The State of Emergency’s extension until June was key on yesterday’s Parliament agenda, but Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar’s statements on various issues was what held focus first.
Beyond her statements, imbued with reinforced air of authority following recent Trump administration embrace. which put Persad-Bissessar into global spotlight, Government is now expected to produce the positives (promised) and manage negatives (expected) resulting not only from US/T&T ties but also fallout from the US/Israel-Iran war. The latter’s unleashed global fuel crisis, economic fallout, and further US problems.
The Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition Persad- Bissessar signed is perceived as T&T’s conduit to security - on crime and economy. While that carries implications concerning the extent to which the US will be brought onto T&T ground - beyond Grafton beach - the war’s effects must also be considered.
Despite the US$3 million daily payment “for the radar” and US$279 million earned by T&T up to February 28, when the PM disclosed this, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander earned zero for Government’s investment/tourism thrust, blithely remarking, “Bomb threats is a normal thing” here.
After Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal’s projected oil revenue bump from the war, this column queried Government on effects of the fuel subsidy from increased oil prices and other impacts.
Finance officials said Thursday, “There’ll be net positive revenue, but it’s a mixed blessing. While we’ll see some benefit from higher energy prices, this will be tempered by increased costs.
“Since Petrotrin’s closure, T&T’s imported fuel and associated products. That means we’ll now face higher import costs for vehicle fuel etc, including by-products, like bitumen critical for paving.
“Increased fuel prices also means Government’s spending via the (fuel) subsidy will also increase. Some persons, including unions, are factoring significant increased energy prices as basis for their negotiations, but the reality doesn’t support that.”
They said knock-on effect’s also expected on shipping costs, which will translate to increased inflation rates/prices, which were constrained by Government policy recently.
“It’s not the same situation as 1970s/80s energy booms. Also, the war’s impact on equities and fixed income investments generally is expected to adversely impact US investment of financial institutions.”
Also, where division (or subtraction) is concerned. Jamaica and the Bahamas’ participation in ACCC’s opening conference, plus T&T and Guyana, holds implications for Caricom unity.
And Jamaica, Guyana and Honduras’ cancellation of Cuban medical personnel agreements - following US pressure - heightens concerns if Cuban medicos here will also be among the minus-ed.
Some Caricom statements post-ACCC are telling. Antigua/Barbuda PM Gaston Browne, Commonwealth chairman from November - cited a need for a middle power coalition to magnify influence globally via the Commonwealth, amid shifting global power structures. He urged Commonwealth nations towards greater geopolitical collaboration.
Caricom chairman, St Kitts/Nevis PM Terrance Drew, told his media that some countries were invited to the ACCC event. “I was in Guyana attending SK/N matters so I can’t really comment where I wasn’t a part. We haven’t had a Caricom meeting subsequently to see if any formal information would come. As more information becomes available, I’ll be able to speak to it.”
The People’s National Movement’s (PNM) latest test - with queries and motions in Parliament - is expected to see solutionising, raising matters outside via a second media briefing, plus dedicated public meetings. The party has enough Parliamentarians for this, plus legal experts for monthly meetings analysing matters for public clarity and advising people as per a recent Tunapuna meeting.
It’s ahead how PNM meets the United National Congress’ streetfighter modus operandi, which dogged PNM’s government daily - pressers, accusations, allegations, legal action, leaks to media, protests, motions, queries, social media and proxies’ battle.
Government’s place within the US’s space or PNM’s in Parliament will have to tangibly benefit average citizens. Including those like the impoverished man who on Tuesday toted his baby son all the way down Frederick Street in broiling sun, plastic bag in hand, asking none of the many he passed for help. Until he saw a motorist with a bottle of water and asked for some for the thirsty tot.
As fate had it, when the man proceeded on his way later, the drawstring knapsack he carried on his back, was in the shape of a T&T flag.
