Trinidad and Tobago News

TSTT widens probe into former acting CEO Cox

TSTT has widened its probe into former acting CEO Keino Cox to include allegations of fraud, undisclosed conflicts of interest and misuse of authority in connection with Hummingbird Holdings’ proposed purchase of Liberty’s 49% stake in the company. Investigators are also examining whether Cox properly disclosed Hummingbird-related dealings, plus separate governance issues involving the corporate secretary. Cox denies wrongdoing and says he has not yet seen the amended document.

By Andrea Perez-Sobers

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Eight bodies found in Freeport building

Eight bodies, including one in an apparent state of decomposition, were found in a refrigerated unit at an unauthorised funeral premises off Jaisrie Street, Freeport, during a multi-agency inspection on Thursday. Officials from the EMA, Chief Medical Officer’s Department and local authorities said the building was not approved for storing human remains, and the bodies must be moved to a licensed facility.

By Shivana Lal

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Minister Watts, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Discuss Joint Pathway For Sport And Youth Programmes

Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Phillip Watts met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern and Public Affairs Officer Andrea Stanford in Port of Spain to discuss deeper cooperation on sports diplomacy, youth development and sport tourism. Both sides also supported creating a joint committee to identify projects, exchange best practices and expand opportunities for athletes and young people.

By TTT News

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

9 plus 9 years in prison for man who fooled and buggered boy

Nigel Gordon Phillip, 48, was sentenced to 18 years in prison with hard labour after being convicted of two counts of buggery involving a 16-year-old boy in 2015. High Court Justice Nalini Singh said Phillip exploited the teenager’s homelessness and dependence on him for housing and work, making the offences especially serious.

By Rickie Ramdass

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Crapaud Foot Restaurant closes put up for sale

Crapaud Foot Restaurant has closed after about 18 months on Mucurapo Road, St James, and its owners are now offering the business, brand and concept for sale. Launched as a uniquely Trinidad and Tobago dining and entertainment venue with features like Moko Beach, the closure affects staff and customers, but the owners hope someone else will continue the idea.

By Andrea Perez-Sobers

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

T&T, US explore joint sport and youth programmes

Trinidad and Tobago and the United States are exploring a partnership on sports diplomacy, youth development and sport tourism after talks between Minister Phillip Watts and US Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern. The sides discussed exchanges, best-practice training and a possible joint committee to support athletes, young people and economic activity through sport.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Six robbery suspects arrested and gun seized

Six people, including two teenage boys aged 14 and 15, were arrested in Central and North Central Trinidad during anti-crime exercises between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Police also seized a homemade shotgun and ammunition in a bushy area off Caroni North Bank Road, while the arrests in St Augustine were linked to a recent robbery.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Ministry Advances Strategic Partnerships To Expand Youth Opportunities

The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs met with YTEPP, NEDCO, MIC Institute of Technology and other stakeholders in Chaguanas to explore partnerships that expand jobs, entrepreneurship and skills training for young people in Trinidad and Tobago. Officials said stronger coordination across government, training bodies and the private sector is needed to create more sustainable youth opportunities.

By TTT News

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Claxton Bay teen charged with firearm and ammunition offences

A 17-year-old Claxton Bay juvenile has been charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition after an investigation by the Southern Division Task Force into firearm-related offences reported Tuesday. The case, led by PC Abraham, is set to be heard at the Fyzabad Children’s Court today.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Valencia man jailed 18 years for repeatedly raping runaway teen boy

A Valencia man, Nigel Gordon Phillip, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy he took in after the teen ran away from home in 2015. Justice Nalini Singh ordered consecutive sentences, saying Phillip exploited the boy’s vulnerability and the repeated abuse caused serious trauma.

By Derek Achong

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

National Programme For The Upkeep Of Public Spaces Set To Resume

Minister Khadijah Ameen says the National Programme for the Upkeep of Public Spaces will resume after funding is included in the upcoming national budget, with calls to expand it to more rural communities. She said the programme cleaned 384 schools and other facilities during the July-August holidays, while also flagging uneven resources and productivity across regional corporations.

By Faith Cheruiyot

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Special Operations Bill To Introduce Permit System For Closed Areas

Attorney General John Jeremie said the Special Operations Bill 2026 would create a mandatory permit system for access to designated special operations zones and allow the president to impose curfews in closed areas. The measure, debated in the House of Representatives on Friday, would let residents be ordered indoors unless they get permission.

