Tag Archives: Venezuela

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 …

“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 …

“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 …

“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 …

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? …

“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 …

“[US president Donald Trump] can say whatever he wants,” said National Security Minister Stuart Young yesterday. “At the end of the day, as far as I am aware, Venezuela is a sovereign country. “[…] I certainly would not wish for any country to have a coup. We stand ready to assist …

“I ask you to recall that in January 2017, in an address to the nation, I invited you to turn your attention to the troubling state of affairs at Petrotrin… “It is with mixed feelings, one of sadness and of resolve that I return to this issue today… Inevitably we …

Extensive comment on current events in Venezuela is not for me to make, but I am confident that events unfolding there are the outcome of a long-standing bitter polarisation between the Venezuelan political and socio-economic elite and the working class. When the poor and dispossessed eventually found a champion in …

“The United Nations is concerned for the welfare of these people and is in contact with the appropriate authorities in Port-of-Spain to ensure that any person in need of protection will get it without fail.” The following media statement on the “repatriation” of 82 Venezuelans from Trinidad and Tobago was …

When constitutionally-independent institutions in the country seem to be collapsing, when holders of the highest offices seem confused about their roles and perplexed about their powers. And when the law publicly proves to be the proverbial ass, then, Trinidad and Tobago, we have a problem. A very serious problem. Many people …

On 13 April 2015, 63-year-old Trinidad and Tobago businessman Danne Patrick Costelloe joined a select club of adventure seekers who journeyed to the ends of the earth and braved treacherous conditions and sub-zero temperatures to scale the North Pole. Mr Live Wire cannot confirm that Costelloe intended to stay there …