“[…] We note that the European Union has been totally silent with respect to the voter suppression in the US and the attempts, which have failed so far, by Donald Trump, Michael Pence, Mike Pompeo and other top Republicans to carry out a veritable coup d’etat in the US by …
Read More »Daly Bread: Accountability without insult—can minister Browne be the ‘new normal’
The reported threat posed to Trinidad and Tobago by the floating storage offshore vessel, the Nabarima, moored in nearby Venezuelan waters has been of concern for nearly two months. The Nabarima contains over one million barrels of crude oil, in storage on it. The vessels’ condition was reported on internationally …
Read More »Moonilal: We’re not with PM on Venezuela gasoline drama; FITUN: Opposition MP is ‘cowardly and desperate’
MP Dr Roodal Moonilal: “[…] I was of the view that, if true, this assistance rendered [by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley] to the regime of Nicolas Maduro… was an affront to the community of free nations and further posed a risk that Trinidad and Tobago could be met with …
Read More »Daly Bread: Bienvenidos reality and wriggle room; impact of Venezuela concessions
There is considerable confusion about the status of fleeing Venezuelans crowding into Trinidad and Tobago with more confusion to come. Some have gained entry through legal points of entry, but many have breached the conditions of their permitted admission, such as by working without the appropriate permit or overstaying the …
Read More »Game of Groans: Stewie and Gary-ios get unwelcomed help from Easter visitor as invading force grows in numbers
Scene: Westeros, Diego Martin. The rulers of the seven kingdoms meet for an uneasy alliance in the face of an external menace that has threatened their very way of existence with their exotic tongues, bizarre work ethic and tasty empanadas. Gary-ios, Commissioner of the Unsullied-By-Work Force—otherwise known as the TTPS—paints …
Read More »Young: No ‘get out of jail free’ card for Venezuelans, Minister contradicts Police Commissioner
National Security Minister Stuart Young appeared to contradict Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith on his stance with regards to the deportation of Venezuelans, as he suggested that police ‘suspicion’ would not be enough to expel the South American nations. Yesterday, Griffith told a press briefing the government’s proposed registration drive …
Read More »Mariano, Hotep and Des Vignes among panelists for Venezuela discussion at Cipriani Labour College
On Friday 15 February 2019, the Elma Francois Institute of Research and Debate (EFIRD) of Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies will present a special panel discussion titled ‘Understanding Venezuela: Caribbean Perspectives on Democracy’. This discussion is the first part of a series that will explore the implications of the …
Read More »Emancipation Committee: T&T gov’t must continue to defend justice and sovereignty in Venezuela
“The critical issues for us here in [Trinidad and Tobago] and the region are not how anyone feels about President Nicolás Maduro—based on knowledge, misinformation or ideology—but about fundamental principles in international relations, in particular the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states. “It is vital for …
Read More »Dear Editor: Non-intervention has always been T&T’s policy; and Kamla backed Maduro in 2015
“Then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in April 2015: ‘We believe inherently in the sovereignty of nations and so we stand with you President [Nicolás] Maduro for your sovereignty and for the determination of the right of your people to be governed as they choose’…” The following Letter to the Editor …
Read More »US Embassy ‘deeply concerned’ by T&T’s stance on Venezuela; Caricom re-affirms non-intervention
“Democracy and prosperity require tough choices…” The following release on Trinidad and Tobago’s recognition of Venezuela president Nicolás Maduro’s government was issued by US Ambassador Joseph Mondello: Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaidó and the democratically elected National Assembly have the full recognition and resolute support of the United States of …
Read More »Live Wire chronicles: Venezuelan kerfuffle, mystical Moses and a memorable ‘Ruby Tuesday’ special
Almost 48 hours on, Trinidad and Tobago citizens remain transfixed to their devices, awestruck by the unfolding drama; the unmitigated gall, unmistakable geopolitical confusion, botched cover-up and uncertain consequences after a man’s remarkable bravery in the face of terrifying power. Our neighbours are in unprecedented territory now. So what next? …
Read More »Dear Editor: The trouble with the neighbours; why we should be concerned about Venezuela
“This sudden outpouring of concern in our neighbours’ well-being is nothing to do with a desire to defend democracy, socialism or any other political theory. It is about the age old practice of colonialism, in whatever acceptable form it takes in the 21st century. “But because of that controlling desire …
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