PM Says She Remains Focused On Drug Fight After Emancipation Controversy

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she will stay focused on fighting the illegal drug trade, despite claiming political opponents tried to use African Emancipation Day celebrations to target her. She said the effort failed because she did not attend, and accused the PNM and others of trying to denigrate supporters of the UNC.

By TTT News

Retrieved 5 minutes ago

UNC Women’s Arm: Stop The Attacks On Women In Leadership

The UNC National Women’s Arm condemned booing and other attacks directed at Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Minister Michelle Benjamin during Saturday’s African Emancipation Day events, calling the treatment disrespectful and intimidation of women in leadership. It said Persad-Bissessar still marked Emancipation Day at other activities, and urged political differences not be used to undermine women or national institutions.

By TTT News

Retrieved 20 minutes ago

Grace Kennedy T&T Upgraded To Payment Service Provider

GraceKennedy (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited has been upgraded by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago from a bill payment service provider to a Payment Service Provider, effective August 1, 2026. The expanded registration lets the company offer a wider range of regulated payment services, adding to its existing roles as a bureau de change and exclusive Western Union agent in Trinidad and Tobago.

By TTT News

Retrieved about 2 hours ago

CPL launches hall of fame to honour greatest contributors

The Caribbean Premier League has launched a Hall of Fame to honour one player and one off-field contributor each year for their impact on the T20 tournament since 2013. The first inductions will be announced ahead of a September 15 gala in Barbados, which will also raise funds for Sir Clive Lloyd’s healthcare foundation’s prostate cancer awareness work.

By GUARDIAN MEDIA NEWSROOM

Retrieved about 2 hours ago

THA Division Delivers Sanitary Facilities At No Man’s Land In First for Site’s History

Tobago’s Division of Public Infrastructure and Transportation and the Tobago Water and Trails Association have installed portable toilets and running water at No Man’s Land for the first time. The facilities are meant to improve sanitation for vendors and visitors, help food sellers meet health rules, and protect the coastal environment.

By TTT News

Retrieved about 2 hours ago

CARPHA Led Mission Concludes With Roadmap To Strengthen Jamaica’s National Response To Antimicrobial Resistance

CARPHA, the UK Health Security Agency and Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness have completed a two-week assessment of Jamaica’s antimicrobial resistance response, reviewing surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection control and stewardship across the health sector. The mission produced recommendations to improve coordination, data use and workforce development, strengthening Jamaica’s ability to detect and respond to AMR, a growing regional health threat.

By TTT News

Retrieved about 6 hours ago

Minister Sean Sobers Addresses UNDP Youth Forum Closing Ceremony

Acting Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Sean Sobers told the UNDP Youth Forum on Justice, Gender and Security in Port of Spain that gender equality, justice and security depend on youth inclusion and stronger opportunities in schools and communities. He said the recommendations from the forum will be taken into Caribbean policy discussions, reinforcing Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to peace, inclusion and youth-led development.

By TTT News

Retrieved about 6 hours ago

No-shows by prime ministers over the years

The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s absence from Saturday’s African Emancipation Day event in Port of Spain was not unusual and had happened with previous governments. The committee stressed the observance is non-partisan, while noting several issues from this year’s celebrations and considering a statement.

By Kim Boodram

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

'Damned if you do, damned if you don't'

NCIC president Dr Surujdeo Mangaroo defended the organisation’s book launch at the NCIC Nagar in Chaguanas on African Emancipation Day, saying it should not be seen as insensitive. He said Trinidad and Tobago’s plural society means cultural events will always draw criticism, and urged people not to fuel racism or division.

By Shivana Lal

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

Hosein: Slavery, indentureship both brought suffering

Land and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein rejected comparisons between slavery and indentureship, saying both were systems of suffering and should not be ranked against each other. His remarks came amid government criticism of the PNM over alleged racial division after Emancipation Day incidents, while Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal condemned the treatment of Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin and Professor Selwyn Cudjoe and urged unity.

By GUARDIAN MEDIA NEWSROOM

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

PrideTT marchers take over

About 200 people joined PrideTT’s LGBTQI+ Pride parade through Woodbrook and St Clair, turning the streets into a colourful, music-filled march with police escorting the route. A small Christian group protested at Nelson Mandela Park, but the event was largely peaceful and drew support from allies who said visible Pride matters for safety and acceptance.

By Gyasi Gonzales

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

SRP officer dies in Siparia crash

Special Reserve Police Constable Seon Gaskill, 33, died on Sunday after the white Toyota Hilux he was driving crashed into a wall along Siparia Old Road near Colley Street. He was attached to Siparia Police Station and was pronounced dead at the scene; police are investigating the crash.

