The Opposition has accused the government of failing to fulfill its duty during the 2025/2026 budget debate, citing a lack of preparedness among ministers to present their plans and policies. The critique was voiced by PNM MPs Marvin Gonzales, Colm Imbert, and Symon de Nobriga during a press conference at Balisier House in Port of Spain on October 18. They expressed surprise at the government’s decision to prematurely conclude the debate, which they described as an evasion of accountability. Gonzales highlighted that only two senior ministers participated in the debate, while seven PNM MPs responded, leaving key portfolios such as Homeland Security, Education, and Energy unaddressed. The Opposition’s strategy was to reserve their speakers for responding to senior ministers rather than UNC backbenchers. However, the government’s refusal to engage further forced the Finance Minister to hastily wind up the session without addressing critical points raised by the Opposition. Imbert emphasized that the government’s failure to clarify budget measures and respond to discrepancies in tax impacts was a disservice to the public. Gonzales also criticized the Prime Minister’s absence, particularly given the need to address the retrenchment of thousands of workers. Additionally, he condemned the referral of Opposition Leader Beckles to the Privileges Committee as a procedural breach and an attack on democratic processes, vowing that the PNM would address this issue.
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Parliamentarians send Divali greetings to all of Trinidad and Tobago
In a rare moment of unity, Trinidad and Tobago’s political leaders paused their 2026 budget debate to celebrate Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, in the Rotunda of the Red House in Port of Spain on October 17. The event, marked by the lighting of deyas (oil lamps), saw participation from House Speaker Jagdeo Singh, Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath, and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles. The celebration was a symbolic gesture of cultural harmony in the multicultural nation. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, in his Divali address on October 18, drew parallels between the festival’s themes of light overcoming darkness and the return of Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC as Prime Minister in the April 28 general election. Padarath likened Persad-Bissessar to the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of prosperity and righteousness, and emphasized the importance of respecting women in society. He also critiqued the previous administration, stating that the current government has restored good governance after a decade of ‘darkness.’ Opposition MP Hans Des Vignes echoed the sentiment, extending warm Divali greetings to the Hindu community and highlighting the festival’s universal message of unity, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment. Des Vignes urged citizens to draw inspiration from Divali to address the nation’s social and economic challenges, reaffirming commitments to justice, equality, and cultural heritage. Both leaders called for the preservation of Trinidad and Tobago’s rich multicultural identity, emphasizing the festival’s themes of peace, love, and respect.
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Divali Nagar comes to a close
The National Council of Indian Culture’s Divali Nagar, a nine-night cultural extravaganza, concluded on October 19 in Chaguanas, Trinidad. The event, which celebrated the rich traditions of Indian culture, featured a variety of performances, culinary delights, and artistic displays. Among the distinguished attendees were President Christine Kangaloo, her husband Kerwyn Garcia, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, and Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was scheduled to deliver a speech on the closing night, adding a significant political touch to the festivities. The festival of lights, Divali, will be celebrated nationwide on October 20, with traditional Indian dishes and the lighting of thousands of deyas (oil lamps) marking the occasion. The Divali Nagar also showcased vibrant performances by the Bollywood Dance Company and the Arkash and Sheetal Carl & Group, who captivated the audience with their dynamic routines. Visitors enjoyed the intricate mehndi (henna) designs displayed by Ariya Gobin and Amara Persad, while chutney singer Katelin Sultan, bmobile’s youngest brand ambassador, engaged with attendees at the company’s booth. The event was a testament to the enduring cultural heritage and communal spirit of Trinidad’s Indian community.
