Opposition figures in Trinidad and Tobago have criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s address to the United Nations General Assembly, arguing that she missed opportunities to advance the country’s interests on issues including the International Criminal Court, CARICOM, trade and national sovereignty.
Persad-Bissessar addressed the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 22, where she outlined Trinidad and Tobago’s priorities ahead of its 2027–2028 term on the UN Security Council. Her address focused heavily on transnational organised crime, the illicit movement of firearms and narcotics, Haiti, Venezuela, international cooperation and emerging technologies.
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Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi said the Prime Minister should have devoted greater attention to the International Criminal Court (ICC), particularly given Trinidad and Tobago’s role as a founding member. He argued that discussions about terrorism and state responses should have included a stronger focus on the court and its role in international justice.
Al-Rawi also questioned the Government’s approach to CARICOM, regional trade and sovereignty, saying Trinidad and Tobago should place greater emphasis on the Caribbean market and regional interests. He argued that Persad-Bissessar did not sufficiently present a collective CARICOM position during her address. These are the opposition senator’s assessments of the speech.
Opposition Senator Foster Cummings was also critical, saying the address had generated negative reactions online and arguing that the Prime Minister had not adequately represented Trinidad and Tobago’s interests. He said the country should be able to take pride in the way its leaders present its positions at international forums.
PNM Chairman Marvin Gonzales separately criticised Persad-Bissessar’s response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump at the UN concerning artificial intelligence and the term “super intelligence.” Gonzales argued that the Prime Minister should focus on representing the interests of Trinidad and Tobago.
The criticism contrasts with the response from Government figures. Energy and Energy Affairs Minister Roodal Moonilal, a United National Congress deputy political leader, praised the address as a strong representation of Trinidad and Tobago’s interests and described it as insightful and powerful.
In her address, Persad-Bissessar said the illicit movement of firearms and narcotics represents one of the most pressing security threats facing Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. She said the country intends to use its upcoming Security Council seat to advocate for stronger international cooperation against transnational organised crime.
The Prime Minister also said small states face an “asymmetric challenge” from criminal networks that move people, weapons, narcotics and illicit finance across borders. She argued that Trinidad and Tobago’s experience with organised crime gives it a particular perspective to bring to the Security Council during its two-year term.
The competing reactions reflect the political debate at home over how Trinidad and Tobago should use its international platforms and regional relationships. Persad-Bissessar’s Security Council agenda will formally begin when the country takes up its elected seat for the 2027–2028 term.
