- 7 weeks ago
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the US, as Venezuela issued a threat to T&T
The home invasion Bill officially became law
and election tensions came to a high in Tobago
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NewsTranscript
00:00Good evening and welcome to the past seven days on six I am Vanessa cutting has what made the news
00:23this past week the government reaffirmed its commitment to the United States as Venezuela
00:29issued a threat to TNT the home invasion bill officially became low and election tensions
00:36came to a high in Tobago as per usual if it was happening it was on six let's get right into it
00:43Venezuela issued what appeared to be a threat to Prime Minister Kamala Fasad-Besessa last week
00:49amidst the growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and surrounding waters however Prime
00:55Minister Kamala Fasad-Besessa sought to maintain distance from the situation even as Prime Minister
01:02Kamala Fasad-Besessa emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago is not party to the United States's blockade
01:08of Venezuela a senior Venezuelan minister has issued remarks widely interpreted as a warning directed at
01:16the Prime Minister herself in his weekly televised broadcast Venezuela's Minister of Interior Justice
01:22and Peace Diosdado Cabello Rondon referred to the recent permission granted for U.S. military
01:29aircraft to transit Trinidad and Tobago's airspace.
01:32Trate de estar sobria cuando escuche eso. Si a nosotros nos pasa algo aquà en Venezuela
01:37usted sabe lo que va a ocurrir. Tenga la certeza. Tenga la plena certeza señora.
01:48Tenga usted la plena certeza si Venezuela es agredida por Estados Unidos. Y no hablamos del pueblo
01:56del pueblo de Trinidad y Tobago no no no. The live studio audience responded with chants
02:03the homeland is defended. In response Prime Minister Kamala Fasad-Besessa tells TV6 News quote
02:10his comments are misdirected. I think he should build up some courage and pick up his argument
02:15with President Trump as those are U.S. warships off the Venezuelan border. I wish Mr. Cabello a
02:22Merry Christmas and hope he has a wonderful 2026 end quote. Meanwhile Venezuela has moved quickly
02:28to counter the U.S. seizure of sanctioned oil tankers. President Nicolas Maduro has ordered
02:34the Venezuelan Navy to escort oil vessels as they leave the country's ports. But even in Washington
02:40the expanding military operation is facing scrutiny. On Wednesday U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and
02:47Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth briefed members of the Senate and House on Operation Southern Spare
02:54under which an estimated 15,000 U.S. troops have been mobilized. It's I believe our 22nd or 23rd bipartisan
03:02engagement. We'll continue to engage with Congress on this. We're headed to the House now to do a
03:06similar briefing and provide updates on this counter drug mission which is focused on dismantling the
03:12infrastructure of these terrorist organizations that are operating in our hemisphere undermining the
03:17security of Americans, threat killing Americans, poisoning Americans. And this has been a highly
03:23successful mission that's ongoing and continued. And we're pleased to be here today to update Congress
03:28on how that's developing and how that's moving forward. The U.S. lawmakers were unconvinced.
03:33I don't understand why there would be several thousand Marines on ships. I served on a, as a Marine,
03:39on ship. We're not there to conduct boat strikes. We're just there to go in on the ground. So I don't
03:45understand why there would be thousands of Marines off the coast of Venezuela if they do not intend
03:50to actually use them on the ground. This is an administration who murders the mules and liberates
03:56the kingpins. Before the president goes into Venezuela, that's what he wants to do. And we all
04:01heard what Susie Weil said today that what this is really about, that he's going to continue, the president's
04:06going to continue this until such time there's a regime change in with Venezuela. So if this is
04:12about regime change, it seems to me that the administration should say that's what it is.
04:19Despite the concerns, Operation Southern Spare continues. On Wednesday, the U.S. military carried
04:25out another lethal kinetic strike on a vessel it identified as being operated by a designated terrorist
04:32organization in international waters. The U.S. Department of Defense says intelligence confirmed
04:38the vessel was traveling along a known narcotics trafficking route in the eastern Pacific and was
04:44actively engaged in narco trafficking operations. This latest strike brings the total number of people
04:50killed in U.S. narco trafficking operations under this mission to 90. But while Prime Minister Kamala
04:57Pesad-Besessa maintained that she's not going to war with Venezuela, she said it is her duty
05:03to protect the people of TNT if something were to happen. As a result, she said our relationship
05:10with the United States is very important as they are TNT's best defense against any potential
05:16attack from Venezuela.
05:18I am not going to war with Venezuela, but I have a duty to protect the people of Trinidad
05:25and Tobago. And at this time, this is the best defense mechanism that we can have to have
05:30a nation that is strong in their military, strong in the equipment, strong in the marine risk
05:37assets, electronic assets and all of those they are assisting us. So Prime Minister Kamala Pesad-Besessa
05:44says she is taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of TNT and that involves working
05:50closely with the United States.
