Trinidad and Tobago News

T&T, Venezuela reset relations

Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela said they are starting a “new era” in ties after talks in Caracas between Foreign Minister Sean Sobers and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia. The roadmap covers energy, trade, agriculture, security, culture and environmental cooperation, with both governments pledging regular communication and closer collaboration on cross-border challenges.

By Anna Ramdass

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

TTUTA: Book grant delays unacceptable

TTUTA says late book grant distribution, unfinished school repairs, staffing gaps and furniture shortages are putting extra strain on families and schools ahead of the September 7 reopening. President Crystal Ashe also urged the Education Ministry to pay teachers’ salary arrears, renew key support contracts and set clear timelines for outstanding payments and repairs.

By Sherlan Ramsubhag

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Two women among four named in PDOs

Four people were placed under preventive detention orders, including Shuzelle Kirton, who was allegedly caught trying to smuggle marijuana, cigarettes and paper hidden in apples into Golden Grove Prison. The others were linked by intelligence to gang activity in Tobago and La Horquetta, including firearms, drug trafficking and planned violence, under emergency powers signed by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander.

By Alexander Bruzual

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

$193.5m in cocaine found near preschool

Police seized about 416.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, worth an estimated $193.5 million, from four backhoe tyres at a warehouse in Longdenville, Central Trinidad, during an early-morning search under emergency powers. A British Virgin Islands businessman and two St Lucian men were detained as investigators said the drug was hidden in a residential area next to a preschool.

By Shivana Lal

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Pensioner: Pull the damn trigger

Three armed, masked men tied up an elderly couple during a home invasion at Cotton Hill Road, Mayo, Bonne Aventure, on Tuesday, stealing a Nissan B14, about $3,500 in cash and the food they had prepared. Baboolal Ramnarace, 81, and Minnie Hosein, 67, said the attack left them shaken and fearing it may have been a set-up.

By Shivana Lal

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Ramnarine: T&T could be regional energy hub in decade

Former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine says Trinidad and Tobago could become a major regional oil and gas processing hub within a decade if BP’s Calypso, Venezuela-linked gas projects, and a possible ExxonMobil deepwater discovery all materialise. He said the Manatee project, expected to start in late 2027, could help reverse years of falling gas output, but economists warned the country must enforce local content rules and build new industries to secure lasting benefits.

By Raphael John-Lall

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

At 64, T&T is richer, but moving backwards

Marking Trinidad and Tobago’s 64th Independence anniversary, this opinion piece argues the country is richer and less unemployed than in 1996, but has slipped from its 2014 economic peak as gas and oil output declined and key industries weakened. It says true progress now depends on diversifying exports, rebuilding reserves, and turning assets like former Caroni lands and Lake Asphalt into productive industries.

By Kirk Rampersad

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Has the Govt tracked the cartel-linked US$ billions?

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said local businesses allegedly bought large amounts of foreign currency and wired it to cartel-linked accounts, while insisting there should be “no special treatment” or immunity from the law. The piece says any investigation could affect Trinidad and Tobago’s banking system, especially state-controlled banks, and warns US action could disrupt correspondent banking and everyday customers.

By Anthony Wilson

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Morvant fireman creates urban clothing brand

Fireman and designer Ephraim Kadeem Serrette has kept building Fly Young Gentleman Apparel after losing money to an overseas supplier, shifting all sourcing and printing locally. The Trinidad brand, inspired by cultural moments like the 1990 coup and artists such as Mighty Shadow and Super Blue, reflects his goal of growing into a lasting local and international label.

By Carol Quash

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

THA to pay $600,000 in Tobago Baby Grant backpay to parents

The Tobago House of Assembly has launched a baby grant that will pay parents $500 a month until a child turns five, with more than $600,000 in retroactive back-pay due from January 1, 2026. The grant is limited to Tobago residents who apply through the new Tobago ID platform, but IDA leader Tsoiafatt Angus questioned whether the payment is enough to boost births or support families.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

20,000 daily-rated workers set to get new salaries this month

About 20,000 daily-rated public-sector workers could receive new salaries this month after Cabinet ratified a 10 per cent wage deal with the NUGFW. The agreement covers the 2014–2016 and 2017–2019 bargaining periods, with about $2.6 billion in arrears to be offset partly in cash and partly through non-cash measures.

