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.
Deryck Murray Pays Emotional Tribute to Cricket Legend Sir Garfield Sobers
- Former West Indies wicketkeeper Deryck Murray paid tribute to his teammate Sir Garfield Sobers. - Murray described Sobers as a joy to be around and a player who inspired confidence. - He stated Sobe…
Emrit challenges Select XI
- West Indies Select head coach Rayad Emrit urged his players to impress against Pakistan in a four-day warm-up match, stating performances could influence future selections. - Emrit described the mat…
No concerns about W/Cup final despite air quality issues
- The World Cup final is proceeding as scheduled despite air quality warnings in the New York and New Jersey area due to Canadian wildfires. - Officials have issued health alerts, but sources indicate…
T&T’s Holder leads race for top wicket-taker
- Daniel Holder of Trinidad and Tobago leads the tournament with nine wickets, but his team is fourth in the standings. - Barbados, led by top run-scorer Gadson Bowens, tops the table with an unbeaten…
Chris Richards earns Western Amateur berth
- Trinidad and Tobago golfer Chris Richards Jr won the PGA TOUR Pathway to Progression Underclass Elite Showcase. - His victory earned him an exemption into the prestigious 124th Western Amateur Champ…
Trinidad and Tobago to host inaugural Fruit Festival
- Trinidad and Tobago will host its first Fruit Festival on July 25, celebrating the nation's agricultural heritage and supporting local entrepreneurs. - The event aims to showcase diverse local fruit…
Transparency call over Govt MoUs
- Public interest advocate Wendell Eversley has filed Freedom of Information Act requests for three government Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). - The MoUs concern the development of data centers, ar…
Sir Garry the GOAT
- Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers, widely considered the greatest all-rounder, has died at age 89 in Barbados. - His passing reignites the debate over the "Greatest Of All Time" (GOAT) in sports, p…
Frozen memories
- The author reflects on the memories associated with frozen meals, particularly oildown, a traditional Caribbean dish. - The process of preparing and storing food triggers recollections of market enc…
Messi’s squad talented, united
- Argentina defeated England to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. - The team's unity, talent, and the influence of captain Lionel Messi are highlighted as key factors in their success. …
Why England may never win another World Cup
- England's football history is marked by a paradox: the birthplace of the game with a wealthy league, yet decades of underachievement in major tournaments since 1966. - The Premier League's reliance …
Earthquake tragedy sparks regional unity
- A devastating double earthquake struck Venezuela on June 24, causing significant loss of life and injuries. - The disaster has fostered regional unity, with neighboring countries providing substanti…
'AI centres could lead to blackouts, higher fuel costs'
- Trinidad and Tobago's opposition criticizes the government's plan to build two AI data centers. - Critics argue the national electricity grid lacks the capacity to support the proposed centers. - Co…
Dog leads to discovery of human skeleton in Mon Repos
- A dog led residents to discover a human skeleton in a bushy area in Mon Repos, San Fernando. - Police are investigating the discovery, noting no missing persons reports match the remains found. - Th…
‘Please help me find my son’
- A Williamsville father is pleading with authorities to intensify efforts to find his son, Simon Bhagwath, who has been missing for nearly two months. - The father feels abandoned by law enforcement,…
IDB targets faster delivery as it shapes new T&T strategy
- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group is developing a new country strategy for Trinidad and Tobago for 2026-2030. - The strategy aims to build on recent successes through sustainable publi…
Central Bank Charts Digital Payments Roadmap to Boost Fintech Growth
- The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago is developing a digital payments roadmap to foster fintech growth. - The plan includes new legislation, a stablecoin pilot program, and enhanced regulatory ov…
SM Jaleel Returns as CPL Sponsor, Hailing Fan Power
- SM Jaleel has returned as an official sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), emphasizing the vital role of fans in creating the league's atmosphere and excitement. - The company's vice-presi…
Tobago fears regional ferry plans will cripple island's cargo service
- Tobago businesswoman Diane Hadad questions the government's regional ferry plans, fearing it will strain the island's existing cargo service. - The Prime Minister recently committed to providing a t…
Security firm challenges EMBD contract award at procurement office
- Amalgamated Security Services Ltd has challenged the Estate Management and Business Development Company Ltd's (EMBD's) decision to award a security contract to SWAT Security Company Ltd. - The chall…
Five charged with kidnapping landlady Tara Poliah
