标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has raised concerns over the appointment of Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the new Chief Justice, questioning whether proper constitutional procedures were followed. In a statement issued on October 23, LATT congratulated Boodoosingh on his new role but highlighted the “hastened and truncated process” that led to his appointment. The association emphasized that Section 102 of the Constitution mandates the President to consult with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition before making such a significant judicial appointment. According to LATT, the consultation process should involve informing the consultees about the proposed candidate(s) and the rationale behind the choice, allowing adequate time for consideration and response. However, LATT expressed doubts that these principles were adhered to, given the unusually short timeframe of the consultation. The association stressed the importance of transparency and constitutional compliance in appointing the highest judicial officer. Despite these concerns, LATT expressed confidence in Boodoosingh’s capabilities and extended its best wishes for his tenure. The association also acknowledged his significant contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s jurisprudence and his role as a lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School. Additionally, LATT thanked outgoing Chief Justice Ivor Archie for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John brought her characteristic enthusiasm and poise to Parliament on October 23, addressing key national projects, budget priorities, and the state of the country’s infrastructure. During a media briefing, John emphasized the ongoing progress of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway Widening Project, which received a $2.15 billion allocation from her ministry. She assured that no projects had been halted by the ministry, attributing any delays to contractors rather than government directives. According to a September 9 update on the ministry’s website, the Chaguanas to Chase Village segment of the project is now 83% complete, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency for daily commuters. John hinted at major infrastructure projects to be announced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar next week, describing them as transformative initiatives that will drive national progress. Currently, her focus remains on remedial works, including road repairs, drain clearing, and improving road conditions. She stressed the importance of addressing issues like potholes and unmarked roads to restore order and organization. Additionally, John highlighted efforts to build connector roads for rural communities, ensuring they receive adequate attention. With 94 active projects under her ministry, 70% of which are overdue by up to six years, John acknowledged the challenges of delays and rising costs, vowing to bring projects to completion. When questioned about political opposition, she dismissed concerns, criticizing the opposition’s lack of strategy and imbalanced focus during parliamentary sessions.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has stirred significant regional discord by endorsing US military expansion near Venezuela and advocating for lethal measures against drug traffickers. This stance has not only fractured Caribbean unity but also drawn sharp criticism from both citizens and regional leaders. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has promptly distanced itself from Persad-Bissessar’s position, emphasizing its commitment to non-interference and respect for sovereignty. Her assertion that Caricom was ‘already divided’ has been labeled as dismissive and divisive, further exacerbating existing tensions. The implications of this controversy are far-reaching: diplomatically, it undermines Caricom’s collective voice and weakens its global credibility; geopolitically, it risks provoking retaliation from Venezuela and destabilizing regional relations; domestically, it threatens to incite civic unrest due to the lack of democratic consultation; and ethically, it raises concerns about the blurring of lines between law enforcement and extrajudicial violence. Critics argue that Persad-Bissessar’s foreign policy is influenced by narrow identity politics, which could alienate diverse constituencies and undermine democratic norms. This episode represents a significant rupture in Caribbean diplomacy, jeopardizing Trinidad and Tobago’s legacy as a peaceful, sovereign nation and straining Caricom’s already fragile unity.

During a heated session at the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 22, Minister of National Security Roger Alexander outlined a dual strategy for police vehicle procurement: purchasing and leasing. The latter, he emphasized, is aimed at reducing maintenance costs. The draft estimates of recurrent expenditure revealed a significant shift in allocations, with $25 million earmarked for vehicle rentals—a rise from $18.5 million last year—while maintenance costs saw a $15 million reduction, dropping from $39.95 million to $25 million. Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales pressed Alexander on the number of suppliers involved, to which the minister responded with a vague ’18,’ declining to disclose specifics citing national security concerns. Opposition MPs, including Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert, challenged the secrecy, questioning how routine vehicle details could pose a security risk. Alexander remained steadfast, asserting that compromising national security was not an option. He later clarified that the government would lease vehicles to cut maintenance expenses, with Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young arguing that the public had a right to know the leasing companies. Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle probed the leasing process, but Alexander’s responses remained evasive. The minister also announced plans to purchase 300 ‘purpose-built’ vehicles, though opposition MPs questioned the adequacy of the budget. Laventille East/Morvant MP Christian Birchwood highlighted a ‘sharp increase’ in funds for minor police equipment, with Alexander citing national security as the reason for withholding detailed purchase lists.

Despite a significant reduction in the Housing Ministry’s budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, Minister David Lee has assured the public that the cost of government homes will remain unchanged. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament on October 23, Lee revealed that the ministry’s allocation had been reduced from $750 million in 2024 to $600 million, marking a 20% decrease. However, he emphasized that this cut would not hinder the ministry’s ability to fulfill its housing commitments. Lee attributed this confidence to a strategic shift toward public-private partnerships, which aims to diversify funding sources and reduce reliance on government guarantees or loans. Over the past five months, Lee has collaborated with the Ministers of Finance and Planning to secure international funding, ensuring the sustainability of housing projects. When questioned about potential increases in housing costs due to this new model, Lee firmly denied the possibility, stating, ‘We will be much more efficient. There was a lot of wastage under the previous government, but I will be running a very tight ship.’ He also promised citizens greater value for money, criticizing the previous administration for failing to deliver on this promise. Lee expressed frustration at not being able to fully contribute to the parliamentary debate, hinting at undisclosed information regarding contracts and past housing arrangements. He also criticized the opposition’s lack of depth in their questioning during the Standing Finance Committee deliberations, which are expected to conclude by October 25.