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.
MATT backs DPP's warning on prejudicial reporting
- The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) supports the Director of Public Prosecutions' warning against publishing material that could prejudice criminal proceedings. - MATT stated that th…
Nizam Mohammed Demands Law Association Probe into Senators Al-Rawi and John-Bates
- Former House Speaker Nizam Mohammed urged the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) to investigate Opposition Senators Faris Al-Rawi and Janelle John-Bates. - The call concerns their alleged…
Heritage Petroleum's $570 Million Offshore Contract Faces Industry Scrutiny
- Heritage Petroleum Co. Ltd. is facing scrutiny over a $570 million contract for an offshore production facility. - The contract was awarded through a limited bidding process, excluding international…
'We Will Not Be Gagged': Activist's friends speak out amid protests
- Activist Alyssa Phillip, a friend of Kaia Sealy, is organizing protests following Sealy's injury and the death of her partner, Joshua Samaroo. - Phillip, who runs a baking business, is described as …
PM: Calls for gangs to unite against police are 'sick and evil'
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar condemned calls for violent criminal gangs to unite against law enforcement, labeling them "sick and evil." - She accused opposition parties, trade unions, ente…
Prime Minister: Indian Arrival Day Fulfills Ancestral Dreams
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar marked Indian Arrival Day by commemorating the journey of indentured laborers. - She highlighted the descendants' fulfillment of ancestral dreams through their …
Aashish's Arrival
- Aashish Rikki Jaimungal Jr., son of chutney soca icon Rikki Jai, is forging his own path, demonstrating discipline and success. - He inherited recognition through his father's fame but has establish…
Freetown Collective set to power Hookie Weekend 2026
- Freetown Collective is scheduled to perform at Hookie Weekend 2026 in Washington, D.C., from June 18 to 22. - The duo will headline the Release Therapy event and participate in other festival activi…
Hope: Alzarri's return a big boost for West Indies
- West Indies white-ball captain Shai Hope is optimistic about the return of fast bowler Alzarri Joseph from injury for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. - Joseph, who missed the 2026 T20 Wor…
Maxi-taxi drivers to strike for three days over unresolved issues
- Maxi-taxi operators in Trinidad and Tobago will stay off the roads for three days starting June 1. - The action aims to highlight long-standing, unresolved issues including illegal competition and a…
Protesters, including recently released organizers, demonstrate amid heavy police presence
- Protest organizers Alyssa Phillip and her mother were released on their own bond after being arrested during a previous demonstration. - Supporters gathered again near the Forensic Science Centre, F…
Three arrested at protest charged, released on $40,000 bonds
- Three individuals arrested during a protest for Kaia Sealy have been charged under emergency regulations and the Summary Offences Act. - Protest organizer Alyssa Phillip, her mother Camille Caresque…
Manager Gunned Down in Driver's Seat in Couva
- A 51-year-old procurement manager was fatally shot while driving in Couva, Trinidad. - The victim was found slumped in his vehicle, which was obstructing traffic. - Police are investigating the kill…
Lasting strength after hardship: Indian laborers' legacy in Trinidad
- On May 30, 1845, the Fatel Razack arrived in Trinidad, carrying indentured laborers from India seeking a better life. - These laborers endured harsh conditions during the journey and under the inden…
A legacy woven into T&T
- Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Indian Arrival Day on May 30, commemorating the arrival of the first Indian indentured laborers in 1845. - The holiday honors the significant contributions of the East…
Trinidad and Tobago's 'Permanent' State Positions Hamper Progress
- Many in Trinidad and Tobago act as if state positions are permanent, regardless of election outcomes. - This mindset weakens governance, frustrates administrations, and hinders national progress. - …
Shippers charging US$ for local fees
- The Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce in Trinidad and Tobago is calling for an investigation into shipping agents charging local fees in US dollars. - This practice is occurring despite a severe…
Cop fires gun over traffic ticket
- A police officer in Trinidad and Tobago discharged her firearm during a confrontation with a driver over a traffic ticket. - Video footage from the officer's body camera captured the incident, spark…
Teens Confident About AI's Job Impact, Junior Achievement Focuses on Future Skills
- A survey reveals that 73% of U.S. teens believe AI will positively impact their future job prospects, despite expert predictions of job losses. - 90% of teens expect to be financially better off tha…
Trinidad and Tobago's economic outlook improves slightly, but structural weaknesses remain
- Trinidad and Tobago's economic outlook shows a marginal improvement, according to an analysis of IMF reports. - Despite near-term gains, the country still faces persistent structural weaknesses. - E…
Trinidad opposition leader demands stronger police oversight
- Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles criticizes Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for inaction on police accountability. - Beckles calls for legislative reform to strengthen the Police Complaints…
Summer Gum Pain: Could It Be Your Wisdom Teeth?
