In a passionate address during the House of Representatives’ budget debate on October 17, Laventille East/Morvant MP Christian Birchwood voiced his concerns over the 2026 national budget’s failure to include apprenticeship initiatives aimed at engaging youth from at-risk communities in state-funded projects. Birchwood, an engineer by profession, highlighted the Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s acknowledgment of a significant contraction in the labor market, with nearly 70,000 jobs lost over the past decade and labor force participation dropping from 62% to below 55%. Birchwood argued that these statistics should serve as a benchmark to evaluate the government’s employment initiatives and hold them accountable. He questioned the absence of targeted apprenticeship programs and community job centers in the new budget, which he believes are crucial for connecting young people from high-need districts to state-funded projects. Birchwood urged Tancoo to ensure that residents from Laventille and surrounding communities are employed in infrastructure and development programs across the northwest corridor. He emphasized the importance of linking public spending to local participation to prevent the Employment Fund from becoming a mere line item rather than a tool for empowerment. Birchwood also called for measures to guard against bureaucracy and ensure fair access for single-parent households, micro-entrepreneurs, and youth start-ups as the country transitions from the Cepep and URP models to the Employment Fund. He concluded by stressing that infrastructure projects should bring dignity to the people on the ground, not remain abstract statistics.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Aaniya Carlton sings her way into the light
At just 10 years old, Aaniya Victoria Carlton has already made a significant mark in the world of music. On October 11, she took the stage at Divali Nagar in Chaguanas, Trinidad, delivering a mesmerizing performance that honored Lord Shiva. Singing traditional hymns such as Shri Rudram Namakam and Jai Jai Shiva Shambo, Aaniya captivated the audience alongside the ISHA Organisation’s Kirtan Aachaaryas. Her rendition of Jagat Bam Bam Bam Bhola further showcased her talent and dedication to her craft. Aaniya, a fourth-grade student at Montrose Government Primary School, attributes her love for music to her natural passion and the encouragement she receives from her teacher, Vijay Rajballie, who makes learning enjoyable. Aaniya’s musical journey began at a young age, with her first song being Happy Birthday, which she sang so often that she became the family’s official birthday singer. Her mother, Anita Singh, recognized her daughter’s gift and enrolled her in Vanessa Briggs’ Vocademy during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Since then, Aaniya has mastered various musical styles, including jazz, pop, reggae, country, and classical Indian music. Her breakthrough came in 2022 when a video of her singing caught the attention of pundit Krishen Ramdeen, the spiritual leader of ISHA Organisation Trinidad. Ramdeen invited Aaniya to join the ISHA Kirtan Aachaaryas, marking the beginning of her professional musical journey. Aaniya has since performed at significant events, including ‘Namaste Modi’ during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Trinidad and various recitals with the Vocademy. Despite her young age, Aaniya has learned valuable life lessons through her performances, such as time management, patience, and teamwork. She credits her mother as her biggest supporter and inspiration, calling her ‘the drill master’ for her meticulous attention to detail. Aaniya’s ultimate dream is to travel the world and record music at iconic studios like Abbey Road in London or The Studio at The Palms in Las Vegas. She has already recorded several songs, including a country-styled Christmas track and devotional pieces for ISHA. Aaniya’s message for Trinidad and Tobago this Divali is one of hope and prosperity, wishing everyone peace and joy.
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Police raid nets 75.35 kilos of marijuana
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, law enforcement officers from the National Operations Task Force and Southern Division conducted a successful raid in San Fernando on October 18, seizing approximately 75.35 kilogrammes of marijuana. The operation, carried out under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations, targeted an apartment on La Pique Street, where three Spanish-speaking individuals were present. During the search, police discovered a white crocus bag and a brown cardboard box containing 145 packages of marijuana. Additionally, eight one-gallon plastic containers with an orange-colored substance, four notebooks, and five cellphones were confiscated. All items were transported to the San Fernando Police Station for further analysis. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) emphasized their commitment to aggressively dismantling drug trafficking networks and urged the public to report suspicious activities through official channels. The operation was led by senior officers including ACP Tactical Support Collis Hazel, ACP South Michael Pierre, and Senior Supt Simon, with support from various units and personnel.
