This week in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago experienced a week of varied news, marked by significant sporting achievements including cricket victories and cycling gold medals, alongside concerns over athlete funding and potential event cancellations. A national security incident involving a gang member prompted increased protection for officials, while the Energy Minister disclosed numerous unreported oil spills from the previous administration. The Prime Minister's visit to India yielded eight MOUs, as the nation also grapples with economic balancing acts and a notable surge in OnlyFans spending.
About Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago, a vibrant twin-island nation in the southern Caribbean, is globally recognized as the birthplace of the steelpan and limbo, and for its spectacular Carnival celebrations. Its robust economy, among the wealthiest in the Caribbean, is primarily fueled by extensive oil and natural gas reserves. The country also boasts exceptional biodiversity and unique natural wonders, all within a dynamic environment supported by a free and diverse press.
Visiting Trinidad and Tobago
Media landscape
Trinidad and Tobago maintains a free press environment, characterized by diverse media outlets that provide extensive national and regional news coverage. The landscape includes several daily newspapers, television stations, and growing digital platforms.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, seek out outlets that offer both national news and distinct local perspectives from both Trinidad and Tobago.
SSFL reconsiders 2026 Boys' Premier Division format after Tobago objections
- The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) is reconsidering its proposed format for the 2026 Boys' Premier Division. - Strong objections from Tobago schools and stakeholders have forced the leagueโฆ
T&T labour market stable, but economy remains structurally weak
- Trinidad and Tobago's labor market has stabilized, indicating a healthier employment situation. - However, the nation's economy remains structurally weak, hindering sustained job growth. - This econโฆ
Trinidad and Tobago to Host Nations Cup Junior Karting
- Trinidad and Tobago will host the Nations Cup Caribbean 2026, an international junior karting competition. - The event is being organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Karting Association in partnershiโฆ
T&Tโs food challenge
- Trinidad and Tobago has historically focused on food availability and affordability for food security. - A more critical issue now is ensuring access to healthy, nutritious diets for well-being. - Tโฆ
Massyโs 9-month profit falls 32%
- Massy Holdings reported a 32% decrease in profit for the nine months ending June 30, 2026, falling to $370 million from $543.2 million a year prior. - The decline was primarily attributed to a signiโฆ
Overzealous Integrity Laws Discourage Best Candidates from Public Service, Author Argues
- The author argues that overly strict integrity laws in public service can deter qualified individuals from serving. - They suggest that the current "Integrity in Public Life Act" is too zealous and โฆ
Replace Boxing Day, not Corpus Christi
- A suggestion has been made to replace the public holiday Corpus Christi with one honoring Indigenous people. - Corpus Christi is currently the only explicitly Catholic holiday remaining on Trinidad โฆ
Are we really emancipated?
