TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA welcomes T&T's removal from EU tax list
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has welcomed this country’s removal from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. The TTMA said it monitored the matter because of its impact on national taxation. The Association commended Government for completing the process, which addressed issues related to tax transparency and the adoption of international standards. The TTMA stated that the de-listing ‘reflects legislative, policy and institutional changes to meet governance criteria.” It noted that the changes support the mobilisation of domestic resources for development. The Association outlined several implications of the decision, including improved market access and trading opportunities for exporters to the EU market; the promotion of governance standards; the removal of defensive tax measures; and compliance with international tax standards on transparency and fair taxation. Read more here
NEWS
‘Safest Carnival in 20 years’
Government ministers have defended the overall security and financial management of Carnival 2026, describing the season as one of the safest in 20 years, despite incidents of violence being reported. Speaking at the post-Cabinet media conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s yesterday, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge said the event will be remembered for its strong security record. “I think this Carnival will go down as one of the safest in the last two decades,” Sturge said, crediting what he described as meticulous planning by Government and the national security apparatus. He also singled out Gold Commander, DCP Suzette Martin, commending her on a job “well done.” Read more here
Beekeeper Shot Dead in Bed
POLICE are probing the killing of a Rio Claro man who was yesterday discovered in his bed with gunshot wounds, months after he reportedly was embroiled in a family dispute over the ownership of property. Beekeeper Melvin Pascall was found dead with gunshot injuries to his face and chest in his home on Naparima Mayaro Road in Deep Ravine Village. Pascall, a father of three, resided alone and was found by a relative who went to check on him shortly after daybreak yesterday. Investigators believe Pascall may have been killed a day earlier, as villagers told officers they heard gunfire around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, but dismissed it at the time, assuming the shots came from hunters in the surrounding forest. Read more here
POLITICS
Sturge confirms US radar still active in Tobago
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has defended the Government’s continued use of a United States–supplied radar system installed at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago, as he also brushed aside questions about the possible presence of US military personnel and concerns over transparency and national sovereignty. Speaking at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Sturge said the radar support would remain in place indefinitely as authorities intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking and gun smuggling. “We would have the use of the radar for the foreseeable future. I can’t give a definitive timeline. And the reason why we need it, um, we already have a radar centre but our radar systems are somewhat limited.” Sturge said the US-provided system provides enhanced surveillance capabilities. Read more here
BUSINESS
Moore, Toney proposed for new 10-member NEL board
FORMER ministers Christlyn Moore and Joseph Toney are set to join the board of National Enterprises Ltd (NEL), along with eight other nominees, at the company’s upcoming annual general meeting. NEL’s 25th AGM is scheduled for March 13, at 10 a.m., in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, Lady Young Road, Port of Spain. Moore served as Minister of Justice under the former Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led People’s Partnership administration, while Toney served as a minister in the Ministry of National Security and Citizenship under the National Alliance for Reconstruction government. Read more here
REGIONAL
Billions being invested in young people’s future
The Government of Guyana continues to demonstrate its commitment to development through sustained efforts aimed at educating, empowering and advancing the nation’s young people. This was reinforced by President, Dr Irfaan Ali in the latest episode of “Tea on the Terrace.” In the video, which was posted on the President’s official Facebook page, the Head of State engaged Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues on their ministries’ respective roles in advancing national development. He also took time to interact with students of the newly established Guyana Technical Training Institute (GTTI), emphasising the significant level of investment in young people across multiple sectors. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Trump's foreign policy dilemma laid bare by Iran tensions
US President Donald Trump delivered his latest ultimatum to Iran on Thursday during a meeting of the Board of Peace, the Middle East coalition Trump formed to stabilise a region he could soon plunge into a new war. The irony of simultaneously calling for peace and threatening military action underscored the competing impulses at the heart of Trump's foreign policy in his second term. Perhaps nowhere is that contradiction clearer than the impasse between Washington and Tehran - a standoff that has quickly escalated and could now lead to the largest US air campaign in years. Read more here
20th February 2026