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Trinidad and Tobago Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has raised sharp concerns over what she described as “dictatorial” behaviour by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, following the prime minister’s response to public questions about what appears to be a military installation in Tobago.
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In a statement issued Tuesday, Beckles said Persad-Bissessar’s directive for citizens to “behave yuhself” reflected a troubling disregard for accountability and democratic scrutiny. She warned that the prime minister’s recent comments left more questions unanswered and demonstrated what she characterised as a dismissive attitude toward legitimate public inquiry.
Beckles took particular issue with Persad-Bissessar’s handling of reports surrounding what appears to be a military base in Tobago. She said that instead of addressing the matter directly, the prime minister attacked the opposition People’s National Movement and dismissed public concern as “nonsense.”
According to Beckles, the questions being raised are neither obsessive nor politically motivated but relate to matters of national importance, including transparency, sovereignty and international obligations. She also expressed concern over what she described as inconsistent messaging from the government, arguing that it undermines public trust.
The Opposition Leader further suggested that Tobago’s Chief Secretary — despite repeated promises of greater autonomy for the island — appeared to have been left uninformed on key developments.
“Every Trinidad and Tobago prime minister before April 2025 has accepted the duty of upholding international law and strengthening CARICOM solidarity,” Beckles said. “Our nation cannot be well represented by a prime minister who demonstrates public disdain for international law, the UN Charter, and the concerns of the population.”
She reminded Persad-Bissessar that her authority is derived from the will of the people and that she is not above public questioning or accountability.
“This country does not belong to any one individual. It belongs to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and we deserve honesty, transparency and respect,” Beckles added.
The criticism follows comments made by Persad-Bissessar a day earlier in response to a Guardian Media exclusive, which published drone images of what appeared to be a US military base near the ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point, Tobago.
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The images showed several trucks and utility vehicles inside a restricted area, along with a small tent, temporary structures near the equipment and a number of portable toilets, suggesting on-site operational activity.
Responding to questions via WhatsApp, Persad-Bissessar said the images did not show a military base but rather “support offices” associated with the island’s military radar system.
“The picture is self-explanatory. There is a radar with the support offices to operate it,” the prime minister said.
She also accused the media and the People’s National Movement of being “obsessed” with removing “the radar and the Americans” from the country, arguing that such an outcome would only benefit drug traffickers.
“Keep going, when people show you who they are believe them,” Persad-Bissessar added.
English (US) ·