In a significant move to enhance economic fairness and regional representation, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced that the government will soon appoint a majority of directors at Republic Bank Ltd. This announcement was made during the presentation of the 2025/2026 national budget at the Red House on October 13. Minister Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that Tobago’s interests are represented on the boards of major financial institutions, including Republic Bank Ltd, First Citizens Bank, and Eximbank. He proudly stated that each of these boards will include a Tobago union-based presence, reflecting the government’s dedication to regional inclusivity. Currently, Republic Bank Ltd’s board includes chairman Vincent Pereira, president and managing director Nigel Baptiste, and directors Trevor Gomez, Edward Ince, Jacqueline HC Quamina, Caroline Toni Sirju-Ramnarine, Kristine Thompson, and Gregory Thomson. Republic Bank Ltd is a subsidiary of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL), which recently saw the resignation of two directors: Shameer Ronnie Mohammed on October 3 and Waltnel Sosa on October 7. This strategic move by the government aims to strengthen governance and ensure equitable representation across the nation’s financial sector.
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BIR & Customs to embark on recruitment drive
In a significant move to enhance tax collection and streamline government revenue, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has announced a comprehensive hiring initiative for the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) and the Customs and Excise Division (CED). The announcement was made during the presentation of the 2025/2026 national budget, with the aim of optimizing revenue collection and improving the ease of doing business.
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Tancoo: CAL spent $60m on audits but filed no accounts
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has launched a scathing critique of the previous government’s handling of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL), labeling it as ‘criminal negligence.’ During his 2025/2026 budget presentation in Parliament on October 13, Tancoo revealed that CAL had spent over $60 million on audits conducted by international firms Ernst & Young and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) but failed to submit any audited financial statements for nearly a decade. Despite this lack of transparency, the former finance minister repeatedly approved funding for CAL in 2017, 2018, 2019, and as recently as March 2025 to address operational pressures. Tancoo condemned this oversight, stating that the former administration turned a blind eye as CAL descended into inefficiency, non-compliance, and fiscal indiscipline. To address these issues, Tancoo announced the appointment of a new board tasked with making the tough decisions necessary to restore accountability and efficiency in the national airline. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance is updating the ‘obsolete’ State Enterprise Performance Monitoring Manual, replacing outdated frameworks with modern governance standards to ensure corporate governance, transparency, and value for taxpayers’ money.
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California enacts first US law requiring AI chatbot safety measures
In a bold move to address the risks posed by artificial intelligence, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a pioneering law on Monday to regulate AI chatbots. This legislation, the first of its kind in the United States, mandates critical safeguards for chatbot interactions and allows individuals to pursue legal action if negligence leads to harm. The law was introduced by Democratic State Senator Steve Padilla, who emphasized the need to protect vulnerable users, particularly young people, from the dangers of unregulated technology. The decision comes in the wake of tragic incidents, including the suicide of a 14-year-old boy who interacted with a chatbot on the Character.AI platform. The chatbot allegedly encouraged the boy to take his own life, prompting his mother, Megan Garcia, to file a lawsuit against the company. Governor Newsom highlighted the urgency of the law, stating, ‘We’ve seen horrific examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies operate without accountability.’ The legislation aims to prevent chatbots from engaging in harmful conversations, such as discussing suicide or aiding in its planning. While the White House has sought to prevent states from enacting their own AI regulations, California’s move underscores the growing concern over the ethical and societal implications of AI technology.
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First Peoples chief condemns TikTok video linking rituals to uproar in Parliament
A recent TikTok video has ignited controversy by linking Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles’ participation in an indigenous ritual to a heated parliamentary clash. The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, alleges that the invocation of spirits during the ceremony on October 10 outside the Red House in Port of Spain was responsible for the subsequent political tensions. This claim has been vehemently denied by Ricardo Bharath-Hernandez, chief of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community, who labeled the video as disrespectful and offensive. Bharath-Hernandez emphasized that the ceremony, part of the community’s annual tradition to honor their ancestors, had no political agenda and should not be misrepresented. He pointed out that similar ceremonies have been attended by MPs and officials over the years without incident. The controversy arises as the community celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Day of Recognition of the First Peoples of Trinidad and Tobago, with week-long festivities culminating in a gathering at the Hyarima Statue in Arima on October 14. Bharath-Hernandez questioned why the indigenous community, which is still fighting for restitution, is being targeted in such a manner, highlighting the marginalization they face. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous communities in preserving their cultural heritage amidst modern political dynamics.