05:53We are taking every precaution. Each day I walk out on the street, I take a precaution.
05:57I take precautions for my nation and for the people of my country. And those precautions
06:01include having the bilateral relationships with the United States. They include the partnerships
06:07we are engaged in. The United States has helped us with military forces here, not to launch
06:13an attack, but for defense. The radar is also for defense.
06:17She also responded to more threats from the Venezuelan justice minister targeting TNT for
06:23its relationship with the U.S. amid its Caribbean sea buildup of assets.
06:28Which other country can defend this should Venezuela do as that man has been threatening for months
06:34now to attack TNT? He says it's me. But when they attack me, it means they attack every one
06:40of us because they cannot zero in on you alone. Well, it's not the first time he's made that
06:44threat. I think he needs to train his guns and his radar on Trump because the warships out in the
06:50waters are the United States. They belong to Trump. Let him train his radar on them and I wish him a very
06:56and I wish him a very Merry Christmas.
07:01TV6 News.
07:03Don't touch a button. We'll have more news when we return.
07:13Welcome back. Crime is on the decrease. So declared Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Batsasa,
07:19who noted that there were 240 less murders this year compared to last year.
07:24Murders are down this year by 240. 240. We have 240 murders less than last year and we will continue
07:38to bring it down. I told you, I said that in six months we will improve safety and security. And we
07:45did that because we brought the murders down by 240. We did it. Murders are down.
07:52The Christmas supper was a show of gratitude for those who played key roles in the victory
07:56of the UNC and its coalition in the general election held in April of this year. But the
08:01Prime Minister stressed that not one cent of government money was spent on the event.
08:06And I want you to tell far and wide not one cent of government money is being spent for this Christmas
08:15supper here this evening. And you'll ask me where I'm getting the money. You see that dinner we had
08:22down in Coover, the big Christmas dinner, and everybody who paid for your ticket, that is your ticket
08:29money, you're getting a free dinner here tonight.
08:31Kidnapped businessman Derek Tardier was set free last week. The 70-year-old was released after more
08:41than a week in captivity. However, there's still no word on the whereabouts of his wife.
08:47Police confirmed that around 1 a.m. yesterday, Derek Tardier was dropped off at an undisclosed
08:54location along the North Coast Road. He was immediately taken for medical treatment and is said to be
09:00recovering from what his family has described as a traumatic ordeal. In a statement issued
09:06through their attorney, senior counsel Leslie Ann Lucky Samaru, the family confirmed his release
09:12and asked for privacy as he continues to receive care. The statement said Tardier needs time to recover
09:19and the family thanked the public for their support and prayers throughout the past week.
09:24Derek Tardier and his 47-year-old wife Claribel were kidnapped from their home
09:30on Monos Island off the coast of Chagaramas around 9 p.m. on December 6, after armed men
09:36reportedly ransacked the house. Up to last night, there was still no official word on whether
09:42Claribel Tardier has also been released. During the ordeal, a disturbing video circulated on social media
09:48showing the couple under threat. In the video, what appeared to be a firearm was pointed
09:54at Derek Tardier's head while an object resembling a hand grenade was held close to his face.
10:00Tardier was heard pleading with his brother Robert as the kidnappers demanded a ransom
10:05of US$2.5 million. Last week, relatives were provided with proof that the couple was still alive.
10:12A reduced ransom was reportedly agreed to on December 12, though police have not confirmed whether any
10:19payment was made. Police Commissioner Alistair Guevaro has confirmed Tardier's release, saying investigations
10:24remain ongoing. In a statement, Guevaro said the TTPS is unable to provide further details at this stage,
10:32but thanked the public for its assistance and continued cooperation. Tardier remains at a medical
10:37facility where police say he is in stable and comfortable condition. Authorities continue to
10:43investigate the kidnapping as concerns remain for the safety of his wife. The Home Invasion Act has been
10:51proclaimed by the President and is now low. Here's more. The government is boasting of its swift ability
10:59to deliver on a major campaign commitment, as President Christine Carla Kangaloo assented to two
11:05significant laws passed by Parliament. The legislation reflects what the government describes as a clear
11:12mandate given to Prime Minister Kamala Pisan-Bissasa following an election campaign focused on
11:18protecting families, restoring public order, and responding to long-standing public concerns.
