NEWS
After seeing toddler’s gunshot injury...
Two people who were at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital when Antonia Cain-Kafi took her son in, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head, are calling for political unity and family support. Akini Kafi later died at hospital, after his father Aquil and family friend, Anthony Wilson, were killed in an attack on their car at Serraneau Road, Belmont, around 8.35 am. Cain-Kafi was rushed to the hospital with her child by a private citizen. One man who spoke with Guardian Media at the hospital chose not to identify himself. Read more here
POLITICS
Govt promises support for Akini’s family
While ministers responsible for national security remained publicly silent on the murder of 23-month-old Akini Kafi yesterday, Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers said the Government stands ready to support the grieving family and insisted its anti-crime strategy will soon begin bearing fruit. Sobers said the child’s killing was discussed at Cabinet and assured the nation the matter is receiving “active attention” from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), while maintaining confidence in the Government’s response to crime. The Government held its post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday; however, only Sobers addressed the media on the arrival of India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Guardian Media subsequently asked him to state the Government’s position on the Belmont tragedy. Read more here
BUSINESS
French investors explore opportunities in T&T
A high-level delegation of French business leaders and investors has expressed “strong interest” in Trinidad and Tobago’s potential as a gateway to the wider Caribbean and South American markets, according to a statement issued yesterday by the Office of the Prime Minister. The Office of the Prime Minister stated that the delegation met with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as part of the Government’s ongoing international investment engagement strategy aimed at attracting major investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth in Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting took place yesterday at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s. Read more here
Republic pauses fee increases
Republic Bank says it is pausing its increase in fees, which was introduced on Friday May 1, as the country’s largest commercial bank stated that it has been listening closely to the conversations and feedback regarding the higher charges. In an advertisement in today’s newspaper, Republic Bank said, “We understand that any change to your banking costs causes concern, and we have noticed there has been some confusion about what these changes actually mean for you. “Because we value your feedback , we have decided to pause the fee increases originally set for May 1, 2026 (notice of which was given on April 1, 2026. We will share the new implementation dates with you soon.” The bank said it wants to take the time “to clear the air and ensure that you have all the facts,” adding that its goal is simple: to make sure its customers can bank in a way that is convenient, safe and, most importantly, affordable. In the advertisement, Republic addressed the proposed fee increases on cheques, the introduction of a $1.30 withdrawal fee on deposit accounts and fees on late payments. Read more here
REGIONAL
EU partnerships advancing Guyana’s pharmaceutical ambitions
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has hailed the expanding cooperation between Guyana and the European Union in the areas of pharmaceuticals, health, and digital innovation, noting that the partnership is helping to advance Guyana’s ambition of becoming a regional pharmaceutical hub. The Prime Minister made the remarks while delivering an address at the Europe Day celebrations hosted by the European Union Delegation in Guyana, which was held at the Herdmanston Lodge. The Prime Minister stated that Guyana’s relationship with the European Union continues to deepen across several sectors, with some collaborations already yielding tangible results. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Trump says US-Iran ceasefire still in place after exchange of fire in Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump says a ceasefire is still in place with Iran, despite a clash between Iran and US naval destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz for which both sides blamed the other. The US said Iran launched missiles, drones and small boats against three of its warships, in what it called an "unprovoked attack". Trump said Iran "trifled with us today". Iran's top military command, meanwhile, alleged the US had targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel approaching the Strait of Hormuz and carried out "aerial attacks" on several coastal areas. The flare-up comes a day after Iran's foreign ministry had said it was considering a US proposal to end the war. Read more here
8th May 2026