Trinidad and Tobago has joined the United States and six Latin American nations in officially endorsing Rodrigo Paz Pereira as Bolivia’s newly elected president. The endorsement was articulated in a joint statement released by the US State Department on October 21, titled ‘Joint Statement on the Bolivia Election.’ The statement was co-signed by Argentina, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. It congratulated President-elect Paz Pereira on his victory in the October 19 runoff election, which marked a significant shift in Bolivia’s political landscape after two decades of leftist governance. The statement praised the Bolivian people for their active participation in the democratic process, emphasizing that the election results reflected a collective desire for change and economic reform. The signatory nations expressed their readiness to support Bolivia’s new administration in stabilizing its economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering international trade and investment. They also pledged to collaborate with Paz Pereira’s government on regional and global security, economic prosperity, and addressing shared challenges. The Associated Press described Paz Pereira’s win as a ‘surprise electoral victory,’ signaling the end of Bolivia’s long-standing alignment with leftist policies. Paz has committed to rebuilding relations with the United States and attracting foreign investment to Bolivia, which has been isolated from international markets for years. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the election as a ‘transformative opportunity’ for bilateral cooperation on investment, immigration, and security. Paz also emphasized Bolivia’s renewed commitment to supporting democratic movements in Latin America, notably engaging with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in this alliance highlights its unique position as the only English-speaking country in the region supporting US-led initiatives, including military actions against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers.
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Tancoo: $475m to help fund 20,000 new jobs
A heated debate unfolded in Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives on October 23, as Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo defended the allocation of $475 million to an employment fund in the 2026 budget. The fund aims to support the government’s ambitious recruitment drive to create or fill 20,000 jobs. However, opposition MPs raised concerns about the adequacy of the funding, with St Ann’s East MP Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly arguing that the sum would only cover wages below the national minimum wage. Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young questioned how the fund would benefit former workers of the Cepep and URP programs, which were previously terminated. Tancoo assured that the fund would support a wide range of employment opportunities and that ministries could reallocate funds to ensure payment. He also praised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for launching a public website for job applications. The debate grew contentious, with Young accusing the government of failing to address the needs of unemployed Cepep and URP workers. Tancoo countered by criticizing the opposition’s track record in filling public sector vacancies. The session concluded with Speaker Jagdeo Singh urging MPs to move on due to time constraints.
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PM praises job recruitment drive – End to Cepep, URP slavery
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has likened her government’s decision to replace temporary make-work schemes like Cepep and URP with sustainable employment to ending ‘a kind of slavery.’ Speaking at the National Recruitment Drive held at the National Cycling Centre in Couva on October 23, Persad-Bissessar expressed her satisfaction in providing meaningful jobs for citizens. She emphasized that the overwhelming turnout reflected the public’s eagerness for stable employment opportunities. The Prime Minister addressed criticisms of phasing out Cepep and URP, stating that these programs offered only short-term relief and did not enable citizens to secure mortgages or fund education. She described such schemes as ‘hand-to-mouth feeding’ and vowed to create ‘real jobs for real people.’ The government plans to roll out these opportunities gradually, filling vacancies in ministries and fostering private-sector partnerships. Persad-Bissessar also highlighted the misuse of funds in previous programs, which reportedly drained billions from the Treasury and, in some cases, fueled criminal activity. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, however, urged the government to show compassion toward displaced workers, claiming that over 30,000 people were left jobless due to the shutdown of Cepep, URP, and the reforestation program. The recruitment drive, which concluded on October 24, received over 110,000 online applications. Officials will now review submissions and begin interviews on October 28. The initiative aims to provide employment across various sectors, including skilled and unskilled labor, engineering, and administrative roles. Persad-Bissessar visited multiple booths at the event, where ministry representatives shared application statistics. For instance, the Education Ministry received 56 applications on Thursday, bringing its total to 128. The Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to job creation, acknowledging that while not all 90,000 applicants would secure positions immediately, her administration is working diligently to fulfill its promises. The recruitment drive also extended to Princes Town, where scores of hopeful applicants gathered at the URP office. Nerue Mohammed, a long-time unemployed resident, praised the initiative, likening the previous employment struggles to ‘slavery days.’ Erica Gibbs, a former Cepep worker, welcomed the opportunity to secure a stable job as a cleaner. The drive is open to all citizens, regardless of background, offering a fresh start for recent graduates, skilled workers, and those seeking new opportunities.
