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.
Hetmyer blitz spoils TKR’s Independence Day party
Shimron Hetmyer turned a rain-shortened Caribbean Premier League match into a personal showcase, smashing 111 not out from 43 balls as Guyana Amazon Warriors defeated Trinbago Knight Riders by nine ru…
Bring accountability, not more budget theatrics
Trinidad and Tobago’s annual budget has become more performance than measurement, according to this editorial. Parliament hears hours of speeches, billions are allocated on paper, and the Government d…
Agostini moves to resolve PHL minority shareholding
Agostini Ltd is moving to address the shares held by Prestige Holdings Ltd shareholders who rejected its takeover offer, after discussions with the Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commissi…
Welcome return to open courts
Trinidad and Tobago is beginning a phased return to physical court hearings, restoring a form of public access that the country’s courts have struggled to provide since the Covid-19 pandemic. The retu…
Queen’s Park Oval honours Bravo, Pollard and Narine with renamed stand
Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine now have their names permanently displayed at Queen’s Park Oval, the latest recognition for three Trinidad and Tobago cricketers who rose through the club…
Fans at mercy of Oval wrecker
Fans can pay for tickets, jerseys, food and drinks at Queen’s Park Oval, then lose another $500 when their vehicles are towed. The commentary argues that this recurring parking problem turns major mat…
The race issue—less heat more light
As Trinidad and Tobago marks the 64th anniversary of independence, the writer calls for a serious investigation into race relations, arguing that recent controversies show the country has made little …
Nissan, Honda deepen auto tech partnership
Nissan and Honda are expanding their partnership into the electronic systems that will power vehicles expected to reach the market in fiscal 2029. The Japanese automakers said they will jointly develo…
Republic Bank closes Glencoe agency
Republic Bank is closing its Glencoe agency at Highland Plaza on Western Main Road effective today. The bank has also decommissioned the ATM at the location. Accounts previously held at the agency hav…
The hot Arctic
The Arctic is warming so quickly that the High North could see its first ice-free summer by 2030. The region covers about 4% of the globe, yet its transformation is reshaping access to resources, ship…
Defence Force meet Club Sando in Concacaf Caribbean Cup
Defence Force FC and Club Sando FC meet in a local derby that promises little separation between two familiar rivals. The Group A match in the 2026 Concacaf Caribbean Cup takes place at Hasely Crawfor…
Headliner lands Independence Cup
Headliner turned the Independence Cup into a one-horse contest, leading from the start and winning the 1,800-metre Group 1 feature at Santa Rosa Park. The 4/5 favourite was ridden by Noel Abrego and t…
Tobago honours young participants for preparing for the world of work
Tobago’s youth programmes ended with certificates, awards and a message that completion should mark a beginning rather than an endpoint. The Department of Youth Empowerment held a combined closing cer…
Workers Are an Investment, Not a Cost
Gary Vaynerchuk’s message to employers is blunt: judging workers for failing to match an owner’s effort is a sign of poor leadership. The commentary argues that companies cannot demand founder-level c…
Please increase the old-age pension
The writer, who expects to become a pensioner in two years, says older people are being forced to make painful choices between essential medicines, food and household bills. The commentary describes e…
Parade rehearsal brings gridlock, chaos around Savannah
Traffic ground to a halt around the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain as protective and emergency services conducted their first parade rehearsal since 2024 for Independence Day. The practice inv…
Three Hispanic men sought after Fyzabad double killing
Trinidad and Tobago police are searching for three Hispanic men after a double killing in Fyzabad on Friday afternoon. The victims, identified as 38-year-old Richard McDavid and 30-year-old Anslem Nic…
NGC ‘broken’ before board took office
Gerald Ramdeen, chairman of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (NGC), stated that the state-owned energy company was "broken" upon the new board's arrival in July 2025. However, he an…
Have T&T manufacturers made the most of Canada’s open door?
