achieve together this time.’ Tickets for the event are priced at $375 and can be purchased at Lisa Faye Hand Dyed Silks at the Normandie Hotel in St. Ann’s, Paper Based Bookshop on Alcazar Street in Port of Spain, or by contacting committee members at 760-9714 and 620-1965. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Rotary Club is eager to welcome even more supporters for another memorable evening of fun and philanthropy.
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Sturge declines to confirm whether Defence Force on high alert
In a tense exchange during the House of Representatives’ Urgent Questions segment on October 31, Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge refused to confirm whether Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force personnel had been ordered to return to their bases. The question was posed by Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, who sought clarity on the matter ahead of the debate on extending the state of emergency. Sturge cited Standing Order 27 (g), which allows ministers to withhold information if its disclosure is deemed contrary to the public interest. Despite the minister’s evasive response, an internal message revealed that all military personnel were instructed to report to their respective bases by 6 pm on October 31. The directive also extended to officers on pre-retirement leave, sick leave, or vacation, who were ordered to remain on standby and prepare for potential confinement. The message emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, ‘This is not a drill.’ The developments have raised questions about the government’s preparedness and the implications of the ongoing state of emergency.
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US warship leaves quietly amid Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela fallout
The USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided-missile destroyer of the US Navy, concluded its five-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago on October 30, departing from the Port of Port of Spain amidst significant regional and international controversy. The vessel’s presence, which included joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, further strained relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused Trinidad and Tobago of collaborating with the US and the CIA to provoke military confrontation in the Caribbean, claiming the visit was part of a broader plan to destabilize Venezuela. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissar, however, welcomed the destroyer’s visit, praising the US military’s regional efforts, including anti-drug trafficking operations. The departure of the USS Gravely was marked by minimal public attention, with only a small group of onlookers present. Among them, a man of Chinese descent criticized the ship’s appearance, calling it a ‘piece of junk.’ Most bystanders avoided engaging with the media, citing fears of online backlash given the heated debates surrounding the visit. A local driver, who chose to remain anonymous, defended the US’s role as a regional ally, emphasizing Trinidad and Tobago’s long-standing cooperation with the US in areas such as military training and surveillance. He also criticized local media coverage of the event, accusing journalists of being unprofessional and failing to hold those in power accountable.
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Bustr builds Trinidad and Tobago’s creative economy
At just 24 years old, Seth Nurse, an entrepreneur from Arouca, Trinidad and Tobago, is spearheading the development of a ‘creative economy’ in his homeland, with aspirations to expand across the Caribbean. As the CEO and founder of Bustr Media Enterprise Ltd, Nurse has channeled his frustration with the local creative industry’s lack of structure into a thriving business that supports creators, entrepreneurs, and intellectual property (IP) owners. Bustr Media focuses on content development, creative management, media infrastructure, and cultural engagement, aiming to streamline the creative pipeline for films, games, and books. Nurse’s vision is to provide the resources and structure needed to elevate local talent to global prominence. Bustr offers two primary services: extended services, which include development, marketing, legal guidance, and distribution, and commission-based services, where the company acts as a producer for IP projects. One of Bustr’s early successes was collaborating with author Ciara Attong to adapt her novel *Dark and Cold* into a short film titled *One of Iron*. The company also partnered with Accent Game Studios to develop *Riddim Rabbit*, a steelpan-based video game set for release in 2026. Beyond these projects, Bustr is building a robust creative network through initiatives like *WI of the Future*, an online magazine showcasing Caribbean creatives, and *Bustrmrkt*, a touring platform that highlights creators’ work at various venues. Nurse’s journey into the creative industry began at age 14, with stints in drawing, acting, and music. His passion for storytelling led him to film, and he later earned an associate degree in film and video production. The challenges he observed during his studies, coupled with the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired him to create Bustr as a collaborative and supportive business model. Today, Bustr is not only fostering local talent but also laying the groundwork for a sustainable creative economy that could serve as a model for the Caribbean and beyond.
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Guardian Holdings records $237m in profit
Guardian Holdings Ltd has demonstrated sustained growth in its third quarter, posting a profit of $237 million attributable to equity shareholders for the period ending September 30. This marks a significant 20% increase, or $40 million, compared to the $197 million reported in the same period last year. The company’s consolidated financial statements attribute this growth to the expansion of its core insurance operations across English-speaking Caribbean nations, the Dutch Caribbean, and the Netherlands. Chairman Robert Almeida emphasized the group’s commitment to sustainable, long-term value creation, supported by operational efficiencies, disciplined cost management, and favorable market conditions. Key achievements during the quarter included a robust performance ratio, a substantial rise in earnings per share from $2.58 to $5.52, and a 28% increase in return on equity. Additionally, Guardian Holdings successfully refinanced its $1.02 billion bond by issuing a $1.05 billion secured multi-tranche bond. On October 3, credit rating agency CariCRIS reaffirmed the group’s ratings of CariAA- on the regional scale and jmAAA on the Jamaican national scale, maintaining a stable outlook. Almeida also highlighted the group’s strong capitalization and regulatory compliance. Insurance revenue for the quarter grew by $109 million, reaching $1,588 million, while other operating expenses increased by $37 million to $244 million. The board proposed a third quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share, bringing the year-to-date total to 66 cents per share, a 43-cent increase over the previous year. For the nine months ending September 30, the group reported a profit of $1,281 million, a 114% increase from the prior year, driven largely by the sale of Thoma Exploitatie BV in January. Excluding discontinued operations, the group’s profit from continuing operations stood at $630 million, a 7% increase over the previous year. Almeida noted that the core insurance operations remain robust, with insurance service results outperforming the prior year by $207 million or 34%.