- Summer heat and lifestyle changes can worsen gum pain, potentially linked to wisdom teeth. - Wisdom teeth often become inflamed due to difficulty in cleaning, leading to pericoronitis. - Prompt dent…
Mas is a Jumbie launched at Central Bank Museum
- The Central Bank Museum hosted the launch of "Mas is a Jumbie," a new book by cultural researcher Baba Rudolph Eastman. - The book explores Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival traditions and cultural mem…
Minister dismisses WASA hiring claims, accuses PNM of hypocrisy
- Minister Barry Padarath dismissed Opposition claims of an "employment racket" at the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). - He stated he was satisfied with WASA's hiring information and would not be…
PSA rejects CPO's arrears payment proposal, demands more cash
- The Public Services Association (PSA) rejected the Chief Personnel Officer's (CPO) proposal for paying outstanding arrears to public officers and retirees. - The PSA's rejected proposal involved 40%…
UNC councillor in critical condition after suspected suicide attempt
- Anil Baliram, a local government councillor, is in critical condition in the ICU after an incident at his home. - Police suspect the incident, which occurred Sunday morning, may have been a suicide …
Woman awarded $400,000 after unlawful detention in adult prison as a teen
- A High Court judge awarded a woman $400,000 in damages after finding her constitutional rights were breached during unlawful detention. - The claimant was held for 42 days in an adult prison when sh…
200 protesters march for Kaia
- Nearly 200 protesters gathered in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, demanding murder charges against police officers involved in the shooting death of Joshua Samaroo. - The protest occurred after …
Study reveals blood type affects risk of early stroke
- A study suggests that blood type may influence an individual's risk of experiencing an early stroke. - Research indicates a potential link between certain blood types and a higher likelihood of stro…
Restoring vision and hope
- Thousands of elderly people in Trinidad and Tobago suffer from preventable blindness due to cataracts. - Many patients cannot afford treatment or access surgery quickly, leading to prolonged sufferi…
‘We followed the OPR list’
- The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) submitted its Annual Procurement Plan (APP) to the Office of the Procurement Regulator (OPR) in December 2025. - The plan indicated the HDC's intention to u…
Kaia Sealy Supporters to Stage 'Standstill' Protest Demanding Accountability
- Friends and supporters of Kaia Sealy will stage a "standstill protest" in Port of Spain today. - The protest demands accountability following the police-involved killing of Sealy's husband, Joshua S…
Six-month wait fuelling passport corruption claims
- Citizens in Trinidad and Tobago face an average six-month wait for passport appointments at the Ministry of National Security's Immigration Division. - This lengthy delay fuels claims of corruption …
Immigration Officers Accused of Luxury Lives and Corrupt Deals
- Immigration officers in Trinidad and Tobago are reportedly living extravagant lifestyles far beyond their official salaries. - These officers allegedly use their positions for illicit activities, en…
Don’t Overlook Your Dental Health As You Age
- Hormonal fluctuations significantly impact women's oral health throughout their lives, from puberty to menopause. - Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can increase vulnerability to gum infl…
Outrage is not protection
- The article critiques a tendency in Trinidad and Tobago to engage in loud, performative outrage that often fails to address underlying issues until it's too late. - It suggests that public discourse…
I’m ready to serve as a senator
- The author expresses a long-standing commitment to serving Trinidad and Tobago, despite facing setbacks. - The piece suggests that individuals like the author have had to "quietly return to the draw…
The worst will prevail
- The author reflects on early childhood experiences with elections in their native land, recalling interactions with local candidates. - These memories include a candidate using a light aircraft for …
Caricom's quiet shift: National assertiveness strains regional consensus
- Trinidad and Tobago's stance against the reappointment of Caricom Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett signals a potential shift in the regional bloc's future direction. - The dispute highlights a mo…
Bribes, borders and broken trust
- Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Homeland Security revealed a large bribery scheme within the Immigration Division. - The racket involved senior police officers and institutional extortion, undermi…
Murder no longer shocks us
- Trinidad and Tobago faces a rising murder toll, yet public indifference allows the violence to persist. - The article criticizes the normalization of violence, where daily killings are treated as me…
TWO DIE IN CRASHES
