“[…] Trinidad and Tobago belongs to all of us. Patriotism isn’t about red or yellow… It’s about loving this country enough to push it forward, regardless of who holds office. “[…] We need citizens who hold leadership accountable, not just blindly follow; and most of all, we need each other. …
Read More »Vaneisa: Governance with empathy—Kamla and ‘Penny’ promise refreshing change
Miriam Castellano, the name by which a prolific social media commentator goes, responded to a column I had written on the distressing impact of global warfare. “Disengage! You sound like an empath. For your own mental health you should train yourself to know when a Time Out is necessary,” she …
Read More »Daly Bread: Dear Kamla, 2025—can we shift from “blame and shame” to empathetic governance?
Dear Kamla, Fifteen years ago, at the time of your first election as prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago (PM), I greeted you in a column published on 13 June 2010, in which I explained why I may take the liberty of addressing you in familiar terms. Let me begin …
Read More »Dear Editor: UNC has opportunity to shift T&T’s political culture—but are they capable?
“[…] The PNM’s defeat was not merely a result of shifting political allegiances but a reflection of deeper dissatisfaction among the electorate… Many citizens felt alienated, as the government operated with an air of ownership rather than stewardship. “[…] The new government, a coalition of interests, has made ambitious promises …
Read More »Vaneisa: Walking the talk; my ears are ringing with campaign promises—literally!
Perhaps the most surprising element of the general elections was the low voter turnout. According to the latest figures from the Election and Boundaries Commission, only 53.92% of eligible voters turned up at the polls. It is reported to be the second lowest in our history. Given the high-pitched nature …
Read More »Daly Bread: The fix that failed—PNM collapse started with Rowley’s sneaky succession moves
In October last year, almost immediately after a strong intimation in Parliament from then People’s National Movement (PNM) prime minister Dr Keith Rowley that he was having his swansong and would be leaving the Parliament, the PNM tersely announced that: “its 51st Annual Convention, as well as the internal election, …
Read More »Kamla names Cabinet; Tancoo gets Finance, Sturge is Defence Minister, and Watts inherits Sport
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar selected her Cabinet today to serve Trinidad and Tobago, five days after her United National Congress (UNC) party was elected with 26 seats to the People National Movement’s 14. Persad-Bissessar was sworn in on Thursday, alongside her attorney general John Jeremie. Today, she appointed a further …
Read More »Kamla dedicates term to T&T’s “forgotten people”; vows to improve citizens’ lives in six months
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar began her term in office with a message of love and optimism today, as she took the oath of office alongside new attorney general John Jeremie at President’s House in Port of Spain. The rest of the Cabinet should be sworn in on Saturday. Persad-Bissessar, who …
Read More »PNM names ‘Penny’ as opposition leader; Rowley revokes posts of Imbert and Gadsby-Dolly
The People’s National Movement (PNM) has appointed Arima MP Pennelope Beckles as its opposition leader. Beckles, 64, was endorsed by the PNM’s General Council today after producing writing support of six from the opposition’s 13 MPs: Symon de Nobriga, Marvin Gonzales, Colm Imbert, Kareem Marcelle, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, and Keith …
Read More »Rowley, Young resign PNM posts; party seeks opposition leader, chair and vice-chair
Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley vowed to resign as political leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM), just two days after the party’s disastrous showing at the polls. The PNM was routed in the 2025 General Elections under the joint leadership of Rowley and Prime Minister Stuart Young, as …
Read More »Dear Editor: Much can be accomplished, once UNC doesn’t alienate any segment of T&T’s population!
Congratulations to the people of Trinidad and Tobago on a relatively peaceful and safe electoral process. Now that the ‘carnival is over’, to quote the late great, grandmaster: let’s see who is who, and who is made of what. Like many, I too anticipated the change—though I did not think …
Read More »Daly Bread: Buying cat in bag—T&T politics remains policy free
Throughout the now concluded last week of campaigning for tomorrow’s general election, the lack of articulation on the campaign platforms of specific plans has persisted, as has the nastiness. It is not clear how the competing parties will deal with violent crime, drastic revenue shortfall in the economy, foreign exchange …
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