Significant progress has been made in the expansion and modernization of the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland, Jamaica. During a recent press briefing at the S Hotel in Montego Bay, Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, provided updates on the project, which aims to enhance healthcare services and alleviate overcrowding. The initiative, now in the procurement phase, focuses on expanding the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department and upgrading other critical facilities.
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PSA head eyes 10% settlement by Xmas
Public Service Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has announced the union’s goal to finalize public sector wage negotiations by Christmas, ensuring workers receive long-awaited payments. Speaking during a live Facebook media conference on October 14, Thomas addressed what she termed ‘misinformation from the Opposition’ regarding the recent ten per cent wage offer proposed by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the October 13 budget presentation. Thomas emphasized the PSA’s commitment to resolving negotiations swiftly, stating, ‘We are serious about your business. Our aim is to have your negotiation settled by Christmas so that your money will be in your pockets.’
Thomas criticized former Finance Ministry official Brian Manning for his public call for clarification on the government’s offer, urging him to ‘stay quiet, sit down, and stay out of public servants’ business.’ She accused the Opposition of spreading ‘lies’ to undermine the PSA’s recent achievements on behalf of civil servants, statutory authority workers, and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) employees. Thomas referenced a May 19, 2022, memorandum of agreement from the chief personnel officer (CPO), highlighting past wage proposals under the previous government, which she described as ‘disrespectful.’
She condemned the Opposition’s claims of a nine per cent offer during the same period, calling it an attempt to minimize the PSA’s victories. Thomas also recalled the previous government’s decision to refer the matter to a special tribunal, which she viewed as an effort to impose an inadequate four per cent wage increase. She praised civil servants as ‘the backbone of this nation,’ crediting them for sustaining the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas hailed the revised ten per cent offer as a turning point, restoring dignity to the negotiation process and marking a victory for workers.
Thomas confirmed that the CPO has acknowledged the PSA’s request to meet, and the union awaits a formal response to begin talks. She urged workers to rely solely on the PSA for accurate information on negotiations, warning against the Opposition’s attempts to ‘create mischief.’ During the budget presentation, Tancoo confirmed that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC had instructed the CPO to submit the revised offer covering the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019 for civil servants, statutory authorities, and THA employees.
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South Africa beat Rwanda to qualify for 2026 World Cup
In a decisive match on Tuesday, South Africa triumphed over Rwanda with a commanding 3-0 victory in Mbombela, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup. Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis delivered first-half goals, while Evidence Makgopa sealed the win with a second-half strike. This victory ensured South Africa topped Group C with 18 points, narrowly edging out Nigeria, who defeated Benin 4-0 in a concurrent match.
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Gambling commission: Crackdown on illegal operators will level playing field
In a significant move to combat illegal gambling and strengthen regulatory oversight, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Commission has proposed amendments to the Gambling and Betting Act. Corporate Communications Manager Shahad Ali emphasized that these changes, which include harsher penalties for illegal operators, aim to create a fairer playing field for licensed businesses and foster sustainable industry growth. Ali highlighted that the reforms prioritize responsible gaming practices and the protection of vulnerable groups, aligning with public expectations and regulatory mandates. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, during his 2025/2026 budget presentation, underscored the financial toll of illegal gambling, estimating a $9 billion illegal market that deprives the state of significant tax revenue and fuels criminal activities like money laundering and human trafficking. To address this, the amendments introduce penalties of up to $3 million and seven years’ imprisonment for illegal operators. Additionally, the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) will now make quarterly payments into the Consolidated Fund to enhance revenue oversight. These measures are part of a broader fiscal strategy to improve compliance and boost state revenue collection.
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New board appointed to TATT
The Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence has officially inaugurated a new board of directors for the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT). The installation ceremony, held on October 10 in Port of Spain, marked a significant step in advancing the nation’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. The newly appointed board is led by Chairman Chris Seecharanm and Deputy Chairman Jerome Khan, alongside members Mentor Baptiste, Dr. Justin Koo, Avanti Supersad, Russel Romero, Suresh Boodoo, Dion Khan, and Danielle Pounder. Each member brings extensive expertise in telecommunications, law, entrepreneurship, and education, ensuring a diverse and capable leadership team. Minister Dominic Smith emphasized TATT’s critical role in ensuring equitable access to technological advancements for all citizens. He urged the board to focus on core regulatory functions, leverage artificial intelligence to enhance operations, and prioritize empathy in addressing citizens’ challenges. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs’ ‘signal versus noise’ theory, Smith encouraged the board to dedicate 80% of their efforts to purposeful execution while fostering innovation and agility. He stressed that technology must serve humanity, aligning with the government’s commitment to people-centered progress. TATT, as an independent regulatory body, is tasked with managing spectrum and numbering resources, setting service standards, promoting sector liberalization, and fostering investment to ensure nationwide access to reliable and affordable communications services. The ministry expressed confidence that the new board will uphold transparency, fairness, and excellence, driving innovation and sustainable growth in a sector vital to Trinidad and Tobago’s national development.
