Trinidad and Tobago News

Watts under fire

Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Phillip Watts drew backlash after making remarks in Parliament about the appearance and sexual morality of female Government MPs during Saturday’s budget debate. His comments were condemned by opposition figures and women’s advocates, even as he defended the Government’s youth programmes and accused the former PNM administration of leaving the Civilian Conservation Corps in disarray.

By Khamarie Rodriguez

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Judge slams NWRHA over newborn deaths

A High Court judge has ordered the North West Regional Health Authority to release its internal report and related records on the deaths of seven newborns at Port of Spain General Hospital, ruling that the authority wrongly used legal professional privilege to block disclosure. Justice Robin Mohammed said the NWRHA failed to properly investigate the April 2024 NICU outbreak or interview bereaved mothers, breaching its own policy and the Freedom of Information Act.

By Rickie Ramdass

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Pay grieving mothers

Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan has urged the NWRHA to settle claims by the families of seven newborns who died in a 2024 bacterial outbreak at Port of Spain General Hospital, saying public money should not be spent on fighting grieving mothers. His call follows a High Court ruling ordering release of the authority’s internal report, which he says the public deserves to see.

By Rickie Ramdass

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Help promised for teachers

Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath said the government will restore the Employee Assistance Programme for teachers, after provider issues and a 2023 debt disrupted the service. He also defended the School-Oriented Policing Initiative in 51 schools, saying police presence is meant to reduce violence and protect students and teachers, not criminalise children.

By Khamarie Rodriguez

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Dragon deal ‘not in English’

Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal said the Government cannot find an English, fully executed fiscal metering agreement for the Dragon gas project, which was submitted to Cabinet in Spanish and reportedly signed by former minister Stuart Young. He said proper metering is critical to protect Trinidad and Tobago’s interests as the project moves toward a 2027/2028 first gas target. Moonilal also said the Government is advancing selection of a preferred bidder for the Guaracara refinery reopening.

By Vishanna Phagoo

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Hundreds flock to annual Blue Food Festival

Hundreds flocked to Tobago’s Bloody Bay Recreation Grounds for the annual Blue Food Festival, where vendors showcased dasheen-based dishes like ice cream, pholourie, cakes and dumplings, along with wild meats and live entertainment. Visitors praised the food, layout and shuttle service, though many complained about infrequent transport leaving the venue.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Economists divided on whether T&T in recession

Economists say Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is showing recession-like signs, with job losses, weaker oil and gas output, and falling foreign exchange earnings, though they disagree on whether it meets the formal definition. Some argue the country is in a technical recession, while others say it is a deeper slump caused by long-term dependence on the energy sector.

By GEISHA KOWLESSAR ALONZO

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

The country is not for sale

In this opinion piece, Mickela Panday argues that the Government is following the same short-term logic it once condemned by moving to sell state assets such as Hilton Trinidad, Magdalena Grand, National Quarries and possibly Labidco. She says any divestment must only come after transparent reviews, worker protections and proof that selling is in the public interest, because disposing of national assets can weaken long-term economic capacity.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

2024 Port-of-Spain General Hospital baby deaths

High Court Judge Robin Mohammed has criticised the former North West Regional Health Authority board for refusing to release its internal report on the 2024 NICU bacterial outbreak that killed seven babies at Port-of-Spain General Hospital. He found the secrecy “highly suspicious” and said the report should be disclosed to the grieving families, as it may be vital to their negligence claims and public accountability.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Tobago MPs to work with Govt despite budget concerns

Tobago MPs Joel Samson and David Thomas said they will work with the UNC Government to secure development for the island, even as they challenged the cut in Tobago’s direct 2027 budget allocation to $2.756 billion from $2.96 billion. They argued Tobago needs both fair funding and stronger revenue-earning sectors like tourism to reduce dependence on central government.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Bodoe promises action on CDAP, cancer drug shortages

Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe said the government is moving to ease shortages of CDAP medicines, including some breast cancer drugs and treatments for chronic and psychiatric conditions, after concerns were raised in Parliament by Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales. He said pharmacy advisers, the Health Ministry and NIPDEC are checking supply problems while a new cancer-care policy and centralised warehouse are being developed.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Corinth residents complain about lingering sewer woes

