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  • Economist warns businesses of ‘black swan events’

    Economist warns businesses of ‘black swan events’

    Economist and Independent Senator Marlene Attzs has issued a stark warning to Trinidad and Tobago’s business community about the looming threat of catastrophic “black swan” events that could devastate even well-established enterprises. Speaking at a conference hosted by the TT Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce on January 13, Attzs described these events as a dangerous convergence of unpredictable shocks that could derail the most carefully laid business plans.

    The urgency of this warning is underscored by recent developments in the local business landscape, including Newsday’s announcement of its winding-up process after more than three decades of operation. Managing director Grant Taylor attributed this decision to a “perfect storm” of challenges, mirroring similar struggles across multiple industries from energy to retail and entertainment.

    Attzs emphasized that these black swan events may already be unfolding, citing recent airspace compromises that forced flight cancellations as a potential precursor to more significant disruptions. She pointed to escalating geopolitical tensions, including the US-China rivalry and renewed Russian activity, as factors that could create concentric circles of impact affecting even peripheral economies like Trinidad and Tobago.

    The conference panel, which included TTEITI co-ordinator Sherwin Long, senior fellow Preeya Mohan, and chairman Gregory McGuire, identified multiple systemic risks to the national economy. Chief among these is the country’s persistent dependence on the volatile oil and gas sector, which continues to drive GDP fluctuations and government revenue instability.

    Long revealed that between 2011 and 2024, the upstream energy sector contributed US$17.3 billion in foreign exchange, with companies like bpTT and NGC providing over US$7 billion. However, he noted that this volatility is largely driven by external factors beyond local control, including global energy prices, demand-supply imbalances, and geopolitical tensions.

    Attzs highlighted additional concerns regarding the nation’s economic dependence on government support and rising debt challenges. Latest data indicates Trinidad and Tobago’s debt-to-GDP ratio has reached 85 percent and continues to climb, creating fiscal constraints that could limit the government’s ability to respond to economic crises.

    Mohan addressed emerging trade-related risks, particularly the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and adjustments to tariff regimes. She warned that 90 percent of TT’s exports to the EU—accounting for 14 percent of total exports—could be affected by CBAM, while half of exports to the US (30 percent of total) face similar exposure. These mechanisms could increase taxes on the ammonia sector by 22 percent, though implementation of emission reduction technologies like carbon capture could mitigate these impacts.

    The consensus among experts is that data-driven preparedness represents the most effective defense against these converging challenges. Attzs urged businesses to professionalize, modernize, and leverage available data to build resilience, conduct thorough risk analyses, and develop strategic plans for survival in an increasingly uncertain global economic landscape.

  • Twin power: Tenique, Tyrique Vincent shine at NAAA meet

    Twin power: Tenique, Tyrique Vincent shine at NAAA meet

    Track and field’s rising stars Tenique and Tyrique Vincent delivered spectacular performances at the National Association of Athletics Administration’s Season Opener meet on January 10, each securing dual victories at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. The exceptional siblings, fresh from receiving Multi-events Athlete of the Year honors just one week prior, demonstrated why they’re considered among Trinidad and Tobago’s most promising athletic talents.

    Tyrique Vincent edged out fierce competition in the boys’ Under-20 100-meter hurdles, clocking 14.07 seconds to narrowly defeat Omari Brown (14.09s) in a thrilling photo finish. The Concorde Athletic Club phenom continued his dominance in the long jump pit, achieving a winning leap of 7.18 meters to outdistance Kristiano Perez’s 7.13-meter effort.

    Tenique Vincent mirrored her brother’s success with commanding performances in the girls’ Under-20 division. She captured the long jump title with a 5.55-meter effort, nearly sixty centimeters clear of silver medalist Hailey Lynch (4.96m). The talented hurdler then blazed through the 100-meter hurdles in 15.57 seconds, finishing ahead of Neon Wolves’ McKaikah Warde (15.68s).

    The development meet showcased several other standout performances across various age categories. Peyton Winter emerged as a throwing sensation with victories in both discus (37.05m) and shot put (12.80m) in the girls’ Under-20 division. Ethan Myers demonstrated similar prowess in the boys’ Under-17 category, winning discus (37.33m) and shot put (13.91m) events.

    Sprint prodigy Eden Chee-Wah, a 2025 Carifta Games bronze medalist, displayed her versatility with wins in both the girls’ Under-17 100m (12.03s) and 400m (56.25s) events. The meet concluded with relay excitement as Burnley and Stallions Athletics claimed victories in the women’s and men’s 4x200m relays respectively.