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Verrse defends Soca Titans crown with Paradise
Jahiem Thomas, known by his stage name Verrse, is poised to become Tobago’s next soca sensation as he prepares to defend his crown in the Tobago Soca Titans competition on October 22. Born and raised in Roxborough, Thomas, who turns 20 on October 21, is unapologetically ambitious and confident in his talent. He believes his 2025 hit, *Paradise*, produced by Kyle Phillips, will further solidify his place in the soca industry. The song celebrates Tobago’s culture and its newly established carnival, encapsulating the island’s vibrant spirit. Thomas, who co-wrote the track with Triston Andrews, sees it as a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal of carrying the torch for soca music when legends like Machel Montano and Voice retire. Raised in a musical family, Thomas was exposed to Tobago’s rich cultural heritage from a young age. His grandmother was a guitarist, and his uncle a keyboardist, while he is also related to renowned calypsonians Prince Unique and Johnny King. Thomas’s passion for soca was ignited during his time at Speyside High School, where he realized his calling was in entertainment. Despite initial skepticism from his parents, Thomas pursued his dream, writing his first song, *Overload*, in 2023. Although he didn’t win the Soca Titans competition that year, he returned in 2024 with *Pump It Up*, clinching the title as the youngest contender. Since then, Thomas has performed at major events, including Mical Teja’s *Mas: The Experience* and the Tobago Day celebrations in New York. As he gears up for the competition, Thomas is focused on delivering a stellar performance, hoping to retain his title as the ultimate birthday gift.
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Renters brace for higher rates, landlords hope to keep it managable
A new tax on rental income, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, has stirred significant debate among renters and property owners in Trinidad and Tobago. The tax, ranging from 2.5% to 3.5%, will apply to rental incomes of $20,000 or more, accompanied by a one-time $2,500 registration fee. The measure, announced by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the 2026 national budget presentation on October 13, is projected to generate $70 million in government revenue. However, its implementation has raised concerns about its potential impact on housing affordability and tenant-landlord dynamics. Many renters fear that landlords will pass the additional costs onto them, further straining their finances. A Cumuto renter expressed frustration, stating, ‘It will fall on the renter because the landlord will claim it cuts into their profits. They’ll say they need to survive and maintain the property, even though they don’t maintain the properties well. It’s going to make the quality of life for renters poorer.’ Similarly, San Juan renter Avi-Mae Shaw anticipated conflicts over the surcharge, saying, ‘I can already hear people quarrelling about how they’re supposed to make their money with this surcharge.’ Landlords, on the other hand, are grappling with the challenge of balancing their own financial needs with the affordability of their properties. While some landlords acknowledged that rent increases are inevitable, they pledged to keep hikes reasonable. For instance, a San Juan landlord stated that the price of a one-bedroom apartment, currently advertised at $1,700, should not increase by more than $150. Another landlord emphasized the need for moderation, saying, ‘We still have a responsibility to keep it manageable.’ However, not all landlords are in favor of the tax. A Belmont landlord in her late 30s criticized the measure, noting its potential to disproportionately affect low-income rentals. ‘As a young landlord who tries very hard to keep my rent rates affordable, this makes it more difficult to balance the books,’ she said. In contrast, a retired couple vowed not to raise their rent, citing empathy for tenants’ financial struggles. Finance Minister Tancoo defended the tax as a necessary step to ensure equitable contributions to national development. ‘Development costs must be shared across every aspect of society,’ he stated. While acknowledging the risk of costs being passed onto consumers, Tancoo urged renters to explore alternative housing options if landlords increase prices. He also highlighted plans to establish a rent board to address tenant concerns about exploitative practices. ‘We will have to go back to a similar type of organization to ensure a harmonious relationship between landlords and tenants,’ he said. The new tax has ignited a broader conversation about housing affordability, tenant rights, and the responsibilities of property owners in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Ramps Logistics hosts Divali in Cunupia 2025
Ramps Logistics recently hosted a spectacular Divali celebration in Cunupia, marking a night of cultural reverence, unity, and innovation. The event, attended by prominent figures including Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Dominic Smith and Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein, showcased a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The evening commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the first diya by the Rampersad family, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and setting a reflective tone for the festivities. The stage then came alive with vibrant performances by Devashish Ramdath and Group, Kaveesh Maharaj and Band, Joshua Regrello on steelpan, and Viraj Ramsundar on tabla, culminating in an electrifying set by DJ Ari, Agent SB, and a tassa group that energized the crowd. A highlight of the evening was the illuminated display by EVolve Mobility, which underscored the coexistence of progress and heritage. Shaun Rampersad, CEO of Ramps Logistics, emphasized the significance of Divali as a reminder of the light within people, the connections they build, and the progress they create together. The event stood as a testament to unity, cultural pride, and the shared hope that comes from spreading light.
