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.
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DJ Khaled’s collaboration with Kartel, Mavado, Buju, Bounty and others hits Billboard
DJ Khaled’s latest musical endeavor, ‘You Remind Me,’ has made a notable entry on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart, debuting at #33. The track, a collaborative effort featuring Jamaican dancehall icons Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Mavado, RoryStoneLove, and emerging artist Kaylan Arnold, is part of Khaled’s long-awaited 14th studio album, *Aalam of God* (We the Best/Def Jam). This marks Vybz Kartel’s second appearance on the Rhythmic Airplay chart, following his collaboration with Travis Scott and Tyla on ‘PBT,’ which currently sits at #13 in its 10th week. Meanwhile, RoryStoneLove and Buju Banton celebrate their first-ever entries on the chart, while Mavado and Bounty Killer secure their second. Mavado previously featured on DJ Khaled’s 2011 hit ‘Welcome to My Hood (remix),’ which peaked at #39 and earned gold certification in the U.S. Bounty Killer’s earlier success includes ‘Hey Baby,’ a collaboration with No Doubt that soared to #5 in 2002.
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Reggae Girl Taylor Hinds turns back on Jamaica
In a significant development in international football, Taylor Hinds, the 26-year-old defender, has decided to represent England in upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Australia, marking a shift from her previous commitment to Jamaica. Born in England, Hinds had previously played for Jamaica in a friendly match against France last year, having also represented England at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels. Her eligibility to switch national teams stems from her not having played a competitive match for Jamaica, thus not being bound by FIFA’s nationality rules. Hinds, who recently transferred from Liverpool to Arsenal, expressed her dual pride in her heritage and her excitement about the new opportunity with England. She emphasized her respect and gratitude towards Jamaica for their support and understanding. However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans criticizing her for switching allegiances. Jamaica’s head coach, Hubert Busby, has yet to comment publicly, stating he will address the matter at an upcoming press conference.
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Teen mom and baby among four missing people found in Manchester
In a recent development, 14-year-old Kenalya Burton, affectionately known as “Kay Kay,” and her 10-month-old daughter, Keira Burton, who had been reported missing earlier this week, have been successfully located. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division, confirmed that the pair were found in Mandeville on Monday. The discovery was made in the company of two other 14-year-old students from Manchester, who had also been reported missing. Following their recovery, Burton and her daughter were handed over to the Santa Cruz police and subsequently released into the care of her guardians. Burton is scheduled to appear in court in St Elizabeth on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The Child Protection & Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has been informed of the incident and is expected to provide further support and oversight.
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Body of woman found with knife embedded in the neck in Manchester
In a shocking discovery, the lifeless body of a 54-year-old woman was found in the rural community of Shirehampton, located in northwest Manchester, on Tuesday morning. The victim was discovered with a severe head wound and a knife lodged in her neck. Authorities have yet to release the identity of the deceased. Initial reports suggest that the woman was last seen leaving a local shop in the area, situated between Huntley and Maidstone, shortly after 9:00 PM on Monday. Residents stumbled upon her body the following morning along a roadside in the vicinity. The police have launched an investigation into the incident, but no further details have been disclosed at this time.
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Firearm found on church premises in St Elizabeth
In a surprising turn of events, a Smith and Wesson revolver was uncovered at a church in the Carisbrook district of Maggotty, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, on Sunday evening. According to Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division, the discovery was made during a targeted operation conducted by law enforcement officers based on intelligence reports. The operation commenced at approximately 7:00 pm, with officers meticulously searching the church premises. The firearm was found concealed in an orange cloth near the rear perimeter fence of the property. Despite the discovery, no arrests were made in connection with the incident. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the origin of the firearm or its potential connection to the church. The incident has raised concerns about security in the area, prompting calls for increased vigilance.