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At just 15 years old, Rachel Kirton, a student at Holy Name Convent, has turned her passion for baking into a thriving business venture called The Pink Oven. Combining her love for baking, her favorite color pink, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Rachel has created a brand that is as vibrant as it is successful. Her journey began in her family’s kitchen at the age of eight, where she first discovered her love for baking. Despite her young age, Rachel’s determination and creativity have propelled her business forward, proving that age is no barrier to success. With the support of her family, particularly her mother Sherry-Ann Jack, who serves as her first investor and business advisor, Rachel has managed to balance her academic responsibilities with her entrepreneurial ambitions. The Pink Oven officially launched five months ago, but Rachel had been baking for friends and family long before that. Her business focuses on creating delightful cupcakes for birthdays and other special occasions, a niche she is deeply passionate about. Rachel’s approach to business is both practical and resilient. She emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and maintaining a positive mindset. Her advice to other young entrepreneurs is to believe in themselves and their unique talents. Rachel’s future aspirations include expanding The Pink Oven into multiple pink-themed stores, offering baking kits and utensils, and even teaching children how to bake. She is also considering a career in accounting to complement her baking business. Rachel’s story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and a strong support system. As The Pink Oven continues to grow, Rachel’s future looks as bright and promising as the pink frosting on her cupcakes.

In a recent national budget announcement, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo revealed a $1 reduction in the price of super gasoline, a move expected to save citizens between $400 million and $500 million annually. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized that such a reduction would have been unthinkable under the previous PNM administration. To compensate for the lost revenue, the government introduced a new tax on the assets of banks, effective from January 1, 2026. Using 2024 audited financial statements, preliminary calculations indicate that major banks like Republic Financial Holdings, First Citizens Holding, Scotiabank, JMMB (TT) Bank, and RBC TT will collectively pay approximately $565.403 million in asset levies. This figure excludes contributions from ANSA Bank, CIBC, and Citibank. Additionally, these banks already contribute significantly through corporate income taxes and dividends. For instance, Republic Holdings alone paid $1.262 billion in taxes and dividends in 2024, with the new levy pushing this total to around $1.83 billion. Finance Minister Tancoo projected that the government would generate approximately $575 million annually from this tax in 2026, based on the banks’ 2025 asset base. However, concerns have been raised that banks may pass this additional cost onto customers. Furthermore, the budget’s revenue projections were based on optimistic oil and gas prices, which were already below market rates at the time of the budget presentation. This discrepancy raises questions about the government’s financial planning and the omission of an estimated $19 billion borrowing requirement for 2025-2026.

Finance Minister Dave Tancoo’s inaugural budget presentation has been widely praised as one of the most disciplined and impactful in decades. Delivered with remarkable eloquence and clarity, the budget has been described as visionary, ambitious, and transformative, earning the admiration of both the public and critics alike. Tancoo, though not formally trained as an economist, demonstrated a masterful understanding of fiscal policy, presenting a well-structured plan aimed at rescuing a stagnant economy. The budget focuses on prudent fiscal responsibility, growth, and targeted interventions to reduce unemployment, while also promising tax relief and fostering private sector partnerships in housing and industrialization. Despite its ambitious nature, the budget has been lauded for its creativity and responsibility, with even the opposition largely silent in its critique. Tancoo’s presentation also included a thorough critique of past administrations, highlighting their failures and contrasting them with the current government’s achievements. The budget is expected to drive meaningful, long-term economic reform and stabilize prices, marking a potential turning point for the nation’s economic recovery.

In a landmark presentation at the Red House in Port of Spain on October 13, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled a meticulously crafted budget that has been hailed as a masterstroke of economic ingenuity. The budget focuses on policies directly impacting citizens, distinguishing between long-term debt financing and short-term needs, and addressing critical financial challenges with precision. A key highlight is the resolution of the longstanding Cepep-URP contract deadlock, paving the way for more effective and fulfilling employment models. Additionally, the government has abolished the Value Added Tax (VAT), replacing it with a more adaptable sales tax system that minimizes economic disruption. The budget also addresses the contentious Property Tax proposals, restoring normalcy to landlord taxation arrangements. Furthermore, the government has taken a firm stance against unfair practices by banks and insurers, introducing measures to protect consumers from financial exploitation. A five-point plan for the energy industry underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and sustainability. This budget not only rectifies past inefficiencies but also sets a robust foundation for future economic stability and growth.