Tag: letters

When sovereignty becomes a doormat

THE EDITOR: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has declared that the US has an unquestionable right to act in its own best interests – even where those actions harm other sovereign states – and that affected countries must simply “accept the consequences.” That may sound tough. It is not law. And for a small state, it is an astonishingly reckless position to endorse.

Let us start with basics. Sovereignty does not mean “do as you please.” It never has. Since 1945, sovereignty has existed within a legal order precisely designed to restrain the strong and protect the weak. Every state’s freedom ends where another’s begins. The International Court of Justice has repeated this principle so often it is almost trite – including in cases involving the US itself.

Economic coercion, extraterritorial punishment, and policy intimidation are not expressions of sovereignty. They are violations of it. If powerful states were free to impose their preferences on others simply because they could, there would be no international law worth naming, only hierarchy.

The issue here is not whether the US may regulate its own borders. Of course it may. The issue is whether it may penalise other countries for lawful domestic policies it dislikes – such as citizenship-by-investment programmes that breach no treaty, no convention, and no rule of international law. That is not border control. It is interference, dressed up as security.

Caricom’s response was orthodox, restrained, and legally sound. It recognised US sovereignty while asking for consultation, clarity, and respect for the rule of law. That is exactly how small states are supposed to behave in a rules-based system. To dismiss this as weakness is to misunderstand how small states survive at all.

What makes this episode genuinely alarming is that it comes from a prime minister who styles herself a Senior Counsel – a title she conferred upon herself while in office. That fact alone should demand a higher standard of reasoning, not a lower one.

Instead, the thinking on display is profoundly defective. Sovereignty is misdescribed as an unlimited licence; coercion is rebranded as consequence; and international law is treated as optional etiquette. This is not a respectable disagreement about doctrine. It is a failure to grasp first principles. Such confusion would not pass muster in a competent undergraduate essay. From a self-appointed holder of silk, it is indefensible.

The irony is brutal. If the Prime Minister’s doctrine were correct – that powerful states may freely step on the toes of smaller ones in pursuit of their interests – then TT would have no protection at all. Under that logic, sanctions, blacklists, trade restrictions, and financial pressure would all be legitimate tools against us whenever we became inconvenient. Small states rely on law because power does not favour them.

Caricom is imperfect. Regional institutions always are. But undermining collective diplomacy while applauding unilateral power is not realism. It is abdication.

Sovereignty is not a doormat. And TT should stop pretending that being trampled is a sign of strength.

MOHAN RAMCHARAN

via e-mail

Petrotrin must be upgraded

THE EDITOR: When the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery was fully operational, Petrotrin supplied TT, and much of the Caribbean, with a complete suite of refined petroleum products: LPG, unleaded gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, bitumen, sulphur, and base lubricants. We were self-sufficient. We were exporters. We were a regional powerhouse.

All of that ended with the 2018 shutdown.

But as the global energy landscape shifts, it is now glaringly obvious: a modernised refinery is not optional, it is a strategic necessity.

First, we have the scientific and industrial base to produce high-value derivatives from our own Pitch Lake. Lake Asphalt was already producing refined pitch and sealants for export. This is a niche, high-margin market that small countries would die to have. We have it, and we under-utilise it.

Second, any reopening of the refinery must be future-proof. That means ensuring the plant can process Guyana’s light sweet crude, now one of the hottest commodities in the hemisphere. If TT cannot refine Guyana’s crude, someone else will and profit from it.

Third, the refinery must be capable of refining Venezuelan heavy crude. Venezuelan oil is notoriously sludgy, but we sit right next door. The freight savings alone, the turnaround time for shipments, and the ability to blend or refine that crude for regional distribution would put TT back in a dominant logistical position in the Caribbean energy chain.

Instead of watching other countries seize the opportunity, we should be positioning the refinery as the Caribbean’s premier toll refiner, blending hub, and supplier of finished products.

We once supplied the entire region. We can do it again, but only if the refinery is upgraded for modern feedstock and aligned with the realities of hemispheric geopolitics.

TT has never lacked the talent, the resources, or the strategic location, only the political will.

GORDON LAUGHLIN

via e-mail

Friendship

THE EDITOR: In this world of increasing political, economic, and social turmoil, let us be thankful for our friends and reach out to others in friendship.

Following is my poem titled Friendship:

Friendship is a warm smile in the chaos of a busy day

Tenderness when things don’t seem to go our way

It’s welcomed rain to wilting flowers

Talks that are soothing, though they go on for hours

It’s silence in this increasingly noisy world

A connection we feel in our soul

It’s many thoughtful things:

Going out for coffee or tea

Discussing novels or poetry

Praying together

Being amazed by synchronicity

Sharing a meal

Walks in nature

Admiring trees

Looking for rainbows

Enjoying the salty ocean breeze

Friendship is sacred

It offers support, joy, and a beautiful sense of ease.