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Tancoo claims PNM collapsed as debate ends prematurely
In a dramatic turn of events during the marathon budget debate in the House of Representatives, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo declared that the People’s National Movement (PNM) had ‘fallen’ after no opposition MP rose to respond to a government speaker. The debate, which began at 10 am on October 17 and concluded at 2:22 am on October 18, is set to resume on October 21 with a detailed examination of revenue and expenditure by the Standing Finance Committee. The session featured 14 speakers, alternating between opposition and government MPs, until it reached Claxton Bay MP Hansen Narinesingh, who delivered his maiden speech. Speaker Jagdeo Singh congratulated Narinesingh and then turned to the opposition benches, only to find no one willing to speak. Tancoo seized the moment, criticizing the PNM for abdicating its responsibility, particularly noting the absence of opposition leader Pennelope Beckles. He accused the opposition of having ‘nothing to say’ and praised the budget as ‘excellent.’ House Leader Barry Padarath later issued a statement titled ‘PNM Collapses in 2026 Budget Debate,’ highlighting the opposition’s failure to continue the debate despite having five members yet to speak. Padarath described the PNM’s inaction as a clear sign of their inability to analyze and respond to the national budget, suggesting that the party had ‘collapsed’ under the pressure.
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No incidents reported despite yellow-level weather alerts
Trinidad and Tobago remained unscathed by severe weather incidents as of October 18, despite the activation of two yellow-level alerts for adverse weather and hazardous seas. The TT Meteorological Service (Met Office) provided an update at 3:30 PM, confirming that the hazardous seas alert, initiated at 8:00 PM on October 17, was scheduled to conclude at 4:00 PM on October 18. Simultaneously, the adverse weather alert #2, which commenced at 12:00 PM on October 18, is expected to persist until 10:00 PM on October 20. The Met Office reported that showers and isolated thunderstorms had swept across both islands, resulting in heavy downpours and gusty winds, particularly in Tobago. The agency attributed these conditions to an active tropical wave traversing the region, maintaining a moist and unstable atmosphere. Intermittent rainfall, potentially heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, is forecasted to continue through Monday. While brief respites may occur, the atmosphere remains conducive to impactful weather activity. Authorities have advised residents to secure loose outdoor objects, remain vigilant in flood-prone areas, and stay informed about changing weather conditions. The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government emphasized the importance of awareness and preparedness, urging the public to identify emergency shelters and know their local Disaster Management Co-ordinating Unit hotline numbers. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) reinforced these messages, particularly for individuals with disabilities, encouraging them to prepare emergency kits and personal safety plans. Despite the warnings, no weather-related incidents have been reported.
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Trini’s changing eating habits take a bite out of food industry
The dining landscape in Trinidad is undergoing significant shifts as economic pressures force consumers to rethink their spending habits. A recent investigation by Newsday reveals that many residents are opting for cost-effective and convenient meal options, with some even skipping lunch altogether to save money. One woman shared that she primarily eats breakfast and dinner, often resorting to inexpensive, filling meals like packaged ramen or pasta due to exhaustion after work. She noted that cooking at home has become equally expensive, with grocery bills quickly adding up, leaving her in a ‘no-win situation.’
Another individual highlighted the challenge of balancing affordability and taste, often choosing street food like doubles, pies, or pholourie when on a tight budget. For larger meals, he seeks out restaurants offering generous portions of curry, KFC, or creole cuisine. Similarly, a working woman explained that she brings homemade lunches to work to save money and avoid the limited variety at nearby eateries, occasionally indulging in creole food or junk food for variety.
Food writer Franka Philip attributes these changes to a combination of rising food prices, job losses, and consumer fatigue with repetitive options. She noted that food courts and malls have been particularly affected, with many stalls closing or changing hands. However, food hubs like Woodbrook Yard and Food Square remain popular, especially on weekends, though business has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Philip also pointed out that established restaurants with consistent quality continue to attract loyal customers, particularly for Sunday lunches after church.
Street food remains a cornerstone of Trinidadian culture, with locations like the Food Strip in Queen’s Park Savannah and Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua bustling on weekends. Shira Mohammed, founder of Restaurant Week TT, observed a post-pandemic shift from fine dining to casual, family-style restaurants and sports bars. She emphasized the enduring appeal of street food, which offers affordability, variety, and a taste of local culture. Mohammed also noted the growing reliance on food delivery services, which, despite their cost, have become a staple for many consumers.
Overall, the food industry in Trinidad is navigating a complex landscape, with economic challenges reshaping consumer behavior and forcing businesses to adapt to new realities.
