The Standing Finance Committee meeting on October 24 turned into a heated debate as Housing Minister David Lee faced intense scrutiny from opposition MPs over significant budget cuts to his ministry. The session, held at the Red House, was temporarily suspended by Speaker Jagdeo Singh following a contentious exchange involving allegations of racism. The opposition questioned Lee about the ministry’s 2026 budget, which was reduced by nearly $100 million, from $684 million to $588 million. Diego Martin East MP Colm Imbert pressed Lee on how the ministry planned to hire staff despite the funding reduction, to which Lee jokingly replied, “We do magic.” Imbert retorted sarcastically, “Magic? Okay, thank you. Good answer.” Lee later clarified that the ministry currently has 92 positions, with 50 filled, 38 vacant, and four awaiting permanent appointments. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with the Public Service Commission to address staffing gaps and suggested supplementary funding or virements could be pursued if necessary. St Ann’s East MP Nyan Gadsby-Dolly questioned the drop in the ministry’s 2025 expenditure from $11 million to $9 million, probing whether personnel had left without replacement. Lee attributed the shortfall to Salaries Review Commission-related payments in the previous fiscal year. He also outlined broader housing budget allocations from 2024 to 2026, noting that $488.9 million would primarily service debt through the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), with only $32.4 million allocated for operational expenses. Imbert expressed concerns that the funding was insufficient to build new homes, questioning the HDC’s ability to deliver tangible housing outcomes. Lee defended the HDC’s self-sustaining model but acknowledged ongoing debates over profit and reinvestment priorities. The discussion also touched on aging HDC rental apartments, with Imbert highlighting the urgent need for maintenance. Lee assured that the agency would meet its obligations despite budget cuts, citing new procurement processes aimed at reducing corruption. Tensions flared further when MP Keith Scotland accused Lee of shutting down key public employment programmes in east Port of Spain. Lee vehemently denied the claim, stating, “East Port of Spain is not closed down.” The session reached a boiling point when MP Barry Padarath described the opposition’s behaviour as “hooliganism,” prompting Gadsby-Dolly to condemn the comment as racist. Speaker Singh suspended the sitting for ten minutes, urging MPs to reflect on decorum. Upon resumption, Singh ruled that both sides must withdraw their statements, restoring order to the proceedings.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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PNM tells PM: Look within UNC for ‘criminal ties’
Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape has been thrown into disarray following Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s explosive allegations against the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM). In a statement on October 24, Persad-Bissessar accused the PNM of being financially supported by the local drug mafia, a claim the opposition has vehemently denied, labeling it as “baseless, reckless, and defamatory.” The PNM countered that the Prime Minister’s accusations were a desperate attempt to divert attention from her government’s failures and the growing public discontent with her leadership. The opposition further criticized her for refusing to address the nation during a period of heightened regional tensions with Venezuela, accusing her of adopting an erratic and isolationist foreign policy. The PNM emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong international relations, particularly with the United States, citing long-standing security agreements like the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. In response, Persad-Bissessar doubled down on her claims, accusing the PNM of protecting drug traffickers and undermining national security. International relations expert Prof. Anthony Bryan weighed in, describing the Prime Minister’s language as “strong and defamatory,” and potentially libelous given the lack of evidence. The ongoing feud has further polarized the nation, with citizens demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders amidst economic instability and rising hardships.
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Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn! returns to Central Bank
RS/RR Productions is thrilled to announce the final two performances of their acclaimed comedy, *Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn!*, taking place on October 25 and 26 at the Central Bank auditorium in Port of Spain. This uproarious production, which has captivated audiences with its blend of chaos and humor, promises an evening of non-stop laughter and mischief. The play, directed by Debra Boucaud Mason and Richard Ragoobarsingh, features a stellar cast including comedy veterans Richard Ragoobarsingh, Leslie Ann Lavine, Zo Mari Tanker, Kala Neehall, Benita Wilson, and Andrew Friday. The story unfolds as a seemingly ordinary day descends into hilarious pandemonium, with women waking up in the wrong beds, men protesting their innocence, and a maid who can’t keep a secret. As the Trinidadian proverb warns, *Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn!*—a reminder that leaving things unattended can lead to unexpected chaos. Tickets are available at the Central Bank box office from 12 pm to 6 pm daily or online. Showtimes are 8:30 pm on October 25 and 6:30 pm on October 26. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 481-2185, 338-6024, or 744-7581.
