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Since the announcement of Davendranath Tancoo’s October 13 budget, the focus has shifted from whether the government will honor its promise of a 10% pay increase for Public Services Association (PSA) workers to the specifics of how and when this commitment will be fulfilled. The ongoing negotiations between PSA President Felisha Thomas and officials from the Office of the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) have been marked by tension and uncertainty. On November 10, Thomas expressed frustration, accusing the CPO of delaying the process and issuing an ultimatum: ‘Ten per cent and nothing else.’ CPO’s Dr. Daryl Dindial defended the need for a comprehensive understanding of the economic challenges, emphasizing the importance of due process. By November 21, the PSA received a formal letter outlining a 10% offer for specific periods, but details remain undisclosed. Acting CPO Wendy Barton reiterated the significance of economic context in public service negotiations. Meanwhile, Tancoo hinted at a multifaceted approach to addressing pay arrears, estimated at $730 million, with additional annual costs of $214 million. The prolonged negotiations may provide fiscal flexibility amid a projected $3.9 billion deficit, highlighting the delicate balance between fulfilling promises and managing economic constraints.

A recent analytical report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has revealed that Trinidad and Tobago (TT) experienced the slowest remittance growth in the Caribbean in 2025, lagging significantly behind its regional counterparts. Remittances, which refer to funds sent by individuals working or living abroad to their families back home, serve as a crucial financial lifeline for households across the region. These transfers are particularly vital in low- and middle-income countries, helping families manage living expenses and providing economic stability during challenging times. According to the IDB’s ‘Remittances to Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025’ report, TT saw a mere 1.3% increase in remittance inflows, the lowest among all Caribbean nations analyzed. In contrast, the broader Caribbean region recorded a 9.2% growth, driven by strong inflows to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. TT’s minimal improvement starkly contrasts with the region’s overall momentum. The Caribbean collectively received $20.883 billion in remittances in 2025, accounting for 12% of all transfers to Latin America and the Caribbean. While the report did not provide a specific figure for TT, it identified the country as one of the smaller recipients in the subregion. The study highlighted general factors influencing Caribbean remittance trends, such as labor market participation in the U.S. and the financial strategies of migrant households, but did not pinpoint specific reasons for TT’s weak performance. Instead, TT was grouped with economies where remittance inflows remain modest and have shown limited growth in recent years. The IDB emphasized that remittances continue to play a stabilizing role in household income across the region, particularly in countries with growing diaspora communities that maintain strong financial ties with their families. For many households, these transfers represent essential monthly contributions from relatives working abroad, quietly but significantly impacting daily expenses. The report is part of the IDB’s ongoing efforts to monitor cross-border family transfers, which are essential for understanding consumption patterns, vulnerability, and the financial behavior of migrant populations.

At the American Chamber of Commerce of TT’s HSSE Conference and Exhibition 2025, held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain on November 12, American safety speaker Lee Shelby delivered a compelling presentation on workplace safety. Shelby, a survivor of a life-altering electrical accident, emphasized the dangers of complacency and overconfidence in the workplace. He shared his personal story of losing both arms in a 1991 accident, which he attributed to a series of small, avoidable mistakes and a mindset that dismissed risk. Shelby warned that most serious incidents stem from ordinary tasks and the normalization of unsafe behaviors, such as rushing, distraction, and procedural shortcuts. He urged business leaders and safety professionals to foster a culture of intervention, respectful communication, and vigilance. Shelby’s message was clear: safety is a personal responsibility that impacts not only the individual but also their colleagues, family, and community. His presentation underscored the importance of behavioral safety, leadership accountability, and proactive measures to prevent workplace accidents.

