TTMA IN THE NEWS
Amcham, TTMA ready to work with Kamla, UNC
THE American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Amcham) said it is ready to work with the incoming government, in its congratulations to Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the UNC Coalition of Interests on its victory in the April 28 general election. “Amcham TT stands ready to work alongside the new government to advance policies that will stimulate economic revitalisation, drive investment, and foster sustainable growth. We are particularly eager to collaborate on strengthening both the traditional and renewable energy industries, expanding the tech sector and digital economy and creating a more enabling environment for businesses through meaningful reforms to improve ease of doing business.” Read more here
TTMA congratulates Persad-Bissessar on election victory
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) says the manufacturing sector must play a central role in the country's economic recovery and diversification—and the Association stands ready to work with Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration to make that happen. “The manufacturing sector is a critical pillar of national economic resilience and diversification,” the TTMA said in a statement following Monday’s election results. “We look forward to engaging with the administration to support initiatives that enhance the competitiveness of local industry, drive innovation, and expand exports.” Read more here
NEWS
Gyro vendor robbed at gunpoint in Gasparillo
Police intend to review CCTV footage in hopes of identifying and arresting the suspects involved in an armed robbery of a businessman in Gasparillo early on April 29. The victim, a 30-year-old Syrian national from Chase Village, Chaguanas, was working at Royal Gyro on Charles Street around 1.30 am when the incident occurred. According to police, two men approached the victim, including one with a gun. The gunman pointed the weapon at him, causing him to become fearful for his life. Read more here
TTPS commends public for peaceful election
The T&T Police Service (TTPS) has commended the public for its cooperation and adherence to the rule of law during Monday’s General Election. In a release yesterday, acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin said law enforcement agents executed their mandate with “precision and professionalism” during the process. He said despite the handful of election-day irregularities that had been reported, “the election process was conducted in a peaceful, safe, and orderly manner, allowing the people of Trinidad and Tobago to exercise their democratic rights without fear or disruption.” One week before the election, senior police officials revealed they were investigating certain intelligence that suggested plans were afoot to disrupt the electoral process. However, Benjamin said he was pleased the public had demonstrated respect for one another and the law. Read more here
POLITICS
Commonwealth, Caricom observers satisfied with election
Commonwealth Election Observer Group (COG) chairperson and former Maltese Foreign Affairs minister Evarist Bartolo said the issue of campaign finance reform was raised with political parties prior to the election. He said the major political parties seemed to agree that it should not be on the parliamentary agenda. He made the statement to media while presenting the group’s interim statement at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre on April 29. “They said, ‘We are considering it, we took it to Parliament, there was the joint committee.’ Read more here
BUSINESS
Furness Chemicals now exports to Bonaire
Furness Chemicals Ltd, the manufacturing arm of the Furness Trinidad Group of Companies, announced its first shipment of six containers to Bonaire. Bonaire is one of the ABC islands, also known as the former Netherlands Antilles, located just above Venezuela. In a release, Furness Chemicals said it met with Balfran Group, a leading group of companies in Bonaire, that specialises in construction, janitorial and distribution services. Read more here
Growth prospects dim for region, says ECLAC
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) yesterday revised downwards, the growth projection for the region’s economies in 2025. According to the new estimates, the United Nations organisation forecasts that the region’s economies will grow two per cent on average this year, which is four-tenths lower than what was projected in December 2024. Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyana’s appeal as an investment destination has never been greater
Guyana’s appeal as an investment destination has never been greater, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond said during Expo 2025 in Japan, on Sunday. According to a press release, Minister Walrond outlined the government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment through policies promoting ease of doing business, tax incentives, and support for key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, housing, and ICT. She highlighted Guyana’s economic transformation, commitment to sustainability, and growing global appeal as an investment and tourism destination. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Labour defends net-zero policies after Blair criticism
The government has defended its net-zero policies after Sir Tony Blair said limiting fossil fuels was "doomed to fail" and a new approach was needed. The former Labour prime minister argued the debate on climate change had become "irrational" and people in rich countries no longer wanted to make financial sacrifices "when they know that their impact on global emissions is minimal". His comments have been seized on by opposition parties as an attack on Sir Keir Starmer's plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions in the UK by 2050. Read more here
30th April 2025