11:24One of the laws is the Home Invasion Self-Defense and Defense of Property Act 2025. The Act establishes the
11:32offence of home invasion and affirms the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves,
11:38their families, and their property within their homes. Under the new law, there is no duty to retreat
11:44when acting in self-defense or in defense of property, and citizens are permitted to use reasonable force,
11:51including deadly force, where necessary to protect life and property. The Prime Minister made the issue a
11:56central part of her election campaign, citing widespread concern over violent home invasions
12:02and the vulnerability of ordinary families. The government says the new law gives effect to the
12:08electorate's demand for stronger protections and reassures citizens that their homes remain their final
12:14place of safety. Following the funeral service of Dr. Daphne Phillips-Gaskin, the Prime Minister,
12:20expressed pleasure that her promise was kept.
12:23Dr. Daphne Phillips- So, as we speak, on our statute books, we now have the laws relating to the
12:28fireworks regulation. We now have the laws relating to the standard ground laws. So, two major pieces
12:34of legislation are now in effect are on our statute books. I'm very proud of that.
12:39Also receiving presidential assent is the Summary Offences Act 2025, which strengthens measures to address
12:47noise pollution and the indiscriminate use of fireworks, which means it will be in place for the
12:52next major celebratory events, Christmas and New Year's. During the campaign, Prime Minister
12:58Passat-Bissassa pledged to restore balance between celebration and responsibility, noting the harmful
13:04impact excessive noise and unregulated fireworks can have on public health and community well-being.
13:11The government highlighted the distress caused to vulnerable groups, including young children,
13:16the elderly, people with medical conditions, and those with sensory sensitivities,
13:22as well as the often overlooked effects on animals and livestock. Officials say the amended law
13:28provides clearer authority for enforcement, stronger deterrent against abuse, and a framework that promotes
13:34safety, consideration, and compassion, while still allowing for lawful celebrations. The government
13:41describes the assent of these two acts as the fulfillment of promises made to the electorate
13:46as it continues efforts to address crime, public disorder, and community well-being.
13:50In other news, questions continue to surround the official report into the fire that claimed the
13:57lives of former minister Lisa Morris Julian and two of her children on December 16th.
14:02President of the Fire Service Association, Keyon Guy, has labeled the comments made by former
14:08Prime Minister Dr Keith Erawley on the matter as troubling, saying his comments undermine the very
14:14purpose of the investigation. He says that accountability must be based on evidence and
14:19findings from the investigation, not assumptions made beforehand.
14:23But I have a number of concerns with the statements of the former prime minister,
14:29specifically when he says that the report seemed to have covered up for those who are accountable.
14:37And I would say, how did the prime minister, or the former prime minister, that is,
14:41were about determining who was accountable? That was the purpose of this investigation,
14:46determining who was accountable, if any, what went wrong, and in his words, why was the fire
14:52services response, what it was, given the proximity of the Arima fire station?
14:58When asked by Morning Edition host Marlon Hopkinson whether he believed that the former
15:02prime minister was pointing fingers at fire officers, the associations, the president had this to say.
15:08It's not really what I think. It's what fire officers believe. And largely within the organization
15:13that has been the responsibility again from our officers, that this statement by the prime minister
15:18indicates and it falls in line with the statements around the incident by himself and his other
15:25and members of his cabinet at the time. And certainly falls in line with the statements of the former
15:30minister of national security around the fire services. The fact that, in his opinion,
15:36the fire service was well equipped and those types of things. The president says the organization
15:41will stand by the findings of the investigation once it is shown to be thorough and transparent.
15:47We want to see the report. We want to ensure that all the factors or the information that we've
15:53been able to gather about the incident and that they continue within that report. We would like to
15:59see to what degree the committee or the three member team was able to answer the almost, I believe
16:06it was almost 10 questions posed to them. We want to see to what degree and how extensive that was.
16:12And certainly Marlon, if they lay accountability and responsibility on one person or the other,
16:17as long as their findings are sound, that investigation was done in a form of systematic
16:22matter, it can be justified. We will stand by it. The fire service association also says it welcomes
16:28the prime minister's intention to lay the final report into the Morris Julian tragedy in parliament.
16:34The association maintains that that transparency remains critical as the nation continues to seek
16:40answers in a tragedy that claimed the lives of former government minister and her children.
16:45The report is expected to shed light on what went wrong and whether accountability will follow.
16:50This is the past seven days on six. We'll be right back.
17:05Police had their hands full in Tobago as supporters of the PNM and TPP almost clashed outside the Buku
17:13multi-purpose facility on Friday afternoon. More in this Elizabeth Williams report.
