TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA CEO: 'Looking beyond Caricom'
On October 29, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar hinted at a "significant realignment" in how TT interacts with its foreign partners in the future. Persad-Bissessar said her government will focus on "increasing linkages and co-operation with countries outside (of) the (Caribbean) region." Her statement comes amid a whirlwind of geopolitical twists and turns – the difference in opinion between the TT government and Caricom heads of state on whether the region is a "zone of peace" and the collateral fallout between TT and Venezuela as a result of TT’s support of the United States’ military presence in the region. This support has resulted in Persad-Bissessar being identified as "persona non grata" and the Venezuelan government suspending energy deals between the two countries. Read more here
Kamla takes lead in Melissa relief effort
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has taken the lead in Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts to provide relief to hurricane stricken Jamaica on day one of its recovery from Hurricane Melissa. A social media post on the UNC’s official social media pages said Persad-Bissessar visited the Plipdeco Warehouse Complex at Point Lisas Industrial Estate to oversee the packing and preparation of the first shipment of humanitarian relief supplies from TT. The visit, the post said, included a tour of the warehouse and a stop at Berth #5 where she observed the loading of containers onto the MV Seaboard Ranger. Read more here
NEWS
Guns kill 4 in 24 hours as MPs prepare to debate SoE extension
Hours before the government moves to extend the state of emergency (SoE), gun-related violence, including a murder in the posh Valsayn area, led to the death of four more people. On October 28, residents near Paria Branch Road, Toco heard gunshots. The next morning, police found the body of Renaldo Marshall, 25, in a nearby marijuana field with gunshot wounds in his legs, neck and upper chest. His death is believed to be gang-related. Later that morning, a passer-by found 66-year-old Subash Ranjitsingh, lying in a track off Cemetery Street in Windy Hill, Arouca. Read more here
POLITICS
House to debate SoE extension on October 31
MPs will meet on October 31 to debate the government's proposal for a second extension to the state of emergency (SoE). Although both government and opposition MPs were playing their cards close to their chest in their responses to Newsday's queries, the outcome of the sitting seemed projected to be a foregone conclusion. The motion needs only a simple majority in the House of Representatives and does not require any nod from the Senate with its moderating influence of the independent bench. The matter was expected to be raised by reporters with the government at a post-Cabinet briefing on October 30 at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's. Read more here
Foreign Affairs Minister seeks to reassure public amid US military buildup and worsening tensions with Venezuela
Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers is assuring citizens that there was “nothing to fear” from the recent visit of the United States Navy destroyer USS Gravely to T&T. Speaking during a telephone call following yesterday’s post-Cabinet media conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, Sobers dismissed ongoing speculation that the vessel’s presence signalled any form of military involvement or secret agreement with the Donald Trump administration. “There was nothing for the citizens to fear about the Gravely being here. As a matter of fact, it was only beneficial to Trinidad and Tobago,” Sobers said. Asked whether any US forces, combat gear, or equipment were left behind, Sobers replied, “No, I am not aware that anybody has remained in Trinidad and Tobago. And two, cooperation with our Defence Force and theirs is something that pre-existed this administration, and the administration before, and the administration before that. We have long diplomatic ties with the US—they are our largest training partner. We do many, many, many exercises with them—not only with the military but with other arms of the protective services such as the TTPS and the Trinidad and Tobago naval units as well.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Alcohol tax hikes could hurt tourism
Trinidad and Tobago could become one of the most expensive destinations in the region for alcohol consumption, discouraging visitors and diminishing the value of event tourism, including Carnival, festivals, and conferences, Independent Senator Anthony Vieira has warned. Vieira made the statement as he contributed to the Senate debate on five Excise Orders aimed at increasing taxes on alcohol and tobacco by 100%. “Decision-makers have to balance public health objectives with cultural, social and economic considerations, in particular, having regard to the fact that in this country’s alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in social life, in festivals, Carnival, celebrations, informal gatherings, where people have drinks,” Vieira said. Read more here
REGIONAL
Digital platform launched to make job search, hiring easier
SKILLSCONNECT, a digital platform created by the Government of Guyana will make job searching and hiring much easier, according to Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally. Minister Ally in a statement on Thursday noted that the platform is a part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) wider plans to create a digital economy, eliminating traditional bottlenecks that once made various services tedious. “Connecting small businesses to consumers. A commitment made by President Ali to digitize services…SkillsConnect is a key government initiative aimed at strengthening Guyana’s labour market through digital innovation. The platform empowers skilled and semi-skilled blue-collar workers by directly connecting them with employment opportunities and businesses nationwide,” Ally who is currently in Saudi Arabia alongside President Dr. Irfaan Ali said. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Is this finally rock bottom for Mr Andrew Mountbatten Windsor?
After weeks, months, years and even decades of scandals, all the titles and privileges of the former Prince Andrew have been completely removed. There are no modern precedents for such a colossal loss of royal status. Unlike the previous statement on his future, this was from Buckingham Palace rather than Andrew himself. It's a ripping off the bandage moment, which the Palace will hope will finally draw a line under the endless oil slick of bad news stories about Andrew. Read more here
31st October 2025