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‘Skinny Man’ charged with Brasso murders, woundings
A 34-year-old laborer from Brasso Village in Central Trinidad, Clevon ‘Skinny Man’ Alexander, has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including the murders of two fellow villagers. The charges stem from a violent shooting incident on October 15 that left two others injured. The tragic event occurred in an unfinished wooden structure along Caparo Brasso Valley Road, where gunmen opened fire, striking all four individuals inside. Christopher ‘Ricky’ Joseph, 20, died at the scene, while Darius Shadrack, a 16-year-old student from Tabaquite Secondary School, succumbed to his injuries two days later at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre in Mt Hope. Alexander is also accused of wounding Joseph’s brother, Colly Joseph, 23, and Jerryl Ganness, 15, as well as illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The investigation, led by Supt Persad, ASP Maharaj, and Sgt Bridgemohan from the Homicide Bureau of Investigation, Region Three, culminated in charges being filed after consultation with acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal, on October 23. Authorities allege that Alexander acted in concert with others during the commission of these crimes. The case remains under active investigation.
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Erin man, 55, shot dead after daring gunman to shoot
In the early hours of October 24, a tragic incident unfolded near the Erin Fishing Depot, leaving the community in shock. Brian “Don” Baptiste, a 55-year-old construction laborer, was fatally shot following a heated argument. Witnesses reported that the altercation began when the suspect, a local resident originally from Moruga, fired several gunshots into the air. Baptiste, who lived in a house without electricity or running water, confronted the man about the reckless gunfire. The situation escalated when the suspect boasted about having a gun, and Baptiste dared him to use it. Moments later, Baptiste was shot and killed. The suspect fled the scene near the beachfront. Baptiste’s common-law wife, Cindy John, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the shooting, expressing her fear and intention to relocate. Police from the South Western Division and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations are actively investigating the case. The body has been sent to the Forensic Science Centre in St James for an autopsy.
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Tobago police expect largest, incident free carnival
The Tobago Carnival 2024, now in its fourth edition, is poised to be the largest yet, with an unprecedented influx of visitors expected to descend on the island this weekend. Senior Superintendent of Police Earl Elie, speaking at a press conference on October 23 at the Scarborough Police Station, emphasized that safety remains the top priority for law enforcement. Elie revealed that approximately 23,000 people are anticipated to arrive via Caribbean Airlines, with additional travelers expected to come by ferry. Despite the surge in attendance, the carnival events have so far been incident-free, and authorities are optimistic this trend will continue. To manage the festivities, over 50 officers from Trinidad will join local police, alongside a significant contingent from the Defence Force, ensuring a robust security presence. Assistant Commissioner of Police Oswain Subero highlighted the collaborative efforts of the TT Police Service, the Tobago House of Assembly, and other agencies in implementing a comprehensive operational and security plan. This plan covers all aspects of carnival activities, from pre-carnival events to the main-day parades, with a focus on traffic management, crowd control, and intelligence-led policing. Subero stressed the importance of both enforcement and community engagement, noting that emergency response units and traffic departments are working in unison to ensure minimal disruptions and rapid incident response. The Tobago Carnival promises to be a vibrant celebration, underpinned by meticulous planning and a commitment to public safety.
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Nutrien shuts down operations as port fee talks collapse
Global nitrogen and agrochemicals producer Nutrien has ceased operations in Trinidad, resulting in the layoff of 600 employees. This decision follows the breakdown of last-minute negotiations with the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (National Energy) over port and pier facility fees. National Energy asserted that Nutrien and other clients had been paying significantly below-market rates for decades, depriving taxpayers of over $500 million in revenue. The dispute escalated when Nutrien’s 2006 Pier User Agreement (PUA) expired in December 2020, and the company demanded even lower rates than those previously enjoyed. National Energy proposed fairer rates, but Nutrien refused to negotiate unless a $28 million invoice was withdrawn. Amid the standoff, Nutrien threatened to shut down its plants, prompting National Energy to offer temporary use of facilities at legacy rates until December 31, 2023, while urging negotiations for a new PUA. Despite this proposal, Nutrien proceeded with the shutdown, citing unresolved issues with future gas supply. National Energy emphasized that neither it nor the National Gas Company (NGC) is responsible for subsidizing Nutrien’s operations. The closure is expected to significantly impact employees and their families, though National Energy and NGC are working to minimize disruptions by reallocating gas supplies to other downstream plants.