- Five men have been charged with the kidnapping of landlady Tara Poliah from her San Juan home in March. - The accused are Hakeem Amzad Ali, Hector Jimenez, Reynaldo Alexander Martinez, John Evans, a…
Activist seeks decades of passport records for accountability
- Activist Wendell Eversley is seeking government records on diplomatic and official passports issued over the past four decades. - The request, filed under the Freedom of Information Act, aims to ens…
Woman charged with murder of Chaguanas businessman
- A 25-year-old woman, Aaliyah Naipal, has been charged with the murder of Chaguanas businessman Gregory Reece. - Reece was fatally stabbed during an altercation at a Woodford Gardens apartment on Jun…
Police compel PNM to explain Balisier House funding
- Trinidad and Tobago Police have obtained a court order to compel the ruling People's National Movement (PNM) to explain the funding for its headquarters. - The investigation into the construction of…
Matthews Masterclass Leads West Indies Women to Record Chase Over Ireland
- Hayley Matthews starred with an all-round performance, including a record partnership with Realeanna Grimmond, as West Indies women defeated Ireland women by nine wickets. - The victory marked West …
Jereem clocks 44.44 in Monaco
- Jereem Richards secured sixth place in the men's 400 meters at the Monaco Diamond League meet with a season's best time of 44.44 seconds. - Botswana's Busang Kebinatshipi won the race, setting a nat…
Sammy wants consistency
- West Indies head coach Daren Sammy emphasizes the importance of consistency in every match and selection as the team aims for automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. - Samm…
Future looks bright
- The PowerGen Secondary Schools Cricket League has concluded a successful season, according to its president Nigel Maraj. - The season saw increased participation and intense competition among school…
Seepersad sizzles with fast 100m win at Island Showdown; Winter claims triple gold
- Alex Seepersad clocked a swift 10.22 seconds to win the boys' 17+ 100m at the Island Showdown track and field meet. - Peyton Winter secured three gold medals, excelling in the girls' open discus, sh…
These plants do well in the shade
- Vegetable gardens do not always require full sun; leafy greens, stems, and roots can thrive in partial shade. - Plants like kale, spinach, carrots, and radishes can grow with as little as three to s…
AG’s son named deputy chair of PowerGen
- John Jeremie's son, Nathan, was appointed deputy chairman of the Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago (PowerGen). - The appointment is part of the government's effort to strengthen govern…
Ragbir appointed First Citizens deputy CEO
- Ragbir has been officially appointed deputy chief executive officer of Business Generation at First Citizens. - Her appointment took effect on July 6, following a period as acting deputy CEO. - Firs…
The CCJ question
- Opposition critics question Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's stance on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), citing past skepticism. - The article argues there is no contradiction in her supp…
Building a truly inclusive nation
- Trinidad and Tobago must align national development with international human rights frameworks and UN Sustainable Development Goals to create an accessible and inclusive world for people with disabi…
Choosing courage over fear
- The author's vehicles were set on fire, an act they believe may be linked to their critical writings. - Despite the traumatic experience, the author refuses to be silenced and will continue to write…
Diversify before it’s too late
- Trinidad and Tobago has historically relied heavily on oil and gas exports for foreign exchange. - The article argues for economic diversification, comparing it to business principles of not putting…
Woman tied up at gunpoint during Carenage home invasion
- A woman was tied up at gunpoint during a home invasion in Sea View Gardens, Carenage, Trinidad. - Two masked criminals stole her vehicle, cash, electronics, and jewelry. - One suspect was described …
Calypso icon Mighty Sparrow celebrates 91st birthday
- Calypso icon Mighty Sparrow celebrated his 91st birthday, humorously insisting he is "19, not 91." - He expressed gratitude for well wishes and shared his plans for a low-key celebration at home wit…
Businessman awarded over $.1m in sewer flooding case
- A Trinidadian businessman has been awarded over $114,000 in damages, interest, and legal costs after successfully suing the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). - The lawsuit stemmed from a sewer ov…
Trinidad and Tobago sends 300 pallets of relief supplies to Venezuela
- The Galleons Passage vessel departed Trinidad carrying 300 pallets of relief supplies for Venezuela. - Supplies include cleaning products, mattresses, food, and medical items. - The shipment was coo…
Trinidad and Tobago secures US$800 million bond issue with strong investor demand
- Trinidad and Tobago successfully issued an US$800 million Sovereign Bond in the U.S. market, which was oversubscribed by approximately 400%. - The bond achieved a coupon rate of 6.20%, representing …