  • Jamaicans Powell, King on course for Windies T20 World Cup squad

    Jamaicans Powell, King on course for Windies T20 World Cup squad

    Cricket West Indies is poised to include batsmen Rovman Powell and Brandon King as the only Jamaican representatives in its final squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. While a provisional roster has been submitted to cricket’s global governing body, the definitive team selection will be formally announced following the conclusion of the T20 series against Afghanistan on January 22.

    Rovman Powell, despite being relieved of his T20 captaincy by Head Coach Daren Sammy in 2025, remains a crucial asset to the Caribbean side. Appointed skipper in February 2023, the 32-year-old power hitter guided the team to 19 victories in 37 T20 internationals, including a notable Super 8 stage performance at the 2024 World Cup hosted in the Caribbean. Under his leadership, the West Indies ascended from ninth to fifth in the ICC T20I rankings. Nevertheless, Shai Hope succeeded him as captain in March 2025. Powell’s consistent performance—scoring 321 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 154 in 2025, with a highest score of 79 against England—cements his place for a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

    Brandon King, named captain for the Afghanistan series commencing next Monday, is also anticipated to secure his third straight World Cup selection. The 31-year-old top-order batsman, who maintains a career average of 26 with a strike rate of 133, recorded two half-centuries in 10 innings last year, both achieved during the home series against Australia in July.

    Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, clarified the selection strategy, emphasizing that the Afghanistan series would serve as the final evaluative stage before solidifying the squad. “We have the good fortune of having Afghanistan and South Africa before we head into the warm-up matches for the World Cup,” Bascombe stated during an interview with WESN TV in Trinidad. “We submitted a provisional squad as required, but we informed the ICC that following the series against Afghanistan is when we will formalize our squad.”

    The inclusion of Powell and King ensures Jamaica’s uninterrupted representation across all 10 editions of the T20 World Cup, albeit marking the first instance with no more than two players from the island. The two-time champion West Indies will commence their Group C campaign against Bangladesh on February 7, followed by matches against England, Nepal, and Italy, with the top two teams advancing to the quarter-finals.

  • US becoming a lawless dump under Trump

    US becoming a lawless dump under Trump

    A former Trump supporter has voiced grave concerns about the current administration’s trajectory, warning that the United States appears to be descending into a “might makes right” approach to governance. The letter to the editor expresses particular alarm over recent incidents involving federal agents and the subsequent official responses.

    The shooting death of Renee Good, a mother who reportedly posed no apparent threat during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation, has raised serious questions about the use of lethal force. Despite the gravity of the incident, no credible evidence has emerged to justify the fatal shooting, according to the author.

    More disturbing than the incident itself, the writer argues, has been the response from senior administration officials. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s attempts to rationalize the killing have sparked concerns about a pattern of excusing rather than investigating violence by state actors.

    This pattern appears to be escalating, with recent reports of U.S. Border Patrol officers shooting and wounding two individuals in Portland. These incidents, the author contends, are not isolated events but rather indicative of a dangerous normalization of aggressive enforcement tactics and a disregard for accountability.

    The underlying concern extends beyond specific locations to a national pattern characterized by the deployment of military-style force in American cities, the intimidation of immigrant communities, and what appears to be a casual justification of deaths at the hands of federal agents. This trend suggests a government increasingly comfortable exercising raw power rather than adhering to established rule of law principles.

    The author concludes with a sobering warning: when authority operates without restraint, every citizen’s rights become conditional. The erosion of democratic norms in the United States carries global implications, potentially influencing how power is exercised throughout the hemisphere and beyond.

  • 14 Trinidad and Tobago officials appointed to 2026 Fifa referees panel

    14 Trinidad and Tobago officials appointed to 2026 Fifa referees panel

    In a significant recognition of officiating excellence, Trinidad and Tobago has secured an unprecedented 14 appointments to the FIFA referees panel for 2026. The appointments, announced by FIFA on January 6, include assistant referee Caleb Wales, who previously demonstrated his expertise at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    The distinguished roster features referees Timothy Derry, Cecile Hinds, Nikolai Nyron, Andrew Samuel, Crystal Sobers, Kwinsi Williams, and Nathalya Williams. They are joined by assistant referees Kirt Charles, Evelyn Carissa Douglas, Keron Myers, Melissa Nicholas, Shash Ramsaroop, and Ainsley Rochard. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) formally congratulated the officials through a media release on January 12.

    TTFA President Kieron Edwards characterized this development as a pivotal moment for the nation’s football community. He emphasized that these appointments result from years of dedicated sacrifice, continuous development, and unwavering commitment to excellence rather than mere chance. Edwards noted that the officials have earned regional and international respect through their disciplined approach and thorough preparation.

