TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA takes trade mission to Chile
In a move to deepen commercial ties and unlock new export opportunities, the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has launched a trade mission to Chile from November 10 to 14. The initiative is led by TTMA CEO Dr Ramesh Ramdeen and includes a delegation of over 20 representatives from 12 leading companies in the manufacturing sector. A release from the TTMA said the mission is designed to capitalise on the Partial Scope Agreement between T&T and Chile, which provides preferential market access for goods and lays the groundwork for increased trade and investment. TTMA aims to leverage this framework to expand the reach of local manufacturers into Latin America’s dynamic markets. Read more here
NEWS
High Court rules on worker recognition dispute
The High Court has ruled that the Registration Recognition and Certification Board (RRCB) acted unlawfully when it determined that a former manager at the Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) was not a “worker” under the Industrial Relations Act (IRA). Justice Devindra Rampersad delivered the decision on November 7. Justice Rampersad granted an order of certiorari to quash the RRCB’s July 10, 2023, decision and directed it to reconsider the matter, taking into account the Regulated Industries Commission Act, Chapter 54:73, which distinguishes between the commission’s upper management and other employees. The court also ordered the defendant to pay the claimant’s legal costs, to be assessed by the Assistant Registrar if no agreement is reached. Read more here
Killed despite ransom payment
A police officer last assigned to the Chaguanas Police Station is among three people held in relation to the kidnapping and murder of livestock farmer Vishnu Lalla. The officer, who failed to show up to work in the last two weeks after being transferred to the Longdenville Police Post, was held on Sunday along with another man. A third suspect was held yesterday morning. Lalla was killed despite relatives paying $50,000, which was half of the $100,000 ransom demanded for his safe release. Lalla, 63, was found with a bullet wound to the head and his hands tied behind his back with a white piece of cloth around 9.30 pm on Sunday night. Police reported that around 8 pm, Insp Phillip, along with Corporals George and Morris, assigned to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, went to a forested area in search of Lalla after receiving critical information. Read more here
POLITICS
US seeks to deny visa applicants with co-morbidities
Applicants for US visas and green cards who have co-morbidities may find it tougher to get approval, following a US State Department directive to embassies around the world to screen people with health complications. The policy is intended to protect the American public purse from the burden of providing health support to immigrants. “Certain medical conditions, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions, can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care,” the directive said. Read more here
PM not worried by JTUM’s support for vigil; labels event ‘dismal failure’
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is describing Sunday’s vigil for peace, which the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) publicly supported, as a “dismal failure.” On Sunday, over 200 people gathered at Woodford Square, Port-of-Spain, calling on the Caribbean region to remain a zone of peace and denouncing the military build-up as tensions between the United States and Venezuela escalated. The event, themed Because Nobody Wins a War, was organised by a coalition of civil society groups, including the Movement for Social Justice, the Emancipation Support Committee, and other organisations. While JTUM leader Ancel Roget did not attend, the union supported the event and, last Friday, issued a statement calling for the Caribbean to maintain its peaceful position. JTUM stressed that any form of military conflict in the Caribbean would have devastating consequences for Caribbean citizens and could set T&T back “many decades.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Ramrattan named new T&TEC general manager
IAN Ramrattan has been appointed the new general manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has announced. Ramrattan is expected to officially assume duties on December 1. Ramrattan, a long-serving executive at T&TEC, is said to have spent his entire professional career with the Commission. He joined the organisation in November 1990 as an engineer-in-training and was confirmed as an Engineer II in 1992 in the distribution division, where he worked until 1998. Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyana continues push for digital revolution
GUYANA has unveiled its new public service upskilling platform, aimed at transforming the nation’s public sector into a world-class, agile and technology-driven force. Speaking to hundreds of public servants and other stakeholders at the official launch event held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Monday, President, Dr Irfaan Ali noted that the platform, built in collaboration with Coursera, represents a decisive shift away from outdated systems and towards digital adaptability and human capital development. “We are not just launching a programme; we are building the revolution of the future in our Public Service,” the Head of State said, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge technology, results-driven accountability, and skilled personnel as the foundation for this new era. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
US Senate passes funding bill as historic shutdown nears likely end
The US Senate has passed a crucial funding bill that could bring the longest government shutdown in history to an end within days. The bill passed in a 60-40 vote late on Monday, with nearly all Republicans joining eight Democrats who splintered from the party to approve it. The deal funds the government until the end of January. The House of Representatives will now have to pass the bill before President Donald Trump can sign it into effect. Trump signalled he would be willing to do so earlier on Monday. Read more here
11th November 2025