During the 12th sitting of the House of Representatives on November 21, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander acknowledged the severe understaffing of the Transit Police Unit, which has been left to ‘deteriorate’ over the past nine years. The unit is currently operating with a skeleton staff and is short by at least 60 officers. This revelation came in response to a question from opposition MP Marvin Gonzales, following a recent robbery of a Route 2 maxi taxi driver by masked men in Arouca on November 19. Alexander assured that a superintendent director has been appointed and reconstruction efforts for the Transit Police have commenced. However, he declined to disclose the government’s specific security strategies, stating, ‘I do not want to put on the table the strategies the government intends to use.’ He emphasized the importance of protecting transit infrastructure and mentioned a meeting with the Route 2 Maxi Taxi Association on November 20 to discuss future measures. Alexander also highlighted the Transit Police’s role in overseeing security along the Priority Bus Route, noting ten robberies last year and one so far this year. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles attempted to inquire about budget allocations for additional Transit Police personnel, but House Speaker Jagdeo Singh ruled the question ‘not allowed,’ as the initial query had already been addressed.
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Government settles $131m TTEC COLA dispute
In a landmark development, Public Utilities Minister Barry Shiva Padarath announced a $131 million settlement to resolve a long-standing Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) issue affecting nearly 3,000 TTEC workers. The announcement was made during the House of Representatives’ 12th sitting on November 21, following the signing of a historic memorandum of agreement between TTEC and the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) on November 13. The first tranche of retroactive payments was deposited into workers’ accounts on November 18, marking a significant step toward justice for employees whose COLA payments had been frozen for nearly a decade. The settlement introduces new COLA rates and outlines a four-stage disbursement plan for retroactive payments, set to be completed by February 2026. Weekly-paid workers will now receive a COLA rate of $5.75 per hour, bringing their total to $15.64 per hour, while monthly-paid workers will see their COLA increase by $1,050, totaling $2,721.36. Minister Padarath emphasized that the settlement provides immediate relief to households struggling with rising living costs and criticized the previous administration for a decade of inaction. The agreement also includes safeguards such as mandatory monthly cash-flow reviews to ensure financial responsibility. Padarath hailed the settlement as a restoration of dignity and fairness, ensuring workers receive their rightful dues in time for Christmas 2025.
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PSA receives 10% offer by CPO
In a significant development for public sector employees, Public Services Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas announced on November 21 that the union has received a formal offer of a ten per cent salary increase from Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Daryl Dindial. The offer comes after a crucial meeting between the PSA and the CPO, marking a pivotal moment in ongoing negotiations.
Thomas, addressing the media post-meeting, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, ‘Another promise made, another promise delivered.’ This statement reflects the union’s persistent advocacy for better compensation for its members. Earlier, Thomas had voiced skepticism about the meeting’s agenda, particularly after learning that a presentation on the state of the economy would be part of the discussions.
Prior to the meeting, the PSA had formally communicated its position to the CPO’s office, emphasizing that the union was not at the initial stages of negotiations. Instead, the PSA sought a clear mandate from the Minister of Finance to present a ten per cent salary increase offer. Thomas highlighted the union’s commitment to finalizing negotiations swiftly, aiming to ensure that members receive their increased earnings by Christmas.
‘We have in our hand, delivered by the acting CPO, an offer of ten per cent which the PSA will be responding to by this afternoon,’ Thomas confirmed. She reiterated the union’s primary objective: to conclude negotiations promptly and secure financial benefits for its members. This development underscores the PSA’s proactive approach in advocating for public sector workers’ rights and economic well-being.
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![[UPDATED] Tancoo calls on banks to absorb asset levy](https://wp.caribscopeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cbc142252942151397f4d08a389235f7.jpg)
[UPDATED] Tancoo calls on banks to absorb asset levy
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has reassured the public that the newly introduced 0.25% asset levy on commercial banks and insurance companies, effective January 1, 2026, will not adversely affect customers. Speaking at the ICATT conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Tancoo emphasized that the Central Bank would be tasked with ensuring that these institutions absorb the levy without passing additional costs onto consumers. The levy is expected to generate significant revenue, with commercial banks and insurance companies holding combined assets of over $230 billion, yielding an estimated $5 billion and $75 million annually, respectively. Tancoo highlighted the importance of financial responsibility and equity, urging the Central Bank to maintain strict oversight. Despite concerns from critics about potential cost transfers to customers, Tancoo expressed confidence in the public’s digital awareness and ability to seek better financial options if necessary. Additionally, the government is focusing on enhancing the efficiency of the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) and Customs and Excise to address tax evasion and reduce the budget deficit, which currently stands at 2.17% of GDP. Tancoo also mentioned ongoing efforts to modernize the BIR, aiming to improve accountability and revenue collection to support national development.
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Speid appointed Reggae Boyz interim coach, Coley in talks for assistant role
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has announced the appointment of Rudolph Speid as the interim head coach of the Reggae Boyz, following the resignation of Steve McClaren on Tuesday. Speid, who has been serving as the technical advisor for the national senior men’s team for the past four months, will officially assume the role on December 15, 2025, and continue until March 31, 2026. The decision was made during an emergency meeting at the JFF on Friday, where Speid was one of two candidates interviewed for the position. The other candidate, Miguel Coley, a former assistant coach of the Reggae Boyz currently based in Iraq, is in discussions to serve as the assistant coach. Speid, who has led Cavalier FC to three Jamaica Premier League titles in the last four years and won the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, will now guide the team through their final push for World Cup qualification at the Inter-Confederation Playoffs in March. The Reggae Boyz will face New Caledonia in the semi-finals, with a potential final against DR Congo for a spot in next year’s tournament.
