TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA welcomes IMF praise
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) says the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) recognition of manufacturing as a key driver of Trinidad and Tobago’s return to pre-crisis growth levels validates the non-energy sector’s expanding role in reshaping the country’s economic future. “Importantly, the IMF specifically noted the non-energy sectors, particularly the manufacturing sector, as a key driver of the recent economic growth to pre-crisis levels. TTMA views this as a significant acknowledgement of the role played by local manufacturers and the wider non-energy business community as an essential engine for broader economic diversification,” the TTMA stated. Read more here
NEWS
Vigil for recovery of little Angelo’s body
‘Justice for Baby Angelo. We are praying for you.’ With these words on a banner that bore the picture of two-year-old Angelo Tobias Plaza, a small group of concerned citizens gathered in prayer and a candlelight vigil in San Fernando yesterday for the recovery of the child’s body, who went missing two weeks ago in Goodwood, Tobago, in a case that has shocked the nation. The gathering on Harris Promenade, held in a solemn atmosphere, saw participants offering prayers, lighting candles, singing hymns and expressing support for the grieving family as investigations into the child’s death continue. Read more here
Experts call for inclusive approach to Caribbean tourism
The Caribbean welcomed 35 million visitors in 2025, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), once again surpassing pre-pandemic levels. But did every visitor truly feel welcome in the region? That’s the question Roni Weiss, the executive director of Travel Unity, a non-profit organisation working to create a more diverse and inclusive travel industry, is putting to destinations. In a sit-down interview with Guardian Media at the CTO’s recently concluded Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize, Weiss explained that the modern traveller and their needs have changed. Modern travellers can be any combination of differently abled, be of a different race/ethnicity, identify as LGBTQ+, be a traveller of size, et cetera, Weiss said. And he argues that meeting their needs is more than just about being seen. Read more here
POLITICS
Mohit: T&T’s poverty line has increased
The poverty line in Trinidad and Tobago has increased and these higher figures for destitution and vulnerability acknowledge the painful reality that life has become more expensive for ordinary citizens, says Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit. “But most importantly, these revised thresholds mean that more genuinely vulnerable households will now qualify for assistance instead of being unfairly excluded under outdated criteria. Under this Government, social development will never be treated as an afterthought. The poor and vulnerable will never be invisible,” Mohit added in the House of Representatives on Friday. She made the comment while delivering a statement on a review of the Standard Means Test (SMT) meant to strengthen protection for the poor and vulnerable. The revised SMT begins on June 1. Read more here
BUSINESS
.4% fall in April
The inflation rate for April 2026, which measures the percentage change in the All Items Index for the month of April 2026 over April 2025, was 0.4%, the Central Statistical Office (CSO) has reported. This represents a decrease from 0.7% for the previous period (March 2026/March 2025), it said, noting that the inflation rate for the comparative period (April 2025/April 2024) was 1.5%. The All Items Index calculated from the prices collected for the month of April 2026 was 125.7, representing a decrease of 0.2 points or 0.2% below the All Items Index for March 2026. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘60 years is evidence of endurance’
President, Dr Irfaan Ali has called on Guyanese to embrace gratitude, spiritual maturity and national unity as the country marks its 60th anniversary of independence, declaring that “60 years is evidence of endurance” and that “a thankful nation is a strong nation.” Speaking during a special thanksgiving service at the Better Hope Assembly of God Church on Sunday, President Ali framed the nation’s upcoming Diamond Jubilee as a moment not only for celebration, but [also] for sober reflection on God’s sustaining hand over Guyana through “trials and triumphs.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Oil prices slide on hopes of US-Iran peace deal
Oil prices have fallen sharply and Asian stock markets have risen on hopes of a deal that could bring an end to the US-Israel war with Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiators had a "pretty solid thing on the table" and an agreement to end the conflict might be reached on Monday. On Monday morning, global oil benchmark Brent fell 5.5% to $97.90 (£72.64) a barrel, while US-traded crude was 5.9% lower at $90.93. US President Donald Trump had previously said the deal would include the reopening of the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route, without giving further details. Read more here
25th May 2026