TTMA IN THE NEWS
Agro-processor calls for Tobago policy reform
Policy reforms and stronger public-private collaboration are needed to help Tobago’s small manufacturers compete in regional markets, according to agro-processor Carlon Kennedy, who said many businesses lack the capacity to fulfil large orders despite growing buyer interest. Kennedy, founder and owner of Kennedy’s Agro-Processing, was among hundreds of exhibitors at TIC 2026, the Trade and Investment Convention hosted recently by the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA). After nearly a decade operating his Tobago-based business, Kennedy said small manufacturers still face significant challenges in scaling production and meeting rising demand. Read more here
NEWS
All six missing fishermen rescued alive after distress at sea
All six crew members aboard the fishing vessel St Vincent VII have been rescued alive after spending days in distress at sea, following a coordinated response involving a commercial vessel and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. In a media release issued early this morning, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that all six fishermen had been accounted for and were in reasonably good health, with no remarkable injuries reported. According to the ministry, the Maritime Operations Command Centre received a report at 9 p.m. on Tuesday from the crew of the MV Marvel Kite which was en route to the United States. The vessel's crew reported that while travelling westward approximately 349 nautical miles east of Galeota, they spotted the fishing vessel St Vincent VII appearing to be in distress. Read more here
POLITICS
800 MORE COMING
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says 800 prison officers will be recruited into the Prison Service between this year and 2027 as the Government moves to address concerns over an exodus of officers and persistent manpower shortages. Alexander was responding to questions from the Express following concerns raised by Prison Officers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (POATT) president Gerard Gordon, who said the Prison Service was struggling to retain officers, with attrition continuing to outpace recruitment as long-standing issues affecting prison officers remained unresolved. Read more here
BUSINESS
Procuring State Housing—Part 4
On 17th June 2026, HDC reportedly issued its formal Notice to halt the intended award of 11 contracts totalling $3.4 billion to build 3,700 new homes for sale, on public interest grounds. That announcement has triggered official statements on the HDC’s intention to get the process right and to deliver these badly needed new homes for sale. All sides are going to great lengths to satisfy the OPR’s requirements, so that aspect certainly represents real progress. But those statements can only offer comfort if one ignores the reality of the HDC’s extensive waiting list, in which over 90% of the applicants can only afford to rent. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Ali continues direct support to persons affected by MV Barima tragedy
President Dr. Irfaan Ali continues to lead the national response to the MV Barima tragedy, remaining on the ground with affected families and ensuring that every available resource is being deployed to locate those still missing and recover the victims of the disaster. The President, having heard of the tragedy, ventured to the Charity waterfront, where he stood alongside relatives awaiting news of their loved ones and supported those families facing the painful process of identifying recovered victims. He has been working closely with emergency teams, government agencies and other stakeholders involved in the ongoing search and recovery mission. The Government of Guyana has committed significant resources to the operation, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate all persons still unaccounted for following the sinking of the vessel. So far, the search, rescue and recovery operations entered another critical phase on Tuesday, with authorities expanding the designated search area by an additional 400 square miles. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
US renews strikes on Iran as Trump threatens to attack underground nuclear site
The US launched strikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night late on Tuesday, as Tehran warned the US against targeting its nuclear facilities. US Central Command (Centcom) said the wave of strikes were "designed to continue degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping" in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported that air defences were activated in the capital Tehran. Explosions were also reported in the north-western city of Tabriz, the south-eastern ports of Chabahar and Konarak, and in the southern city of Bushehr, home to Iran's only nuclear power plant. Read more here
22nd July 2026