The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has formally announced its intention to raise US$1 billion through an international bond issuance, according to Legal Notice 9 of 2026 published on January 13th. The financial maneuver, authorized by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo who signed the document on January 12th, represents a significant move in the country’s sovereign debt strategy.
The issuance will involve notes offered exclusively to qualified institutional buyers across global markets, including both international and United States-based investors. To facilitate this substantial transaction, the government has engaged two of Wall Street’s most prominent financial institutions: JP Morgan Securities LLC and Bank of America Securities Inc. These firms have been appointed as joint lead managers and arrangers, responsible for structuring and marketing the debt offering.
The transaction is being executed under Section Six of Trinidad and Tobago’s External Loans Act, which grants the Finance Minister authority to provide specific tax exemptions. Notably, the order exempts all payments related to principal, interest, and associated debt charges from both taxation and exchange control restrictions. This provision enhances the attractiveness of the notes to international investors by ensuring streamlined cross-border payments and maximizing returns.
This strategic financial initiative demonstrates Trinidad and Tobago’s proactive approach to accessing global capital markets while implementing measures to optimize the terms of its sovereign borrowing. The involvement of major international financial institutions underscores the credibility of the offering in the global financial community.