By TTT News

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Moonilal, bpTT and NGC discuss cross-border Manakin/Cocuina gas project

Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal met with bpTT and NGC to discuss advancing the Manakin/Cocuina cross-border gas project, which straddles the Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela maritime boundary. The talks come as the government seeks to boost gas supplies for local industry, but no deal, timeline or production details were announced.

By GUARDIAN MEDIA NEWSROOM

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Vets warn of deadly 'hard pad' disease among dogs

The Trinidad and Tobago Veterinary Association says canine distemper cases are rising locally, warning that the highly contagious “hardpad” disease kills about 50% of adult dogs and 80% of puppies and has no cure. It urged owners to watch for fever, discharge, coughing and neurological signs, and said vaccination is the best prevention.

By Carolyn Kissoon

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

AG: Man behind Hector hit has been in custody since last year

Attorney General John Jeremie said the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of State prosecutor Randall Hector has been held at Teteron since last year, though he did not name or charge the suspect. He used Hector’s Old Year’s Night 2024 killing to argue for tougher anti-gang powers, citing it as a symbol of Trinidad and Tobago’s gang violence and the need to protect prosecutors.

By Anna Ramdass

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Early voting begins in US midterm elections that could flip control of Congress

Early in-person voting has begun in the U.S. midterm elections, with control of Congress at stake amid inflation, the war in Iran and deep distrust over election rules. Election officials say the process is secure, even as President Donald Trump pushes legal and political efforts to reshape voting, while states like Virginia, Minnesota and South Dakota open early voting sites.

By GUARDIAN MEDIA NEWSROOM

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

PNM election officer dismisses claims of irregularities in Sando East polls

PNM elections officer Indar Parsram has dismissed claims of irregularities in the San Fernando East party group elections, saying the voting has gone smoothly except for one cancelled poll that will be rerun. Some members had alleged imported voters and paid ex-workers were being used to influence the vote. The elections are part of preparations for a new constituency executive on October 15.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Woman reports rape at Port of Spain hotel

A woman reported that she was sexually assaulted by a man at a Port of Spain hotel on Independence Day after meeting him there for a private conversation. Police said she told them she had previously had a relationship with the suspect, who then undressed and assaulted her in the hotel room.

By Express

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Wider search, detention powers under Special Operations Bill

The Special Operations Bill, 2026 would give police broad powers to search, seize and detain people during closed-area operations, based on reasonable suspicion, with safeguards such as same-sex searches, receipts for seized items and quick review by a magistrate or High Court judge. It also sets strict rules for detention, medical access and family visits, while requiring body-worn cameras where resources allow.

By Express

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Body cams run out of charge after 2 hours

Trinidad and Tobago Police say they are using more than 100 body-worn cameras, but the current units only last about 1.5 to 2 hours before needing a charge, with no timeline yet for replacements. The issue comes as Parliament prepares to debate special operations legislation and the police launch Micro Police Units in Valsayn, Tarouba and Tacarigua as part of their post-state of emergency crime response.

By Express

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

MoE workers walk out over rat droppings

Workers at the Ministry of Education’s St Vincent Street headquarters in Port of Spain refused to work after rat droppings were found in the building, with PSA president Felisha Thomas sending staff home while OSHA and a public health inspector became involved. The incident has renewed pressure on Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath to fix the ongoing infestation, with former minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly saying staff are fed up.

By Vivian Bowen

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Dog follows hearse carrying owner to her final resting place

Mourners were moved to tears when Elizabeth “Betty” Davis’s dog returned home just as her hearse left for burial, then ran behind the funeral procession to St Mary’s Public Cemetery. Davis, 44, had been missing since June 25, and her skeletal remains were found in Freeport in September after an anonymous tip.

By Shivana Lal

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Woman beaten, robbed after boarding taxi

A 20-year-old woman from Balmain, Couva was beaten and robbed after boarding a taxi on the Couva Main Road on Wednesday morning. Police say two men in a white vehicle took her phone, jewelry and cash before dumping her near Freeport, raising safety concerns about unlicensed or opportunistic taxi crime in central Trinidad.

By Shivana Lal

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Where’s the Buccoo Reef?’ THTA questions ferry plan

Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association president Reginald McLean has criticised plans to boost sea bridge capacity for Tobago Carnival, saying the scheduled ferries may not be enough and questioning why the Buccoo Reef is not in service. PATT says extra sailings are being added through November to meet peak demand, while Tobago officials warn reliable transport is vital for tourism, workers and families.

