NEWS
Kaia out on bail
Kaia Sealy has been granted $700,000 bail and permitted to travel back and forth to the United States to continue medical treatment while her criminal case related to a fatal police-involved shooting in January is before the court. Sealy, a hair stylist from Mendez Drive, Champ Fleurs, was granted bail when she appeared virtually before High Court Master Nazeera Ali from the Tunapuna Police Station yesterday morning. Guardian Media understands that Sealy was expected to access the bail late yesterday evening, after her relatives presented the necessary documentation for verification and processing. Sealy’s court appearance came hours after she voluntarily returned from the US to face the charges. Read more here
T&TEC: Protected customer list exists
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has confirmed the existence of a list which protects certain named customers from disconnection despite having outstanding arrears. The issue was first raised by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in a statement to Parliament on Monday, when she disclosed that some of the persons on the protected list included former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, along with several other PNM members. Rowley, Beckles and others have denied any knowledge of the list. Read more here
POLITICS
Minister: $2.9B mid-year injection key to crime fight, economic growth
Planning Minister and Minister in the Finance Ministry Kennedy Swaratsingh says Government’s $2.9 billion mid-year supplementation is aimed at strengthening national security while creating the conditions necessary for long-term economic growth. Contributing to debate on the Finance (Supplementation and Variation of Appropriation) (Financial Year 2026) Bill in the Senate yesterday, Swaratsingh argued that crime reduction and economic development are closely linked, saying businesses and investors are more likely to expand and create jobs in a safe and stable environment. A major portion of the supplementary funding has been directed towards national security agencies, including the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), which will receive $64.2 million for uniforms, vehicles, information technology systems, maintenance, rental facilities and logistical support. Funding will also support radar surveillance systems, helicopter maintenance and operational readiness. Read more here
BUSINESS
Stakeholders praise PPGPL selection for Guyana project
Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd (PPGPL) has been selected as the preferred operator for Guyana’s Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant, a development industry leaders say underscores T&T’s growing ability to export energy services and expertise across the Caribbean. The announcement from Guyana’s Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday confirmed that PPGPL, together with local partner GuyGas Inc., emerged as the first-ranked bidder for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Phase One natural gas liquids (NGL) plant at the Wales Gas-to-Energy project. The Guyanese cabinet has granted its no objection to the commencement of negotiations with the companies, with a final agreement subject to technical and legal due diligence reviews. Read more here
NEL posts $237.9m net profit
National Enterprises Ltd (NEL) has reported a net profit of $237.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2026. This was a turnaround from the $187.5 million loss recorded in the corresponding period a year earlier. In its financial statements yesterday, NEL reported profit before tax of $239.2 million, compared with a loss of $185 million in the first half of the previous financial year. Tax expense for the period amounted to $1.3 million. Chairman Kern Dass said the company’s performance was largely driven by gains in the value of its investment portfolio. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘We have delivered’
President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, reaffirmed that the income tax threshold will be increased to $200,000 before the end of the government’s current term, describing the measure as part of a broader effort to improve the lives of working-class Guyanese. Addressing the Enmore Martyrs Commemoration Ceremony, the President said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has consistently worked to raise the standard of living for workers through higher wages, expanded social services and increased opportunities. “We said that before the end of this term, that new base will be $200,000 upon which our workers will stand, $200,000 tax free,” President Ali told the gathering. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
US-Iran deal leaves core sticking points unresolved - and a $300bn question
The US-Iran memorandum of understanding announced on Wednesday amounts to a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a deal to try to reach a final agreement on almost everything else. President Donald Trump framed it as a major win for the US in a lengthy press conference at the G7 summit in France. Both countries later confirmed the memo had been signed electronically on Wednesday and was now in effect. Read more here
18th June 2026