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Agri Society: Expand incentives, no more ‘talk shop’
The Trinidad and Tobago agriculture sector is cautiously optimistic about the promises outlined in the 2025/2026 national budget, presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo on October 13. With a total expenditure of $59.232 billion, the agriculture sector is set to receive $1.13 billion, a slight decrease from the previous year’s allocation of $1.184 billion. However, stakeholders are urging the government to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results. Darryl Rampersad, president of the Agriculture Society, expressed skepticism, noting that past government pledges often failed to materialize. He emphasized the need for agriculture to be prioritized and for existing incentive programs to be expanded, including the removal of VAT on essential agricultural items. Minister Tancoo announced several measures aimed at revitalizing the sector, including VAT exemptions on machinery and equipment for agricultural use, hydroponic and greenhouse farming components, and locally grown produce. Additionally, Customs Duty on feed for poultry, cattle, and pigs will be removed starting January 1, 2026. The government is also aligning with Caricom’s ’25 by 2025′ initiative, aiming to reduce food imports by 25% by 2030. Key strategies include a three-year priority commodities program, climate-resilient farming, crop insurance, and investments in agri-tech and smart agriculture. With $793.7 million allocated for infrastructure, irrigation, and fisheries, the government is targeting $1 billion in agricultural exports in the next fiscal year.
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Tancoo defends projected US$73 oil price
Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo, has justified the government’s decision to base its fiscal 2026 budget on an oil price of US$73.25 per barrel and natural gas at $4.25 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). The announcement was made during a post-budget forum organized by the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce on October 14 in San Fernando. The event saw Tancoo addressing concerns raised by Nalini Ramkissoon, the business development manager at Heritage Petroleum Ltd, regarding the rationale behind the selected prices. Tancoo explained that the figures were derived from projections by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, which utilized a ‘basket of prices’ methodology developed under the previous administration. The projections included optimistic, pessimistic, and moderate estimates, with the government opting for the middle figure to ensure realism. Tancoo acknowledged that this approach might differ from other metrics, such as the Brent crude oil price. He also emphasized that the budget incorporates various contingencies to account for potential fluctuations in oil and gas prices. The US Energy Information Administration (US EIA) has forecasted a decline in oil prices, with Brent crude expected to drop to US$52 per barrel by early 2026. Similarly, natural gas prices are projected to average US$3.90/MMBtu in 2026. Tancoo’s maiden budget, presented on October 13, outlined expenditures of $59.2 billion and revenues of $55.4 billion, resulting in a $3.9 billion deficit. Oil revenue is anticipated to contribute $11.254 billion, while non-oil revenue is forecasted at $43.402 billion, with capital revenue expected to reach $0.711 billion.
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India beat Windies by seven wickets to win Test series 2-0
India secured a commanding 2-0 Test series victory over the West Indies with a seven-wicket win in the second and final Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on October 14. The hosts wrapped up the match in just over 17 overs on the fifth day, showcasing their dominance throughout the series. The West Indies, despite a valiant effort on day four with centuries from John Campbell (115) and Shai Hope (103), were unable to defend their total of 390 after being asked to follow-on. India, set a modest target of 121, cruised to victory with KL Rahul (58 not out) and Sai Sudharsan (39) leading the charge. Roston Chase (2/36) provided some resistance for the visitors, but it was insufficient to halt India’s march to victory. The Indian team celebrated their triumph with the trophy, marking another milestone in their cricketing journey. Meanwhile, the West Indies, under coach Daren Sammy, now turn their attention to a challenging ODI and T20 series against Bangladesh, set to begin on October 18 in Dhaka.
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More Americans turn to GoFundMe for groceries amid inflation squeeze
A growing number of Americans are increasingly relying on GoFundMe, the world’s premier crowdfunding platform, to help manage the escalating costs of groceries and other essential living expenses, as reported by Fortune on Monday. Tim Cadogan, the CEO of GoFundMe, highlighted a significant shift in the platform’s usage, noting a surge in campaigns aimed at covering everyday necessities like food, a departure from its traditional focus on medical emergencies and unexpected crises. This trend underscores the profound impact of persistent inflation and rising borrowing costs, which are pushing many households, particularly younger and lower-income families, to their financial limits. Despite a recent cooling in headline inflation, the cumulative price hikes for staples such as food and rent continue to strain budgets. Many families have already exhausted conventional coping strategies, such as switching to cheaper brands or relying on credit cards. Cadogan also suggested that this could mark a pivotal moment in generational wealth transfer, especially if values-driven donors redirect their contributions toward addressing fundamental needs like food security.
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Trump says six killed in new strike on alleged Venezuela drug boat
In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump revealed that a U.S. military operation targeting alleged drug traffickers in international waters has resulted in the deaths of six individuals described as ‘narcoterrorists.’ This latest strike brings the total number of fatalities in such operations to at least 27 since the first attack on September 2. The U.S. administration justifies these actions as necessary to combat the flow of illegal narcotics into the country, particularly from Venezuela. However, the legality of using lethal force in foreign or international waters without prior interception or questioning of suspects has been widely debated among legal experts. Trump emphasized that the targeted vessel was linked to illicit narcoterrorist networks and was traversing a known route used by designated terrorist organizations. The U.S. has also deployed warships and aircraft in the Caribbean near Venezuela, further escalating tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro has responded by announcing military exercises, placing his country on high alert, and accusing the U.S. of attempting to overthrow his government. Trump has defended his anti-drug policy, claiming its effectiveness and suggesting the potential expansion of military operations to land routes. Video footage of the strikes, released by the U.S., depicts speedboats being engulfed in smoke and flames upon impact.