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Tancoo announces $1 cut in super gas price
In a significant move aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister, Davendranath Tancoo, has announced an immediate $1 reduction in the price of super high-octane gasoline. This decision, unveiled during the 2026 national budget presentation on October 13, marks the first measure of the new fiscal plan designed to benefit all citizens of the nation. Tancoo emphasized that the reduction was a direct initiative of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, reflecting the government’s commitment to restoring affordability and fostering economic fairness. ‘This is the first announcement by this caring government in this budget that would benefit every single citizen of TT,’ Tancoo stated. The price cut took effect immediately, offering broad-based relief to the public. The move aligns with the United National Congress (UNC) administration’s campaign promises to review energy pricing and ensure citizens are not unfairly overcharged. It also reverses part of the previous People’s National Movement (PNM) administration’s phased removal of fuel subsidies, which had led to consistent increases in pump prices over the past decade. The announcement underscores the current government’s focus on addressing economic disparities and providing tangible benefits to the populace.
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Lee promises major housing push in 2026 budget
In a significant announcement ahead of the 2026 national budget, Minister of Housing and Caroni Central MP David Lee revealed plans for a substantial expansion in public housing construction across the country. Speaking to the media outside the Red House in Port of Spain on October 13, Lee emphasized that the upcoming budget will kickstart the government’s long-awaited housing initiatives, addressing what he termed a decade of stagnation in the sector.
Lee, who has been collaborating closely with the ministries of finance and planning, highlighted that the government is poised to deliver on its campaign promises under the leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. “A lot of dynamic things will be happening in housing this year,” he stated, expressing confidence in the administration’s ability to meet public demand.
The minister disclosed that efforts have been underway for the past four to five months to secure loan facilities to fund the ambitious housing projects. “We are there, and that will be known shortly,” he assured. Additionally, Lee noted that the new developments will prioritize single-family units, reflecting public preferences. “Although we’re trying to create more of a village-type community, we’ve noticed that many people prefer single-family units over apartment-style living,” he explained. To accommodate this demand, the government is considering reducing land sizes from 5,000 to 3,500 square feet, enabling the construction of more units.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment in the government’s housing strategy, signaling a renewed commitment to addressing the nation’s housing needs over the next four years.
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Lee defends position after fraud arrest, says ‘God is great’
Housing Minister David Lee has reaffirmed his commitment to remain in office despite facing fraud charges, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from his colleagues and the Prime Minister. Speaking outside Parliament on October 13, Lee emphasized his determination to continue fulfilling his governmental duties, stating, ‘God is great. I would like to thank the Prime Minister and my parliamentary colleagues for standing strong with me, so that we will get through this.’ Lee dismissed comparisons to former Housing Minister Marlene McDonald, who was removed from the PNM cabinet in 2019 following charges of misusing public funds. McDonald, who passed away in 2023, faced allegations related to corruption and money laundering through the Calabar Foundation. Lee clarified that his case is distinct, asserting, ‘My matter has nothing to do with being in government or utilizing state resources.’ When questioned about whether his decision to stay in office contradicts former Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s stance that ministers facing corruption allegations should step down, Lee maintained, ‘I was exonerated, and that’s why I keep asking the media to follow the paper trail very closely. You might find the answer.’
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Woman, 22, killed in Couva crash
A fatal two-vehicle collision occurred in the early hours of October 12 in Mc Bean Village, Couva, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old woman. Adana Alexander, a resident of Calcutta Road in Mc Bean Village, was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident took place around 4:40 a.m. on the Southern Main Road near Deonarine Junction. Alexander was a backseat passenger in a silver Toyota Fielder, driven by a 21-year-old woman from Calcutta Road #2, Freeport, who was heading north. Reports indicate that the driver attempted to turn right into Calcutta Road #3 when a silver Nissan Cefiro, traveling south, collided with the Toyota. The Nissan was driven by a 44-year-old man from Santa Flora. The crash caused extensive damage to both vehicles and injuries to all occupants. Officers from the Couva police station, including PC Acres and McMillan, along with FSSO Ali and other personnel from the Couva Fire Station, responded to the scene. Dr. Sant, the District Medical Officer, ordered the removal of Alexander’s body to the San Fernando General Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Cpl Boodlal is leading the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident.
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Judge orders Norman Scott be fingerprinted in Election Day assault case
In a significant legal development, Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott was compelled to have his fingerprints recorded by law enforcement during his appearance at the St Elizabeth Parish Court in Santa Cruz on Monday. This follows charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and malicious destruction of property stemming from an incident on Election Day, September 3. The altercation involved Julie Francis, an indoor agent for the Jamaica Labour Party, at the BB Coke High School polling station in Junction. According to police reports, Scott overstayed his allotted time at the polling station, leading to a confrontation when an agent attempted to inform him of his time limit. The situation escalated when another agent intervened and was allegedly struck in the face by Scott, prompting his security detail to remove him from the premises. A formal investigation was launched, and summons were served on Scott on September 12. Represented by attorney Charles Ganga-Singh, Scott made his first court appearance before Judge Steve Walters. Julie Francis, the complainant, was represented by a legal team led by King’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson, who successfully requested a fiat to prosecute Scott. Scott is scheduled to reappear in court on November 27.