As the budget debate in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament concludes, the fiscal measures announced by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo have come under scrutiny. While initially perceived as fair to the average citizen, the budget has revealed itself to be largely a continuation of past policies, lacking the bold reforms needed to steer the nation toward economic stability and growth. The government’s revenue projections remain heavily reliant on optimistic assumptions about oil and gas prices, the country’s primary income sources. This approach has drawn criticism for its failure to address systemic issues and its reliance on short-term fixes. Key concerns include rising tax burdens on consumers, ineffective tax collection mechanisms, and the absence of a clear strategy to diversify the economy beyond energy. The proposed reforms to the National Insurance Scheme also face skepticism, given the challenges posed by an ageing population and declining workforce participation. Critics argue that the budget lacks strategic direction, offering little insight into plans for critical sectors such as housing, education, agriculture, and national security. The financial burden, as in previous years, will likely fall on consumers, while escalating public debt threatens to burden future generations. Amid these challenges, the author advocates for the implementation of site value taxation, a system that could distribute the tax burden more equitably, promote economic diversification, and stimulate broad-based prosperity. This approach, phased in over several years, could correct imbalances in land, labor, and capital values, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economy. While the current budget represents a missed opportunity for transformative change, the adoption of innovative fiscal policies could pave the way for a brighter economic future for Trinidad and Tobago.
作者： admin
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Sucre aims for bigger success in 2026
Sucre, the 2025 Youth Soca Champion, is poised to make waves in the soca music industry as he prepares for a monumental year in 2026. Representing the Zig Boi Music Group, this young artiste has already carved out a name for himself and is now gearing up to take on established acts in the upcoming Soca Champions competition. With a new single, *Gimme Wuk Darlin*, set to release soon, Sucre and his team are working tirelessly to ensure its success across diverse audiences.
Under the mentorship of Zig Boi Music Group CEO, Mr. Spine, Sucre has undergone a rigorous two-year development program. This initiative included exposure to live events, studio sessions, and networking opportunities, all while crafting unreleased music. In his second year, Sucre joined the legendary band Traffik, gaining invaluable experience in band dynamics and soundscapes. This led to the formation of the Evolution Band, a youth-centric group aimed at engaging younger audiences in soca music.
Spine reflects on the unexpected announcement of the Soca Champions competition, which provided a much-needed platform for young talent in Trinidad and Tobago. Sucre’s victory in the competition marked a significant milestone in his career, followed by a performance in St. Maarten, where he opened for the Morgan Heritage Family.
At just 24 years old, Sucre is not only focused on his own growth but also on inspiring the next generation of soca artists. With a music degree from the University of the West Indies and a Road March win in Guyana under his belt, Sucre is determined to create a community for young creatives and redefine the sound of soca music.
As he prepares to compete against top acts like Blaka Dan in the 2026 Soca Champions competition, Sucre remains committed to showcasing his talent and proving his worth on the grand stage. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential of youth in shaping the future of soca music.
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Time for parents to stop beating their children?
A groundbreaking study from the University of The Bahamas has uncovered the profound psychological toll of corporal punishment on Bahamian youth, linking childhood physical discipline to heightened anxiety, depression, and impaired self-control. The research, led by Professor William Fielding in collaboration with Dartmouth College and the US Veterans Hospital System, was published in the International Journal of Bahamian Studies and is poised to reignite debates in a nation where such practices remain culturally entrenched and often justified on religious grounds.
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By-election for Golden Isles set for November 24
The Golden Isles constituency is set to witness a pivotal by-election on November 24, 2025, as confirmed by Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe. This announcement comes in the wake of Prime Minister Philip Davis’s recent declaration at the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) headquarters, where the party ratified 14 candidates for the upcoming general election. Notably, among these candidates are businessman Sebas Bastian and Senator Darron Pickstock, the latter of whom has been officially endorsed as the PLP’s representative for the Golden Isles seat. The Free National Movement (FNM) has also named Brian Brown as their candidate for the constituency. This by-election marks the second such event under the Davis administration, which assumed office in 2021. The first by-election occurred in West Grand Bahama and Bimini in 2023, following the untimely demise of MP Obie Wilchcombe. The upcoming vote is expected to be a significant political event, reflecting the ongoing dynamics within Bahamian politics.
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WATCH: ‘I’m not going to be bullied,’ says McKenzie amid claims that funds are being withheld from councillors
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has vehemently refuted claims that funds intended for councillors to execute projects in their divisions are being withheld. Speaking at an indigent house handover ceremony in Gayle, St Mary, on October 16, McKenzie dismissed the allegations as ‘a lie from the pit of hell’ and asserted that he would not succumb to pressure from individuals seeking to stir controversy.
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162-lb marlin on ‘Crystal’ takes canoe tournament
PORTLAND, Jamaica — The 41st Port Antonio Canoe Tournament concluded triumphantly at the Ole Marina in Port Antonio on Tuesday, with Anthony East and Devontae Brown emerging as champions. The duo, aboard the canoe ‘Crystal,’ reeled in a marlin weighing an impressive 162 pounds, securing their victory. As part of their prize, they were awarded a Yamaha boat engine, generously sponsored by Yamaja.