RENUKA RIA MARAJ

via e-mail

Kamla 2.0 more robust than 1.0 version

THE EDITOR: Kill them all violently! Those were the stand-out words of PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar in her response supporting the US military’s attack on a boat in southern Caribbean waters that took 11 lives.

A video of the attack, which went viral on social media, showed the clinical nature of US forces. And President Trump wasted no time confirming the strike saying a drug run from Venezuela was stopped.

But recent updates from Venezuelan Minister of Communication and information, Freddy Nanez suggested the video was AI generated. While checks with Google’s Gemini are inconclusive as to the video’s authenticity, ChatGPT conveyed the likelihood of AI generation, in this instance, to be low to moderate. We may never know the truth.

It would be remiss of me to omit that our PM has showed the most gumption of all prime ministers of this nation in this 2.0 version of herself. Whether you like her or not, Persad-Bissessar’s hard-line position on drugs and human trafficking is now known globally along, with TT’s cast-iron alliance with Trump’s administration.

The PM’s public disdain for Venezuelan Maduro and his government is in sync with the US President’s beliefs incriminating the Maduro regime in election rigging, drug trafficking and bullying Guyana, among other ills.

While Persad-Bissessar may be commended for her somewhat uncompromising approach in the fight against drugs, human trafficking and general lawlessness, she can expect chastisement for the seemingly careless selection of words when commenting on critical issues. “Kill them all violently,” could have been replaced by “neutralise them all.” That would have removed the political ammunition of her detractors who will all seek to solidify the narrative that she is devoid of diplomacy.

Nonetheless, who should be adversely affected by her “kill them all” statement, if not the affiliates of the drug and human trafficking businesses? When examined beyond somewhat petty rhetoric and tact, strong language mixed with defiant posturing and powerful alliances may be potent ingredients in fighting the crime scourge.

Kamla 2.0 has made the point that she is more robust than the Kamla 1.0 version, as she and her ministers are presently undertaking the herculean task of pulling TT out of the hell hole it finds itself in thanks to a self-serving former regime.

In the same manner as critics from all walks of life would seek to berate our PM, there is also a need for deep introspection to realise that radical or illicit activities must sometimes be countered by radical actions and words.

DEXTER RIGSBY

Mt Lambert

Stay far away when elephants fight

THE EDITOR: There is an old African proverb that’s worth remembering at this time. It goes, “when elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”

The recent actions of the US in response to the perceived threat from drug traffickers in the Caribbean would have been in response to their intelligence and issues that TT may not be privy to. Our small island has no navy, no tanks, no fighter planes and no war ships. We are militarily insignificant when compared to the US and Venezuela.

We are dependent on the US for economic sustenance and essentials like food, drugs, and hardware. We are dependent on the wider world for trade, and our oil and gas reserves are linked to deals with Venezuela.

One would think that given our very fragile situation we would be incredibly careful in getting involved, even if only verbally, in a fight that has the possibility of negatively affecting our long-term relationship with many international partners, including those in the Caribbean. We are the grass. And the ground is trembling.

Perhaps it is time for us to reflect on where our loyalty ought to be.

One would think that our first responsibility would be to our family. To ensure that they have a home and access to the essentials of life. Then our community and our country. Many will insert obedience and dedication to God.

Whatever path one chooses, it must be made clear that everyone of us reading this today will one day pass on and in only a few years our names, our faces, our presence here on earth will be forgotten. No one will be thinking that you were a supporter of any political party, race or sect. It makes sense then, that while we are alive, we ought to try to be the best example of humanity having been given the opportunity to live.

That would require that we seek to stand up for good sense and our best judgement. Supporting a person or party simply because we look like them or the perception that it makes one’s community seem dominant, does nothing to help the country.

When people act irresponsibly, one should be free to guide them to better thinking rather than blindly supporting them or just criticising them. This is a time for sagacious suggestions like, don’t you think this may be a better way to react?

I want to strongly suggest that as Republic Day approaches, we should focus on what is best for the Republic. What is best for our family and what path is likely to keep us away from the possible damage from these two elephants who are gearing up for a big fight.

Let us try to regain the love for each other and see the real enemies as those who threaten our communities with fights over turf and government contracts. See the enemies as those who seek to control our economy to continually enrich the few and keep our majority in servitude and poverty.