By Dareece Polo

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

PSA signals flexibility on $3.8B wage arrears settlement

The PSA says it is willing to compromise with government on how billions in wage arrears will be paid, after rejecting the State’s offer of 40% cash and 60% non-cash. The union wants 60% cash, while the $3.8 billion settlement would also add about $420 million a year to recurrent spending, with talks set for September 9.

By Dareece Polo

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Pensioners traumatised after armed home invasion in Mayo

Two elderly friends in Mayo, Baboolal Ramnarace, 81, and Minnie Hosein, 67, were held at gunpoint in a home invasion and robbed of pension money, phones and Ramnarace’s silver B-14 car. Hosein was tied up and injured while escaping, and Ramnarace said the attack left the quiet neighbourhood shocked. Gasparillo police are investigating.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Police seize $193.5M in cocaine hidden inside backhoe tyres

Police in Longdenville seized 416.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, worth an estimated $193.5 million, hidden in four backhoe tyres at a businessplace, and arrested three foreign nationals: a 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands and two Saint Lucians. The TTPS says the haul is a major blow to the drug trade and may lead to wider regional and international investigations.

By Anna-Lisa Paul

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

‘Medz Boss’ seeks urgent bail after PDO revoked

Dancehall artiste Joseph “Medz Boss” Olliviere has asked the Port-of-Spain High Court for urgent bail after Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked his preventive detention order, arguing the move changes the case against continued detention. Though still held on an illegal electricity extraction charge, his lawyers say bail conditions and a proposed peace-focused outreach programme can manage any risk, amid claims of overcrowding at ECRC.

By Anna-Lisa Paul

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

High Court rules police search of Hackett’s home, office unlawful

The High Court ruled that police acted unlawfully, unnecessarily and disproportionately when they searched THA executive member Zorisha Hackett’s home and office during the “audiogate” probe, and ordered seized items returned. The decision also strengthens legal challenges by other THA officials, including Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Faith Brebnor, over the controversial investigation into alleged misuse of state resources.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

TTUTA visits schools to assess readiness ahead of new academic year

TTUTA president Crystal Ashe said teachers visiting schools found several problems ahead of next week’s reopening, including delays in repairs, staffing gaps, furniture shortages, salary arrears and late book grants. He urged the Education Ministry to improve coordination and urgency, saying schools must be properly staffed and resourced for the 2026-2027 academic year.

By Shane Superville

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Tobago parents question late book grant payments

Tobago parents are questioning the Ministry of Education’s criteria for approving book grants and why payments are being issued so late, just days before the school year starts. Some said the delay is forcing last-minute spending, while a Division of Education official said its separate back-to-school support was disbursed earlier and in supplies, not cash.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Booksellers see mixed sales as parents watch spending

With school reopening days away, parents in San Fernando are rushing to buy supplies while juggling high costs, delayed book-grant applications and missed transfers to new schools. Some bookstores say sales are improving, but others report slower business, with used textbooks and cheaper options in demand as families try to stretch their budgets.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Barry blasts critics of UNC leader's Independence Day message

Couva South MP Barry Padarath defended Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Independence Day message to UNC supporters, calling critics “pretentious” and accusing unnamed Indo-Trinidadian figures of divisive motives. His comments followed backlash from former senator Sunity Maharaj and SDMS secretary general Vijay Maharaj, who said the message fuelled racial and religious tension.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Energy experts welcome thawing of T&T/Venezuela relations

Trinidad and Tobago’s latest talks with Venezuela may be easing tensions that had disrupted energy cooperation between the two countries, according to former energy minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan. The meeting reportedly covered trade, security and energy, with hopes it could help restore the suspended Energy Cooperation Framework Agreement and support future gas-sector collaboration.

By Andrea Perez-Sobers

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Gonzales urges PM to watch her language

International affairs expert Dr Anthony Gonzales says Foreign Minister Sean Sobers’ meeting with Venezuela’s Félix Plasencia is a positive sign that strained Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela ties are improving, and could pave the way for a meeting between Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and acting President Delcy Rodríguez. He says both countries need cooperation on energy, migration, trafficking and Gulf of Paria security, and warns against public remarks that could damage rebuilding ties.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

KAMLA & DELCY TURN NEW LEAF

Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have agreed on a roadmap to deepen cooperation in energy, trade, agriculture, security and other areas after Foreign Minister Sean Sobers met his Venezuelan counterpart in Caracas. The plan, to be led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and acting President Delcy Rodríguez, comes as both countries seek to reset strained ties and expand regional cooperation.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 4, 2026

Mounted Police Patrols Planned To Tackle Praedial Larceny In Valencia

Farmers in Valencia are welcoming plans for Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Mounted Branch patrols to curb praedial larceny and other crime in agricultural areas. The move follows talks between police and the Sills Farmers Support Group, after growers raised concerns about crop theft and security. Officials say similar patrols have reduced theft in Orange Grove.

