TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA backs export growth push
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) says it fully supports Government’s objective of doubling exports from the non-energy manufacturing sector. In a release yesterday, the TTMA described the target as closely aligned with the Association’s own strategic priorities for growth, competitiveness and foreign exchange generation. The association pointed to the sector’s significant contribution to the national economy, noting that manufacturing accounts for 18% of gross domestic product and has repatriated 40% of all Exim Bank support. Read more here
NEWS
Hunger strike at Teteron
Prisoners detained at Teteron Barracks and Staubles Bay in Chaguaramas embarked on a hunger strike yesterday and have vowed to keep it up until they are removed from the facilities, which they say are unfit for human occupation. Accusing prison and police officials of employing “psychological warfare tactics” to break them, the 11 inmates said, “We want the Government to return us to regular detention and remove us from military detention.” The hunger strike began with the prisoners refusing breakfast and continued throughout the day with refusals of lunch and dinner. While Prison Commissioner Carlos Corraspe did not respond to calls, Commissioner of Police (CoP) Allister Guevarro declared, “Jail is jail.” Read more here
Two Trinis shine at Grammys
Trinidad and Tobago made its mark on the Grammy stage on Sunday, as local talent won awards in classical music and music video categories. Kwamé Ryan, a 56-year-old Trinidadian-Canadian conductor and former director at the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Academy for the Performing Arts, won the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording for the Houston Grand Opera production of composer Jake Heggie’s Intelligence. “This recognition means so much, speaking for myself personally, as a black conductor. It’s a small demographic, but getting less so one generation at a time, and moments like these could be so inspirational for the people who will follow,” Ryan said as he accepted the Grammy. Read more here
POLITICS
Farley begs Tobagonians for patience amid seabridge disruption
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine is asking Tobagonians for “patience” and “grace” as the Tobago House of Assembly and Ministry of Works attempt to address issues on the seabridge, as the MV Blue Wave Harmony remains out of service. Inter-island transportation was hit a double blow last Friday when the MV Blue Wave Harmony, the new cargo vessel meant to replace the Cabo Star, sustained damage to its hull while attempting to berth at the Port of Scarborough in Tobago. Then on Sunday (February 1), the T&T Spirit encountered significant trouble and was withdrawn from service. In a brief video posted to social media yesterday, Augustine lamented, “It seems Murphy’s Law has taken up residence at the port lately. Whatever could go wrong, unfortunately, has.” Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyana, Belize sign MoUs to strengthen collaboration in education, tourism, security
The Governments of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Belize have reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and shared Caribbean values through the conclusion of a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation across key areas of mutual interest. These agreements reflect the shared commitment of both governments to peaceful collaboration, respect for sovereignty, and practical cooperation that delivers benefits to their peoples while contributing to regional stability and development. The MoUs establish broad frameworks for collaboration in areas including defence and security cooperation, education and skills development, tourism development, and economic engagement. They are guided by the principles of mutual respect, equality, reciprocity, and non-interference, and are consistent with both countries’ national laws and regional obligations under CARICOM. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Russian hits Ukraine energy sites in 'most powerful blow' so far this year
Russia has launched its "most powerful blow" against Ukraine's energy sector so far this year, according to the private energy company, DTEK. The combined missile and drone strikes which targeted power plants and infrastructure in Kyiv and multiple locations left the system operating with "serious restrictions", it said. The strikes were launched as temperatures dropped to -20C (-4F) and left more than 1,000 tower blocks in the capital without heating once again and damaged a power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv beyond repair. Read more here
3rd February 2026