Let us try to clean up our country and see the joy and possibilities that exist if we dare to see each other as brothers and sisters, one people under one flag.

STEVE ALVAREZ

Port of Spain

Select Navin Bidaisee for WI

THE EDITOR: The discussion about Dwayne Bravo taking over the reins as West Indies head coach should not even be a topic at CWI board level or the rumshop, rest that talk right away.

However, the true concept of meritocracy and the CWI breakout league bore fruit in this year’s CPL, as exemplified by 25-year-old Navin Bidaisee. Nicholas Pooran will not be missed.

CWI should not be running behind anybody to play for West Indies, as fast as players retire, give opportunities to others who have toiled domestically to represent the men in maroon.

West Indies need a stronger middle order that can rotate strike and deliver wickets between overs 8-14. Navin Bidaisee has proven to be that player who can do just that. He can open the batting too. When is a good time for players to make their debuts?

Players should be eligible for senior selection from age 17; we should not be waiting till players reach 30 and up to make their debuts. Now is the best time.

We have a Nepal series coming up, and a New Zealand series. I am calling on CWI to select players based on performance rather than status. Navin has earned this; his humility, technique, intelligence, discipline, and work ethic are the ideal personality needed for the West Indies to return to greatness.

Fabian Allen as well, he is a shout for a recall to the team. He should be in the squad for the India series as well. The same way we found Shamar Joseph, we now have Navin Bidaisee, and there are many more who are waiting to be discovered.

KENDELL KARAN

Chaguanas

Still suffering for proper water supply

THE EDITOR: I have been residing at my present location since August 1963. I have seen PNM, UNC, NAR in government.

I filled pig tail buckets and buckets of water. Do I expect an improved water supply? Well maybe for a few days.

Caroni’s nearby sugar factory can no longer be the whipping boy.

WASA’s problem is distribution, not generation. Too many leaking pipes. X gallons are pumped. X minus A gallons are received.

The solution: simply replace all old pipes that have been there since Princes Town was guava patch.

I am not holding my breath for a continuous improved supply. I have heard it all before.

The more certain things change, the more other things remain constant.

AV RAMPERSAD

Princes Town

Absence of corporate social responsibility in Trinidad and Tobago

DANIEL BERTIE

CORPORATE social responsibility (CSR) is not charity. It is a business’s commitment to operate ethically, contribute to economic development, and improve the quality of life of its workforce, local communities, and society at large.

In TT, this commitment is sorely lacking. While a handful of businesses make symbolic gestures during holidays or post-disaster moments, a sustained, strategic approach to CSR across key sectors – sports, health, infrastructure, social services, and charity – is grossly absent.

A landscape of missed opportunities

TT is no stranger to economic wealth. For decades, energy multinationals, conglomerates, and financial institutions have reaped billions in profits. Yet our youth play football on dust bowls, our health institutions suffer from chronic neglect, and too many of our citizens fall through the cracks of social dysfunction. Where are the companies that have benefited from tax breaks, industrial protection, and state contracts? Where are their long-term investments in the well-being of the society they profit from?

Sport: The neglected catalyst

Sport has always been a vehicle for youth development, discipline, and social cohesion. Yet, beyond one-off tournament sponsorships or branded giveaways, local corporate entities have shown little interest in developing sports as a national pillar. Community grounds are under-maintained, national athletes rely on crowdfunding for international representation, and school leagues are often underfunded.

Instead of investing in facilities, coaching programmes, or national academies, many businesses prefer to plaster their logos on banners for PR optics. CSR in sport must go beyond mere visibility; it should be about building systems of excellence and access.

Imagine if every large business “adopted” a community ground or partnered with schools to develop real athletic programmes. The long-term benefits for both sport and society would be immeasurable.

Health: A silent emergency

The state of the public healthcare system is a daily crisis. Overcrowded emergency rooms, limited medication, and long surgical wait times plague the system. While this is fundamentally a state responsibility, corporate TT could play a major role in supporting health outcomes through CSR.

Companies could sponsor mobile clinics in rural communities, invest in equipment for hospitals, or support awareness campaigns for mental health, cancer, or diabetes and ailments that are increasingly affecting our population. Very few do. Instead, the occasional donation of wheelchairs or face masks is treated as newsworthy, when what we need is meaningful, measurable engagement with the health needs of the nation.

Infrastructure and maintenance: A crumbling society

Driving around TT one is struck not just by potholes, but by the decay of public spaces: parks overgrown with bush, public benches broken, drains clogged. Again, these are areas where corporate partnerships with local government or NGOs could offer impactful solutions.