- The author questions the sincerity of emancipation celebrations amid ongoing colonial influences. - Criticism of officials skipping an emancipation ceremony is met with a defense of democratic freedโฆ
Security ties with US will boost T&T
- Trinidad and Tobago's inclusion in the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere marks a significant development in security cooperation. - This partnership with the US is expected to enhance T&T's securiโฆ
BENCH STRENGTH
- Trinbago Knight Riders' stand-in captain Akeal Hosein believes the team's bench strength is crucial for their early success in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League. - He cited the team's 19-ruโฆ
Trinidad and Tobago's U20 Athletes Finish Strong at World Championships
- Trinidad and Tobago's U20 track and field teams concluded their campaign at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon. - The men's 4x100m relay team finished fifth, while the women's tโฆ
Seventeen Conquer Trinidad's First Ultra-Marathon; Anamalay Takes Top Prize
- Seventeen participants completed the gruelling RunPres Backyard ultra-marathon held over Emancipation weekend in San Fernando. - This event marked the first formally organized ultra-marathon in Trinโฆ
Nikoli Blackman shines with breakthrough swims in July
- Nikoli Blackman delivered a series of breakthrough swims in July at the Central American and Caribbean Games. - His performances established him as one of Trinidad and Tobago's standout athletes durโฆ
Close the gaps
- Trinidad's Health Minister, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, is urging greater collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). - The call aims to improve the management of comโฆ
Woman SRP among 7 named in PDOs suspected of gang links
- A Woman Special Reserve Police officer, Jennessa Joseph, is among seven individuals named in preventive detention orders (PDOs) for alleged gang links. - Authorities claim Joseph provided transport โฆ
Sister vows to 'shake the world' for justice five months after brother's police killing
- Five months after police fatally shot David Boodoo, his sister vows to continue fighting for truth, justice, and accountability. - The family disputes the police account of an exchange of gunfire, cโฆ
Beckles challenges PMโs โ15,000 jobsโ claim
- Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles challenged the Prime Minister's claim of creating 15,000 jobs, citing Central Statistical Office (CSO) data. - CSO figures indicate a nearly 6,000-job decline in โฆ
Three women leaders to get awards
- Three globally recognized women leaders in social activism, science, and conservation will receive awards from the International Womenโs Forum of Trinidad and Tobago (IWFTT). - The recipients are Roโฆ
Telemaque backs IDs for easier payments
- Pan Trinbago official Clyde Telemaque supports requiring citizens aged 16 and over to carry identification for easier payments. - The government plans to enact legislation for mandatory ID possessioโฆ
Couple charged in Ruiz murder
- A couple in Edinburgh, Chaguanas, has been charged with the murder of 28-year-old Shayanna Ruiz. - Ruiz was fatally stabbed during a confrontation on July 29 after going to collect money owed to herโฆ
PC was โa father figureโ
- Police Constable Rommel Douglas, who died on July 28, was remembered for his responsibility, humility, and service. - His younger brother described Douglas as a father figure who provided security aโฆ
Row erupts over police post construction
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar accused the Opposition-controlled Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation of obstructing the construction of a joint army-police post in Tacarigua. - Opposition Leโฆ
Football Separation: Travel Issues Force League Restructure
- The Secondary Schools Football League has altered its Premier Division structure due to financial and travel constraints. - Trinidadian teams will not travel to Tobago; Tobago teams will play each oโฆ
Kingsmen, Falcons get CPL rolling
- The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season begins with Jamaica Kingsmen facing Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. - Andre Russell captains the Kingsmen, which includes Keacy Carty and Vitel Lawes. - The Faโฆ
Trinidad and Tobago's relay team sets records, eyes bigger prizes
- Trinidad and Tobago's men's 4x100m freestyle relay team won gold at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. - The team set new Games and national records, establishing the nation as a regionโฆ
Spicer sparks Orlando fightback in defeat to Red Bulls
- Tyrese Spicer scored one goal and assisted another after coming off the bench, but Orlando City SC lost 3-2 to the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. - New York led 2-0 at halftime, but Spicโฆ
Levi Garcia returns to Greece on loan to Panathinaikos
- Trinidad and Tobago captain Levi Garcia has returned to Greek football, joining Panathinaikos on a season-long loan from Spartak Moscow. The deal includes a โฌ1.25 million loan fee and an optional puโฆ