- Two people died in separate road traffic accidents in Cocorite and Valencia, including Transport Officer Keone Brathwaite. - Brathwaite was killed when his motorcycle collided with a Honda Vezel tha…
Trinidad and Tobago education minister vows 'zero tolerance' for school violence
- Trinidad and Tobago's Education Minister Michael Dowlath affirmed a zero-tolerance policy on serious school violence. - The ministry is investigating an incident of student beating at Chaguanas Sout…
Caribbean Airlines to cut unprofitable routes from June 1
- Caribbean Airlines will cut several unprofitable routes starting June 1, according to Transport Minister Eli Zakour. - The airline incurred losses of $128 million from routes introduced in 2023, whi…
Khan outlines legal reasoning
- Head of the Criminal Bar Association Israel Khan explained the legal basis for a manslaughter warrant against Kaia Sealy in the Joshua Samaroo case. - Khan suggested Sealy could be charged if she ca…
‘Move swiftly to strengthen PCA’
- Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles demanded swift legislative reform to empower the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) amid public outcry over the Kaia Sealy case. - Beckles criticized the governmen…
Abdulah knocks TTPS messaging in Samaroo case
- Political leader David Abdulah criticized the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service's (TTPS) communication strategy regarding arrest warrants for Kaia Sealy. - Abdulah stated the TTPS's handling of inf…
‘Public trust’ may be at stake
- Criminologist Renee Cummings stated that while police may have a legal case against Kaia Sealy, they have lost public trust. - Cummings argued that public memory of the shooting incident and the sub…
Endeavour, Club Sando set up Prem 2 final showdown
- HSM Motors Endeavour Sports Club and Club Sando will compete in the Premiership 2 final of the CPL/TKR TTCB T20 Festival. - Endeavour defeated Caldrac Sports Club by 29 runs in their semi-final matc…
Miracle Needed to Recover Missing Child in Tobago, Minister Says
- Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander stated it would take a miracle to recover the body of two-year-old Angelo Tobias Plaza in Tobago. - The search for the child was hampered when a suspected …
Interpol Red Notice Issued for Fourth Suspect in Officer's Murder and Firearms Heist
- An Interpol Red Notice has been issued for a fourth suspect in the investigation into the murder of Municipal Police Acting Corporal Anuska Eversley and a firearms heist. - The suspect is believed t…
Police Commissioner Defends Shootings, Warns Home Invaders: 'Stay Out of People's Houses'
- Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro defended officers' actions in two recent police-involved shootings linked to home invasions. - He warned armed offenders entering homes during the state of emer…
Father claims police fabricating charges in son's death
- Joshua Samaroo's father, Christopher Samaroo, disputes the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service's account of the incident that led to his son's death. - He alleges the police are attempting to shift b…
Police seek Kaia Sealy on manslaughter, shooting charges
- Trinidad and Tobago Police are seeking Kaia Sealy in connection with the death of her common-law husband, Joshua Samaroo. - Arrest warrants have been issued for manslaughter and shooting with intent…
Prison Officers' Association 'deeply concerned' by inmate threat
- The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) expressed deep concern over an incident where a prison officer was allegedly threatened by an inmate at Teteron Barracks. - POA President Gerard Gordon emphasi…
PM trying to distract from ‘failing govt’, says Penny
- Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles accused Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of attempting to distract from a "failing government." - Beckles urged the Prime Minister to focus on accountability…
Police: Samaroo shooting file to move to DPP
- Police have received a forensic report regarding the shooting death of Joshua Samaroo and the injury of his common-law wife, Kaia Sealy. - Investigators are preparing to approach the Director of Pub…
PM hails IMF report
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stated that Trinidad and Tobago is progressing positively after a period of decline under the previous administration. - She cited a report from the Internation…
Preysal reach T20 semis
- Preysal Sports Club secured a spot in the semi-finals of the TTCB T20 Festival by defeating Prison Sports Club. - In Group B, PowerGen Penal Sports achieved a consolation victory over Profilbau Vict…
NCRHA Cites 'Success' in Financial Overhaul and Service Expansion
- The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) reports success in implementing cost-cutting measures over nine months to address financial and operational deficiencies inherited from the previo…
Third honorary doctorate for Coosal
- Businessman Sieunarine Coosal received his third honorary doctorate, this time from the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC). - USC also awarded honorary degrees to Fitzroy Harewood and Claire…
