NEWS
Regional Carnival $$ distribution begins Jan 21
Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin said regional Carnival entities will begin receiving funding as early as January 21. She said Pan Trinbago will receive $20 million and Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation (TUCO) will receive $15 million. Speaking at a UNC media briefing at the UNC Headquarters, 31 Mulchan Seuchan Road, Chaguanas, on January 18, Benjamin said the process of releasing funds for Carnival has begun in a timely manner. “Release of funds for regional Carnivals, that process is starting as early as this Wednesday (January 21). Talks and the regional Carnival co-ordinators, they are meeting with the different regional Carnival bodies throughout the country. Read more here
Two missing oyster harvesters found drifting near La Brea
Two men who went missing on Saturday, after venturing into the mangrove swamp off Claxton Bay to gather oysters, were later found drifting offshore near La Brea yesterday. Relatives told Guardian Media that Kurt Kissondath, 45, an employee of Technical Integrated Services (TIS), left his home in Dow Village, California, at approximately 7.30 am to harvest oysters. He met up with Nicholas Sooknanan, and the two set out in a flat-bottomed boat. Concerns were raised when relatives were unable to contact Kissondath. They subsequently alerted the authorities, who discovered his mobile phone and identification inside his car, which was parked under a shed in Claxton Bay. Family members contacted the Coast Guard, police and Hunters Search and Rescue to assist with the search. Read more here
POLITICS
UNC PRO: Government policy formed at UNC headquarters
UNC PRO Dr Kirk Meighoo said the policy of the government of TT is formed at the UNC headquarters at 31 Mulchan Seuchan Road, Chaguanas. He made the statement while introducing government ministers at a UNC media briefing on January 18. In welcoming media and online viewers to the conference, Meighoo said, “We are here at the UNC headquarters, which is where the policy of the government of TT has been formulated. We are a national party open to all and our members are dedicated to making sure that everybody wins.” Meighoo was asked whether members of the UNC who were not members of the government assisted in forming government policies. He responded in the affirmative. Read more here
I am not afraid! Defence Minister responds to release of SoE detainee held for plotting to kill Govt officials
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge says he is not afraid for his life after a man, who was detained under the State of Emergency (SoE) for a death threat to a Government official, was released earlier this month. Speaking at a media briefing at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas, yesterday, Sturge confirmed he was the Government official under threat. Asked if he was fearful for his life, given what transpired with the detention of individuals during the SoE, Sturge said no. “I’m not afraid. We all die. We all will get that chance, and if you give me a choice between cancer and an assassination, I’ll choose an assassination. So, I’m not afraid.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Browne: Venezuela instability likely to impact import prices
As a result of the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the situation in the South American country remains “uncertain” and there is likely to be an impact on T&T and the Caribbean economy in the foreseeable future. CEO of the UWI Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business Mariano Browne gave this view at a webinar hosted by the Caribbean Corporate Governance Institute (CCGI), which held the third part of its series on the Venezuelan conflict last Wednesday. It was entitled “The Impact of Tensions between the US and Venezuela on the Business Sector.” CCGI CEO Kamla Rampersad de Silva reminded the audience that they had given several scenarios in 2025 and the first scenario, which was a direct military conflict, is the one that took place. Read more here
Directors appointed for new boards
The Ministry of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development has appointed directors to two boards—the Minimum Wages Board and the Blasting Advisory Committee. They took effect on January 6. A release from the ministry stated that at the appointment ceremony, Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste welcomed returning and incoming members and congratulated previous members on the work previously carried out. It explained that the Minimum Wages Board’s primary goal is to advise the minister on all matters related to the minimum wage and terms and conditions of services. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Guyana’s economy cannot be modernised by clinging to archaic banking systems’
President, Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a far-reaching transformation of Guyana’s financial sector, signalling a decisive shift from outdated banking practices towards a modern, technology-driven system. Speaking at the launch of Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s (GBTI) private banking services last Friday, the Head of State emphasised that the reforms will be structural rather than superficial, targeting the foundations of the banking system to support long-term economic modernisation. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
What we know about Spain's worst rail disaster in over a decade
At least 39 people have died and dozens more have been injured after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain, the country's Civil Guard has said. The accident near the city of Córdoba, in southern Spain, has been described by local officials as Spain's worst rail crash in more than a decade. Later on Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit the scene, where rescue efforts remain ongoing, local media report. Here's what we know about the incident so far. Read more here
19th January 2026