Marvin Brown, fishing on ‘King Fish,’ claimed second place with a 108-pound marlin, while ‘Rabbit of the Sea’ took third place with a 103-pound catch. Both winners expressed their exhilaration over the challenging yet rewarding experience.
“It was an exciting and wonderful catch. We faced some challenges when we hooked the marlin, but it was all worth it,” said Devontae Brown. Anthony East echoed his sentiments, describing the marlin’s fight as intense but manageable.
Despite initial concerns about adverse weather conditions, the tournament proceeded smoothly. East noted, “We thought the event might be canceled due to the weather, but we were fortunate to get a bite on our way up from Annotto Bay. We knew we were in for a good day.”
Max Rochester, director of the Sir Henry Morgan Anglin Association, which co-organized the event with the Portland Chamber of Commerce, expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s outcome. “At the start of the day, I was worried as only one marlin had been caught. But by the end, we had four marlins, making it a successful event,” he remarked.
Andrew Alexander of Yamaja, the sponsor of the Yamaha engine, praised the participants, stating, “We are proud of the fishermen and grateful for their continued support. They are our main customers, and we are delighted to sponsor this prize again.”
The tournament saw 68 boats registered, showcasing the enduring popularity of this annual event.
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Trincity Mall sale officially off, bidders to get deposit back
The highly anticipated sale of Trincity Mall has been officially terminated following a series of legal and criminal complications. The government is set to approve a proposal from the consortium of buyers to refund their deposit and associated costs, marking the end of a contentious transaction. The deal, valued at $505 million, was halted in October due to a High Court injunction and an ongoing criminal investigation into the sale of CL Financial (CLF) assets. The consortium, led by prominent businessmen John Aboud and Anthony Rahael, expressed their intent to withdraw from the agreement, citing concerns over the legality and validity of the sale. In a letter dated October 15, attorney Melissa Inglefield, representing the buyers, outlined the reasons for the withdrawal, including reputational risks and operational disruptions. The government, as CLF’s principal creditor, intervened through the Attorney General, seeking to halt the sale amid allegations of irregularities. The injunction was granted just hours before the deal was set to be finalized, raising questions about the transparency of the liquidation process. The liquidators, Grant Thornton, had approved the sale in April, but the transaction faced mounting scrutiny from stakeholders, including CLF shareholders and creditors. The fallout from the failed sale underscores the complexities of liquidating high-value assets and the challenges of maintaining trust in such transactions.
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UPDATE: Pregnant mom found dead
The search for Lauren Saunders, a seven-months-pregnant mother of two, ended in tragedy on October 22, 2025, when her body was reportedly discovered with gunshot wounds near Munnings Drive, off Gladstone Road. Saunders had vanished after leaving work early on Sunday to meet someone and never returned home. Her abandoned jeep was later found off Coral Harbour Road with a flat tire, her purse, and shoes inside. Family members, fearing the worst, believe she had gone to meet the man thought to be the father of her unborn child, who is believed to be married. Saunders’ sister, Charmaine Edgecombe, described her as a ‘sweetheart’ who was in high spirits before her disappearance. The family grew alarmed when Saunders failed to attend a function at Atlantis and could not be reached by phone. After checking every hospital ward, they filed a police report. Another sister retraced Saunders’ usual route to work and discovered the abandoned jeep. Police expanded their search along tracks off Gladstone Road, combing thick bushes near Coral Harbour Road. Relatives expressed frustration over the slow response and lack of updates from authorities. Saunders’ seven and nine-year-old children are heartbroken, and their grandfather is struggling to cope. Edgecombe admitted she is also finding it difficult to focus and move on. The disappearance comes four years after the death of Saunders’ mother, and she had not yet held a baby shower or chosen a name for her unborn son. Police have not confirmed reports that the father of Saunders’ unborn child has been questioned.
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Apple, Google face tougher UK regulation of mobile platforms
The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Wednesday that Apple and Google will face enhanced regulatory oversight for their mobile platforms. This decision, following a nine-month investigation, designates the two tech giants as holding ‘strategic market status’ (SMS), enabling the CMA to enforce stricter rules aimed at fostering competition and innovation. The move mirrors the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which imposes significant financial penalties for non-compliance. The CMA highlighted that Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android dominate the UK mobile market, with nearly all devices pre-installed with one of these operating systems. Their app stores and browsers also hold leading positions, potentially stifling competition. Under the SMS designation, the CMA can mandate changes to how these platforms operate, offering consumers greater choice. Both companies criticized the decision, with Google labeling it ‘disappointing, disproportionate, and unwarranted,’ while Apple warned it could lead to weaker privacy, delayed updates, and a fragmented user experience. The CMA’s announcement follows Google’s recent SMS designation for its dominance in online search, with ongoing consultations on specific rules. Google has also cautioned that unfavorable regulations could hinder new product launches in the UK, despite its recent £5 billion ($6.7 billion) investment in the country’s AI sector. Both companies employ thousands in the UK, with Google employing over 7,000 and Apple nearly 8,000.
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Chas E Ramson Ltd partners with Project STAR to support community transformation
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to bolster social cohesion and opportunity in underserved Jamaican communities, Chas E Ramson Limited has announced a two-year, $4 million partnership with Project STAR (Social Transformation and Renewal). This national initiative aims to empower local residents to lead their own transformation, fostering safety and development in marginalized areas.