Would you believe deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro cannot pay for his legal defence in the federal criminal case against him? This is because the Trump administration is not allowing the Venezuelan government to sidestep sanctions and fund his representation.
Would you believe attorney Barry Pollack said he may ask the court to intervene, arguing that if the Trump administration doesn’t reverse course, it would be interfering with Maduro’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel in what could be the highest-profile criminal prosecution in the country?
Would you believe a letter dated Friday February. 20 and filed on Wednesday February 24 said that on January 9 the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control had initially granted both Maduro and his wife licences to allow Venezuela’s government to pay for their defences?
Would you believe less than three hours later, the government amended the licence it had granted to Maduro, revoking authorization of the receipt of defence costs from the government of Venezuela?
Baby Leatherback Sea Turtles making their way to the ocean
Would you believe that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has officially announced a mandate of disciplined conservation and rigorous enforcement to coincide with the start of the turtle nesting season on March 1st?
Would you believe Trinidad is the host of the world’s highest density of nesting Leatherback Sea turtles and holds a position of global significance with internationally recognized sites where Grande Riviere and Matura Beach are destinations for turtles?
Would you believe that turtle protection is a matter of economic intelligence? When properly managed, the nesting season drives ecotourism diversification by supporting:
• Regulated tour operations.
• Local guesthouses and hospitality.
• Employment for local guides.
• Direct revenue for coastal communities.
Would you believe we all must keep in mind that turtle nesting is a protected period under the law, and interference with turtles, nests, or hatchlings carries serious legal penalties?
Would you believe the MoD has put in place a well-coordinated action plan with partner agencies to ensure a presence at nesting sites and a swift response to violations?
Would you believe there is also a zero-tolerance policy that will be strictly enforced regarding poaching of any kind; reckless beach driving and disorienting activities that undermine conservation efforts?
Would you believe all citizens must act as stewards of the environment to ensure a successful season? The public is advised to reduce light pollution by turning off bright lights near nesting areas; respect boundaries by staying off nesting areas unless specifically authorized and immediately report any illegal or suspicious activity.
List of new fees and taxes imposed on citizens of Trinidad and Tobago
Would you believe that citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are bracing for an extensive range of new and increased fees, taxes, and penalties that will likely affect motorists, landlords, businesses, and importers?
Would you believe the revised measures will include significant hikes in traffic fines, customs charges, alcohol and tobacco duties, passport fees, and compliance penalties?
Would you believe the move indicates a wider push to augment state revenue and enhance enforcement? Motorists will experience some of the steepest adjustments including penalties for driving while disqualified and DUI fines.
Would you believe full electric vehicles and energy also face hikes, and the financial sector is set to experience new measures? This broad fiscal tightening effort will impact households, small businesses, importers, and service providers across the country.
US Radar stationed at the Tobago Airport
Would you believe Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that it is costing the United States of America US$3 million daily to run the military radar system in Tobago?
Would you believe the ongoing public concern is all about the presence of US military personnel in this country? Persad-Bissessar however explained that it was the former PNM administration led by Keith Rowley which signed the relevant Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).
Would you believe when asked as to how many US military personnel were in Trinidad and Tobago, the PM response was that it was difficult to give specific numbers at any given time?
Would you believe on a question about a potential military draw-down, the PM said that some personnel were expected to depart in groups and that proposals were being discussed for their exit later this month? The PM reiterated that there has never been ‘a massive amount’ of US personnel in Trinidad and Tobago.
Would you believe the PM also linked the radar and security cooperation to crime reduction, citing advice received from law enforcement that homicide rates had fallen by 42%, translating to 257 fewer murders? She also noted that the drug supply had been disrupted, with prices driven up as a result of interdiction efforts.
Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams
Would you believe two women were awarded over $500,000 in damages after a High Court judge ruled that a pre-dawn police raid on their home was based on a maliciously obtained search warrant?
Would you believe on July 20, 2023, a TTPS-led operation of 14 officers involved scaling walls, forcing doors, and cornering the women who were in their underwear while searching for firearms that were never found?
Would you believe the warrant included the name of a former resident, Sean Sankeralli, who had not lived at the property since 2019, yet, police failed to verify occupancy or the informant’s credibility?
Would you believe Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams awarded $512,612.79 in total damages general, special, and exemplary plus interest and $72,445.96 in legal costs, noting the raid caused significant trauma? The Judge emphasized that police must act on proper legal grounds and follow safeguards when executing warrants.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, right, and businessman Brent Thomas
Would you believe that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is turning up the heat on CARICOM?
Would you believe the PM publicly criticised the CARICOM Secretariat, saying it failed to respond to her formal concerns about what she describes as the 2022 “kidnapping” of a Trinidad and Tobago national?
Would you believe that while serving as Opposition Leader, she wrote to the regional body seeking intervention but claims that to date, no response has been received?
Would you believe that Brent Thomas, a prominent firearms dealer, was arrested in Barbados while in transit to the United States for medical treatment? He was handed over to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service at the airport and transported back to Trinidad on a regional security aircraft.
Would you believe the question on everyone’s lips is if CARICOM only strong in speeches but silent on human rights and security matters? The issue is not about one man. It’s about sovereignty, regional accountability and whether Caribbean institutions protect Caribbean people.