By Kevion John

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

Tertiary Education Ministry Moves To Strengthen GATE Programme

Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Prakash Persad met with the GATE Standing Committee to review ways to strengthen the programme and better align it with Trinidad and Tobago’s education and labour needs. The discussion focused on improving access, ensuring accredited courses lead to jobs, and matching training with current and emerging workforce demands.

By Kevion John

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

Court Declares Police Search Of THA Secretary Zorisha Hackett’s Home Unlawful

Tobago House of Assembly Secretary Zorisha Hackett says she feels vindicated after a High Court judge ruled that police unlawfully searched her home in the 2023 “audio-gate” probe. Justice Kevin Ramcharan found the warrants invalid, saying they were based on flawed information and the searches were arbitrary and disproportionate.

By TTT News

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

Health Ministry: COVID-19 Remains At Low Levels In T&T

COVID-19 remains at low levels in Trinidad and Tobago, with just four positive cases detected from 731 samples processed up to August 2026. The Ministry of Health says rising flu cases, including Influenza A and B, are more likely behind recent respiratory illnesses, and is urging people to practice good hygiene and get the free flu vaccine.

By Sunil Lalla

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

T&T, Venezuela Agree On New Framework To Strengthen Relations

Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have agreed to a new cooperation framework after talks in Caracas, with both sides saying relations are entering a “new chapter.” The agenda covers trade, energy, agriculture, culture and security, and includes a commitment to keep regular communication between the two governments.

By Sunil Lalla

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

200 Young People Complete Trailblazers Apprenticeship Programme

Two hundred young people graduated from the Ministry of Culture and Community Development’s new Trailblazers National Youth Apprenticeship and Community Development Programme, designed to build skills, leadership, employability and career readiness for participants aged 15 to 25 across Trinidad and Tobago. The initiative also connects youths to mentors, workplaces and community service, aiming to prepare them for jobs and national development.

By Terry-Ann Browne-Campbell

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

Central Bank Museum Celebrates Steelpan And Literacy With ‘Stories In Steel’

The Central Bank Museum’s new exhibition, *Stories in Steel*, marks World Steelpan Day and International Literacy Day with children’s books on steelpan published from 1982 to today, alongside pan sticks, tuning hammers and other band artefacts from Phase II Pan Groove. Curator Nimah Muwakil-Zakuri hopes it will encourage more books, classroom use and preserved histories of local steelbands.

By TTT News

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

First Citizens appoints acting CEO

First Citizens Group Financial Holdings has named Sana Ragbir acting Group CEO after Jason Julien resigned, leaving the majority state-owned bank with another leadership change at the top. Ragbir, formerly deputy CEO for business generation, brings more than 16 years’ management experience as the company adjusts to Julien’s sudden departure after less than a year in the role.

By Guardian

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

Flow to donate $200 for every TKR six to people with disabilities

Flow will donate TT$200 for every Trinbago Knight Riders six in the 2026 CPL, with the money going to the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities. The campaign, part of Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” initiative, links cricket with support for education, inclusion and community projects across the Caribbean, including similar donations in other CPL markets.

By Newsdesk

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

MP Khadijah Ameen Calls For Caution As Road Patching Continues In St Augustine

St Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen is urging drivers to use caution as road patching is underway in St Augustine South, with crews working to complete repairs before schools reopen. She said more patching is being sought for other parts of the constituency, including near UWI and Curepe, as materials become available.

By Kevion John

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

Three charged with robbery; fourth faces wounding charge

Three men charged in a robbery with violence case were granted bail after appearing before Master Sarah De Silva, with the matter transferred to the San Fernando District Court for October 1. A fourth man, Kurdell Joseph of Point Fortin and San Fernando, is due in court today on a malicious wounding charge tied to a bar incident in Point Fortin.

By Newsdesk

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026

$193.5m cocaine haul found hidden in backhoe tyres

Police seized 416.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, valued at about $193.5 million, during an intelligence-led search at a Longdenville property along Pokhor Road. Three people, including a 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands, were detained after officers found 420 packages hidden inside large backhoe tyres. Investigations are continuing.

By Newsdesk

Retrieved Sep 3, 2026