Housing Minister Phillip Alexander said overflowing sewage in Corinth is creating a serious public health hazard for residents in several HDC communities, and he has asked for police investigations into sewage contracts awarded under the previous administration. The government plans an urgent assessment and repairs, while residents say the problem has affected homes, health and property values for years.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Cops kill man in Arima shootout

Karlise Hart, from Carenage, was shot dead by police in Arima early Saturday after, officers said, he pointed what appeared to be a firearm at them during a search following a high-speed chase from Malabar. Police recovered a revolver and other items from the rooftop where he was found, and the shooting is under investigation.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Chinese restaurant owners assaulted in home invasion

Owners of a Chinese restaurant in Lowlands, Tobago were robbed and beaten early yesterday after being ambushed by four armed men outside their home. The bandits escaped with about $10,000, and the victims were treated at Scarborough General Hospital. The attack, just before Tobago Carnival, has renewed concerns about crime on the island.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Roget claims Patriotic will be part of refinery reopening

OWTU president Ancel Roget said Patriotic Energies will be part of any plan to reopen the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, while the Government says it is still working through legal and procedural steps before naming a preferred bidder or consortium. The reopening, shut since 2018, is being framed as important for jobs, south Trinidad’s economy and national energy security.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Alexander defends HDC contractor selection process despite OPR findings

Housing Minister in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Alexander defended the HDC’s $3.48 billion housing programme, saying contractors were pre-qualified through the OPR registry and checked further before contracts were signed. But an OPR inquiry found problems with supplier selection, financial vetting and funding arrangements, and Alexander did not explain why the HDC cancelled the procurement on June 17.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

PROBE WASA

Former public utilities minister Marvin Gonzales has called for a criminal investigation into alleged water trucking corruption at WASA, saying some employees may be withholding pipeborne water to create business for contractors. He also questioned a rise in water trucking spending to $82.7 million and alleged double payments through tank farms, while Minister Clyde Elder rejected the claims and defended the higher allocation.

By KAY-MARIE FLETCHER

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Accused cleared of murder as witness admits to framing him

Jaalib Daniel was acquitted on Thursday of murdering Torrey Richardson in Maraval in 2010 after the State’s only witness admitted she had framed him. Justice Hasine Shaikh said the prosecution had no reliable identification evidence and criticised major investigative failures, including not properly probing the witness’s changed account.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Man found not guilty of raping ex-wife

A Diego Martin man was found not guilty by a nine-member jury of raping his estranged wife in a 2019 case before Justice Gail Gonzales. The trial centred on conflicting accounts of the encounter, with the defence arguing the sex was consensual and raising concerns about the police investigation and lack of medical evidence.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Judge throws out assault case involving prison officer, cops

A High Court judge has dismissed negligence and assault claims by prison officer Reuel Acco and police officer Vishal Singh over a 2015 shooting at Damarie Hill, Sangre Grande, saying the evidence could not reliably show who fired first. Both men were seriously wounded, and each side was ordered to pay its own legal costs.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Padarath defiant as security firms press WASA over $75M debt

WASA’s private security contractors say the authority owes about $75 million and that some sites were left without guards on Friday, while Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath insists no WASA facility was unmanned. The dispute has left about 250 officers affected, with workers facing unpaid salaries, debt and personal hardship as both sides push for talks on a payment plan.

By KEVON FELMINE

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

PLAY ONE FOR BIRDIE

Pan Trinbago says Panorama 2027 will be dedicated to calypsonian Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, honouring his influence on Trinidad and Tobago’s musical heritage and the steelpan’s early role in carrying calypso. The single-pan category starts immediately, with finals on November 21 at Skinner Park and a new “pan-and-powder” feature. The season will also spotlight youth involvement and the steelbands’ link to Carnival culture.

By Rickie Ramdass

Retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Parents, social media blamed for school violence

School principals and parent leaders say school violence in Trinidad is being driven by family problems, weak discipline, peer pressure, social media and poor emotional support, with some students showing clear warning signs but getting help too late. They are calling for more counselling, social workers and early screening, as police reported 36 school fights and eight weapon-possession cases in 2026.

By Vivian Bowen

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Abducted Maria found...in Venezuela

Venezuelan national Maria Yorjles, who was reported abducted during a home invasion in La Romaine, has told Trinidad and Tobago police she is safe and back in Venezuela. Investigators say she was taken by someone she knew, but police have not disclosed further details about the case.