Prosecutor Staffing Crisis Threatens Justice System, Security Consultant Warns
- Staffing shortages in Trinidad and Tobago's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) pose a significant risk to national security and the justice system. - The DPP has informed the Suprem…
Penny: Govt blaming crime on PNM areas
- Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles accused the government of blaming crime on constituencies represented by the People's National Movement (PNM). - Beckles stated the administration lacks a crime p…
Penny: Leave me alone
- Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles urged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to address her own government's issues instead of focusing on Senator Janelle John-Bates. - Beckles highlighted severa…
Homicide Bureau Joins Search for Missing Tobago Toddler
- Trinidad and Tobago Police are investigating the disappearance of two-year-old Angelo Tobias Plaza from Goodwood, Tobago, with the Homicide Bureau now engaged. - A coordinated search operation invol…
Search shifts to dump after tip-off
- The search for a missing two-year-old boy, Angelo Tobias Plaza, has shifted to the Studley Park landfill following a tip-off. - Investigators are examining CCTV footage showing the child's mother an…
TTSE and PwC T&T Forge Partnership to Boost SME Market Opportunities
- The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC T&T) have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost awareness of the TTSE's Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Market…
TTPS Probes Unauthorized Cargo Plane Landing
- Trinidad and Tobago Police Service launched a national security investigation into how an aircraft with volatile cargo landed without prior authorization. - The aircraft and its crew were cleared to…
No Prosecutors for New Courts Amid ODPP Staff Shortages
- The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Trinidad and Tobago faces severe staff shortages, preventing it from assigning prosecutors to new High Court criminal courts. - DPP Roger …
Cutbacks and Poor Oversight Blamed for Cumuto Burial Scandal
- Cutbacks in state agencies and inadequate oversight of funeral contracts led to a planned mass burial of 56 bodies, including 50 infants, in Cumuto, Trinidad and Tobago. - Funeral industry represent…
Judiciary Actively Recruiting Prosecutors to Fill DPP Vacancies
- Trinidad and Tobago's Judiciary is actively recruiting prosecutors to fill vacancies at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). - The recruitment process is ongoing and the DPP is a…
Parliamentary Taunts Highlight Deep-Rooted Homophobia in T&T
- Trinidad and Tobago's LGBTQI+ advocates cite parliamentary taunts and gender-based insults as evidence of deep-rooted homophobia. - Advocates argue that such discourse, including the use of feminine…
Fresh Questions Emerge in Angelo's Disappearance as Search Continues
- The search for missing two-year-old Angelo Tobias Plaza in Tobago has entered its fifth day, with investigators exploring the possibility that he disappeared before Monday. - Police are examining vi…
Trinidad and Tobago Cyclists Secure Four Medals in Chile
- Trinidad and Tobago's cyclists concluded the American Track Cup, Copa Chile de Ciclismo de Pista #2 in Santiago, Chile. - The nation's cyclists secured a total of four medals in the competition. - T…
Pace and Performance Crowned Champions at Relays Festival
- Pace and Performance emerged as the champion club at the Republic Bank/NAAATT Relays Festival. - The club secured 174 points, with Keanna Cummings and Cai Williams being standout performers. - The v…
Malissa Patterson: From Journalism to Self-Care, 10 Years On
- Malissa Patterson, a former journalist, transitioned to entrepreneurship after feeling unfulfilled in her media career. - She founded Scrumptious Organic Care, starting with three core products and …
From Stage to Strategy: Zara Bartel’s Next Act
- Dancer Zara Bartels transitioned from a successful international dance career, including a role in Disney's The Lion King, to founding a boutique consultancy firm. - Bartels established 'What Is Mus…
The Health Exam Many Don’t Know They Need
- Many Americans mistakenly believe they only need eye exams when vision changes, unaware that serious eye diseases often start without symptoms. - The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends reg…
Marchin stay perfect
- Raymon Reifer's all-round performance secured a four-wicket victory for Bess Motors Marchin Patriots against KFC Clarke Road United. - The win maintained the Marchin Patriots' perfect record in the …
Get a Big Harvest from a Small Space: The Magic of Microgardening
- Microgardening offers a solution for individuals with limited space to grow their own produce. - Even small areas like windowsills or balconies can yield surprisingly high harvests. - The practice i…
Gibson Century Fires Central Sports Yorkshire to Big Win
- Ethan Gibson scored a century, hitting 104 runs, to lead Central Sports Yorkshire to a decisive 65-run victory over FIAL Under-19. - Gibson's explosive innings was the second century by a Central Sp…