Call for disability inclusion in national arts events
- Kharysa Gabriel, a pannist and music educator, advocates for a special-schools category in Junior Panorama and increased accessibility for people with disabilities in national arts events. - Gabrielโฆ
Trinidad PM accused of hypocrisy over racial slur response
- The article criticizes Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for hypocrisy regarding her response to a racial slur. - It argues that her outrage is politically motivated and igโฆ
Government silence fuels rumors, author warns
- The Greek philosopher Aristotle's concept of
Trinidad and Tobago plans public ID law for over-16s
- Trinidad and Tobago plans to introduce legislation requiring all citizens and foreign nationals aged 16 and over to carry identification in public spaces. - The move aims to combat identity fraud, aโฆ
T&T athlete dies in Jamaica crash
- Trinidad and Tobago national athlete Shirnell Ettienne, 31, died in a car crash in Jamaica. - Ettienne was traveling with three others when their vehicle veered off the road and plunged into the Wagโฆ
Palestinian envoy โalarmedโ at growing T&T-Israel ties
- Palestine's ambassador to Caricom expressed alarm over growing ties between Trinidad and Tobago and Israel. - The ambassador cited concerns about occupation, genocide, land grabs, and illegal settleโฆ
Building resilience in a digital age
- The article highlights the severe economic and societal risks posed by cyberattacks, using examples like the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. - It emphasizes that small island nations like Triniโฆ
GML records $14.8m six-month loss
- Guardian Media Ltd (GML) reported a six-month loss of $14.84 million, an increase from $8.1 million in the same period last year. - Revenue for the six months was $34.2 million, with print and multiโฆ
A cautious welcome for army-police posts
- Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister announced plans to establish 30 joint army-police posts to combat crime after the state of emergency ends. - Citizens expressed cautious optimism, welcoming incrโฆ
SPIN MISTAKE
- West Indies lost the second Test to Pakistan by eight wickets, resulting in a 1-1 series draw, marking Pakistan's first away win in nine Tests. - Captain Roston Chase attributed the loss to misjudgiโฆ
Euromoney names Scotia T&Tโs Best Bank
- Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago has been recognized as the Best Bank in T&T for 2026 by Euromoney. - The award acknowledges the bank's strong financial performance, digital transformation efforts, anโฆ
Garry Sobers Initiative a great idea
- A call for a meaningful cricket program to revitalize West Indies cricket has emerged following tributes to Sir Garry Sobers. - Dr. Brian Lara proposed the "Garry Sobers Initiative" with a ten-year โฆ
UTTโs academic mandate
- The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is focusing on teaching students about national culture and history while improving its financial health. - UTT has reduced its operating deficit and recoโฆ
The rule of law worked as it should
- The revocation of preventive detention orders against Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed demonstrates the rule of law functioning correctly in Trinidad and Tobago. - Authorities allowed police to investigโฆ
Beyond race: saving the soul of T&T
- The author argues that national identity, based on shared citizenship in Trinidad and Tobago, is being eroded by an increasing focus on ethnicity. - This shift leads to stereotypes replacing understโฆ
When indigenous peoples gather
- Indigenous peoples worldwide have historically maintained ecological balance, but their voices are increasingly ignored, threatening their survival. - The Santa Rosa First Peoples Community in Triniโฆ
How about Chromebooks for students?
- The Ministry of Education in Trinidad uses Windows 11 laptops for secondary students, but they may underperform. - Chromebooks are suggested as a cheaper, more efficient alternative, already used byโฆ
BOSS+ link not us
- The Central Bank of Barbados warned the public about fraudulent emails impersonating the BOSS+ investment portal. - These emails direct recipients to unauthorized websites and provide fake contact iโฆ
Honouring the unsung heroes of our cultural traditions
- Seeta Persad is recognized as a devoted architect and chronicler of culture, particularly for the East Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago. - With over 30 years in media as a journalist, dramatiโฆ
Emancipation Support Committee avoids 'back and forth' with PM
- The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) stated it will not engage in a political dispute with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over Emancipation Day celebrations. - Thโฆ
Remains confirmed as missing businessman's
- Skeletal remains found in Mon Repos, San Fernando, have been identified as missing businessman Kelvin Samaroo. - Police identified the remains based on clothing found with the skeleton. - The discovโฆ