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France’s ex-president Sarkozy goes to jail
PARIS, France — Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is set to begin his prison sentence on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first former head of state from an EU country to be incarcerated. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in late September for his involvement in a criminal conspiracy to secure illegal campaign funding from the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi during his 2007 presidential bid. Despite appealing the verdict and decrying it as an “injustice,” Sarkozy will be held at La Sante prison in Paris. In a defiant statement following his conviction, Sarkozy declared, “If they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison — but with my head held high.” This makes him the first French leader to face imprisonment since Philippe Petain, the Nazi-collaborating head of the Vichy regime, who was jailed after World War II. Sarkozy is expected to be placed in solitary confinement, occupying a nine-square-meter cell to minimize interaction with other inmates and prevent unauthorized photography. The presiding judge, Nathalie Gavarino, emphasized the “exceptional gravity” of the offenses, ordering his incarceration even as he appeals. Sarkozy’s legal team is likely to seek his release immediately, but the court retains the authority to deny it if there are concerns about evidence tampering or witness intimidation. If released, he could be placed under judicial supervision or house arrest with an ankle tag. Sarkozy’s legal troubles have mounted since his 2012 re-election loss, including a prior graft conviction. In the Libyan case, prosecutors alleged that his aides struck a deal with Kadhafi in 2005 to fund his campaign, with promises to restore Kadhafi’s international image. However, the court acquitted Sarkozy of charges related to embezzlement, corruption, and illicit campaign financing. Despite losing his Legion of Honour distinction, Sarkozy retains some support on the French right, with his son Louis Sarkozy urging supporters to rally outside their family home. The case has also sparked controversy, with the presiding judge receiving death threats, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn such actions as “unacceptable.” La Sante prison has housed notable figures, including Venezuelan militant Carlos the Jackal and French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who was found dead in his cell in 2022.
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Family and police seek help to locate missing woman
The family of Merlissa Jhero, in collaboration with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, has issued a heartfelt plea for public assistance in locating the young woman, who has been reported missing. Relatives have expressed growing concern as Merlissa has not been seen for an extended period, and all attempts to reach her have proven futile. Authorities are urging anyone with even the slightest information to come forward and contact the police at 781-1990 or visit the nearest police station. The Royal Police Force emphasized that no detail is too small, as it could be crucial in ensuring Merlissa’s safe return. The community is being called upon to rally together and provide any leads that might help bring her home. Meanwhile, the family remains hopeful and is relying on the collective efforts of the public and law enforcement to resolve this distressing situation.
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Flow Issues Warning Over Scam Calls in Antigua and Barbuda
Telecommunications provider Flow has issued a critical public alert regarding a surge in scam calls targeting residents of Antigua and Barbuda. The company revealed that fraudsters are impersonating Flow representatives, attempting to extract sensitive personal information such as email addresses, verification codes, and urging victims to click on malicious links or claim non-existent prizes. These deceptive tactics aim to exploit unsuspecting customers, potentially leading to identity theft or financial loss. Flow has strongly advised residents to immediately disconnect any suspicious calls and refrain from engaging with the callers. To assist customers in verifying the authenticity of communications, the company has provided official contact numbers: 1-268-764-9238 and 1-800-804-2994. This advisory is part of Flow’s broader initiative to safeguard its customers from fraudulent activities and enhance cybersecurity awareness. The company emphasized the importance of vigilance and encouraged individuals to report any suspicious interactions to their customer service team promptly.
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Antigua PM vows crackdown on corruption, warns even major donors at risk
In a bold declaration during a parliamentary session on Thursday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda announced a stringent zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, even if it implicates influential business supporters. Addressing the Lower House, Browne emphasized that his administration is committed to eradicating malfeasance within state agencies and revenue departments, regardless of the political or financial clout of those involved. He underscored the importance of safeguarding public revenue to ensure it directly benefits the populace, signaling an end to under-the-table deals and revenue leakage that have plagued previous governments. Browne’s statement, ‘The time for leniency is over,’ reflects his determination to restore public confidence and ensure that government funds are utilized in the national interest. He also acknowledged that some of the individuals implicated in corruption are significant campaign contributors but affirmed that his government is prepared to make sacrifices to uphold integrity and transparency.