Forty years ago, Canada initiated the Caribbean-Canada Trade Agreement, known as CARIBCAN. This program, launched in 1986, has served as a cornerstone for commercial relations between Canada and Commo…
Pete Phillip Never Found: Court Case Set for 2027
The legal proceedings surrounding the death of rig worker Pete Phillip, whose body remains missing, are set to begin in March 2027. Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste confirmed the new hearing dates, whic…
Trinidad and Tobago's U20 Athletes Finish Strong at World Championships
The Trinidad and Tobago contingent at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, wrapped up their participation with the men's 4x100m relay team securing a fifth-place finish. The quarte…
Woman SRP among 7 named in PDOs suspected of gang links
A Woman Special Reserve Police officer is among seven individuals named in preventive detention orders (PDOs) published yesterday, with authorities alleging their involvement in organized crime. Offic…
Sister vows to 'shake the world' for justice five months after brother's police killing
Five months after police fatally shot David Boodoo in Sangre Grande, his family remains without answers, fueling his sister's vow to "shake the world" for justice. Janelle Livingston, Boodoo's sister,…
PC was ‘a father figure’
Police Constable Rommel Douglas was honored yesterday as a man defined by responsibility, humility, and service, with relatives and colleagues emphasizing his profound commitment to family. Douglas, w…
Three women leaders to get awards
The International Women’s Forum of Trinidad and Tobago (IWFTT) will celebrate three globally recognized leaders for their impactful work in social activism, science, and conservation at its upcoming I…
Couple charged in Ruiz murder
A man and woman from Edinburgh, Chaguanas, face charges for the murder of 28-year-old Shayanna Ruiz. Ruiz was fatally stabbed on July 29 during a dispute at a home in Edinburgh 500 South. She had gone…
Telemaque backs IDs for easier payments
Allowing citizens aged 16 and over to carry identification would streamline remuneration processes, particularly during and after the Panorama steelband competition, according to Clyde Telemaque, exte…
Row erupts over police post construction
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has accused the opposition People's National Movement (PNM) of deliberately halting the construction of a joint army-police post in Tacarigua. The Prime Minister …
Beckles challenges PM’s ‘15,000 jobs’ claim
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has directly challenged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's assertion that the government created 15,000 jobs. Beckles cited figures from the Central Statistica…
Football Separation: Travel Issues Force League Restructure
Financial limitations and persistent inter-island travel challenges have compelled the Secondary Schools Football League to revise its Premier Division competition structure for the upcoming season. T…
Kingsmen, Falcons get CPL rolling
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) officially kicks off its 2026 season this evening, with the Jamaica Kingsmen franchise set to play the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the opening match in St. Vincen…
Trinidad and Tobago's relay team sets records, eyes bigger prizes
Trinidad and Tobago's men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay team has achieved a record-breaking swim at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, securing a gold medal and signaling the nation's eme…
Spicer sparks Orlando fightback in defeat to Red Bulls
Trinidad and Tobago winger Tyrese Spicer once again proved a game-changer for Orlando City SC, scoring one goal and setting up another in a valiant comeback attempt against the New York Red Bulls. How…
Levi Garcia returns to Greece on loan to Panathinaikos
Trinidad and Tobago's national team captain, Levi Garcia, is heading back to Greece after officially completing a season-long loan move to Panathinaikos. The 27-year-old winger joins the Greek club fr…
Call for disability inclusion in national arts events
Music educator Kharysa Gabriel is calling for greater inclusion in national arts events, specifically proposing a special-schools category for the Junior Panorama competition. Gabriel, who teaches at …
Trinidad PM accused of hypocrisy over racial slur response
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's public outcry over a recorded racial slur is a display of "suffocating hypocrisy," according to an opinion piece in the Trinidad Express. The article argues tha…
Government silence fuels rumors, author warns
The Greek philosopher Aristotle's concept of "nature abhors a vacuum" is invoked to explain the current communication deficit in Trinidad and Tobago's government. The author argues that the lack of tr…
Trinidad and Tobago plans public ID law for over-16s
Trinidad and Tobago's government intends to enact legislation mandating that all citizens and foreign nationals aged 16 and above carry a valid form of identification when in public spaces. Minister o…