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Producer Gino McKoy shares valuable insights to UTT’s digital media students
Trinidad and Tobago-born Canadian filmmaker, singer-songwriter, and producer Gino McKoy recently engaged with students from the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s (UTT) digital media arts program during a presentation and Q&A session on October 15. Known for his sci-fi film *Lumina*, McKoy shared his extensive 17-year experience in the international film and music industries, offering insights on overcoming barriers and leveraging creativity. His film *Lumina* is currently streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime, Tubi, YouTube TV, and Google TV, while its title track *Everything to Me* has made waves as the only indie song on the Billboard AC charts. McKoy emphasized the untapped potential of Caribbean creatives, particularly from Trinidad and Tobago, whose unique culture, folklore, and music could enrich his ambitious ‘Tropical Hollywood’ initiative. He highlighted the need for legislative reforms and incentives, such as revamping film cash rebates and establishing a state-of-the-art film studio ecosystem, to position Trinidad as a top global filming destination. McKoy’s vision aims to diversify Trinidad’s economy by investing in creative industries, potentially generating over 100,000 jobs, $1 billion in revenue, and attracting millions of tourists. Currently in Trinidad for pre-production on his next film, McKoy has met with government officials to discuss strategies to enhance the country’s appeal to international film and music industries. Over the next five years, he plans to complete ten movie projects in Trinidad, leveraging his global network to bring feature films, music, and more to the region.
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Howai: Central Bank not main supplier of forex to commercial banks
Central Bank Governor Larry Howai has addressed widespread misconceptions about the institution’s role in Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign exchange (forex) market. Speaking at the TT Stock Exchange’s Capital Markets and Investor Conference in Port of Spain on October 24, Howai emphasized that the Central Bank accounts for just over 20% of forex entering the financial system, with the remaining 80% sourced from private entities and individuals. He clarified that while the bank intervenes to stabilize supply, the majority of forex distributed through commercial banks originates from private channels. Howai stressed the need for long-term solutions to broaden the country’s capacity to earn forex, rather than relying on central bank interventions. He highlighted the importance of boosting exports, both traditional and non-traditional, such as those from the creative sector. Howai, a former finance minister, also discussed the challenges of managing interest rates, inflation, and forex outflows, noting that policy tools like the repo rate and reserve requirements often yield mixed results. He pointed out the narrowing interest rate differential between US and TT Treasury bills, which could influence local investment behavior. Howai underscored the critical relationship between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance in managing liquidity and inflationary pressures, advocating for continued public engagement to refine forex distribution mechanisms.
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![[UPDATED] Barrackpore coconut vendor gunned down](https://wp.caribscopeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/9f0f863a0b3f582c9305397ae42f0477.jpg)
[UPDATED] Barrackpore coconut vendor gunned down
The Barrackpore community is reeling from the tragic shooting of 34-year-old coconut vendor Michael Seeraj, who was gunned down on October 23 while disposing of coconut shells with a worker. The incident occurred around 7:35 pm on Project Road, Ramsabad Trace, Rochard Road, Barrackpore, a location Seeraj frequented for this purpose. According to the worker, he fled the scene upon hearing multiple gunshots. Police arrived to find Seeraj unresponsive with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a district medical officer, and an autopsy has been ordered. Investigators discovered $2,300 in Seeraj’s pocket, but the motive behind the killing remains unclear. Homicide Region Three is actively investigating the case. Seeraj’s wife, Resha Ramdeo, 36, expressed her shock and grief, stating that she could not fathom why anyone would target her husband. Described as a hardworking and quiet man, Seeraj had turned to selling coconuts after losing his job in the scrap-iron industry in August 2022. He was in the process of building a home for his family in Pancham Trace. The community remembers him as a devoted father who frequently visited his six-year-old daughter, the ‘light of his life.’ The family is awaiting the autopsy results, expected early next week, before proceeding with funeral arrangements.