Bellille Seeks Support for Youth Olympic Preparations Amidst Funding Woes
- Boxer Makieve Bellille, the first from Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the Youth Olympics, faces significant challenges in preparing for the event. - His trainer, Wendell Jorku, highlighted the d…
T&T Rugby Women Host Jamaica in RAN Test Match
- Trinidad and Tobago's senior women's rugby XVs team, the Scarlets, will compete against Caribbean rivals Jamaica. - The match is an international Test match organized by Rugby Americas North (RAN). …
Trinidad and Tobago's OnlyFans Spending Surges, Global Platform Sees Major Revenue Growth
- Trinidad and Tobago's spending on OnlyFans increased by 15.9% in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching US$1.57 million. - Globally, OnlyFans saw a revenue jump to US$7.2 billion in 2025, a 9% increase fro…
Gang Member Sparks National Security Incident, Boosting Protection for Officials in Trinidad and Tobago
- A gang member's actions in Belmont triggered a national security incident in Trinidad and Tobago last Friday. - The incident led to increased security at Parliament and enhanced protection for sever…
PTSC bus catches fire on Priority Bus Route
- A Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) bus caught fire on the Priority Bus Route near Mt Lambert, Trinidad. - The driver, Ricky Estrada, escaped unharmed as the bus was not in service and had…
Upholstered Furniture Shopping Tips: 7 Questions to Ask
- When shopping for upholstered furniture, consider factors like room fit, style, fabric durability, and cleaning. - Invest in quality for longevity, and consider modular options for flexibility if yo…
Lights in the midst of trauma
- The article discusses the crucial role of schools and churches in providing support to individuals experiencing trauma or loss, acting as "lighthouses in the midst of trauma." - It emphasizes the im…
78 'small' oil spills went unreported under previous govt
- Trinidad and Tobago's Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal stated that 78 "small" oil spills occurred between 2019 and 2021 under the previous government, none of which were publicly reported. - Moonilal…
Phillip, Wallace strike gold
- Trinidad and Tobago's Makaira Wallace and Njisane Phillip won gold medals in their respective cycling events at the Copa Chile de Ciclismo de Pista #1 in Santiago. - Wallace claimed gold in the wome…
Fortune scores on return; Gilbert nets winner
- Ajani Fortune, a US-born Trinidad and Tobago midfielder, scored his first goal since returning from injury in a 2-1 loss to LA Galaxy. - Fortune, 23, had been sidelined since suffering a mid-foot sp…
Parkites put Prisons under manners
- Nu-Iron Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) secured a seven-wicket victory over Prison Sports in the TTCB Premiership I T20 Festival, maintaining their top position in Group A. - Tion Webster scored 58…
My tribute to Justice Nolan Bereaux (retired)
- The article is a tribute to the late Justice Nolan Bereaux, a retired judge from Trinidad and Tobago. - It highlights his dual nature: a serious judge capable of separating truth from lies, yet also…
SporTT meets with NGBs
- Fifteen national sporting bodies met with the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) to discuss funding issues and operational challenges. - The meeting followed the recent withholding of fu…
PM: No more ‘empty diplomacy’ as India visit yields eight MOUs
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar declared an end to "empty diplomacy" following a successful visit by India’s External Affairs Minister. - The visit resulted in eight new Memoranda of Understan…
Navigating Online Education: Key Questions for Parents
- As education evolves, families are increasingly exploring alternative learning models like online schooling. - Key considerations for choosing an online school include understanding asynchronous lea…
Dentistry's Century of Change: From Decay Treatment to Holistic Health
- Dentistry has evolved significantly over the past century, shifting from treating decay to emphasizing preventive care. - Key advancements include the widespread adoption of toothbrushing in the 194…
The Naming of Kaisoca Soccer
- The article discusses comments made on a radio program about the state of football. - Administrators, coaches, and the public shared their views on football's condition. - The author initially dismi…
Short-term gains, long-term risks: Trinidad and Tobago's economic balancing act
- The Trinidad and Tobago government faces the challenge of balancing immediate political realities with long-term economic sustainability. - One year into its term, the administration has taken decis…
Rumors of Cancellation Threaten National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships
- The National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships and 3k Road Race 2026 are reportedly facing cancellation. - This potential cancellation follows a rumor that has caused concern among those…