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British High Commissioner Dean distributes rugby kits
On October 17, British High Commissioner Jon Dean hosted a significant reception at his official residence in Maraval, Trinidad and Tobago, to commemorate the handover of rugby equipment to the TT Schools’ Rugby Union. This event highlighted the British High Commission’s dedication to fostering youth development through sports in the region. The donation, facilitated by the UK-based charity SOS Kit Aid, included essential gear such as hoodies, polos, shorts, socks, tops, tracksuits, tackle shields, and kit bags. These items will be distributed to schools across Trinidad and Tobago, with particular emphasis on rural communities and Tobago, where rugby teams are emerging. During the event, Dean emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating, ‘Rugby has a rich tradition in the United Kingdom, and we are thrilled to see it growing here in TT. This donation will ensure the kit reaches the schools and students who need it most.’ Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, David Nakhid, also attended, delivering remarks on behalf of Minister Phillip Watts, who was absent due to parliamentary duties. Watts praised the initiative, noting, ‘Through sport, we are shaping character, building discipline, and creating new opportunities for young people across TT, especially in areas where access and resources are often limited.’ The event brought together local professional rugby players and aspiring young athletes from various schools, showcasing a collaborative effort between the British High Commission and local partners to enhance youth engagement through sports.
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Khary Pierre drafted into Windies T20 team to face Bangladesh
Trinidadian left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been added to the West Indies squad for their upcoming three-match T20 series against Bangladesh, scheduled from October 27 to 31. The 34-year-old, who recently participated in the One-day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, will replace the injured Shamar Joseph. Pierre, who played all three ODIs and claimed one wicket, will now team up with fellow left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie in the 15-man T20 squad. Shamar Joseph, a promising fast bowler, has been sidelined due to a persistent shoulder injury, which also caused him to miss the Test series against India earlier this month. Cricket West Indies announced on October 20 that Joseph has been advised to consult a specialist in England for rehabilitation. Pierre, who last played a T20 for West Indies in 2020 against Ireland, has taken seven wickets in ten T20 matches with an economy rate of 9.60. The series will kick off in Chittagong on October 27, followed by matches on October 29 and 31. Pierre’s inclusion comes after an impressive 2025 First-Class season with Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, which earned him his first Test cap during the recent series against India. The West Indies T20 squad, led by Shai Hope, includes notable players such as Jason Holder, Roston Chase, and Romario Shepherd.
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KFC serves up $650k sponsorship for Clarke Road United
Clarke Road United, a prominent cricket club in Trinidad and Tobago, has secured a significant sponsorship deal with KFC TT, marking a pivotal moment ahead of the 2025 Premiership season. The fast-food giant has committed $650,000 over the next two years, rebranding the team as KFC Clarke Road United. The partnership was officially announced at KFC’s Gulf View branch in La Romaine, with key figures like club president Baldath Mahabir and KFC TT vice-president Roger Rambharose in attendance. Rambharose emphasized the collaboration as an investment in community development and the future of West Indies cricket. He highlighted the club’s legacy of nurturing talent, including international stars like Nicholas Pooran, and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to inspire young cricketers. The deal, initially set for two years, could extend further, reflecting KFC’s commitment to holistic cricket development. Rambharose also noted KFC’s broader involvement in cricket, including support for the Trinbago Knight Riders and local academies. Mahabir celebrated the partnership as a milestone in the club’s 40-year history, recalling its humble beginnings in Penal and its role in fostering regional cricket talent. The club’s community spirit was further underscored by Penal Debe Regional Corporation chairman Gowtam Maharaj, who shared a story of players halting a match to help extinguish a nearby house fire. This act of selflessness, he said, epitomizes the values of Clarke Road United, a club that excels both on and off the field.