Adopt-a-highway and tree-planting exercises are good, but not nearly enough. Imagine a future where banks, insurance companies, and telecoms funded the upkeep of recreational spaces, implemented community clean-up programmes, or assisted schools in upgrading infrastructure.

In countries with strong CSR cultures, businesses take pride in beautifying the environments they operate in. Here, it is mostly left to NGOs, struggling on shoestring budgets.

Social services and charity: An afterthought

Too often, corporate support for social services comes only at Christmas hamper drives, toy donations, and soup kitchens. These are kind, commendable acts, but not CSR in its truest form. What is needed is structural support, long-term partnerships with homes for the elderly, shelters for battered women, halfway houses for former inmates, or food banks for the working poor.

In a society as fractured and economically unequal as ours, the private sector must see itself not as an observer of social issues, but as an active agent of change. CSR should include scholarships for underprivileged children, mentorship programmes, and funding for literacy and numeracy programmes. These are the types of investments that pay back in stability and national development.

The excuse of ‘it’s not our job’

Many companies defend their inaction with the argument: “That’s the government’s job.” But this view is outdated and self-defeating. When crime increases, when public trust deteriorates, when productivity declines because of poor health or education, businesses suffer too. CSR is not charity; it is risk mitigation, brand building, and community investment.

The irony is that strong CSR leads to strong brand loyalty. Customers want to know that the companies they support also support them in return. Employees are more engaged when they know their workplace is making a difference.

Toward new CSR ethic

It is time for a cultural shift in corporate TT. CSR must become a boardroom priority, integrated into business models and budgets. Companies must set CSR targets just as they set profit goals. Public disclosure of CSR contributions, benchmarking, and even tax incentives tied to meaningful social investments should be introduced by government to encourage this.

Let us redefine what it means to be a “successful” company, not merely one that maximises profit, but one that helps build the kind of society where profit is sustainable and shared.

Until then, the question must be asked: If corporations continue to benefit from TT without contributing meaningfully to its development, who exactly are they serving?

Integrating deportees into society

THE EDITOR: The issue of returning deportees and their integration into TT society presents a significant challenge and an opportunity to exemplify national unity and inclusiveness.

Not all deportees have a criminal background; many have been unfairly deported due to minor infractions like traffic violations or immigration issues. Some have journeyed to conflict zones like Syria, often involuntarily, with women and children left vulnerable and displaced, relying on their homeland for safety in the aftermath of war.

All citizens, regardless of their recent history, possess inalienable birth rights, and it is the collective responsibility of the government and society to uphold these rights through fair and humane policies.

Developing comprehensive strategies that focus on social integration, access to services, and community acceptance will be crucial. Creating pathways for employment, education, and mental health support can help these individuals rebuild their lives and become contributing members of society.

This process will indeed test our national resolve and the true strength of our multicultural fabric. Embracing every creed and race and ensuring equal treatment and opportunities demonstrate our commitment to justice, compassion, and resilience.

By fostering a society that welcomes and rehabilitates, TT can turn this challenge into a testament of humane leadership and a united nation dedicated to equality and progress.

GORDON LAUGHLIN

via e-mail

Great that you have quit, Rowley

THE EDITOR: I begin with the declaration of a state of emergency (SoE) by Dr Rowley, because of his absolute failure to decrease the runaway murder toll in the ten years of his reign as prime minister and because it’s an election year. Politics at play? one may ask.

And even in the midst of the SoE the brutal murders continue unabated, with 83 in a 74-day period at the time of writing. And with the detection rate always near zero, prosecution is like pie in the sky – would never happen. How does the former PM and political leader reconcile this massive failure with his claim to leaving TT better off?

He accepts a full increase and back pay of salaries for himself, government and opposition members, while giving the ordinary public servants four per cent only. How’s that leaving TT better off with higher food prices and utilities to be raised if the government retains power?

Rowley says TT is one of the best places in the world to live. What a stupid self-righteous statement to make when most of our ordinary citizens live in absolute fear, day and night, of becoming a victim, and worse a statistic, of crime, as is the norm presently, and without any justice to follow.

What significant benefits have he provided in ten years that have made citizens much better off? The economy is not diversified, we depend strongly on oil and gas, which is depleting, while his big dream of Dragon gas has a lot of hiccups. And as he said, if it does not go through then our coo coo is cooked. What does that mean? And saying TT is a difficult country to govern is an admittance of failure on his part.

Rowley, your legacy as PM and the last ten years of governance have left many citizens disillusioned with feelings of hopelessness. Therefore, it’s absolutely great that you have have resigned, which is an actual benefit to the country and people.

Good riddance! Enjoy your retirement, Rowley. Without a doubt it will be a grand one.

R PUTT

St James