Former Finance Minister Nunez-Tesheira Recovers After Medical Emergency on Live TV
- Former finance minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira experienced a medical emergency during a live television interview and was taken to the hospital. - ZM Network Ltd confirmed the incident, stating she wa…
Families Seek Legal Declarations of Death After US Strike
- Families of Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo are seeking legal declarations of death from the High Court following a US kinetic boat strike. - The families contend the men died in the October 14, 2025,…
Blue Waters Land Deal Sent to Police After Cabinet Rescinds Leases
- Cabinet rescinded land lease decisions for Blue Waters Products Ltd, forwarding the matter to the police. - The case involves 450 acres at Orange Grove Estate, previously leased to Pernod Ricard. - …
Hadeeds' Next Bid for Release Set for Tuesday Appeal Hearing
- Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed will appeal their detention on Tuesday, challenging the legality of their arrest and detention under state of emergency regulations. - A High Court judge refused their r…
No more one more
- A recent clash between police and the Silver Stars Steel Orchestra at a Carnival launch serves as a warning for Carnival 2027. - The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival industry faces challenges despite it…
Privy Council reserves judgment in same-sex
- The Privy Council has reserved its judgment in a constitutional challenge concerning Trinidad and Tobago's anti-homosexuality laws. - The challenge was brought by Trinidad-born gay rights activist J…
Barnett row for CCJ
- Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar secured support from Caricom Heads of Government to refer the reappointment of the Secretary-General to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)…
8 guns found at station
- Police discovered eight firearms, believed to be court exhibits, in a previously locked office at the Belmont Police Station. - An investigation is underway to identify the complainants connected to…
THE GREAT ESCAPE
- Argentina staged an improbable comeback, trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes left to defeat Egypt 3-2 and advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. - Enzo Fernandez scored the winning goal in stoppage time, …
Four ‘gang leaders’ among 19 targeted in new PDOs
- Nineteen individuals, including four alleged gang leaders and three linked to home invasion investigations, have been named in new preventive detention orders in Trinidad and Tobago. - The orders, s…
Hadeeds challenge detention ruling
- Businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife Genevieve are challenging a High Court ruling that denied their release from detention under state of emergency regulations. - They argue the judge erred by p…
Reinventing Business Internet from the Ground Up and the Sky Down
- SuperBroadband is a new internet service combining T-Mobile's 5G network with Starlink for enhanced business connectivity. - The service offers ultimate redundancy, unmatched coverage across the U.S…
Clearing the Air For the Next School Year
- Schools can improve indoor air quality by inspecting and cleaning HVAC systems during summer maintenance. - Contaminants like bacteria, dust, mold, and rodent droppings build up in dirty ductwork, p…
Gittens-Spotsville and Lewis golden in Barbados
- Trinidad and Tobago athletes Omari Lewis and Tyra Gittens-Spotsville won gold medals at the Barbados Grand Prix. - Lewis secured gold in the Men's 100 meters with a time of 10.10 seconds. - Gittens-…
TTGA defends junior golf team's performance amid criticism
- The Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association (TTGA) defended the national junior team's performance at the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship. - The TTGA acknowledged social media criticism but …
‘Minnow’ moments, major lessons
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup has showcased impressive performances from traditionally smaller football nations, often referred to as "minnows." - These emerging teams have demonstrated a high standard of…
The World Cup superfan
- A lonely bust of late US Congressman Mervyn Dymally stands on the beachfront at Bonasse, Cedros. - Dymally, a son of the village, was honored with the bust 11 years ago. - The article hints at a sto…
Sewa International TT launches Venezuela quake relief campaign
- Sewa International TT has launched a relief campaign to support families affected by devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. - The campaign aims to mobilize financial assistance for emergency response…
Nestle’s review raises concern in dairy sector
- Nestle's review of its dairy and juice operations in Trinidad and Tobago is causing concern among local stakeholders. - The review, part of a global restructuring, could impact brands like Orchard j…
Media InSite marks 15 years of turning data into strategic intelligence