By Susan Mohammed

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

Beckles calls on PM to face media on national issues

Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles is urging Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to hold a press conference to address unanswered questions on procurement, jobs, the economy, the state of emergency, passport shortages, water, garbage collection and foreign affairs. She pointed to CSO figures showing 5,900 jobs lost and unemployment rising to 5.4% in early 2026, saying the government must explain its actions and policy decisions.

By GUARDIAN MEDIA NEWSROOM

Retrieved about 8 hours ago

Kamla and Penny in row over race

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles traded accusations over race and national unity after a dispute tied to Trinidad and Tobago’s Emancipation 2026 events. Beckles said the Prime Minister’s absence from celebrations and her comments showed disrespect and deepening division, while Persad-Bissessar called Beckles’ concerns fake and blamed PNM supporters for racist heckling and abuse of Minister Michelle Benjamin.

By Kim BoodramAnna Ramdass

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

Govt thin-skinned

Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales said the heckling of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and ministers at Saturday’s African Emancipation Day events reflected public anger and a sense of betrayal. Michelle Benjamin was booed during her address in Port of Spain, while crowd reactions also followed news that the Prime Minister would not attend the Queen’s Park Savannah celebration.

By Shivana Lal

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

SoE a weapon against citizens

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles used a Diego Martin civic awards event to accuse the state of emergency of being used against citizens rather than crime, saying powers like preventive detention and unexplained wealth orders have targeted ordinary people and even PNM headquarters, Balisier House. She also called for stronger local government and warned against treating Trinidad and Tobago as “a lawless dump.”

By Michelle Loubon

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

Call for greater transparency

Quantum Legal is urging the Government to tighten and publicly account for national security oversight, saying powers over privacy, communications and foreign intelligence cooperation must be backed by clear legal authority, reporting and safeguards. The firm warned that unclear or incomplete reporting could weaken public trust and Trinidad and Tobago’s credibility with regional and international partners.

By Alexander Bruzual

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

FATF LAW PROCLAIMED

President Christine Kangaloo has brought section 10(d) of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2024 FATF Compliance Act into force, further strengthening anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism and financial oversight laws. Finance Minister Dave Tancoo said the measures give the BIR new powers to investigate tax offences and increase penalties for financial breaches, as part of efforts to meet FATF standards and curb corruption.

By Shivana Lal

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

What if Washington wanted one of our islands?

This opinion piece says the Chagossians’ forced exile from Diego Garcia shows how great powers can erase a small people’s rights when land is useful for military strategy. It argues that Britain, Mauritius and the United States have sidelined Chagossian consent, and warns Caribbean states that similar pressures still threaten their sovereignty and territory.

By Justin Robinson

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Political firestorm after

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s decision to skip the Emancipation Support Committee’s flagship Emancipation Village event has triggered sharp criticism from the Opposition, which says she disrespected a national observance. She says she had already attended two Emancipation events earlier in the week and accused the PNM of using the holiday to stoke racial division. The row has revived debate over race, political leadership and national unity in Trinidad and Tobago.

By Dareece Polo

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Culture Ministry pledges support for cultural icon Ella Andall

The Ministry of Culture and Community Development says it is working to ensure support for cultural icon Ella Andall, who is currently being cared for by her son. Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin said the government is discussing assistance for Andall and her family, while also pushing for stronger welfare protections for Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural practitioners.

By Guardian

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Boodhu questions CSO data, attacks Government rhetoric

PNM deputy leader Sanjiv Boodhu attacked the government after CSO data showed nearly 6,000 jobs were lost in the first quarter, saying it contradicted Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s claim that 15,000 jobs were created. He also criticised Culture Minister Phillip Alexander over his remarks on Emancipation heckling, accusing the government of using divisive language.

By Guardian

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Family’s 26-year wait for electricity ends with act of kindness

A family of five in Duncan Village, Union Hall, will soon get electricity after the Random Kindness Crew, a volunteer group linked to T&TEC, installed wiring and supplies at their home. Andriana Noor and Joseph Mulchansingh had lived without power for more than 26 years, relying on candles and solar units. The connection should be completed within days after inspection and paperwork.

By Guardian

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Heerah: Brutality of crimes signals dangerous shift in society

Security expert Dr Garvin Heerah said the killing of 25-year-old Shayana Ruiz in Chaguanas, allegedly after a dispute over a $4,500 debt, reflects a wider normalisation of aggression in society. He warned that rising brutality, hatred and desensitisation to violence are becoming a national problem that needs a whole-of-society response.