By Carolyn Kissoon

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Health Minister Targets Drug Shortages

Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe says the Government is moving to tackle drug shortages by reducing wastage, improving medicine storage and speeding up drug registration. He cited about $346 million in expired or wasted pharmaceutical goods and said plans include a central warehouse, an updated oncology formulary and a new patient feedback system.

By Kevin Garcia

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Minister Mohit Rejects Robinson-Regis’ Claims, Says Children’s Authority Concerns Are About Finances, Not Qualifications

Minister of the People Vandana Mohit defended her criticism of the Children’s Authority, saying her concerns are about financial governance, mounting liabilities and oversight, not the Board’s qualifications. She said her ministry has settled more than $75.5 million in obligations, including outstanding contracts and statutory payments, and insisted the institution needs accountability to protect vulnerable children.

By TTT News

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Political Scientist Backs Tobago’s Senate Voice

Political scientist Prof. Hamid Ghany says the Prime Minister’s plan to guarantee Tobago two Senate seats would require constitutional amendments and mark another change in how independent senators are appointed. He said the move could give Tobago a guaranteed voice in national decision-making, but the details of how the seats would be filled still need to be worked out.

By Faith Cheruiyot

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Education Minister Defends School Discipline Code – “Children Must Be Protected From Violence”

Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath is defending the National School Code of Conduct, saying schools must protect students from violence while using consistent disciplinary measures for misconduct, including parental intervention, suspension and, in serious cases, police reports or expulsion. He also questioned the value of the $35.28 million Re-engaging Families Programme, saying he is still waiting on a full report and has concerns about low attendance and participation.

By Kevin Garcia

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Government Pledges To Strengthen Public Dental Services With New Equipment

Health Minister Dr. Rishad Seecheran announced $2.707 million in new dental equipment for several Regional Health Authorities, including imaging systems, x-ray units, dental chairs and hand pieces. He also said dental interns will again receive a monthly $9,500 stipend to help cover University of the West Indies vocational training fees during their 12-month placement.

By Faith Cheruiyot

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

TT Defence Force Set For Expansion

Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says the government is rebuilding the Defence Force through equipment upgrades and expansion to strengthen national security. He said the ministry is addressing long-standing shortages, including replacing a Coast Guard boat in Cedros that had been a seized court exhibit when the administration took office.

By Faith Cheruiyot

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Government Strengthening Municipal Police Service

Khadijah Ameen said administrative changes have been made to improve security at municipal police stations after the death of a San Fernando municipal police officer earlier this year. She announced $2 million for the Municipal Training Facility and new equipment, vehicles, body cameras, wireless devices, printers and computers for all 14 stations and the Municipal Academy.

By Faith Cheruiyot

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Guyana to restrict vape imports

Guyana will soon restrict imports of vapes and vaping products unless they are approved by health authorities, President Irfaan Ali said, citing growing concern about use among schoolchildren and teenagers. The measure, to be issued under the Customs Act, targets recreational products while allowing approved medicinal or therapeutic uses, as officials warn of nicotine addiction and other health risks.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Man detained after Valencia bar chopping

Kern Lewis, 38, is warded at Arima Hospital in serious but stable condition after being chopped several times in the head during an argument at a bar along the Eastern Main Road in Valencia. Police say the suspect allegedly left, returned with a cutlass and attacked him, then was detained and is being questioned.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

'Govt not treating tourism as a pillar of diversification'

Tourism stakeholder Lorraine Pouchet says Trinidad and Tobago’s budget allocation for tourism is too small to support real economic diversification away from oil and gas. She said only about $4 million of Trinidad Tourism Ltd’s $19 million budget appears available for development, and called for stronger government commitment, especially from the Prime Minister, and closer work with industry players.

By GEISHA KOWLESSAR ALONZO

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026

Bodoe promises action on CDAP, cancer drug shortages

Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe said the government is working to ease shortages of chronic disease, cancer and psychiatric drugs in Trinidad and Tobago, including breast cancer medicines such as exemestane, anastrozole and letrozole. He said CDAP supplies are being reviewed, alternatives arranged where needed, and a new policy and central warehouse are planned to improve access and distribution.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 18, 2026