Trinidad and Tobago – Legal Action Over CPEP Firings
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Contractor Steven Samuel has taken legal action against the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CPEP) following his termination on June 27, 2025. A pre-action protocol letter, dated July 3 and addressed to CPEP CEO Keith Eddy, demands that the dismissal be rescinded by 3 p.m. Thursday.
This marks the first legal challenge in response to the mass firing of 300 contractors, a move that has left an estimated 10,000 workers jobless. The letter, penned by attorney O’Neal, stated:
“As a result of the actions of you and your company, our client and the affected workers have and continue to suffer loss and damage.”
Bolivia – Chaos in Congress Over Lithium Contracts
In Bolivia, chaos erupted in Congress on Thursday as Energy Minister Alejandro Galdo was doused with water and pelted with garbage during a heated debate over controversial lithium contracts involving Chinese and Russian firms, potentially worth $2 billion USD.
The uproar reflects growing public and political tension over how Bolivia’s vast lithium reserves—some of the largest in the world—should be managed. Opposition MPs accused the government of rushing deals that undermine national interests.
“They are trying to swindle us,” declared opposition lawmaker Daniel Rojas, demanding greater profit guarantees for Bolivia before any exports proceed.
Footage from the legislative floor showed shouting, shoving, and lawmakers tossing stacks of paper and even umbrellas as tempers flared.
United States – Trump Awaits Hamas Ceasefire Response
Turning now to international news:
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the world will likely know within 24 hours whether Hamas will accept what he called a “final proposal” for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Trump claimed Israel has already agreed to a 60-day truce, during which negotiations would take place to end the conflict permanently. He also noted continued discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding the expansion of the Abraham Accords, the normalization deals brokered during his previous term.
Asked about Hamas’ response, Trump stated:
“We’ll see what happens. We are going to know over the next 24 hours.”
