NEWS
Parents carpool to take student to exams in Grande
Commuters travelling out of Sangre Grande, who depend on maxi taxis for their transportation, were forced to use Public Transportation Service Corporation (PTSC) buses yesterday, after maxi taxi operators staged day one of their intended three-day protest action. When Guardian Media visited the maxi hub on Brierley Street and the Eastern Main Road, there were no signs of red band maxis operating. However, a few small maxis and two large maxis were seen operating their school trips out of the hub. One driver, who was waiting for his school trip to Valencia but refused to go on camera, said he was going back home after that trip. Some students at the hub revealed that they were waiting for a drop from their friends' parents, who agreed to carpool so they could get to their schools on time for exams. Read more here
Commuters feel the squeeze
Thousands of commuters were left frustrated yesterday as they were either stranded or faced challenges getting to work and school on the first day of “rest and reflection” action by most of the country’s 5,000 maxi-taxi operators. Many also complained about waiting for extended periods at bus stops, and increased transportation costs from PH drivers as they scrambled to find alternative means of travel. Read more here
POLITICS
Sinanan: Maxi operators’ concerns not frivolous
Former minister of works and transport Rohan Sinanan says the concerns raised by maxi taxi operators are not frivolous, although he would not lightly support industrial action that leaves commuters stranded. Responding to the ongoing strike by maxi taxi operators yesterday, Sinanan said the issues being raised include the regulation of PH vehicles, access arrangements, safety and security, operating costs, terminal conditions, payments for school transport services, and the implementation of commitments made during meetings. “A lot of work had been done on these matters. Some were in train and others at the point of implementation,” he said. Sinanan said the situation suggests there has been a breakdown in communication, shared goals and active implementation. “In my view, the fact that the matter has reached this point suggests a breakdown in communication, shared goals, and active implementation,” he said. Read more here
BUSINESS
Business groups, economist warn against prolonged maxi strike
The economic effects of the maxi-taxi strike in Trinidad yesterday are beginning to emerge, with business chambers warning that a prolonged disruption could reduce productivity, affect customer traffic and place additional financial pressure on workers and families. The Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) is monitoring the situation closely as maxi-taxi operators on several routes withdrew services yesterday, forcing thousands of commuters to seek alternative transportation. The CRBC noted that the maxi-taxi sector plays a critical role in moving workers, students, consumers and goods across the country and warned that any extended interruption would inevitably affect economic activity. “Some businesses are already reporting slight challenges with employee attendance and delayed arrival times. It can cause reduced customer traffic and logistical disruptions,” the organisation stated. The chamber warned that small and medium-sized enterprises could be particularly vulnerable because of their limited operational flexibility and resources. Read more here
West Indian Traders seeks $10.1m through IPO
Distribution company West Indian Traders Ltd is seeking to raise $10.125 million through an initial public offering (IPO) as it prepares to expand its operations, invest in logistics infrastructure and pursue new growth opportunities across the region. WIT Ltd is offering 5,062,500 ordinary shares at $2 each, according to its prospectus. The offer, led and underwritten by NCB Merchant Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) Ltd, closes on Friday (June 5) and will pave the way for the company’s listing on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) market. Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyana will train regional surgeons in cutting-edge robotic surgery – President Ali
Just as Guyana marked the historic breakthrough of having performed the longest distance telesurgery procedure using advanced robotics, President Dr Irfaan Ali has noted that an agreement has been reached to establish an international training hub in Guyana in this regard. During the recent press conference, the head of state indicated that the move will position the country as a regional centre for advanced robotic surgery training. He said the agreement is a major step in Guyana’s wider push to become a leader in global healthcare and to ensure that its development benefits the wider Caribbean region. “When I said that we want to position Guyana as a leader in global health care, many persons doubted.” The President said Guyana’s investment in robotic surgery was not limited to acquiring technology, but also included securing full training support from the system’s developers. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine rescuers pull dead from rubble after Russian strikes kill 18 people
A Russian missile and drone attack killed at least 18 people across Ukraine overnight, including two children, marking one of Moscow's largest assaults in recent months. An eight-year-old boy and a woman pulled from the rubble of an apartment block were among 12 people killed in Dnipro, regional officials said. In the capital Kyiv, six people were killed. President Volodymyr Zelensky said civilian infrastructure and energy facilities had been targeted across the country, with more than 100 people injured. Russia's defence ministry said the strikes had been a response to previous Ukrainian attacks, saying in a statement that the "strike objectives" had all been achieved. Read more here
2nd June 2026