- Media monitoring company Media InSite celebrates 15 years of transforming data into strategic intelligence across the Caribbean. - Founded by Allison Demas with personal savings, the company has gro…
Brian Lewis on the business of seeing
- Renowned architect and architectural photographer Brian Lewis is preparing to step away from his camera after over five decades of work. - His final exhibition, "Last Light," features black-and-whit…
Nestlé's portfolio shift sparks alarm for Trinidad and Tobago's dairy sector
- Nestlé's plan to restructure its local dairy and juice portfolio has alarmed Trinidad and Tobago's agricultural sector. - Analysts warn of a potential collapse threatening dairy farming families, wo…
MiLAT Program Needs Less Emotion, More Action for Survival
- The MiLAT program, designed to help young men, faces challenges due to its relocation from the Defence Force to the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service. - Critics question the program…
Fickle FIFA
- FIFA faces serious questions if a player sent off was allowed to play in the World Cup, undermining the game's fairness. - Such exceptions damage the competition's integrity and erode fan confidence…
Diplomatic passports not an entitlement
- Former Prime Minister Stuart Young is contesting the revocation of his diplomatic passport following his party's electoral defeat. - The article argues diplomatic passports are not an entitlement an…
Passport scarcity fuels fraud fears in Trinidad and Tobago
- Trinidad and Tobago faces a severe passport security risk due to critical shortages of physical booklets, leading to potential fraud and black market activity. - The government doubled passport fees…
More jobs an urgent need
- The article highlights the urgent need for job creation in Trinidad and Tobago, citing business closures and rising unemployment. - It criticizes official unemployment figures, urging leaders to gat…
CARICOM agrees to send SG dispute to Caribbean Court of Justice
- Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister secured CARICOM's backing to refer a dispute over the reappointment of the Secretary-General to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). - The decision marks a dipl…
Jearlean: Revitalisation contracts coming soon
- Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Jearlean John, announced that revitalisation contracts are nearing award. - The government's revitalisation plan, presented in November, i…
Nestle assures Govt on jobs
- Nestle has assured the Trinidad and Tobago government that jobs and local factory operations will be preserved. - This assurance comes as the company evaluates strategic options for its dairy and ju…
Holder admits growing challenge to play for WI
- Veteran West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder acknowledges the increasing difficulty of balancing international cricket with franchise commitments. - Holder stated that representing the regional side…
Of extraordinary powers and accountability
- The detention of businessman Dominic Hadeed and others under a state of emergency has raised questions about Trinidad and Tobago's institutions. - The situation has become a test of the country's in…
World Bank names new Caribbean director
- The World Bank has appointed Achim Fock as its new division director for the Caribbean. - In his new role, Fock will lead the bank's strategic engagement and operational portfolio across the region.…
‘Political’ with a big ‘P’
- Trinidad and Tobago's Homeland Security Minister holds sole authority to issue preventive detention orders under the state of emergency. - The state of emergency has been extended by a decision made…
Port of Spain General Hospital's Central Block at 97% completion
- The Central Block of the Port of Spain General Hospital is nearing completion, with 97% of the project finished as of June 23, 2026. - The substantial completion date for mechanical, electrical, plu…
Trinidad and Tobago suspends military youth program for restructuring
- The Military-Led Academic Training Programme (MiLAT) in Trinidad and Tobago has been temporarily suspended, not closed, for major restructuring. - Defence Minister Wayne Sturge cited severe financia…
Prison officers demand action on water and sanitation issues
- Prison officers in Trinidad and Tobago are calling for the Ministry of Homeland Security to address a lack of functioning water pumps at the Port of Spain Prison. - Officers and inmates are forced t…
Sabotage damages oil pipeline in Barrackpore
- An oil pipeline in Barrackpore, Trinidad and Tobago, was deliberately damaged in an act of sabotage, causing an oil leak. - Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal condemned the act, stating that indivi…
West Indies outclassed by Australia in T20 World Cup semi-final
- West Indies captain Hayley Matthews described her team's World Cup exit as not playing their best game. - Australia defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the T20 World Cup semi-final, with Be…
Matthews calls for grassroots overhaul after W/Cup exit
