NEWS
Death of a cultural icon
Slinger Francisco, the legendary calypsonian known across the Caribbean and around the world as The Mighty Sparrow, has died at the age of 91. Francisco died peacefully in New York surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness, according to a statement issued by his family yesterday. Widely regarded as one of the greatest calypsonians in history, Sparrow was celebrated for his extraordinary talent as a singer, songwriter, performer and mentor. For more than seven decades, his music entertained, challenged and inspired audiences, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in Caribbean culture. Read more here
PoS Prison closure ‘better for security, rehabilitation’
Acting Commissioner of Prisons Elvin Scanterbury says the decommissioning of the historic Port of Spain Prison is necessary. He said this is a move that will allow the Prison Service to shift inmates and officers from an ageing facility into conditions better suited to modern security, rehabilitation and custodial requirements. Responding to questions from the Express yesterday, Scanterbury described the closure as a significant moment for the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service and part of the continued evolution of the country’s correctional system. Read more here
POLITICS
As Senate set to debate Procurement Bill today
As the Senate returns today to debate another bill that could result in a 15-15 deadlock, former Senate president Timothy Hamel-Smith has weighed in on the exercise of a casting vote in the Upper House. Hamel-Smith, who served as Senate president from June 2010 to February 2015 during the People’s Partnership administration, said the issue of a casting vote never arose during his tenure. “So I cannot claim to have established a practice on that issue myself,” he said from London. He noted, however, that while the Constitution requires the Senate President to cast a vote when the chamber is equally divided, it does not prescribe whether that vote should be cast for or against a bill. Nor do Parliament’s Standing Orders require reasons to be given for rulings made by the presiding officer. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Ali sets out four-year vision for a more connected, prosperous Guyana
President Dr Irfaan Ali said his priority for the next four years is to build on the foundations laid during his first six years in office, bringing communities closer together while pursuing projects intended to transform Guyana’s economy. In a sit-down interview with Journalist Fareeza Haniff on Sunday, President Ali reflected on his tenure. He pointed to the fulfilment of his administration’s 2020 and 2025 election manifestos, major infrastructural development, expanded housing and the creation of new centres of economic opportunity as key elements of the progress achieved. “We went to the elections with a manifesto, both in 2020 and 2025. We’ve been able to fulfil those manifestos completely,” he stated. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
What we know about RAF Fairford counter-terror probe
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared at an airbase in the west of England. Bomb disposal teams have been examining a number of vehicles near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and dozens of homes in the surrounding area have been evacuated. Here is a summary of what we know so far. Read more here
28th September 2026