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Simoes plans ‘crisis cabinet’ of ‘specialists’ if given Reggae Boyz job
Brazilian football coach Rene Simões, renowned for guiding Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to their historic 1998 FIFA World Cup appearance, has expressed his interest in taking over the team’s vacant head coaching position. This follows the abrupt resignation of Englishman Steve McClaren after Jamaica’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Curacao, which left them second in their group and out of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Simões, 72, has already communicated his intentions to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and garnered support from several former players of the 1998 squad. In a detailed social media post, Simões outlined his vision for the team, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reconstruction. He proposed forming a ‘crisis cabinet’ of experienced specialists, including former Reggae Boyz players like Durrant Brown, Ricardo Gardener, Theodore Whitmore, Freddy Butler, and Deon Burton, to address key areas of the game. Simões believes his philosophy and innovative approach, akin to the structure of American football, can propel Jamaica to their second World Cup. The JFF is expected to appoint an interim coach soon, with Rudolph Speid, coach of Premier League champions Cavalier, rumored to be a frontrunner. Jamaica’s next challenge will be against New Caledonia in March 2026, with a potential follow-up match against the Democratic Republic of Congo for a World Cup berth.
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Bear attack on Canada school children injures 11
A devastating grizzly bear attack in the remote Bella Coola area of British Columbia, Canada, left 11 people injured, including children as young as nine, authorities reported on Friday. Among the victims, two are in critical condition, while two others sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the Old Trail, according to Corporal Madonna Saunderson, a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The Nuxalk First Nation, a local Indigenous community, confirmed the attack on their Facebook page, warning residents of an ‘aggressive bear in the area.’ Acwsalcta School, operated by the Nuxalk Nation, announced its closure on Friday due to the incident. Veronica Schooner, a parent, shared with the Canadian Press that her son narrowly escaped injury as the bear targeted others in the group.
The British Columbia Emergency Health Services reported that seven of the injured did not require hospitalization. As of late Thursday, the bear remained at large, prompting the Nuxalk Nation to advise residents to stay indoors. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service has assumed control of the investigation, though it remains unclear whether the bear has been located. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event.
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Gary Aboud claims US visa cancelled over criticism of missile strikes
Gary Aboud, the corporate secretary of Fishermen & Friends of the Sea (FFOS), has alleged that his US visa was revoked due to his vocal criticism of the United States’ missile strikes in the Caribbean over the past two and a half months. The strikes, part of the US war on drug traffickers in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific, have reportedly killed over 80 people, including two Trinidadians, Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo. Since September 2, the US has launched more than 20 lethal missile strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels, including a submarine, though no evidence of narcotics has been publicly provided. Two bodies suspected to be victims of these strikes washed ashore on Trinidad and Tobago’s north-eastern coast in September. Aboud received notification of his visa revocation via email on November 20, citing ‘new information’ obtained by US authorities. In a media release titled ‘Silencing Civil Society,’ Aboud expressed concern over the intimidation of NGOs, emphasizing their role in promoting equity, justice, and sustainable development. He criticized the US strikes on Venezuelan vessels, which have been condemned by international bodies like the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Human Rights Watch as ‘unacceptable’ and ‘extra-judicial killings.’ Aboud also questioned the support of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, for the strikes, urging the US to present its intelligence in court rather than resorting to deadly force in international waters.
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Farley: No date for Tobago election, yet
As anticipation builds for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has yet to announce the specific date, though he confirmed it will occur sooner than expected. Speaking to reporters on November 20 at the Parliament building in Port of Spain during a UNICEF event, Augustine emphasized that the election must be held between January 12 and February 12, as mandated by Act 40 of 1996. Augustine, who leads the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), expressed confidence in his party’s prospects, citing significant achievements during his administration’s four-year tenure. These include substantial investments in school repairs, gratuities, and insurance, as well as efforts to stabilize the island’s economy. The TPP, formed in August 2023 after a split from the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP), will face competition from the PDP, the People’s National Movement (PNM), and other smaller parties and independent candidates. Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor praised the TPP’s resilience and leadership, rating their performance as a nine out of ten despite numerous challenges. Augustine’s administration aims to surpass its previous accomplishments, reinforcing its commitment to Tobago’s development.
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Sturge mum on whether government allowing US warships in TT waters
In a recent session of the House of Representatives on November 21, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge declined to respond to a query regarding the alleged presence of US military forces in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). The question, posed by Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales, sought clarification on whether the TT government had authorized US military operations, including warships in the Gulf of Paria and aircraft in TT airspace, based on videos, satellite imagery, and media reports. Minister Sturge invoked public interest immunity, stating that he would not disclose any information unless convinced that doing so would serve the public interest. He referenced Standing Order 27(1)(g), which permits ministers to withhold information if its release is deemed contrary to national interest. This development has sparked debates over transparency and sovereignty, as the public remains uninformed about the extent of US military activities in TT territory.