By Anna-Lisa Paul

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

TTADA: Technical talks, not social media, won hybrid tax break

Trinidad and Tobago’s automotive dealers say the government restored tax exemptions for a range of mild hybrid vehicles after several days of technical talks led by the Trinidad and Tobago Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA). TTADA president Visham Babwah said the decision affects popular Toyota, Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Kia models and shows the importance of proper industry negotiations on customs and tax rules.

By Guardian

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Government restores tax exemptions for mild hybrid vehicles

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has reversed a Customs reclassification, allowing mild hybrid vehicles to keep their tax exemptions in Trinidad and Tobago. The move eases fears of higher prices for dealers and buyers, including for models such as the Toyota Hyryder, Suzuki Fronx and Grand Vitara, while Customs clears vehicles already at port or in transit without extra costs.

By Guardian

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Scrap dealers welcome steel mill revival, warn against monopoly

Trinidad and Tobago’s scrap iron dealers say they support reopening the steel mill, but only if they are paid international prices and can still export to avoid a monopoly. President Allan Ferguson also called for tighter regulation of copper buyers and scrap yards, while the steel workers’ union said it has not been consulted on the government’s MOU with a Canadian company.

By Guardian

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Beckles raises concerns over delays in public assistance and state services

PNM political leader and Arima MP Penelope Beckles used a thanksgiving service for Arima’s 138th anniversary to criticize bureaucratic delays, including an unopened social development office and slow access to pensions and public assistance. She said weak public trust and rising need for food hampers and school supplies show how economic hardship is affecting vulnerable residents across Trinidad and Tobago.

By GEISHA KOWLESSAR ALONZO

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

US honours T&T-born staff sergeant killed in Jordan attack

Trinidad and Tobago-born US Staff Sergeant Angel Rampersad was buried at Long Island National Cemetery after a funeral in Queens attended by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other dignitaries. Rampersad, killed in a July 17 attack on a Jordan air base, was remembered as a decorated soldier whose service highlighted the contribution of Caribbean-born Americans to the US military.

By Guardian

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

PNM: PM hiding from public anger

PNM leaders Sanjiv Boodhu and Marvin Gonzales accused Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of avoiding public criticism by missing Saturday’s African Emancipation Day event at Queen’s Park Savannah, where she had been expected to speak. Government whip Barry Padarath rejected the claim, saying the PNM cannot dictate the PM’s schedule and that the government would not be derailed by heckling or opposition attacks.

By Guardian

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Pride Month closes with call for visibility and equality

Thousands marked the close of Pride Month as the annual parade moved through St Clair and Woodbrook, with PrideTT director Tracy Sheppard stressing visibility, inclusion and support for those not yet able to live openly. The event also highlighted Jason Jones’ ongoing legal challenge to Trinidad and Tobago’s buggery law and paid tribute to slain volunteer Koby Daniel Thomas and other LGBTQIA+ pioneers.

By Guardian

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Pennywise Launches Inaugural 5K And Care Fair In Trincity

Pennywise Cosmetics Limited hosted its first 5K and Care Fair on Sunday at the new Pennywise Plaza in Trincity, drawing runners, families and wellness-minded participants. The event combined a road race with massages, health screenings and refreshments, highlighting growing interest in community-focused health activities.

By Kevion John

Retrieved about 22 hours ago

Veronica Roach Legacy Project Empowers La Canoa Community

The Veronica Roach Legacy Project in La Canoa is raising funds through events like its “Sounds of Freedom” concert to support free community services, including medical clinics, giveaways and activities for seniors. The centre also gives local vendors free monthly market space, helping residents earn income while strengthening the community.

By Kevion John

Retrieved about 23 hours ago

Prime Minister Calls For Respect Following Emancipation Weekend Incident

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar condemned PNM leader Pennelope Beckles and party supporters for what she called racist, hateful abuse of Minister Michelle Benjamin and UTT Chairman Selwyn Cudjoe during Emancipation weekend events. She said the conduct undermined the holiday and deepened political and ethnic division in Trinidad and Tobago.

By TTT News

Retrieved about 23 hours ago

Gonzales Community Celebrates African Heritage Through Emancipation Display

Residents of Gonzales marked African Emancipation Day with a community display of artefacts, instruments and sculptures, giving young people a chance to connect with African culture. Community leader Lyndon Callendar said the event, built through local collaboration, has helped strengthen unity and reduce crime, with more activities planned ahead of Independence Day.

By Kevion John

Retrieved about 23 hours ago