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Tobago’s PanOmega thrills
Scarborough’s Market Square transformed into a vibrant hub of rhythm and energy on October 18 as the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Pan Trinbago hosted PanOmega, the official panorama competition for Tobago’s carnival. The event showcased the island’s rich steelpan culture, with bands competing across two categories: small and large. The competition kicked off with the small band category, where seven groups, including Alpha Pan Pioneers, Our Boys, and First Citizens Tobago Panthers, battled to unseat the reigning champions, T&TEC New East Side Dimension. The large band category saw Dixieland and RBC Redemption Sound Setters challenge the formidable Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra, who are seeking their fourth consecutive title. The event was a celebration of talent, tradition, and community spirit, with performances that captivated the audience and highlighted the enduring legacy of steelpan music in Tobago.
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Divali Nagar floods on final night
The final night of the Divali Nagar festival in Endeavour, Chaguanas, was marred by severe flooding on October 19, following torrential rains linked to a yellow-level adverse weather alert. The downpour inundated key areas including Chaguanas Main Road, Southern Main Road, and Endeavour Road, with social media videos capturing the deluge overwhelming booths at the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) grounds. The adverse weather conditions were attributed to a robust tropical wave, invest #98L, which swept across the Windward Islands. Additional flooding incidents were reported near Medford Gas Station, Price Plaza, and Edinburgh Gardens in Chaguanas. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service warned of continued unsettled weather on October 20, with scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and potential gusty winds. Street and flash flooding remain a risk in areas experiencing heavy rainfall, as the yellow-level weather alert persists.
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Manning: Taxes will be passed on to consumers
San Fernando East MP Brian Manning has voiced strong opposition to the new taxes and tax increases proposed in the recent budget, arguing that they will negatively impact businesses and ultimately burden ordinary consumers. Speaking in the House of Representatives on October 17, Manning highlighted several measures, including the bank/insurance levy, container-processing fee increase, landlord surcharge, LPG price hike, and single-use plastic tax, as particularly harmful. He criticized Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, whom he mockingly referred to as ‘Taxcoo,’ and labeled the budget as ‘fake and fraudulent.’ Manning also accused trade union leaders of prioritizing their own interests over their members’ welfare, aligning with the UNC in what he termed a ‘coalition of chaos and confusion.’ Manning further criticized the 0.25% levy on banks and insurance companies, which aims to raise $575 million annually, arguing that it would increase banking fees and overall costs for the public. He also condemned the landlord surcharge, equating it to a property tax, and questioned the $2,500 registration fee. Additionally, Manning criticized the electricity surcharge for commercial and industrial clients, the 100% hike in container processing fees, and the rise in excise duties on alcoholic drinks, which he said would drive up consumer prices. He also slammed the proposed $15,000 penalty for dangerous driving, calling it ‘blood money,’ and criticized the taxes on single-use plastics and electric vehicles. Manning concluded by questioning the government’s commitment to the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery and sarcastically endorsing the proposed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).
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Shameful walkout by PNM
The recent walkout by the People’s National Movement (PNM) from Parliament on October 10 has sparked intense debate, with critics labeling it as a calculated act of political theater rather than a genuine protest. The move, described as a ‘disgraceful retreat,’ is seen as an attempt to divert public attention from the party’s internal failures and lack of unity. Speaker Jagdeo Singh, who has been praised for his impartiality and adherence to parliamentary procedures, has become a focal point in this controversy. The PNM’s accusations of bias against Singh are dismissed as baseless, with critics arguing that the party’s real issue lies in its inability to handle scrutiny and accountability. The walkout, far from being a legitimate protest, is viewed as a desperate act of political posturing, aimed at masking the party’s leadership vacuum. The opposition’s behavior has been condemned as childish and detrimental to the democratic process, with calls for a return to constructive debate and respect for parliamentary institutions. The incident underscores the need for political maturity and a commitment to the principles of democracy, rather than resorting to theatrics and disruption.