Palestinian envoy ‘alarmed’ at growing T&T-Israel ties
The Palestinian Ambassador to Caricom and Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Linda Sobeh Ali, has voiced significant alarm regarding the increasing engagement between Trinidad and Tobago and Israel. She stated …
T&T athlete dies in Jamaica crash
The sporting community in Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the tragic loss of national athlete Shirnell Ettienne, 31, who died in a vehicle accident in Jamaica. Ettienne, a respected competitor who rep…
Building resilience in a digital age
The digital age presents a stark vulnerability: the potential for widespread disruption through cyberattacks, capable of paralyzing a nation's economy and sowing uncertainty far faster than any conven…
A cautious welcome for army-police posts
In an effort to address rising crime, Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced plans to establish 30 joint army-police posts across communities. This initiative aims to pr…
GML records $14.8m six-month loss
Guardian Media Ltd (GML) has announced a significant increase in its financial losses, reporting a total comprehensive loss of $14.84 million for the six months ending June 30, 2026. This marks a subs…
SPIN MISTAKE
West Indies captain Roston Chase lamented his team's inability to "see it through" after an eight-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the second and final Test at the Queen’s Park Oval. The loss secured a 1-…
The rule of law worked as it should
The recent revocation of preventive detention orders against Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed has sparked political debate, with some viewing it as government overreach and others as a retreat. However, a…
Garry Sobers Initiative a great idea
Tributes to the legendary Sir Garry Sobers have sparked renewed calls for a comprehensive program to revitalize West Indies cricket. Following a moving eulogy by Dr. Brian Lara at Sobers' funeral, soc…
UTT’s academic mandate
The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is redefining its academic mission under the leadership of Executive Chairman Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The university is prioritizing educating young people …
Beyond race: saving the soul of T&T
The author makes a passionate plea for the preservation of Trinidad and Tobago's national identity, asserting that shared citizenship should be the paramount unifying factor. However, they observe a d…
Euromoney names Scotia T&T’s Best Bank
Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago has earned the prestigious title of T&T's Best Bank 2026, awarded by Euromoney, a leading global authority in banking and financial markets. This recognition, part of th…
How about Chromebooks for students?
Secondary schools in Trinidad currently equip students with laptops running a modified version of Windows 11. However, these devices reportedly struggle with performance, potentially due to pre-instal…
When indigenous peoples gather
Indigenous peoples globally, including those in Trinidad and Tobago, have long demonstrated an approach to maintaining ecological balance that supports abundant resources, health, and well-being. Howe…
Honouring the unsung heroes of our cultural traditions
Seeta Persad has established herself as a vital guardian of cultural traditions in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly for the East Indian community. Her voice and writings have long resonated in homes,…
BOSS+ link not us
The Central Bank of Barbados issued a stern warning yesterday regarding fraudulent emails circulating to the public. These emails falsely invite recipients to access a "personal BOSS+ investment porta…
Emancipation Support Committee avoids 'back and forth' with PM
The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) has declared its intention to avoid a "political back and forth" with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar regarding the recent Emanc…
Remains confirmed as missing businessman's
The skeletal remains discovered in a bushy area in Mon Repos, San Fernando, have been positively identified as those of missing Williamsville businessman Kelvin Samaroo. The identification was confirm…
Mayor’s pothole plea
Diego Martin Mayor Akeliah Glasgow-Warner took to social media, donning a "leopard tiger skirt" in a viral video, to publicly implore Works Minister Jearlean John to urgently address the dire state of…
Complain about drug blocks
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has strongly criticized the Opposition People's National Movement (PNM) regarding the government's plan to establish 30 joint army-police posts across the country…
Hilton gives Govt deadline
Hilton International has issued a stark warning that its operation of the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre in Port of Spain could end on September 18, 2026, unless a new long-term lease agreement…
CLEAN-UP CONVICTS
Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, announced plans to reintroduce 'hard labour' for convicted offenders, integrating them into public clean-up initiatives. Alexander…
Communities welcome plan
