NEWS
Business leaders eye US midterm’s impact on trade
The Democrats’ historic victory in the United States midterm elections has raised questions about the future of President Donald Trump’s trade policies, the cost of doing business and the implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy exports. With Democrats regaining control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate, local business leaders are watching closely for signs of a shift in Washington’s economic and foreign policy direction. The result represents a major setback for Trump, ending Republican control of Congress for the remainder of his term and potentially placing greater legislative scrutiny on his administration’s decisions. Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce president Kiran Singh believes the change in the composition of Congress could encourage greater dialogue on international trade policies, particularly the protectionist measures and tariffs that have affected businesses. Read more here
POLITICS
PM stands by Trump
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has shrugged off concerns of a backlash from the Republican Party’s bruising defeat in the United States midterm elections on Tuesday, declaring yesterday that her unwavering support for President Donald Trump will have no bearing on the electoral fortunes of her United National Congress (UNC) Government. Persad-Bissessar said the American midterms had no influence on voting patterns in Trinidad and Tobago. In an interview with the Express, the Prime Minister attributed the Republican Party’s electoral setbacks to economic pressures facing American voters, including rising fuel prices and the cost of living. Read more here
BUSINESS
Does the Caribbean have a fashion supply chain?
It is an uncomfortable question because the region clearly has many of the individual components, including designers, garment manufacturers, textile and trim suppliers, artisans, printers, retailers, logistics providers, and fashion schools. But a collection of suppliers does not necessarily constitute a supply chain. A supply chain exists when these components are sufficiently connected to move a product efficiently from inputs to production to market. It requires a well-coordinated network of reliable suppliers, predictable lead times, adequate production capacity, logistics, effective information management, finance, and market demand. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Dr Irfaan Ali appointed Commonwealth Champion of Biodiversity
President Dr Irfaan Ali has been appointed the Commonwealth Champion of Biodiversity, further strengthening Guyana’s leadership in mobilising global action through the Global Biodiversity Alliance and advancing a future where biodiversity conservation creates real economic opportunities and lasting prosperity for people and communities across the Commonwealth and beyond. This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by the Head of State. Earlier this week, the Head of State called on Commonwealth countries to connect nature conservation with economic development and to mobilise funding to protect biodiversity. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Vance walks Trump tightrope with scathing election critique blaming Iran war
Vice-President JD Vance sent shockwaves through Washington on Wednesday by blaming his party's midterm defeat squarely on the Iran war, in what was widely interpreted as an effort to distance himself from President Donald Trump ahead of a potential 2028 White House run. In a carefully calibrated, 600-word statement on X, the vice-president acknowledged that Trump's 2024 voters had deserted Republicans in the midterm election. Read more here
5th November 2026