Daily Brief - Wednesday 28th May, 2025

NEWS

Investigations ongoing – More SoE charges possible

Police say more charges are possible as a result of investigations launched against people arrested during the state of emergency (SoE). The SoE, which began on December 30 and ended on April 13, saw 50 people detained under the authority of a Preventive Detention Order. Of that number, 14 people who police said are affiliated with two particular gangs, were charged with multiple gang-related offences. Despite the release of the remaining 34, police have always maintained investigations are continuing and they can be charged at a later date. Read more here

Committee to shape stand your ground law expected by next month

While he welcomes the involvement of attorneys in shaping stand your ground legislation, Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander is adamant that voices from “all walks of life” must also be included in the consultative process for any law or policy. On Monday, Attorney General John Jeremie told Guardian Media that the Ministry of Homeland Security was tasked with assembling a committee to consult on the creation of stand your ground legislation. Jeremie said he anticipated that once the committee was established by the end of June, recommendations would be laid in Parliament after the upcoming mid-year budget review. Read more here

 

POLITICS

Ameen cites neglect, tours Port of Spain, regional corporations

On a rain-drenched day intermittently brightened by fleeting sunlight, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen, speaking with media in front of City Hall, Port of Spain, on May 27, reaffirmed the government's commitment to a national, multi-agency flood mitigation strategy. Flanked by Public Services Association (PSA) president Felisha Thomas and deputy Mayor Abena Hartley, Ameen stressed the need for co-ordinated, cross-sector action to address both the underlying causes and immediate impacts of flooding across the country’s regional corporations. Fresh from a site visit to the Diego Martin Regional Corporation earlier, Ameen said the government is blending emergency responses with long-term infrastructure solutions. Read more here

Alexander to cops abusing sick leave: Don’t run from the job

While he maintains that the well-being of police officers is critical for their organisation’s crime-fighting success, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander is urging officers not to abuse their sick leaves and to report to duty as expected. Alexander, in an interview with Guardian Media yesterday, made the call as he referred to efforts to absorb Special Reserve Police officers (SRPs) into the wider TTPS. He noted that as consultations on the absorption exercise continue with acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin and officials from the TTPS Social Welfare Association (TTPSSWA), it was important that all officers recognise the seriousness of their responsibilities. Read more here

 

BUSINESS

Carib debuts premium beer in India as it marks 75th anniversary

Carib Brewery has officially launched its Carib Premium Strong Beer in India, crossing a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. The announcement came in statement from Carib on May 26, detailing the brand’s entry into one of the world’s largest beer markets through a partnership with Indian distiller Globus Spirits Ltd. The move coincides with Carib Brewery’s 75th anniversary and aligns with its ongoing push to establish a greater international footprint. Read more here

Family businesses reflect on Indo-Trinidadian enterprise 180 years later

On May 30, 1845, the Fatel Razack sailed into the Gulf of Paria, carrying the hopes, hardships, and dreams of 225 Indian indentured labourers bound for Trinidad’s sugar estates. Today, 180 years later, the legacy of that journey is woven not only into the cultural fabric of the nation but also into its boardrooms, shops, and business parks. With Indian Arrival Day being commemorated on Friday, Express Business spoke to several local business owners to understand how history shaped their journeys and how they, in turn, are helping to shape T&T’s economic future. Read more here

 

REGIONAL

Indian Parliamentary delegation hails ‘phenomenal’ discussions with VP Jagdeo

The Indian parliamentary delegation during the recent visit here, hailed discussions held with Guyana’s Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo as “phenomenal.” This was disclosed by Indian Member of Parliament, Dr. Shashi Tharoor following the recent meeting. The Member of Parliament noted that it was a phenomenal meeting, as Dr Jagdeo had shown tremendous understanding for India’s situation surrounding current events regarding their nation. “Equally, we had a much broader ranging conversation about Guyana’s development and the scope for India to be part of this narrative… there’s tremendous expansion taking place,” he said. Against this backdrop, Dr. Tharoor highlighted Guyana’s booming oil and gas sector, which is fuelling development in various areas, like infrastructural development. Read more here

 

INTERNATIONAL

US halts student visa appointments and plans expanded social media vetting

US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants. An official memo said social media vetting would be stepped up for student and foreign exchange visas, which would have "significant implications" for embassies and consulates. It comes during a wide-ranging Trump crackdown on some of America's most elite universities. He sees these institutions as too left-wing - accusing them of failing to combat antisemitism when pro-Palestinian protests have unfolded on campuses. Read more here

 

28th May 2025

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