I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Councillor Romona Teeneal Victor, the dedicated representative for Siparia East and San Francique South, whose life ended under the most painful and distressing circumstances.
Romona was a committed and compassionate public servant whose work touched many lives. She served her community with humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication, always placing the needs of others at the centre of her efforts.
Her loss leaves a profound void within the Siparia Borough Corporation and across the wider community.
On behalf of the United National Congress, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and colleagues.
We pray that God grants them strength, comfort, and peace in this unimaginable time of grief, and that His guiding presence surrounds them in the difficult days ahead.
This tragedy reminds us of how complex and fragile personal circumstances can be. It also reinforces the importance of reaching out for help, and of ensuring that anyone facing quiet struggles feels supported, encouraged, and safe to come forward without fear or hesitation.
May Romona’s soul rest in peace, and may her legacy of service, compassion, and community upliftment continue to inspire us all.
Trinidad and Tobago and Canada continues to have strong ties.
This afternoon, I met with His Excellency Michael Callan, the Canadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, who was accompanied by:
- Stuart Shaw, Counsellor, Political and Public Affairs
- Nancy Bernard, Senior Trade Commissioner
Joining the meeting was Barry Padarath, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing areas of mutual interest between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada.
Leader of the Lower House, Barry Padarath, says it took too long for the TTPS to issue a detention order for the woman who shared the coordinates of the Prime Minister's home to Venezuelan officials amid geopolitical tensions. Video by Timothy Chasteau.
The PSA has received an offer of 10 per cent from the acting Chief Personnel Officer. PSA president Felicia Thomas said she is still aiming for the new salaries in time for Christmas
Members of the media contacted me today for a response to Ralph Gonsalves’ claims that UNC operatives are involved in the St Vincent and the Grenadines general election and are motivated by access to lands.
I categorically refute and reject these allegations. The following are some of the comments I shared with the media today:
It is ironic that a man whose family obtained access to three luxury apartments in Trinidad - including one on a favourable rent-to-own basis - would seek to call others greedy. Ralph should account to the people of St Vincent for his 24 years in power and stop deflecting onto the UNC.
Further, he should identify the UNC persons he claims are in St Vincent, or stop gaslighting his citizens.
The investigations into Ralph’s family concerning the acquisition of three high-rise luxury apartments at Victoria Keyes have absolutely nothing to do with their general elections.
I am informed that these investigations are intended to:
1. Determine whether any fraudulent declarations were made.
2. Verify the source of funds for the three acquisitions.
3. Identify how his daughter was able to obtain a favourable rent-to-own arrangement two days after the general election, before the new government was installed.
Recently, I have observed other CARICOM Prime Ministers and their parties actively and overtly campaigning and interfering in general elections outside their own countries within the Caribbean. The UNC does not participate in that type of deplorable and disreputable conduct. The choice of a leader for St Vincent and the Grenadines is solely for the people of that country.
If Caribbean Prime Ministers continue cavorting around the region and interfering in the affairs and elections of member states, it is only a matter of time before CARICOM implodes.
It was a joy celebrating World Children’s Day today at the Red House with UNICEF, joining students whose photographs beautifully captured their experiences, dreams, and challenges.
Our children are gifted storytellers whose voices reveal the soul of our nation and we should always listen to them with compassion.
I reaffirmed my Government’s focus on safety, digital access, well-being, inclusion, and the upcoming opening of the Couva Children’s Hospital, a major investment in children’s health and dignity.
My message to our beautiful children: Keep imagining. Keep questioning. Keep dreaming. Your voices guide our nation forward.
Today we engaged in productive talks with the the leadership of Nutrien, including:
• Mr. Ken Seitz, President and CEO of Nutrien
• Mr. Dean Perkins, SVP, Nitrogen Operations
• Mr. Edmond Thompson, VP and Managing Director, Nutrien Trinidad
• Ms. Nneka Mentore, Manager, Government and Industry Affairs
Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Dr. Roodal Moonilal and NGC President Gerald Ramdeen also joined the discussions.
I reaffirmed my Government’s commitment to protecting jobs and ensuring continued investment in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector.
Change is disruptive. The mindset switch to level up, the lifestyle, the friends, the old habits, all sacrificed for an optimised version of yourself. Change is the intelligent choice. #EverythingIsPossible
I have taken note of a press release issued by Mr. Gary Aboud announcing that his United States visa was revoked. In doing so, he raised several questions and made a number of incendiary statements that must be responsibly and firmly addressed.
First and foremost, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has absolutely no involvement in the decisions or actions taken by the Government of the United States or the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago regarding their visa or immigration policies. These matters fall solely within the jurisdiction of the United States Government. Any concerns or requests for clarification or redress must be directed to the appropriate U.S. authorities.
We are blessed to live in a strong and vibrant democracy where freedom of speech and the right to expression are fully protected and have never been interfered with. Contrary to Mr. Aboud’s assertions, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are not being silenced. Such an inflammatory allegation is reckless, misleading, and risks causing unnecessary fear.