Complain about drug blocks
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar criticized the Opposition PNM for complaining about new police posts while ignoring "drug blocks" run by their associates. - The Opposition Leader called the poโฆ
Communities welcome plan
- Residents and business operators in several communities have welcomed the government's initiative to establish 30 joint army-police posts nationwide. - While generally supportive, some residents expโฆ
CLEAN-UP CONVICTS
- The Minister of Homeland Security plans to reintroduce 'hard labour' for convicted offenders, deploying them in public clean-up programs. - This initiative aims to provide meaningful work for prisonโฆ
Hilton gives Govt deadline
- Hilton International has warned it may cease operating the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre after September 18, 2026, if a new long-term lease is not agreed upon. - The hotel employs over 250 pโฆ
Mayorโs pothole plea
- Diego Martin Mayor Akeliah Glasgow-Warner used a viral social media video to publicly urge Works Minister Jearlean John to fix the borough's potholes. - Minister John responded that repair works werโฆ
Beyond the jobs rhetoric
- The reported loss of 5,900 jobs has become a political issue between Trinidad and Tobago's governing UNC and Opposition PNM parties. - The Prime Minister's statement regarding job creation is contraโฆ
Nation's Racial Insecurities Lie Deep Within
- The article argues that Trinidad and Tobago faces a significant national problem with deeply ingrained racial insecurities. - These hidden insecurities surface periodically, causing national distresโฆ
'This is 1970s policing'โGriffith on Government plan
- Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith criticized the government's plan to establish 30 new police posts in Trinidad and Tobago. - Griffith described the proposal as an outdated, 1970s approach thโฆ
Balloon Artistry Blooms into Successful Business Over a Decade
- Gazelle Lezama turned a basic balloon artistry course into a decade-long business, Decor Hut, specializing in custom balloon creations for events in Trinidad and Tobago. - Lezama, who also works fulโฆ
Emancipation and Arrival: Mindsets for building Trinidad and Tobago's future
- The article frames Emancipation Day and the historical "Arrival" not just as events, but as mindsets for progress. - It argues that true emancipation requires a forward-looking perspective to build โฆ
Trinidad and Tobago Faces Lawsuits Over Uncharged Detainees, Taxpayers at Risk
- Lawyers are preparing to sue the state over the current detention of over 200 individuals without charges. - The article warns that wrongful detention lawsuits could significantly deplete public funโฆ
AG's constitutional role questioned in detention case
- The Attorney General's constitutional responsibility is being questioned in a legal challenge over detentions under Preventive Detention Orders. - The case involves Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed, whoโฆ
Take care of all our children
- Parents and guardians must remain vigilant during the remaining vacation month to ensure children's safety. - Active supervision, including limiting digital distractions and ensuring trustworthy carโฆ
AI boom must belong to the people, Trinidad and Tobago urged to ensure benefits reach citizens
- Trinidad and Tobago should embrace artificial intelligence but ensure its benefits reach ordinary citizens. - Citizens are right to question how AI will improve their lives and address concerns abouโฆ
History deserves balance, not bias, at Trinidad and Tobago university
- Teaching history at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is supported, but programs risk ideological co-option. - Accurate historical accounts must avoid political propaganda and ideological โฆ
Pricing and perception: Why high prices alone don't create a luxury brand
- Small and micro-entrepreneurs are often advised to target premium markets, but high prices alone do not guarantee luxury brand status. - A local bakery's attempt to sell exorbitantly priced cookies โฆ
AI data centers: Balancing innovation with basic needs
- Trinidad and Tobago is considering establishing AI data centers, which promise foreign investment and tech sector jobs. - These centers could consume vast amounts of electricity and water, strainingโฆ
BATTING LET US DOWN: West Indies stars' inconsistency frustrates coach Sammy
- West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Amir Jangoo's availability for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan is uncertain due to an injury sustained during the ODI series against New Zealand. - Head coโฆ
Murder statistics: Government claims success, but data suggests otherwise
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar claimed a 36% reduction in murders under her administration compared to the previous government. - Critics argue her chosen timeframe manipulates statistics, anโฆ
In 1962, many things worked better...
