NEWS
IWFTT to honour 3 women for global leadership, impact
Three Trinidad and Tobago women, whose work has shaped human rights, public health and marine science, will be honoured by the International Women’s Forum of Trinidad and Tobago (IWFTT) at its fifth Inspirational Women Awards Gala next month. Roberta Clarke, Professor Christine Carrington and Dr Diva Amon will receive awards during the ceremony on September 29 at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain. The awards recognise women whose achievements have created lasting change locally, regionally and internationally. IWFTT president Lisa Agard said the organisation selected this year’s honourees because of their commitment to improving communities both at home and abroad. Read more here
Telemaque backs IDs for easier payments
Pan Trinbago Central Executive external relations officer Clyde Telemaque said allowing citizens 16 years and over to carry a valid form of identification would help with remuneration during and after Panorama. He made this comment during the launch of two songs, “Unshakeable Queen of Pan” and “Pannists’ Achievements” at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, yesterday. On Wednesday, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander confirmed the Government would seek to enact legislation requiring all citizens aged 16 and over to have a valid form of identification on them when they are in public spaces. He said the requirement would also apply to foreign nationals in public spaces in Trinidad and Tobago. Read more here
POLITICS
Govt keeps cards close to its chest on proposed ID law
While the Government has revealed its hand on a proposed law requiring citizens aged 16 and over to carry valid identification in public, it is keeping its cards close to its chest on the details. Land and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen yesterday declined to elaborate on the proposal, while Attorney General John Jeremie said he was out of the country and would have to seek further information before answering questions about possible penalties. “At this time, that matter, we are not going to comment until a final decision and so on is being made on it,” Hosein said when questioned by Guardian Media. He also pointed to the confidentiality of Cabinet proceedings. “Do you know that deliberations of Cabinet are confidential?” Hosein asked. Ameen was similarly guarded. Read more here
BUSINESS
Hilton talks advanced, says Minister
Negotiations between the Government and Hilton International Trinidad Limited over the future of the hotel are at an advanced stage, with line minister Saddam Hosein signalling that an announcement on the hotel’s future could come soon. Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, the Minister of Land and Legal Affairs, who also has responsibility for State-owned Evolving TecKnologies and Enterprise Development Company Limited (eTecK), said discussions were progressing but he declined to disclose details while negotiations remain ongoing. “I think those negotiations are very advanced,” Hosein said. “Very soon we will be making certain announcements on the way forward.” Read more here
OCM records $10.3m half-year pre-tax profit
ONE Caribbean Media Ltd (OCM) has recorded a net profit before tax of $10.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026. “The group delivered a stable performance for the six months ended 30 June 2026, despite a challenging operating environment. Revenue for the period amounted to $134.3 million (US$19.8 million), compared with $145 million (US$21.3 million) in the corresponding period of 2025, while NPBT was $10.3 million (US$1.5 million), compared with $12.1 million (US$1.8 million) in the prior year,” chairman Faarees Hosein said. Hosein attributed the decline in revenue to “softness” in the advertising market and “technical difficulties” associated with one of the group’s major solar installations. Read more here
REGIONAL
VP Jagdeo says PPP/C ‘well positioned’ for 2031 as leadership remains accessible
VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is well positioned ahead of the 2031 General and Regional Elections, crediting the party’s “people-centred” approach and leadership that remains open and accessible. Speaking to reporters following a marathon day of engagements with residents at Watooka Guest House in Linden, Dr Jagdeo emphasised that the PPP/C’s leadership, from the President to ministers, has maintained close ties with communities. “We have always been accessible to people on the ground,” he said, noting that the party’s open style distinguishes it from its rivals, who, he claimed, became aloof even while in government. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Trump again tries to limit US birthright citizenship with new executive orders
Donald Trump is trying again to scale back birthright citizenship in the US, weeks after the Supreme Court shot down his previous attempt to eliminate the right. The president signed two executive orders on Thursday, including one that expands the existing definitions of non-citizens whose children are not eligible for birthright citizenship. The second order bans so-called birth tourism, the practice of pregnant mothers coming to the US to give birth so that their babies will be citizens. "This should have happened years ago, but we're taking care of it now," Trump said from the Oval Office, criticising the Supreme Court's rejection of his previous bid to end the 150-year-old policy. Read more here
7th August 2026