Pennelope Beckles, the Opposition Leader, has criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s speech at the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Conference. The Prime Minister’s controversial comments, including an alleged claim that the previous PNM Government was involved in the kidnap of a Trinidad and Tobago citizen, and her ridicule of the CARICOM Secretariat, have distanced the Opposition from her viewpoint. She also used the Venezuelan migration issue to oppose the free movement of CARICOM nationals. Further, Persad-Bissessar stated that a 42% reduction in murders resulted from a policy change, suspected to be the State of Emergency (SOE), despite SOE being a temporary measure, not a long-term crime strategy. Her comments perceived as an attack on Cuba’s sovereignty have raised concerns. The Prime Minister’s remarks come amidst Trinidad and Tobago’s economic success, with approximately US$1.1 billion generated in CARICOM trade and US$142 million in customs revenue derived under the Common External Tariff regime in 2024. However, Beckles warns that the Prime Minister’s remarks could potentially undermine regional integration and diplomatic relations. The PNM aligns with this stance, rejecting vilification of CARICOM partners and undermining the sovereignty of regional states.
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