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Kamla takes lead in Melissa relief effort
In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar spearheaded the nation’s humanitarian efforts to aid Jamaica. On the first day of Jamaica’s recovery, Persad-Bissessar visited the Plipdeco Warehouse Complex at Point Lisas Industrial Estate to oversee the preparation of the first shipment of relief supplies. The shipment included essential items such as rice, flour, canned goods, baby formula, medical kits, generators, and blankets, identified in collaboration with the Jamaican government and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
During her visit, Persad-Bissessar toured the warehouse and observed the loading of containers onto the MV Seaboard Ranger. She emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s long-standing tradition of assisting regional neighbors in times of crisis, noting her personal connection to Jamaica, where she lived and worked for 14 years. “Jamaica is and always will be my second home,” she stated, highlighting the resilience and passion of its people.
Persad-Bissessar also convened an Inter-Ministerial Emergency Response Team to coordinate national efforts, involving multiple ministries and supported by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. She expressed gratitude to the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) for their assistance in organizing relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Khadijah Ameen called on the public to contribute to the relief initiative, with collection points established across the country. Corporate entities and businesses operating in Jamaica have also joined the effort, with financial contributions and supplies being mobilized.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness assessed the damage, noting significant flooding and infrastructure issues but praised the resilience of the Jamaican people. Both Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport have resumed operations, aiding recovery efforts.
The United States Southern Command (Southcom) has also been enlisted to assist with logistics, including the transportation of personnel and heavy equipment to Jamaica.
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Don’t lecture to us, Maduro
In a bold and unflinching open letter to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Curtis A. Obrady of Arima, Trinidad and Tobago (TT), delivers a scathing critique of the Venezuelan leader’s regime. The letter accuses Maduro of transforming Venezuela into a ‘living hell,’ forcing millions to flee due to hunger, fear, and oppression. Obrady highlights the irony of Maduro’s government, which silences dissent and imprisons journalists, now attempting to lecture TT on humanity and deportations. He emphasizes that TT has shown compassion by welcoming Venezuelan refugees, providing them with safety and dignity, but asserts that this compassion does not equate to weakness. The letter concludes with a strong defense of TT’s sovereignty and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s leadership, urging Maduro to address his own human rights abuses before criticizing others.
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Schools, businesses close early amid Defence Force alert
In response to heightened military activity and escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, several schools across Trinidad urged parents to collect their children early on October 31. An internal memo revealed that the Defence Force had been placed on high alert, with all military personnel required to report to their bases by 6 pm. Even officers on pre-retirement, sick leave, or vacation were instructed to remain on standby at home, awaiting further orders. This development follows reports from The Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal suggesting an imminent attack on Venezuelan military installations, though US President Donald Trump denied these claims. At La Horquetta South Government Primary, tensions flared as a frustrated parent clashed with a security guard over early dismissal procedures. Similarly, a denominational primary school in Curepe advised parents to pick up their children by 2 pm, an hour earlier than usual. Businesses in Port of Spain also took precautionary measures, with a software development company and a prominent law firm sending staff home by mid-afternoon. While no panic was reported, the situation was taken seriously by the public.
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House to debate SoE extension on October 31
Members of Parliament (MPs) in Trinidad and Tobago are set to convene on October 31 to deliberate on the government’s proposal for a second extension of the state of emergency (SoE). The decision, which requires only a simple majority in the House of Representatives, appears to be a foregone conclusion, as both government and opposition MPs have remained tight-lipped in their responses to media inquiries. The motion does not necessitate approval from the Senate, where independent benches hold moderating influence. The issue was expected to be addressed during a post-Cabinet briefing on October 30 at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, when contacted via WhatsApp, indicated that her MPs would caucus that afternoon to discuss the matter. The SoE was initially declared on July 18 following a public statement by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, who warned of criminal gangs targeting public figures in politics and criminal justice. The House previously extended the SoE by three months on July 28, and MPs will now decide whether to grant another three-month extension. The Trinidad and Tobago Constitution outlines the procedure for extending the SoE, with the first two extensions requiring only a simple majority. However, any third extension would demand a special majority in the House and Senate approval. Attorney General John Jeremie’s motion will argue that the extension is ‘necessary and expedient.’ Meanwhile, government MPs have not responded to media inquiries, leaving reporters to await clarification at the post-Cabinet briefing. During the briefing, officials highlighted measurable decreases in crime as justification for the extension, while dismissing any connection to US-Venezuela tensions.