TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA, TTCSI seek stronger support for manufacturers, services
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) wants the 2026/27 national budget to address several key constraints affecting manufacturers, including the VAT refund backlog, access to foreign exchange and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In a response to the Express Business, the TTMA said its priorities were “fourfold”: a practical and predictable solution to the outstanding VAT refund backlog; relief from increased excise taxes on locally manufactured alcohol and tobacco products; consistent, and where possible expanded, access to foreign exchange through EximBank; and the resumption and strengthening of support under GlobalTT for SMEs, export promotion and market development. Read more here
NEWS
Business groups raise concern over proposed age-limit Bill
The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Trinidad and Tobago Beverage Alcohol Alliance are calling for the proposed legislation to raise the legal age for alcohol consumption to be put on hold, with wider consultation before Parliament proceeds. The two organisations are urging consideration of a Joint Select Committee to examine the evidence surrounding the proposed age threshold, penalties and enforcement capacity, as well as possible unintended consequences. The two organisations are among several business groups across the retail, entertainment and gaming sectors raising questions about the practical implications of proposed legislation that would increase the legal age for alcohol and tobacco from 18 to 21, while raising the minimum age for gambling and cannabis to 25. Read more here
Pensioner on kidnap ordeal: Worse than a jail
Tarran Gallai says he was kidnapped, tied up for hours in a dark washroom and had over $140,000 stolen from his bank account. “I was trapped. It was worse than a jail... I started praying,” said the 77-year-old who was released on Monday. The trauma of the incident, he said, has left him shaken. It was the second time for the year that Gallai was kidnapped and robbed. Given similarities between his both times in captivity, he believes the same men were involved in the two incidents. Read more here
POLITICS
Alexander: US decides who faces visa bans
One day after the United States Department of State announced a policy effectively barring people from entering the US over concerns about corruption and drug trafficking, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander said the Government would not recommend anyone to be blacklisted. On Monday, a statement issued by the US Department of State announced the policy would be rolled out to target people and their immediate family members identified as seeking to “undermine democratically-elected governments through corruption or narco-trafficking activities.” The statement identified several people in Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia and Peru who could face sanctions, including having any US visas they held rendered ineligible. Read more here
PM: Govt to fight local drug mafia
More than 8.3 tonnes of illegal narcotics—including cocaine, marijuana and heroin with an estimated street value of over $1.6 billion— were destroyed by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) at the Caroni Cremation Site yesterday. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar acknowledged the burning of the illegal drugs, saying in a social media post, “This value of drugs seized from the local drug mafia amounts to approximately 1% of our annual GDP. Thanks to the efforts of our brave men and women of our protective services, these drugs did not make it onto our streets to poison our children and destroy families.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Jason Julien appointed country manager, VP of Liberty T&T
Liberty Caribbean has appointed former First Citizens Group Financial Holdings chief executive officer Jason Julien as vice-president and country manager for Trinidad and Tobago, as the telecommunications company reshapes its commercial leadership across the region. The appointment puts Julien in charge of the commercial and financial performance of Liberty Caribbean’s operations in Trinidad and Tobago, its second-largest market. Jamaica is Liberty’s largest market in the region. Liberty Caribbean operates Flow, Liberty Business and BTC. Julien will lead the local team as the business moves into its next phase of growth. The company also expanded the role of Simone Martin-Šulgan, who becomes vice-president, country manager for Barbados and head of brand, media and communications. Read more here
Investment opportunities in T&T
SANTANDER, the global banking giant recently named the World’s Best Bank by Euromoney, is planning a visit to Trinidad and Tobago by November to explore potential investment opportunities here, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Nicholas Morris has said. Santander’s interest in the country was sparked at a recent Trinidad and Tobago Investment and Networking Reception hosted by Greenberg Traurig LLP at One Vanderbilt in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Morris said. Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyana seeks major airline to make CJIA Terminal Two its hub
President Dr Irfaan Ali says Guyana is seeking a major international airline to establish a hub at the new Terminal Two currently under construction at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), as Government moves to position the country as a significant player in global aviation. The Head of State made this disclosure while delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of the ICAO/EASA Third Global RSOO and RAIO Forum on Aviation Safety. President Ali said the Government has already mandated the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation to begin discussions with major international carriers interested in using the new terminal as a base for regional and international connections. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Move to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Burnham
Andy Burnham has suggested rejoining the EU is among options the government could examine to reshape the UK's long-term relationship with Europe. The prime minister told the BBC the current Brexit settlement had caused "more harm than good" and he wanted to look at "what is doable" to repair relations. It comes after he pledged in his Labour conference speech on Tuesday to explore closer ties with the bloc at a delayed summit later this year. The move could set up a huge dividing line at the next general election, with the Conservatives accusing him of trying to "reopen old wounds by restarting the battles of the Brexit years". Read more here
30th September 2026