Communities across Trinidad and Tobago, including Acono Road in Maracas Valley-St Joseph, areas near the Grand Bazaar Interchange, and Kelly Village in Caroni, have reacted positively to the governmen…
'This is 1970s policing'—Griffith on Government plan
Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has strongly criticized the Trinidad and Tobago government's proposal to establish 30 new joint army-police posts, labeling it an outdated strategy that fails …
Balloon Artistry Blooms into Successful Business Over a Decade
What began as a basic balloon artistry course has flourished into a decade-long thriving business for Gazelle Lezama, the founder of Decor Hut in Trinidad and Tobago. Her custom balloon creations have…
Take care of all our children
As the summer vacation period nears its end, parents and guardians are urged to maintain a strong focus on child safety and guidance. The article emphasizes the need for constant vigilance, particular…
AI data centers: Balancing innovation with basic needs
Discussions around establishing artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Trinidad and Tobago have ignited a debate, balancing the allure of technological advancement with pressing national needs. …
BATTING LET US DOWN: West Indies stars' inconsistency frustrates coach Sammy
West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Amir Jangoo faces an uncertain future for the opening Test against Pakistan, following an injury picked up during the recent One-Day International series against New Z…
Murder statistics: Government claims success, but data suggests otherwise
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has highlighted a 36% decrease in murders during her administration compared to the previous People's National Movement (PNM) government, citing social media data…
Gilbert scores in pre-season opener for Baník Ostrava
Trinidad and Tobago forward Dantaye Gilbert has opened his scoring account for his new club, FC Baník Ostrava. Gilbert netted the opening goal in the 17th minute of a pre-season friendly against Slova…
Exploring the mud volcanoes
Trinidad's southern coastline is a focal point for geologists, rich with active mud volcanoes and oil and gas fields. Geophysicists are currently observing the effects of recent geological events on t…
MOURNING SELVON: Innocent man killed in Laventille gas station attack
Selvon Jack, a 50-year-old resident of Morvant, was remembered by loved ones as an innocent and good-natured man after he was killed in a gun attack at a Laventille gas station. Jack was caught in the…
Cubans are suffering as T&T stays silent
Cubans are enduring severe hardship due to a tightened US blockade, while Trinidad and Tobago remains silent on the issue. The UN General Assembly has consistently voted to condemn the US economic, co…
Kemar Roach to be honored for 300 Test wickets milestone
Cricket West Indies (CWI) will celebrate Barbadian pace bowler Kemar Roach for his significant achievement of 300 Test wickets. A special on-field presentation will occur during the fifth One-Day Inte…
Jangoo gutted by tough loss
The West Indies crashed to a heart-wrenching one-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI, surrendering the series 3-1 with one match remaining. The Kensington Oval crowd was left stunned a…
Milan's magical moment: Young author co-writes book with friend
Eight-year-old Milan Romany, a student at St Monica's Preparatory School, has achieved a significant milestone by co-authoring her first book, "Mermaidiorn Adventures, A Quest For Gold." She collabora…
GOAT, rat, and cow: The three animals of Messi
Lionel Messi is often described using three potent animal metaphors: the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) for his undisputed footballing genius, the rat for his willingness to employ unscrupulous tactics, …
Rigtech Sonics coach encouraged by youth development progress
Rigtech Sonics Cycle Club head coach Roger Frontin sees significant encouragement in the performances of his young cyclists at the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) Youth Developer Challen…
Attorney General's Office Knew Warner Claim Was False Since 2016, High Court Finds
The Attorney General’s Office was aware since 2016 that no distinct or bespoke specialty arrangement existed with the United States regarding the extradition of Jack Warner. High Court Judge Karen Rei…
Forged from the love of cycling
For over three decades, the Rigtech Sonics Cycle Club in south Trinidad has been a cornerstone of cycling development, nurturing national representatives, Commonwealth Games athletes, and Olympians. H…
Region banking more on renewable energy
The Latin American and Caribbean region continues to solidify its position as a global leader in clean energy, with electricity generation increasing by 4.5% in April 2026. Renewables significantly co…
Balancing states of emergency and human rights in the Caribbean
The Caribbean faces a critical balancing act between ensuring citizen safety amidst organized crime and gang violence, and upholding fundamental human rights. This tension is amplified by recent warni…
How will a data centre benefit Debe?
Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister announced significant agreements with two American companies to establish large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) data centers on the island, a move framed as str…
Professional wrestling’s revival
Professional wrestling is making a strong comeback in Trinidad and Tobago, with recent events drawing enthusiastic crowds. The New Evolution Wrestling (NEW) promotion hosted a spectacle in Tacarigua, …
Navigating fearful times: How fear is used for control in Trinidad and Tobago
Fear, a fundamental human instinct rooted in our evolutionary past, serves as a vital survival mechanism. However, leaders often weaponize this instinct, employing perceived threats or "bogeymen" to m…
Two men gunned down in Siparia, latest in string of deadly shootings
Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago, was the scene of another deadly shooting on Saturday night, as two men were gunned down in the same community. This latest incident brings the total number of recent shoo…
K2K’s Norman twins follow in their father’s textile trail to Asia (Strap)
Trinidadian carnival band K2K Alliance & Partners, a three-time consecutive winner of Medium Band of the Year, has announced it will forgo participation in Carnival 2027. This decision marks a signifi…
Playwright Eric Barry moves drama to the virtual stage
Local theatre company Tête-À-Tête Théâtre is presenting a unique virtual adaptation of Eric Barry's internationally recognized Caribbean play, 'Delisa Brings Home the Rainbow.' The play, penned and di…
Jaaved Jaaferi Returns as Manav in 'Dhamaal 4', Reflects on Career
Jaaved Jaaferi is set to reprise his iconic role as Manav in Indra Kumar's upcoming comedy, 'Dhamaal 4.' Jaaferi first embodied the man-child character nearly two decades ago in the original 'Dhamaal'…
‘IHOP, Applebee’s must buy local’
The economic impact of new franchises like Applebee's and IHOP in Trinidad and Tobago hinges on their commitment to local integration, according to economist Dr. Vaalmikki Arjoon. He emphasized that t…
Saka hat-trick, Mbappé records highlight England's World Cup win over France
In a World Cup third-place playoff for the ages, England secured a remarkable 6-4 victory over France, fueled by a spectacular hat-trick from Bukayo Saka. The thrilling encounter, the highest-scoring …
CXC’s AI fix doesn’t add up
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) announced it will scrap school-based assessments (SBAs) for five CSEC and CAPE subjects from 2027, citing concerns that students might use artificial intellige…
Why I signed the petition
A public debate is intensifying in Trinidad and Tobago over the proposed construction of AI data centers, prompting a petition that calls for a suspension of approvals until thorough assessments are c…
Hadeeds judgment: Court misread Parliament's intent on detention orders, says senior counsel
Senior counsel Israel Khan argues that the Court of Appeal fundamentally misunderstood Parliament's intent in a recent judgment concerning preventive detention orders (PDOs) issued by Homeland Securit…
Diversity is a great asset for Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago stands out as a cosmopolitan nation, a diversity that Arnold Gopeesingh, writing for the Trinidad Express, describes as a great asset and treasure. While the population is largely …
Jereem 4th in London
Trinidad and Tobago's Jereem "The Dream" Richards finished fourth in the Men's 400 metres event at the Novuna London Athletics Wanda Diamond League meet in London, England. He completed the race in 44…
Paul targets golden chapter at Commonwealth Games
Nicholas Paul, Trinidad and Tobago's star cyclist, is heading to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with a clear ambition: to prove his 2022 success was not a one-off. Four years after announcing himself …
Sir Garfield Sobers, cricket's ultimate all-rounder, dies at 89
Sir Garfield Sobers, a national hero of Barbados and widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, has died at the age of 89. His passing marks the end of an era for a player who dom…
Jeunanne Alkins: Bringing Her Stories to Life
Jeunanne Alkins, a former creative director for Maco magazine, has carved out a unique niche in children's literature and intellectual property development. After leaving magazine publishing, she laun…
CXC: SBAs to be phased out for at least 5 subjects
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is implementing a significant overhaul of its School Based Assessment (SBA) system, a framework in place for nearly five decades. Beginning in 2027, traditiona…
Hadeeds remain behind bars
Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed will continue to be held in prison for at least the next two weeks, following a Court of Appeal ruling that allows the state to pursue its appeal to the Privy Council. The…
Should CoP recuse himself in intelligence review?
Attorneys representing Rajaee Ali, Earl Richards, and Christopher Hughes have formally requested the Police Service Commission (PolSC) to consider whether the Commissioner of Police should recuse hims…
Woman to get $103,000 in police assault case
A woman who was assaulted by a police officer and faced a two-year prosecution has been awarded more than $103,000 in damages after the High Court determined the officer had "concocted a case" against…