17:18Well, I was along the road, so I didn't see exactly what transpired. I think the police were here and
17:24they had things under control. And it is the police to determine if any law was broken. They were here
17:30present. They saw everything. So just for them to really determine any cause of legal action that might
17:35be necessary. Mr. Dennis said the PNM does not intend to take the matter further as the situation did not
17:42become physical. Therefore, we do intend to file any complaint as far as I'm aware. Nobody was assaulted
17:48or anything like that. So we will just continue to conduct ourselves with discipline and with order
17:55and with the kind of the kind of passion and dignity that the PNM is accustomed to. Meantime,
18:01PNM political leader Penelope Beckles remains confident Tobagonians would do the right thing
18:07at the polls. So I am told that he has signed his nomination papers and we all look forward to victory
18:14on the 12th of January for the People's National Movement. How do you feel about the PNM's chances in
18:19going forward? They are saying put Tobago first again. Yes, I mean, yes, but that's our theme.
18:26We are very positive. We are very energized and we are looking forward to victory. I mean,
18:35the political leader Tobago, Ansel Dennis, has been a former candidate on the last occasion.
18:40He lost by just a few votes and we are looking for victory and we have a lot of good candidates.
18:44Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News. Switching gears, Prime Minister Kamala
18:50Posad-Basasa said she believes good cents will prevail and regional health authority workers
18:55will not hold the lives of people to ransom over unpaid wage arrears. From the day the PSA signed
19:03on to a 10 percent wage increase with the government and was promised some payment before Christmas,
19:10multiple unions have lobbied for similar provisions. Among the growing discontent,
19:15rumors of RHA workers going on strike demanding outstanding arrears have been circulating,
19:22a concern Prime Minister Kamala Posad-Basasa addressed on Friday night following a toy distribution
19:28event in her constituency. We live in a democratic country. They have a right to express their whatever
19:34they want to express in a free country in accordance with the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. We cannot stop
19:39them. What I will say that they did not fall within the bargaining unit of the PSA. The law is different
19:45and their issues they come two days, two weeks before Christmas and say hey we want to be paid
19:51before Christmas. I wish I had all the money in the world in the bank. I would pay every single one
19:57including you. I would pay everybody but we don't. The Prime Minister says it is important to understand
20:03that the money being requested has been outstanding for many years, long before she took office eight
20:10months ago. These monies are not for yesterday and today you know. These monies are backpays for years
20:16and for 10 years they never once creaked, never once went out there to hold people's lives to ransom.
20:24I think they have better sense than that and good sense will prevail. She says her government will sit
20:29down with all those still owed in 2026 and gave the assurance that they will work towards settling
20:36all outstanding wages. And in the new year the minister said he would engage them in the process
20:42of the law as we engage all those with outstanding fee. But what I find most interesting is 10 years,
20:509, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The day we are in office some of you want to get everything tomorrow
21:00morning. I do not reflect so great confidence in my government because they do believe they believe
21:06they can get everything tomorrow morning. I'll tell you you can't get it tomorrow but maybe next week
21:11and the next month we will work on it. Cindy Raguba Tika Singh, TV6 News. Sport is up next. Keep it here.
21:26In sport, the West Indies defied the odds to enjoy a profitable second day of the third test against
21:33New Zealand has a look back at the action. After torrid opening day, West Indies were in for another
21:40on day two. And it's a tired looking effort. Hit it off as well and it'll go for four. With Kamar Roach
21:46out with a hamstring injury, the Wendy's bowlers had their work cut out for them. He had some wit and
21:51took control of it. But the Caribbean bowlers showed heart and determination. Oh, that's a lovely,
21:57lovely line. They had no way of preventing Devon Conway from his double turn. It will be a
22:02double hundred for Devon Conway. His mind will flow back to over four years ago and test match debut
22:10when he got a double hundred. The Black Caps' plan of batting just once was clear but the
22:15Wendy's had some bright spots. Justin Graves gets Williamson again. And finally removing Conway on his
22:22new career best of 227 was at the crowning moment. Alex Wolfe has given it. Jaden Seals,
22:29Justin Graves and Anderson Phillip each grab a pair of wickets. The ball before was the giveaway.
22:35He wasn't certain. Ratch and Rovindra remained unbeaten on 72 as New Zealand finally declared
22:40on 575 for eight. Well rested, the New Zealand bowlers had hopes of picking up wickets but Brandon
22:47King and John Campbell had other ideas. Through the gap. The Jamaican batsmen not only resisted but scored
22:53freely too putting up 88 runs of their first 15 overs. King on 55 and Campbell on 45 became the sixth
23:00Wendy's opening pair to make a century stand in the last 11 years. Closing strongly on 110 without loss
23:07but still trading by 465 runs. Terence Clark, TV6 Sport.
23:14And that's a wrap on the past seven days on six. I am Renessa Cutting. If you didn't catch this segment
23:20in its entirety you can find it on our website www.tv6tnt.com and you can find all these stories
23:29and more on the TV6 mobile app. Thanks for choosing TV6 and do have a great evening.
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