    The TTFA stated that these appointments not only reflect the consistency and professionalism of Trinidad and Tobago’s refereeing program but also reinforce the country’s reputation for producing officials capable of performing at the highest levels of international football. This achievement underscores the football body’s conviction that Trinidad and Tobago can produce world-class quality both on and off the field, with referees being considered essential components in the growth and development of the sport within the nation.

  • Costa, Heatwave appeal High Court decision to clear Pan Am trials

    Costa, Heatwave appeal High Court decision to clear Pan Am trials

    In a dramatic escalation of an ongoing sporting dispute, national cyclist Alexi Costa-Ramirez and her Heatwave Cycling Club have formally appealed a High Court decision that permitted the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) to proceed with selection trials for the Pan American Track Cycling Championships. The appeal, filed on January 14, seeks to overturn Justice Westmin James’s January 13 ruling that denied an interim injunction against endurance trials scheduled for January 17.

    The legal confrontation stems from broader proceedings involving multiple athletes—including Njisane Phillip and Makaira Wallace of JLD Cycling Academy—who are contesting the fairness of the federation’s selection methodology for February’s continental championships. The appellants assert the trial judge committed significant judicial errors by refusing to halt the selection process.

    Central to their appeal is the challenge against the judge’s finding that certain claimants had submitted performance data without attending trials, and the determination that canceling trials would disproportionately harm the federation. Heatwave and Costa-Ramirez contend the TTCF bears an implied contractual duty to ensure equitable treatment of all athletes during selection.

    They further argue that financial compensation cannot remedy the potential loss of competing at a prestigious event like the Pan American Championships—a critical qualifying pathway to the Olympic Games. The appeal emphasizes that proceeding with the trials could inflict irreversible damage on athletes’ careers during a pivotal moment in the Olympic cycle, while pausing them would not significantly disadvantage the federation.

    As part of their requested relief, the appellants seek an order from the Court of Appeal to restrain the TTCF from conducting the January 17 endurance trials. They also request coverage of legal costs from both the appeal and prior proceedings. Given the time-sensitive nature of the selection process, the appellants plan to request an expedited hearing under Part 64.10 of the Civil Proceedings Rules.

  • Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    The 2026 Brechin Castle Golf Open concluded with spectacular fashion as new champions emerged across all divisions in Couva. The tournament, which commenced on January 9, witnessed remarkable comebacks and intense competition throughout its three-day duration.

    Marcus Ling delivered the most impressive performance of the championship, staging a magnificent final-day recovery to secure the men’s title. After trailing behind overnight leader Liam Bryden, Ling demonstrated exceptional composure to card a steady 72, finishing with an aggregate score of 216. Bryden settled for runner-up position at 219, while the battle for third place required a countback decision that ultimately favored young Ross Ramkissoon over Alex Kangoo. Club veteran John Rampersad completed the top five with 224, simultaneously capturing the best net prize.

    The women’s championship witnessed a generational shift as teenage sensation Isabella Ramdeen dethroned defending champion Victoria Seenath. Ramdeen’s final-round 78 secured her a winning total of 242, narrowly surpassing Seenath’s 244. Former titleholder Jada Charles claimed third position with 246, while promising newcomer Arianna Khan earned the best net trophy.

    Nandlal Ramlakhan, the 2025 Brechin Castle Player of the Year, showcased his experience in the first flight division, overcoming overnight leader Asa Roopchand via countback after both golfers finished tied at 242. The host club demonstrated remarkable dominance as Amir Ali (243) and Kevesh Ramnath (248) completed a clean sweep of the top four positions.

    The second flight competition saw Riaz Ali surge to victory with 170, edging out teenage contender Kaiden Baynes (172), while Kumar Boodram (176) and Navin Dookeran (177) secured third and fourth places respectively. Reid Sonnilal had previously been crowned third flight champion during the tournament’s second day.

    Brechin Castle members have celebrated the event as a resounding success, marking the beginning of an action-packed 2026 schedule for Trinidad and Tobago’s golfing community. The tournament’s organization and competitive standard have set a positive precedent for upcoming championships in the region.

  • EBC confirms TPP clean sweep, THA results unchanged after 2 recounts

    EBC confirms TPP clean sweep, THA results unchanged after 2 recounts

    The Tobago House of Assembly elections have culminated in an unprecedented political transformation as official recounts finalized the Tobago People’s Party’s complete domination of the legislative body. Following meticulous reviews in two contested districts—Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt. Grace—the Elections and Boundaries Commission verified the initial results, cementing the TPP’s extraordinary 15-0 victory over the People’s National Movement.