- A radio host's daily reminder that the year is 2026, not 1962, suggests significant progress has been made. - However, the author reflects that many government-run institutions operated more effectiโฆ
Why is Argentina so hated?
- Argentina faced significant hostility during the FIFA World Cup, leading to questions about why the nation is so disliked. - Many Argentinian supporters attribute this negativity to envy of Lionel Mโฆ
Gilbert scores in pre-season opener for Banรญk Ostrava
- Trinidad and Tobago forward Dantaye Gilbert scored his first goal for FC Banรญk Ostrava in a pre-season friendly. - Gilbert's early goal was not enough as Banรญk Ostrava lost 3-2 to AS Trenฤรญn. - The โฆ
Police and citizens must work together
- The author expresses sincere appreciation to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service for their swift response to a home invasion in Curepe. - The coordinated action by officers is commended for demonโฆ
Exploring the mud volcanoes
- Geologists are closely monitoring active mud volcanoes and oil fields along Trinidad's southern coastline, which geophysicists are studying for recent impacts. - Historical accounts recall significaโฆ
Flawed law on PDOs
- The article urges citizens to look beyond political loyalty and address the significant dangers posed by preventive detention orders (PDOs). - It highlights the potential for abuse and the threat PDโฆ
ENCOURAGING OUTING
- West Indies Select XI head coach Rayad Emrit praised his players for their performance against Pakistan in a drawn four-day tour match. - Emrit described the match played on a difficult, flat wicketโฆ
Atlantic Mystery: Investigation Nears Solution for Abandoned Boat Found on Trinidad Coast
- The mystery surrounding an abandoned fishing boat discovered on Trinidad's southern coast may be nearing a resolution. - The vessel washed ashore near Icacos Point, prompting an investigation into iโฆ
MOURNING SELVON: Innocent man killed in Laventille gas station attack
- Selvon Jack, 50, was killed by a stray bullet during a gun attack at a gas station in Laventille, Trinidad, on Saturday morning. - Relatives and friends described Jack as an innocent, good-natured mโฆ
Judge: Dad sent to St Annโs illegally
- A senior magistrate acted unlawfully by ordering a man committed to St. Ann's Psychiatric Hospital during a civil custody case. - The High Court ruled that the magistrate exceeded her jurisdiction iโฆ
Jangoo gutted by tough loss
- The West Indies suffered a devastating one-wicket loss to New Zealand in the fourth ODI, losing the series 3-1. - Chasing a modest 189, New Zealand reached the target in the 45th over, with West Indโฆ
Cubans are suffering as T&T stays silent
- For decades, the UN General Assembly has annually voted to condemn the US embargo on Cuba, except in 2020. - A recent executive order by President Trump tightened sanctions, imposing an oil blockadeโฆ
Kemar Roach to be honored for 300 Test wickets milestone
- Kemar Roach will be honored by Cricket West Indies for reaching 300 Test wickets. - The Barbadian pace legend achieved this milestone during a Test victory against Sri Lanka. - He joins an elite groโฆ
GOAT, rat, and cow: The three animals of Messi
- Lionel Messi embodies three animal metaphors: the GOAT for his genius, the rat for his cunning tactics, and the sacred cow for his perceived untouchability. - The article argues that while Messi's tโฆ
Rigtech Sonics coach encouraged by youth development progress
- Rigtech Sonics club head coach Roger Frontin expressed encouragement from young cyclists' performances at the TTCF Youth Developer Challenge. - Frontin emphasized development over results for ridersโฆ
Toussaint confident in Trinidad and Tobago's CAC Games medal chances
- Trinidad and Tobago men's hockey head coach Akim Toussaint believes the team is well-positioned for a medal at the CAC Games. - The team faces challenges due to a lack of regular 11-a-side domestic โฆ
Milan's magical moment: Young author co-writes book with friend
- Eight-year-old Milan Romany and 11-year-old Zola Clarke co-authored the children's book "Mermaidiorn Adventures, A Quest For Gold." - Both girls were recently inducted as first-time authors at a Nalโฆ
