NEWS
Analysts back PM’s softer Venezuela approach
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s softer approach toward Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez is being viewed by analysts as an effort to mend strained relations between the two countries, with both sides potentially benefiting from closer cooperation. Persad-Bissessar’s declaration on Wednesday that she “loves” Rodríguez marks a sharp departure from the rhetoric that has defined relations in recent months. Tensions escalated after Rodríguez warned of a Venezuelan response if the country were attacked from Trinidad and Tobago, while politicians on both sides traded public criticism. International relations expert Dr Anthony Gonzales said the shift appears to be part of a gradual effort to rebuild diplomatic ties. “What we’re seeing now is an effort to try to restore the relationship, and she’s doing this in a piecemeal kind of fashion,” he said. Read more here
Fourth man killed in Morvant in three days
A 21-year-old man is the fourth person fatally shot in Morvant since Tuesday. He has been identified as Nathaniel Lewis, of Second Caledonia. Police said Lewis was at his home shortly after 5 a.m. when gunmen entered the premises and opened fire. Officers responded to reports of the shooting and found Lewis suffering from gunshot wounds. Although the paramedics were notified, Lewis died on the scene. Read more here
POLITICS
PM: People are suffering
PRIME MINISTER Kamla Persad-Bissessar has responded to reports of medication shortages and linked the problem to bureaucracy and outdated systems. She spoke on the issue while addressing a special luncheon at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, in recognition of the newly appointed permanent secretaries and Chief Administrator of the THA. “I’m seeing that people are talking about shortages of medications and so on. And I am told that there are persons waiting to apply to register medications, cheaper medications, for one year. “And why is that happening? Because there is some committee that is not functioning, rules and regulations are outdated, the...medical formulary (official list of prescription drugs and medicinal products approved for use)...it is outdated. Read more here
BUSINESS
PM hints at October budget
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has hinted that the 2027 fiscal budget exercise could begin in October, telling newly appointed permanent secretaries that their leadership will be vital as Government enters the next phase of budget preparation. No official date has been announced for the presentation of the 2027 fiscal budget. Persad-Bissessar made the comments yesterday while addressing the permanent secretaries at a special luncheon held in their honour. She pointed to the months ahead, including the Standing Finance Committee and Budget debates, as a major exercise requiring close coordination between ministers and the public service. “And I know you permanent secretaries already have been working to put the budget documents together, to put your proposals for your ministry, and that exercise will take us all into October,” she said. Read more here
Colfire, Tatil merger set for January
The proposed amalgamation of Colonial Fire and General Insurance Company Ltd (Colfire) and Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Ltd (Tatil) is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027 and will operate under the legal name of T&T Insurance Ltd, once approved. The proposal was shared with policyholders in a notice yesterday signed by Ashraff Ali, director and chief organisation officer at Colfire. It stated that the proposed amalgamation is being conducted under the supervision of the Central Bank of T&T, as regulator of the insurance industry, to ensure compliance with applicable legal and prudential requirements and the protection of policyholders’ interests. Read more here
REGIONAL
Retail giant LuLu eyes Guyana expansion
GUYANA could soon see investment interest from one of the Gulf region’s major retail players, with Chairman and Managing Director of Abu Dhabi-based LuLu Group International, M. A. Yusuff Ali, signalling his commitment to exploring opportunities in the country. Yusuff Ali expressed his interest during a meeting with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, indicating that a technical team from the group is expected to visit Guyana within the next 30 days to assess potential areas for investment. The planned visit is expected to provide the group with an opportunity to examine Guyana’s investment landscape and identify areas where LuLu could establish a presence. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Anthropic blocks possible attempt to use AI to make biological weapons
Anthropic says it has identified and disrupted attempts to use its AI model for "malicious activity" which could support the development of biological weapons. The findings, made in the firm's recent threat intelligence report, is the latest in a growing series of warnings from AI researchers and industry insiders about the technology's potential risks to humanity. The warnings have prompted calls to action, with US Senator Bernie Sanders demanding a pause on advanced AI development and a ban on artificial superintelligence. Read more here
11th September 2026