    In Darrel Spring/Whim, the electoral battle proved exceptionally tight with the TPP candidate securing 838 votes against PNM’s 826, a mere 12-vote margin that prompted the recount request. The Scarborough/Mt. Grace district demonstrated a more decisive outcome with TPP capturing 854 votes versus PNM’s 702. Both recounts, initiated by the PNM following the January 12 poll, concluded without altering the original outcomes.

    This electoral sweep represents a dramatic reversal from the previous assembly composition, eliminating the PNM’s sole representative, Kelvon Morris, who held the Darrel Spring/Whim seat. The comprehensive defeat has triggered significant political repercussions within the PNM, including Tobago council leader Ancil Dennis announcing his intention to resign from leadership.

    The TPP’s triumph continues the political trajectory established by its predecessor, the Progressive Democratic Patriots, which achieved a 14-1 victory in the 2021 THA election. Despite experiencing a 4.1% decrease in total votes (16,240 compared to PDP’s 16,933 in 2021), the TPP has consolidated its control over Tobago’s political landscape, building upon its successful capture of both Tobago West and Tobago East constituencies in the 2025 general election.

    Voter turnout reached a historic low at approximately 50.69% of the island’s 53,239 registered voters, reflecting diminished support for both major parties. The PNM witnessed a significant 12.4% decline in voter support compared to the 2021 elections.

    With the electoral process formally concluded, the THA is preparing for its inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 15. The assembly is expected to prioritize amendments to the THA Act that would expand governance structures, including increasing the number of Secretaries from seven to eleven and adjusting quorum requirements from nine to twelve members to accommodate the new political reality.

  • Red Force Divas fall to Barbados in T20 Blaze opener

    Red Force Divas fall to Barbados in T20 Blaze opener

    In a dramatic opening match of the 2026 Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas suffered a narrow three-wicket defeat against Barbados at Arnos Vale Playing Field in St. Vincent on January 13. The low-scoring thriller culminated with Barbados reaching their target of 98 runs with nine deliveries remaining, despite a formidable bowling performance from TT’s spin attack.

    The TT women’s batting lineup struggled throughout their innings, managing just 97 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Veteran batter Britney Cooper provided stability with an unbeaten 33 runs from 36 deliveries, while captain Karishma Ramharack contributed 21 not out from 23 balls. Barbados opening bowler Naijanni Cumberbatch emerged as the bowling standout with impressive figures of 2/18.

    Barbados faced early pressure when TT leg-spinner Brianna Harricharan delivered a spectacular spell, claiming three wickets for just eight runs and reducing the Bajans to 68/6 by the 15th over. The match seemed poised for a TT victory until all-rounder Shamilia Connell displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Known primarily for her bowling, Connell smashed 16 not out from just ten deliveries, including the match-winning boundary off medium-pacer Amrita Ramtahal that sealed the victory.

    The tournament opener sets the stage for an competitive series, with TT scheduled to face Windwards in their second match on January 15. In other opening day results, Guyana secured a seven-run victory against Windwards in another low-scoring affair, while Leewards Islands claimed a nine-run win over Jamaica.

  • Government touts new anti-crime bill: Special zones for ‘hot spots’

    Government touts new anti-crime bill: Special zones for ‘hot spots’

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced a comprehensive legislative offensive against crime, revealing dramatic security improvements since taking office in April 2024. Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein and Attorney General John Jeremie outlined their strategy during a January 14 media briefing at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas.

    The administration’s centerpiece legislation, the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations, Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, represents a targeted approach to combating crime in specific hotspots without implementing a nationwide state of emergency. This legislation builds upon lessons learned during previous security operations that successfully disrupted communication between incarcerated gang leaders and their external networks.

    Attorney General Jeremie emphasized the tangible results of these efforts: “The disruption yielded tangible benefits,” noting significant declines in murders, shootings, and violent crimes. The proposed zones would operate under strict judicial oversight with clearly defined procedures and time limits to ensure proportional responses to security threats.

    The government also responded to public concerns regarding traffic enforcement, announcing amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act that would introduce a system of mandatory warnings for certain offenses while maintaining road discipline initiatives.

    Minister Hosein presented compelling statistics demonstrating the administration’s impact on public safety. Murder rates dropped 42% from 626 in 2024 to 369 in 2025, while gang-related murders plummeted from 273 to 108 during the same period. Security forces have seized 292 firearms and 4,341 rounds of ammunition since the implementation of their security measures.

    Additional legislative agenda items include amendments to the Tobago House of Assembly Act, expected to receive bipartisan support following recent elections. The government emphasized its commitment to transparency through voluntary media briefings, underscoring their dedication to accountability beyond constitutional requirements.