Attorney General's Office Knew Warner Claim Was False Since 2016, High Court Finds
- The Attorney General's Office knew since 2016 that no special extradition arrangement existed with the U.S. for Jack Warner. - Despite this knowledge, the office made positive representations to theโฆ
Forged from the love of cycling
- Rigtech Sonics Cycle Club in Trinidad has fostered cyclists for over 30 years. - The club emphasizes teaching children to enjoy cycling and explore, not just competition. - It has produced national โฆ
Region banking more on renewable energy
- Latin America and the Caribbean's electricity generation grew 4.5% in April 2026, with renewables accounting for over 60% of the total. - Hydropower remains the primary source, but wind and natural โฆ
Balancing states of emergency and human rights in the Caribbean
- Caribbean nations face a tension between maintaining safety through states of emergency (SoEs) and preserving human rights. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) favors brief, striโฆ
Transatlantic turbulence tamed
- A recent NATO meeting in Turkey eased significant transatlantic tensions between the US and Europe. - Initial expectations for the meeting were marked by skepticism and apprehension. - The outcome pโฆ
Letโs fix our flooding problem
- Reports and letters to the press have highlighted the persistent problem of flooding in the country during the rainy season. - This issue poses a significant national challenge with severe consequenโฆ
How will a data centre benefit Debe?
- Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister announced agreements with two U.S. companies to build large-scale AI data centers, potentially investing over $5 billion and creating 5,000 jobs. - The chosen loโฆ
Professional wrestlingโs revival
- Professional wrestling is experiencing a revival in Trinidad and Tobago, with promotions like New Evolution Wrestling (NEW) drawing large crowds. - The sport has a history in T&T, with notable figurโฆ
Navigating fearful times: How fear is used for control in Trinidad and Tobago
- Fear, a primal survival instinct, can be exploited by leaders to control populations and justify overreach. - In Trinidad and Tobago, a state of emergency has restricted citizens' rights, fueled by โฆ
Two men gunned down in Siparia, latest in string of deadly shootings
- Two men were shot and killed in Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago, on Saturday night, marking the latest in a series of recent deadly shootings. - The victims were identified as Kwame Parris, 29, and Tesโฆ
K2Kโs Norman twins follow in their fatherโs textile trail to Asia (Strap)
- K2K Alliance & Partners will not participate in Carnival 2027 after winning Medium Band of the Year for three consecutive years. - The band is launching a multi-year creative platform, Caribbean ร Aโฆ
Playwright Eric Barry moves drama to the virtual stage
- Playwright Eric Barry is bringing his award-winning Caribbean story, 'Delisa Brings Home the Rainbow,' to a virtual stage. - The play, which won the BBC International Radio Playwriting Competition,โฆ
Jaaved Jaaferi Returns as Manav in 'Dhamaal 4', Reflects on Career
- Actor Jaaved Jaaferi is reprising his role as Manav in the upcoming film 'Dhamaal 4'. - Jaaferi has played the character for nearly two decades, noting Manav's unchanging nature. - He reflected on hโฆ
โIHOP, Applebeeโs must buy localโ
- An economist advises that the economic benefits of Applebee's and IHOP franchises in Trinidad and Tobago depend on local sourcing and integration. - Dr. Vaalmikki Arjoon suggests that relying on impโฆ
Saka hat-trick, Mbappรฉ records highlight England's World Cup win over France
- Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick as England defeated France 6-4 in a high-scoring World Cup third-place match. - Kylian Mbappรฉ surpassed Lionel Messi's career World Cup goal record and took the lead iโฆ
CXCโs AI fix doesnโt add up
- The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) will eliminate school-based assessments for five subjects starting in 2027 to prevent AI misuse. - Critics argue the proposed alternative, which allows studeโฆ
