BY: ANTONIO DEY | HGP NIGHTLY NEWS|
Trinidad & Tobago: Kamla Slams “Odious” Reappointment of CARICOM Secretary General
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD — Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has intensified her attack on the CARICOM Secretariat, labeling the reappointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as a “surreptitious and odious process.” The former Prime Minister warned that the lack of transparency in the decision could have long-term detrimental effects on Trinidad and Tobago’s economy and national security.
- The Dispute: While CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew insists that Barnett received a majority vote during the Basseterre summit, Trinidad and Tobago maintains it was completely excluded from the deliberations.
- Absentee Nations: Port of Spain has pointed out that Antigua and Barbuda and The Bahamas were also reportedly “not invited” to the session where the Belizean economist was granted a second five-year term.
- Economic Stakes: Persad-Bissessar vowed to “relentlessly pursue transparency,” arguing that the Secretary General’s role is too pivotal to regional trade and foreign policy for the appointment to be shrouded in secrecy.
Turks and Caicos: A “Zero-Murder” Miracle in the Caribbean
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a stunning reversal of recent crime trends, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) has emerged as one of only two Caribbean nations—alongside Montserrat—with zero recorded murders so far in 2026.
- The Bailey Effect: Residents credit the dramatic shift to Commissioner Fitz Bailey, who took the helm in April 2025. Bailey’s strategy has moved away from reactive policing toward dismantling organized crime rings and increasing high-visibility community patrols.
- Regional Context: This “murder-free” status into April stands in sharp contrast to the rest of the region, where many neighbors continue to struggle with gang-related violence.
- Community Sentiment: For the first time in years, TCI residents report a significant increase in public safety, providing a much-needed boost to the islands’ vital tourism sector.
International: Oil Prices Plunge as US-Iran Ceasefire Reopens Strait of Hormuz
LONDON / NEW YORK — Global energy markets experienced a massive sigh of relief today as oil prices plummeted following the announcement of a conditional two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
- The Market Drop: Benchmark Brent crude fell 13% to $94.80 a barrel, while US-traded oil dropped 15%. Although prices remain higher than the pre-conflict level of $70, the sharp decline has sparked a rally in global stock markets.
- The “Hormuz” Agreement: Under the deal, President Donald Trump has suspended airstrikes on Iran in exchange for Tehran ensuring “safe passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil transit point.
- The Terms: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran will honor the truce as long as US and Israeli attacks cease. Intermediaries are now racing to convert the 14-day pause into a permanent peace settlement before the next deadline.
