NEWS
Cops seize $10m in bootleg liquor, cigarettes from Suriname
A police operation has netted more than $10 million in illegal high-end alcohol and cigarettes as it was being offloaded at a port in Carenage after being smuggled into TT. In a media release, the TT Police Service (TTPS) revealed at approximately 8.15 pm on December 16, police intercepted a vessel at Shore Pier 3, Carenage. The boat was docked and people were seen offloading boxes when officers approached. Upon seeing the police, the 16 people at the dock tried to flee but were all apprehended. Officers searched the dock and the vessel and found a shipment of contraband smuggled from Suriname. The illegal items included approximately 1,000 cases of vodka, 200 cases of Johnnie Walker, 200 cases of Hennessy and 1,000 cases of ATLANTA cigarettes. Read more here
Tobago hotels feel impact of US security measures; occupancy below normal
US anti-drug and human-trafficking security measures may be helping Trinidad and Tobago curb crime, but tourism data suggests Tobago is already paying the price. President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA), Reginald MacLean, told Guardian Media that hotel occupancy for the Christmas period is well below normal, with figures ranging from 56 to 73 per cent, when the island would typically be operating at full capacity. On Tuesday, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Minority Leader Kelvon Morris also warned that increased US military activity in and around Trinidad and Tobago could have serious consequences for Tobago’s tourism sector, cautioning that the island risks being perceived as unsafe by visitors during its peak season. MacLean said the security measures are largely accepted locally because of the country’s crime situation. Read more here
POLITICS
PM washes hands of US blockade of Venezuela
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, has said Trinidad and Tobago is not involved in US President Donald Trump's blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving neighbouring Venezuela. "TT is about TT o first. Our partnership with the US is about TT safety and security here," she said when questioned on the issue. "Those are issues for the Trump administration and for the US. TT is no part of that blockade. We are about TT." Read more here
BUSINESS
Angostura’s lower prices spurring sales
Angostura is enjoying healthy sales this Christmas season, thanks to strategic price reductions that have resonated strongly with consumers. Angostura chairman Gary Hunt confirmed that the company’s decision to lower prices has been met with enthusiasm, noting that customers always welcome relief at the checkout, especially during the festive period. Speaking to Guardian Media following Angostura’s Wired for Success electrical programme executed by the NESC Technical Institute (NESC TI) which took place at the House of Angostura, Laventille yesterday, Hunt explained that both the sales and marketing teams have worked seamlessly to ensure the strategy translated into real gains, and the company is anticipating a strong holiday performance. “Sales have been going good and the consumers always welcome a reduction in price. I think all our sales teams, our marketing teams have been working well and we’re looking forward to a really good Christmas,” Hunt said. Read more here
Coosal: When community thrives, the nation thrives
As a family-owned company, the Coosal’s Group of companies believes that when communities thrive, the nation thrives. So said the group’s executive chairman Sieunarine Coosal at the Salvation Army’s Christmas Food Hamper Distribution at its headquarters on Henry Street, Port of Spain, on Tuesday. Coosal, who was a special guest at the event, said it is a privilege for Coosal’s to continue partnering with organisations like the Salvation Army and supporting schools in meaningful, lasting ways. “This is the essence of who we are, and it is a legacy we remain committed to carrying forward,” he said. Read more here
REGIONAL
Five years of diversification, transformation
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has unveiled a sweeping five year agenda for what he describes as “the most ambitious phase” of Guyana’s economic and social transformation, anchored in diversification, digitization, and broad based prosperity. Addressing an audience of government officials, diplomats, private sector leaders and citizens at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Wednesday afternoon, President Ali said that the re elected Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration would “build on the historic achievements” of the past five years, with a sharpened focus on ensuring that growth is widely shared. At the centre of the plan is a major push to deepen financial inclusion and expand access to capital. He revealed that the soon-to-be-established Guyana Development Bank, capitalised with US$200 million, will provide zero interest, zero collateral, micro credit to small and medium sized enterprises, women owned businesses, young entrepreneurs, and persons living with disabilities, alongside structured mentorship and training. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Zelensky appeals to EU leaders facing crunch decision on Russia's frozen cash
Volodymyr Zelensky is urging European Union leaders gathered at a crunch summit in Brussels to loan billions of euros in frozen Russian money to fund Ukraine's military and economic needs. Most of Russia's €210bn (£185bn; $245bn) worth of assets in the EU are held by Belgium-based organisation Euroclear, and so far Belgium and some other members of the bloc have said they are opposed to using the cash as a "reparations loan". Russia has warned the EU not to use its money, but without a boost in funding Ukraine's finances are set to run dry in a matter of months. Read more here
18th December 2025