By Melissa Maynard

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Vinita appointed Miss Universe T&T 2026

Vinita Manoo, former Miss World T&T second runner-up, has been appointed Miss Universe T&T 2026 and will represent Trinidad and Tobago at the pageant in Puerto Rico in November. The 36-year-old San Juan-born communications professional brings experience in diplomacy, media and public relations, and her selection has drawn both praise and criticism online.

By Express

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

TV host could face jail in defamation case

Social media blogger and TV host Dale Edwards could face contempt proceedings and possible jail if he does not remove posts about veterinary clinic director Okera Thompson, a High Court judge warned. The court said the posts relate to a commercial dispute over a BMW X5, and ordered the material taken down within 48 hours of re-service of the order.

By Rickie Ramdass

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Belize border dispute case with Guatemala and Honduras to begin in February next year

Belize Prime Minister John Briceño said the International Court of Justice will hear oral arguments in Belize’s cases with Guatemala from February 22–26 next year and with Honduras on Sapodilla Cayes from March 5, 2027, both in The Hague. He said Belize is confident of vindication and urged peaceful respect for the court’s rulings. Belmopan also issued a strong protest after Guatemalan vessels blocked Belizeans near Sarstoon Island, heightening tensions over the long-running border dispute.

By GUARDIAN MEDIA NEWSROOM

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

MPSDFS Makes Payment To The Children’s Authority Of T&T

Minister Vandana Mohit presented a $2,955,533.49 cheque to the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago to cover PAYE deductions owed to the Board of Inland Revenue. The payment supports the Authority’s operations and underscores the Ministry’s efforts to clear debts, improve accountability, and protect services for vulnerable children.

By TTT News

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Climate risks threaten Caribbean children

New UNICEF-commissioned research warns that by mid-century more than 90% of children in Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines could face at least three climate hazards, including heat, drought and hurricanes. Officials in Saint Lucia say the findings should drive child-focused climate planning and investment, especially for water security and school support.

By SEIGONIE MOHAMMED

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

395 SOE detainees released after revocation orders

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prison Service says 395 people detained under public detention orders during the state of emergency have been released after revocation orders were carried out. As of September 17, 569 revocation orders had been executed, with 174 people still in custody on other matters, as the state of emergency ended.

By GUARDIAN MEDIA NEWSROOM

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear, says Kamla

Trinidad and Tobago’s government plans to pass the Special Operations Bill, 2026, creating seven policing districts with dedicated police units and, where needed, military support to target gangs, guns and violent crime. The law would also allow “closed areas” with permits, cordons, curfews and stronger search-and-arrest powers, raising major concerns for security and civil liberties.

By Anna Ramdass

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Plan B begins as SoE ends

Joint police and army posts began operating in Tarouba as Trinidad and Tobago’s state of emergency ended, with two more planned for Grand Bazaar and Tacarigua. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro said the “micro police units” are the next phase of the anti-crime strategy, aimed at targeted patrols, traffic control and quicker response in key areas ahead of the holiday season.

By Susan Mohammed

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

Martin: Crime fight will not end after SoE

Deputy Commissioner Suzette Martin said the end of Trinidad and Tobago’s state of emergency does not end the police service’s public safety work, but shifts it to sustained intelligence-led, community-focused policing. She urged citizens, agencies and civil society to help fight crime, noting three new micro police units in Tarouba, Grand Bazaar and Tacarigua will support visibility, rapid response and local engagement.

By Express

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

State may face legal action over SoE detentions

PNM Senator Sanjiv Boodhu says the State could face hundreds of compensation claims from people detained under preventive detention orders during the state of emergency, especially those later released without charge. Criminologist Dr Randy Seepersad said the large number of uncharged detainees raises human rights concerns and points to the need for stronger safeguards and oversight.

By Vivian Bowen

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026

COP GETS $343,000

A High Court judge has ruled that police constable Miguel Jaikaran Singh’s more than four-year suspension was unlawful and had become a penalty, awarding him over $343,000 in damages and costs. Justice Margaret Mohammed found the Police Commissioner failed to give proper reasons, review the suspension regularly, or bring disciplinary or criminal charges, despite Singh’s link to the SORT probe into two custody deaths.

By Rickie Ramdass

Retrieved Sep 18, 2026