- West Indies women's captain Hayley Matthews called for a grassroots overhaul in cricket development. - She believes over-reliance on a few senior players hinders progress. - Matthews emphasized the …
Trinidad and Tobago struggles with rising gang numbers amid data discrepancies and arrests
- Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with an increasing number of active gangs, with estimates ranging from 148 to 186. - Recent arrests of businessmen related to alleged murder plots have intensified f…
Time for less noise, more nation-building
- The PNM leadership is criticized for offering political noise instead of serious alternatives following the mid-year budget review. - The government aims to stabilize the economy, protect citizens, …
Man runs for life after alleged attack by ex
- A man reportedly ran for his life after being attacked by his ex-girlfriend with a knife at his home in Laventille, Trinidad. - The ex-girlfriend allegedly argued with the man, attempted to steal hi…
Lawyers rally around magistrate facing corruption allegations
- Attorneys are publicly defending a magistrate facing imminent arrest on corruption allegations. - Prakash Ramadhar, representing the magistrate, stated that the allegations are based on unsubstantia…
Court allows inspection of police diaries in Hadeed case
- A High Court judge has permitted lawyers for businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife to inspect police station diaries. - The inspection is related to claims that a standard criminal investigation w…
West Indies aim for fearless cricket against Australia in T20 World Cup semi-final
- West Indies captain Hayley Matthews expressed confidence in her team's ability to play fearlessly against favorites Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final. - Matthews believes the pressure is on …
The pain of the jobless is growing
- Unemployment in Trinidad and Tobago is a growing and "unbearable reality" for many citizens, including graduates and experienced professionals. - Small and medium-sized enterprises are struggling, l…
Breeze of good fortune
- West Indies cricket teams, both men's and women's, are experiencing a period of positive performance and renewed hope. - The men's team achieved a dominant innings victory in the First Test against …
V’zuela quake victims to get help from T&T
- Trinidad and Tobago is coordinating a national relief effort to send emergency supplies to earthquake-stricken Venezuela. - The government is partnering with the private sector, NGOs, and the public…
Chase lauds ‘perfect’ WI Test
- West Indies captain Roston Chase described his team's innings and 217-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test as "perfect." - The dominant win featured a record 401-run partnership for the si…
Through debate of our issues, awareness grows
- The article presents a series of debated issues in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting contrasting public opinions on government policies. - Topics range from the cancellation of employment programs l…
Simone Denoon-Jackman named interim general manager of NIF
- Simone Denoon-Jackman has been appointed interim general manager of National Investment Fund (NIF) Holding Company Ltd. - She assumed the role on June 8, following the resignation of Wayne Dass, who…
Reality check: Jobs a major issue
- Trinidad and Tobago's government faces scrutiny over its performance after one year in office, particularly concerning job creation and public sector employment programs. - Citizens question persist…
La Rose wants mobility scooter
- Dennis La Rose, a former top table tennis coach in Trinidad and Tobago, lost his left leg due to a diabetic infection. - Despite resuming coaching duties, his amputation presents significant challen…
Fed up with tit-for-tat politics
- The article critiques the "tit-for-tat" political landscape in Trinidad and Tobago, describing it as a "hellish" environment of arrogance, cruelty, and ignorance. - It assigns blame to both major pa…
IOC to give every Olympian $10,000 grant
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will award every Olympian a US$10,000 grant starting with the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. A $140 million fund will support athletes' careers or pos…
Tobago should embrace solar power, oppose polluting cars
- Tobago faces notoriety for traffic congestion and pollution from vehicle emissions and tire wear. - The article criticizes the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) for contributing to pollution through it…
Robot showdown: Trinidad and Tobago youth compete in FIRST Tech Challenge
- The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Tournament 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago brought together secondary school students to compete with robots they designed and built. - Ten teams showcased technical skill…
Truck accidents cause traffic disruptions in southern Trinidad during rainy conditions
- Two separate truck accidents occurred during rainy conditions in southern Trinidad on Monday morning, causing traffic disruptions but no serious injuries. - In Williamsville, a poultry truck crashed…
