The Leader of Government Business, Barry Padarath, has responded to criticisms made by Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson following Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s address at the 50th Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference.
In a statement on Wednesday, he said that while robust debate is a hallmark of any healthy democracy, the Opposition Leader did not offer “principled critique, but political theatre untethered from fact.”
Minister Padarath emphasised that the Prime Minister’s CARICOM address was clear, deliberate, and rooted in Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereign right to determine its foreign and security policy in the best interests of its people. He stressed that the Prime Minister spoke only the facts.
“Let us begin with what is indisputable. Brent Thomas was real. The pain of 627 murders in a single year was real. The fear that gripped communities across Trinidad and Tobago was real. And in 2025, a 42 per cent decline in murders is real. These are not slogans. These are facts. Facts supported by data. Facts supported by lived experience. Facts that reflect decisive policy intervention.”
Minister Padarath also highlighted the level of support the Opposition Leader commands within her own party, suggesting that her efforts to present herself as a “guardian of dignity” would carry more weight with broader backing.
“By a razor-thin margin of 7–6 among the PNM’s 13 elected Members of Parliament, including her own vote, Ms Beckles-Robinson secured nomination as Opposition Leader. Half of her parliamentary colleagues did not support her leadership. That reality speaks volumes. Before seeking to lecture the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on statesmanship, she may wish to reflect on the narrow confidence extended to her by her own team.”
He also pointed to the Opposition Leader’s public service record, noting areas where her contributions could have been more visible and impactful.
“Her record in public service is equally instructive. During her five years as Ambassador, there was no transformative shift in foreign policy, no bold repositioning of Trinidad and Tobago’s regional posture, no public defence of sovereignty when it mattered. For a decade under the former administration, murders escalated to historic levels, yet there was no daily outcry, no sustained campaign demanding accountability. Her silence prevailed.”
Minister Padarath said the Government will not hesitate to speak the truth to regional partners, or apologise for defending national interest.
“We will not dilute the truth for the sake of comfort. Sovereignty, security and stability are not abstract concepts; they are obligations owed to every citizen. The issue is not tone, the issue is truth. And the truth is that this administration is producing results while standing firm on principle. This is leadership rooted in truth. The people of Trinidad and Tobago deserve nothing less.”