Stephon Nicholas
Tobago Correspondent
Opposition politicians in Tobago are condemning the Government’s decision to abstain from voting on Tuesday on a United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution concerning the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Resolution A/81/L.11, which covers the ICC’s annual report for the period August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, gives member states an overview of the court’s judicial, administrative and prosecutorial activities.
The ICC was established in 2002 following the advocacy of former prime minister ANR Robinson, who is considered the institution’s grandfather.
The US has announced plans to dismantle the ICC, accusing it of infringing on US sovereignty.
The resolution was adopted, with 93 countries voting in favour, 13 against—including the US—and 36 abstaining.
PNM Tobago leader Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis said the Government was aligning itself with the Donald Trump administration at the expense of Tobagonians’ principles. Noting the Government’s close relationship with the US administration, she said Chief Secretary Farley Augustine must speak out to protect Robinson’s legacy.
“Playing blind, deaf, and dumb in the face of this surrender to Washington’s foreign agenda places political alignment with your UNC coalition partners ahead of the dignity, moral authority, and historic legacy of Tobagonians,” she said.
Cudjoe-Lewis said Tobagonians must reject the US’ plans to dismantle the court.
“ANR Robinson gave this island and this nation a moral voice on the global stage. It is time for the Chief Secretary to find his own voice, defend Tobago’s dignity, and publicly condemn this disgraceful surrender at the UN.
“This idolisation of Trump and worship of Washington to the detriment of Robinson’s legacy and the welfare of Tobagonians must be condemned.”
Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) leader Dr Denise Tsoiafatt Angus said she, too, was troubled by the Government’s stance. Given that T&T recently voted against a UN resolution to end the US embargo against Cuba, Tsoiafatt Angus said the Government must explain whether its foreign policy is aligned with the Trump administration.
“The public is entitled to an explanation,” she said.
The former THA presiding officer recalled Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praising Robinson as a mentor during the opening of the new ANR Robinson International Airport east terminal weeks ago. She said this showed a level of hypocrisy.
“Are we just honouring a man’s name or upholding the principles he championed?” she asked.
Attorney Samantha Lawson said T&T’s abstention showed deep division within Caricom and sent the wrong message. She warned that dismantling the court would have dire consequences.
“International law is important and fundamental to peace within the entire world,” she said.
She said court decisions at all levels would not appease everyone, adding that this was the nature of the system.
“To dismantle it is not the answer,” she said.
