Trinidad and Dominican vote against Dominica sparks anger, calls for firing of foreign minister

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March 29, 2018 at 6:33 AM

Trinidad and Tobago foreign minister criticized for voting against Dominica

Port of Spain, Trinidad (TDN)
– Trinidad and Tobago has voted against Dominica’s request to the Organization of American States (OAS) to waive its dues to the body for two years, sparking anger, disbelief and disgust in the country. Now, many in the country are calling for Foreign Minister Dennis Moses to be sacked and for Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to explain to the public why Trinidad and Tobago has taken this stance. On Wednesday, the National Workers Union (NWU) of Trinidad and Tobago expressed confusion and disgust at the country’s decision, saying it was the same government that provided aid to Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The NWU slammed the government and said its actions raised the country’s image of “arrogance and incompetence.” Last Monday, Judy Rohr, First Secretary to the Dominican Republic at the OAS, requested a one-time waiver of fees of between $10,000 and $15,000 as the country works to rebuild after the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria on September 18, 2017. Rolle was shocked when Trinidad and Tobago’s representative, Anthony Phillips-Spencer, spoke out against the request. Rather than waiving Dominica’s fees outright, the ambassador suggested either a deferral or some kind of payment plan.

After his speech, a visibly shocked Röhrl told the committee: “I am a little bit… I must say, I am a little bit unsure about the concerns of one of our member states and I hope the council will clarify,” she said. The motion was eventually passed and the fees were waived for two years.