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In a significant policy shift, the government has approved an extension of the permissible age for importing foreign-used private vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, and station wagons powered by gas, diesel, or CNG. The age limit has been increased from three years to eight years from the date of manufacture. Additionally, the permissible age for light commercial vehicles, pickups, and panel vans with diesel engines has been raised from seven years to ten years. These changes were announced during the post-Cabinet media briefing held at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain on November 20. Minister of Transport and Public Aviation, Eli Zakour, emphasized that these measures aim to make vehicle ownership more accessible to the public. He also revealed Cabinet approval for establishing a regulatory framework to manage the registration and use of classic, antique, and vintage vehicles in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Currently, there is no legal framework for these vehicles, which has limited their lawful use and economic potential. Zakour stated that the Ministry of Transport, guided by international best practices, will develop a policy and legislative framework to regulate this sector, starting with a formal classification and registry system. Addressing concerns about increased traffic congestion due to the policy, Zakour noted that vehicle ownership remains a personal choice, and the government is simultaneously working to improve public transport and road infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to revive the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC), which had 71 discontinued routes and a severe shortage of buses when he assumed office. Zakour also announced plans for a park-and-ride system, allowing commuters to park their vehicles at safe locations in Arima, Chaguanas, Couva, and San Fernando and take buses or maxi-taxis to Port of Spain. Further details will be released on November 21.

A daring robbery on a maxi taxi along the Priority Bus Route (PBR) in Arouca, Trinidad, has left passengers and drivers alarmed, prompting calls for heightened security measures. The incident occurred on November 19 around 4:45 pm, when five men, one armed with a knife, boarded the vehicle as it stopped to drop off a female passenger near Bon Air West. The assailants stole $300 from the driver before targeting passengers, snatching cellphones and cash. Dash cam footage captured a female passenger struggling with one of the robbers over her purse, while others screamed in distress. The suspects fled northward into Bon Air West. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rishi Singh confirmed the ongoing investigation but could not confirm any arrests. He urged maxi-taxi drivers to install dash cams and trust their instincts when picking up passengers. Singh also assured the public of increased police presence on the PBR, including routine stops and searches. Passengers and drivers at City Gate expressed their concerns, with many emphasizing the need for vigilance, especially as the holiday season approaches. One driver, previously robbed, highlighted the necessity of continuing work despite the risks. Passengers shared their fears and strategies for staying safe, such as carrying less cash and securing belongings. The incident has underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures on public transportation routes.

Ancil Dennis, the political leader of the PNM Tobago Council, has highlighted that subpar customer service continues to hinder Tobago’s tourism industry. Despite a three-year island-wide initiative launched in August 2021 during his tenure as chief secretary, aimed at transforming the service culture, the issue persists. The program, funded by the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd (TTAL) and executed by the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI), was led by Singaporean etiquette expert Ron Kaufman. By March 2023, approximately 2,000 individuals across various sectors had been trained, yet Dennis emphasized during a recent community meeting in Castara that poor customer service remains a significant challenge. He stressed that if the PNM secures victory in the upcoming THA election, improving customer service will be a top priority. Dennis also criticized the current administration for neglecting the Parlatuvier/L’Anse Fourmi/Speyside electoral district, citing poor infrastructure and lack of support for local farmers. At the meeting, he endorsed farmer Maxslon Roberts as the party’s candidate for the district in the upcoming election.

On November 20, as the world marked International Men’s Day, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Commissioner Allister Guevarro emphasized the organization’s commitment to molding the next generation of men in the nation. In a heartfelt voice message shared on the TTPS Facebook page, Guevarro highlighted the origins of the day, which was founded by Trinidadian academic Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh. He underscored the significance of the occasion as a reminder of Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership in global discussions on discipline, service, and leadership. Guevarro pointed to the country’s rich legacy of producing influential men in academia, culture, and sports, citing figures like Dr. Eric Williams, Sir Ellis Clarke, and ANR Robinson, whose contributions have left indelible marks on the world. He also celebrated icons such as Hasely Crawford, Brian Lara, Dwight Yorke, Ato Boldon, and Nobel laureate VS Naipaul, who have showcased the nation’s excellence on international stages. Guevarro emphasized that International Men’s Day is more than a celebration for the TTPS; it is a call to action. He noted that the TTPS’s motto, ‘to protect and serve with pride,’ provides young men with a sense of belonging, a positive identity, and a pathway away from crime. By instilling values of discipline, respect, and service, the TTPS aims to shape men who will serve their families, communities, and nation with integrity. Guevarro urged citizens to recommit to fostering men of discipline, service, and faith, ensuring every young man understands that greatness is not only possible but expected.