I categorically state that there has never been - and will never be - any attempt by my Government to intimidate, punish, or suppress the voices of civil society. In fact, when a former Prime Minister recently called a press conference at his "office" and made a host of unfounded claims, I made it clear that he is free to speak. That is how democracy works, and my Government will always uphold that principle.
Let me be clear: the true enemies of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region are the narco-traffickers, human traffickers, gun runners, and the transnational criminal cartels responsible for unprecedented levels of bloodshed, violence, and suffering in our country.
I stand by my position that these dangerous criminals must be confronted decisively. My Government firmly supports the United States and our international partners in their mission to combat transnational trafficking and dismantle criminal networks that prey on our citizens.
The former administration left our borders dangerously exposed - allowing unchecked entry of illegal immigrants, members of violent gangs such as Tren de Aragua, and an influx of guns, drugs, and trafficked persons. For the first time in many years, the presence of the U.S. Marines and military assets in our region has contributed significantly to reducing the flow of illicit weapons and drugs into Trinidad and Tobago. Their partnership is welcomed, and their results are evident.
My Government remains committed to strengthening regional security, protecting our citizens, and working alongside international partners - including the United States -to ensure that peace, safety, and the rule of law prevail in Trinidad and Tobago.
Good morning, Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹
On Monday, I instructed the Attorney General and the Minister of Sport to implement an immediate ban on the hosting of all fetes at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and the Jean Pierre Complex.
Exceptions will be granted only for events taking place from the Thursday before Carnival Monday and Tuesday until the Saturday after. Additionally, all fetes and parties booked at Ministry of Sport facilities may begin no earlier than 12 noon and must end promptly at 10 p.m.
The NCC has also been directed to engage experienced acoustic engineers to properly design sound systems at their venues, ensuring that noise and vibrations from these events are effectively minimized for neighbouring communities.
As we move forward, my Government remains committed to balancing culture and community well-being, protecting our traditions while safeguarding the peace of our citizens. Together, we will build a more respectful, responsible, and harmonious Trinidad and Tobago.
Good morning T&T 🇹🇹
Noise pollution is a nuisance.
I instructed that all fetes at the Brian Lara Stadium be stopped as the noise has become unbearable for residents. For far too long, the issue of noise pollution and its negative impact on communities has been ignored. My Government is committed to addressing this, as promised.
Before the end of this year, we will pass the Fireworks Legislation in Parliament. In addition, enhanced noise pollution laws will be introduced to regulate designated quiet hours, as well as new restrictions on fetes, music trucks, residential parties, and bars.
Good morning, Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹
Beware of fake news. Once again, U.S. Secretary of State @SecRubio has refuted a false report published in the international media - a story that was irresponsibly repeated by some local outlets and presented to our citizens as fact.
There are blatant attempts to undermine ongoing efforts to confront narco-traffickers and organised crime.
My Government remains steadfast in its partnership with the United States as we take decisive, coordinated action to stem the flow of drugs, guns, and human trafficking into T&T.
The Caribbean cannot be called a zone of peace - and Trinidad and Tobago will not be one - so long as powerful cartels continue to wreak havoc and destroy lives. For too long, their illicit trade has driven our nation to become one of the most violent places on earth.
Upon assuming office, I made it clear that I would not stand idly by and allow criminals to terrorise and traumatise our citizens. My Government will continue to stand firmly with the United States and strengthen our national security systems to ensure a safe and secure Trinidad and Tobago.
Productive discussions were held yesterday with members of the Trade Union Movement at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.
I met with Ancel Roget, President General of the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union (OWTU), along with OWTU’s Chief Education and Research Officer/Executive Trustee, Ozzi Warwick.
Also in attendance were Minister in the Ministry of Energy, Ernesto Kesar, and Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Barry Padarath.
Our discussions centred on areas of mutual interest and opportunities for collaboration in service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Good afternoon T&T 🇹🇹
For too long, the voices and concerns of our citizens have been ignored whilst priority was given to few.
During the General Election campaign, the UNC laid out a clear manifesto - a plan the people overwhelmingly voted for.
One of our key promises was a firm crackdown on noise pollution. I spoke about this repeatedly on the public platform, and our message was broadcast across every major medium.
This was not a backroom decision. It was one of the biggest public consultations ever held. Thousands shared their stories, their frustrations, and their hopes. Their voices shaped my Government’s policy.
The actions taken today are not random, nor are they arbitrary. We are keeping our promise to restore the constitutional right of every citizen to enjoy their property in peace. Our full legislative agenda will be presented soon.
A special thanks to all those who have sent countless messages and emails in full support.
T&T Carnival will continue to be one of the greatest shows on earth, but there must be balance. I am confident that alternative venues will be used by fete promoters, and that their pockets will not be affected.
We promised peace - and we intend to deliver it.