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Education Ministry: Book grant review doesn’t mean discontinuation
The Ministry of Education has announced a comprehensive review of its School Supplies and Book Grant initiative, a program designed to support students in government and government-assisted primary and secondary schools. This review is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to modernize education in line with the Education Strategic Plan 2025-2030, a national framework guiding education reform over the next five years. The initiative, which provides essential learning materials to students, will not be discontinued but will be enhanced to ensure equity, efficiency, and alignment with emerging technologies, including AI-supported textbooks and adaptive digital resources. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath emphasized that the review reflects a deliberate, evidence-based approach to improving education support systems. He stated, ‘Our responsibility is to ensure that every dollar spent delivers measurable improvement in student learning outcomes.’ The decision to review the program follows a period in which no allocations were made in the annual budget, prompting the ministry to seek funding through the mid-year budget process. In the 2024 cycle, approximately 27,000 applications were received, with 20,000 grants disbursed. The ministry secured funding for 20,000 grants of $1,000 each during the 2025 mid-year budget review. The current review aims to strengthen the program’s design and delivery, ensuring timely and efficient allocations that align with national education priorities. The ministry reiterated its commitment to fiscal prudence, transparency, and accountability in all education spending.
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Verrse retains Soca Titans crown
In a vibrant celebration of Tobago’s cultural heritage, Jahiem Thomas, popularly known as Verrse, clinched the Soca Titans title for the second consecutive year. The event, held on October 22 at the historic Market Square in Scarborough, Tobago, saw Thomas deliver a mesmerizing performance that captivated the audience and judges alike. Dressed in a striking yellow suit and adorned with a replica crown, Thomas performed ‘Paradise,’ a song that pays homage to Tobago’s rich traditions. His performance earned him 415 points and the grand prize of $75,000. The competition, which featured ten talented artists, was a testament to the island’s thriving soca music scene. Among the notable participants were Kedane O’Connor, who secured second place with ‘Shake It,’ and Tam Tam (Bernardo Thompson), who took third with ‘Lean.’ The event also highlighted the contributions of female artists, with Nikia Scott’s ‘Carnival Is A Woman’ earning her the fourth spot. The night was filled with lively performances, cultural tributes, and a strong sense of community, underscoring the importance of soca music in showcasing Tobago’s artistic talent to the world.
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Government, opposition argue over hospitals
A heated debate unfolded in Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives as Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe and Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert clashed over a $100 million budget allocation for the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility (CHMTF). The dispute occurred during the Standing Finance Committee’s deliberations on October 23, which aimed to approve a $7.04 billion budgetary allocation for the Health Ministry. Imbert questioned the significant funding for the CHMTF, which the opposition UNC plans to rename the Couva Children’s Hospital, while noting the absence of allocations for hospitals in Arima, Point Fortin, and Sangre Grande. He criticized the government for what he termed political discrimination, arguing that hospitals built under the former PNM administration were being neglected. Bodoe defended the allocation, stating that the Couva hospital had been neglected under the PNM and required substantial investment. He highlighted issues discovered during a post-election visit, including underutilization and non-functional medical equipment. The debate also touched on 515 vacancies in the Health Ministry, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo attributing the issue to the previous PNM government. Imbert further questioned the allocation of $16 million to pay lower-level employees at the North West Regional Health Authority, suggesting potential inefficiencies. The session grew contentious, prompting Speaker Jagdeo Singh to call for order. The exchange underscores the ongoing political tensions and challenges in Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare sector.
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Nutrien shuts down operations as port fee talks collapse
Global nitrogen and agrochemicals producer Nutrien has ceased operations in Trinidad, resulting in the layoff of 600 employees. This decision follows the breakdown of last-minute negotiations with the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (National Energy) over port and pier facility fees. National Energy asserted that Nutrien and other clients had been paying significantly below-market rates for decades, depriving taxpayers of over $500 million in revenue. The dispute escalated when Nutrien’s 2006 Pier User Agreement (PUA) expired in December 2020, and the company demanded even lower rates than those previously enjoyed. National Energy proposed fairer rates, but Nutrien refused to negotiate unless a $28 million invoice was withdrawn. Amid the standoff, Nutrien threatened to shut down its plants, prompting National Energy to offer temporary use of facilities at legacy rates until December 31, 2023, while urging negotiations for a new PUA. Despite this proposal, Nutrien proceeded with the shutdown, citing unresolved issues with future gas supply. National Energy emphasized that neither it nor the National Gas Company (NGC) is responsible for subsidizing Nutrien’s operations. The closure is expected to significantly impact employees and their families, though National Energy and NGC are working to minimize disruptions by reallocating gas supplies to other downstream plants.