分类： business

Trinidad and Tobago has entered a new phase of digital transformation with the National Payment and Innovation Company (NPICTT) and telecommunications provider TSTT announcing a groundbreaking strategic partnership on Wednesday. This collaboration represents the first operational implementation of the country’s national payments infrastructure, moving from theoretical development to live consumer-facing services.

The partnership achieves two significant milestones simultaneously: TSTT becomes the inaugural organization to process live payments through NPICTT’s national payments platform while also adopting Nobis as its official electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) solution. This dual implementation signals a tangible shift in how public services will be delivered digitally across the nation.

Dr. Nigel Fulchan, Chairman of NPICTT, emphasized the importance of this development: “TSTT’s onboarding as the first live payment-processing client demonstrates that our platform is fully operational and production-ready. This partnership illustrates how shared national infrastructure can strategically modernize service delivery across the state.”

Through this integration, TSTT will serve as the premier payment-processing client on the NPICTT platform, establishing itself as the official online payment channel for customer bill payments across all its brands and services. Customers will now access digital payment infrastructure that is locally owned, nationally governed, and designed for scalability across government entities.

TSTT’s Acting CEO Keino Cox highlighted the strategic importance: “This partnership allows TSTT to accelerate our digital transition in a structured and secure manner. By adopting the national payments platform and NOBIS through the Innovation Centre, we enhance customer experience while maintaining robust governance and compliance.”

Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh characterized the partnership as reflective of steady growth in national infrastructure development. “TSTT positioning itself as the first state-owned entity to adopt the NPICTT platform represents a milestone in creating a unified gateway for all public-sector financial interactions,” he stated.

The partnership establishes a replicable model for government digital transformation that reduces duplication, improves efficiency, and accelerates the rollout of digital public services. NPICTT now operates as the national payments infrastructure provider, while its Innovation Centre functions as the entry point for certified digital solutions across the public sector.

Importantly, the collaboration does not alter existing statutory or regulatory responsibilities, with TSTT maintaining full accountability for customer service delivery while NPICTT provides the shared platforms and enablement framework. This foundational partnership paves the way for additional utilities, state-owned enterprises, and ministries to adopt digital payments and secure onboarding using national infrastructure.

Tenants at Pleasantville Village Plaza are demanding urgent management reforms as the state-owned Housing Development Corporation (HDC) reveals staggering financial losses across its commercial portfolio. HDC Chairman Feeroz Khan disclosed that seven commercial properties, including the Pleasantville facility, generate merely $1 million annually while accumulating $10 million in maintenance costs—a tenfold deficit he called economically indefensible.

Opened in November 2006, the Pleasantville plaza contains approximately 50 retail units (225-500 sq ft) renting from $1,300 monthly, plus a 175-seat amphitheater available for $2,500 bookings. Theoretical maximum revenue would approach $780,000 annually at full occupancy, but during a January 5 site visit, Newsday observed at least a dozen vacant units despite apparent tenant demand.

Collin Douglas, owner of Cappadonna’s Ice Cream and an original tenant, described deteriorating conditions since the plaza’s inception two decades ago. ‘The red-tape is excessive—they demand excessive personal documentation yet fail to lease long-vacant units,’ he stated, criticizing HDC’s inadequate marketing and bureaucratic hurdles.

Newer tenant Dale Haynes of Abalaye Spiritual and Cultural Shop revealed systemic administrative failures: management records falsely showed occupied units as vacant, while rent receipts arrived months after payment. ‘They accused us of unpaid rent until we provided proof—their internal systems need complete overhaul,’ Haynes noted, though he acknowledged strong foot traffic and community support.

Multiple anonymous tenants reported severe infrastructural neglect, with pigeons and stray animals now dominating common areas. Community member Roxanne Cruickshank, a 50-year Pleasantville resident, emphasized the plaza’s vital role providing food, banking, and medical services, preventing travel to San Fernando.

The financial crisis extends beyond Pleasantville. Chairman Khan, speaking at a January 4 media conference, accused the previous administration of leaving $600 million in unpaid contractor bills, a $300 million pension fund deficit, and $150 million in maintenance contracts allegedly awarded to political affiliates. Construction costs per unit reportedly surged from $500,000 to $2 million over the past decade.

Neither former Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis nor Khan responded to follow-up interview requests. As HDC’s commercial operations face intensified scrutiny, longtime tenants like Douglas fear an uncertain future: ‘I depend on this plaza entirely—I have no other employment.’

Tobago’s business community is preparing for a strategic maritime transition as the newly acquired MV Blue Wave Harmony cargo vessel prepares to dock at Scarborough port on January 18, replacing the outgoing MV Cabo Star whose lease concludes on January 12.

Curtis Williams, President of the Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, indicates that while most enterprises maintain sufficient inventory levels to withstand potential supply chain interruptions, particular concerns emerge within the food and beverage sector regarding temperature-sensitive commodities. “These businesses will be monitoring the situation very closely,” Williams confirmed to Business Day, noting that many distributors have strategically stockpiled approximately four weeks’ worth of inventory as a protective measure.

The TT Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd has implemented comprehensive contingency protocols utilizing existing vessels including the APT James, T&T Spirit, and Galleons Passage to ensure uninterrupted service during the transition period. Official communications guarantee that sea bridge services will continue without disruption, with significant enhancements expected following the new vessel’s commissioning.

MV Blue Wave Harmony, registered under Panamanian jurisdiction, represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor with dimensions measuring 175 meters in length and 30 meters in width, compared to the Cabo Star’s 158.37-meter length and 25.32-meter width. The modern vessel, two years junior to the retiring ship, promises improved operational safety, reduced transit times, and enhanced reliability according to the National Infrastructure and Development Company Ltd (NIDCO).

The advanced vessel features 73 passenger cabins with private bathroom facilities, a 142-seat self-service restaurant, luxury lounge and entertainment center, and improved accessibility through passenger elevators. With capacity for approximately 125 freight units—a significant increase from the Cabo Star’s 90-trailer limit—the ship boasts enhanced refrigeration capabilities for perishable goods and pharmaceuticals, along with certified dangerous cargo transportation supported by specialized ventilation and safety systems.

NIDCO confirms that the absence of scheduled dry-docking in 2026 will ensure uninterrupted operations throughout the year. Additionally, the vessel’s upgraded facilities and expanded service offerings are expected to generate local employment opportunities through concessionaire agreements and service provider engagements, thereby increasing regional economic participation.