Black Friday, a hallmark of pre-Christmas shopping in Trinidad and Tobago, continues to draw massive crowds and fuel retail activity. Known for its deep discounts and bustling storefronts, the event has evolved from a novelty to a critical driver of fourth-quarter retail performance, according to Vashti Guyadeen, CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce. Speaking to Business Day on November 26, 2025, Guyadeen highlighted the significance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in boosting year-end sales, despite ongoing economic challenges. She shared insights from the forthcoming Q4 2025 Business Outlook Index by the Arthur Lok Jack GSB, revealing that while over half of surveyed executives reported weaker financial performance in the past six months, most remain cautiously optimistic about future improvements. Guyadeen emphasized that businesses are leveraging the ‘big discount mindset’ to stimulate consumer demand, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) offering locally made goods. Kiran Singh, President of the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce, echoed this sentiment, noting that Black Friday sales provide a crucial momentum boost heading into the Christmas season and even early Carnival-related purchases. Singh highlighted the growing trend of competitive pricing, improved digital marketing, and hybrid shopping strategies, which have enhanced consumer engagement. Angie Jairam, President of the Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce, observed a yearly increase in participation across businesses of all sizes, underscoring the event’s role in energizing the retail landscape amidst economic pressures. Despite challenges such as higher operating costs and foreign exchange issues, the Chamber encourages retailers to strategically leverage the season while maintaining responsible pricing and high service standards.

The First Citizens Group (FCGFH) has recently experienced significant volatility in its share prices, sparking debates among stakeholders and former government officials. Over the past months, the bank’s shares have seen a sharp decline, with former Finance Minister Colm Imbert describing the situation as ‘frightening.’ He noted a 26% drop from $42 in April to $31 in November, raising concerns about potential market manipulation. Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley also expressed alarm, suggesting that the leadership changes at FCGFH might have contributed to the decline. Despite these concerns, current Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo remained optimistic, stating that share price fluctuations are a natural part of the market. His confidence seemed justified as FCGFH shares rebounded by 4% in late November, closing at $34. The bank’s strong financial performance, including a $1.27 billion pre-tax profit in 2024, further underscores its stability. However, investor sentiment remains a critical factor, with some attributing the volatility to the controversial departure of former CEO Karen Darbasie and subsequent board changes. While the long-term outlook remains uncertain, the recent recovery suggests that FCGFH may be regaining investor confidence.

The Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative poised to reshape the economic landscape of southern Trinidad. The Southern Investment and Marketing Co-operative Credit Union Society (SIMCO-OP), set to launch early next year, aims to provide tailored financial solutions for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities for financing, wealth creation, and business growth in the region.

Kiran Singh, president of the chamber, announced the initiative during the annual Christmas charity event, ‘Mix and Mistletoe,’ held on November 15 at Achievors Banquet Hall in La Romaine. Singh emphasized that SIMCO-OP will not only facilitate business development but also foster job creation and wealth generation. The cooperative plans to host pop-up markets and workshops to support entrepreneurs and the broader community.

In addition to SIMCO-OP, the chamber is rolling out a comprehensive health plan for its 153 members and introducing a multi-faceted discount card to reduce operational costs. These efforts underscore the chamber’s commitment to enhancing its role in the national financial system and bolstering the economic resilience of its members.

The chamber is also expanding its international presence, with members participating in global trade events such as the Consumer Electronics Show in the US, a pharmaceutical expo in India, and trade forums in China. A recent seminar on ‘doing business with India,’ hosted in collaboration with the Indian High Commissioner, further broadened international trade opportunities.

Regionally, the chamber has forged ties with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce in Guyana, with a trade mission planned for the new year. Exploratory engagements with the Jamaican market are also on the horizon for 2026. These partnerships aim to provide southern businesses with access to shared information networks and new markets.

The chamber is collaborating with the San Fernando City Corporation to upgrade public spaces like Harris Promenade and enhance security measures. Two televisions were donated to the TT Police Service for improved monitoring in downtown San Fernando, with local businesses contributing CCTV cameras.

Singh highlighted the chamber’s efforts to restore San Fernando’s status as Trinidad and Tobago’s industrial capital. He encouraged members to explore opportunities in the global services sector, a trillion-dollar industry with significant potential for export diversification and foreign-exchange earnings.

Neil Gosine, parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, commended the chamber for its dual focus on economic leadership and social responsibility. He outlined several government projects under the TT Revitalisation Blueprint, including a waterfront redevelopment in San Fernando, a new highway, and the transformation of a legacy hospital into a modern health city. These initiatives aim to create over 50,000 jobs and position Trinidad and Tobago as a global investment and tourism hub.

Gosine also announced the upcoming launch of the Private Sector Organisation of TT (PSOTT) and a ‘Buy Local, Build Trinbago’ campaign to reduce import dependency and boost domestic production. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting private-sector growth as a cornerstone of national development.