The ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago is on track to become fully operational by March 2026, as announced by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the 2025/2026 national budget presentation. The airport, which underwent a comprehensive redevelopment and expansion project initiated in 2019, reached substantial completion in February 2025. The ‘practical opening’ of the terminal, marking the end of the construction phase, was overseen by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley. However, operational readiness, including staff training and system testing, remains underway. Minister Tancoo emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the airport’s full operationalization by the second quarter of fiscal 2026, moving beyond the ‘practical opening’ phase. This development is expected to bolster Tobago’s tourism sector and establish Trinidad and Tobago as a key regional air hub.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Officials elated with standard at Carifta Gymnastics trials
The future of gymnastics in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is looking exceptionally promising, as over 170 young athletes demonstrated their talent during the Carifta Gymnastics Trials held on October 11 and 12 at the National Cycling Centre in Couva. The trials, which featured gymnasts aged seven to 19, aimed to select the national team for the upcoming Carifta Gymnastics Championships scheduled for December 6-7 at the same venue. Michelle Frankland, chairperson of the TT Gymnastics Federation’s women’s artistic committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the sport’s rapid growth and increasing competitiveness. ‘The level of our gymnastics in TT is tremendous,’ she said, highlighting the participation of 177 gymnasts across various categories, including the US Artistic Gymnastics and the Pan American Gymnastics Union Hopes. Frankland noted that the sport has expanded significantly, with 15-16 clubs now producing top-tier gymnasts, a marked increase from just a few dominant clubs in previous years. TT is set to host the regional championships for the first time, and Frankland is optimistic about the federation’s renewed energy and purpose. ‘We’re expecting participation from Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados, and others,’ she said. ‘It’s giving our federation a new energy and purpose.’ Christopher George, president of the TT Gymnastics Federation, echoed this optimism, emphasizing the steady improvement of the nation’s gymnasts. ‘Every year, we’re building up on the last,’ George said. ‘We dominated last year and we’re hoping to do it again this year.’ He added that the trials and training are crucial for preparing the athletes to perform at their best, with the ultimate goal of seeing homegrown gymnasts reach the World Championships and Olympics. With four local athletes now competing at level ten, the highest junior tier, George believes the pathway to international success is becoming clearer. ‘It’s monumental,’ he said. ‘We have three years until the Olympics, and it’s quite possible that one of these girls could get an opportunity to compete at the World Champs, and if they train extremely hard, they can get to the Olympics in 2028.’
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Tancoo prays to deliver a budget to improve citizens’ lives
In a moment of reflection and prayer, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo sought divine intervention as he prepared to present the United National Congress (UNC) government’s inaugural National Budget on October 13. Tancoo, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Fyzabad, shared a heartfelt message on social media, accompanied by a photo of himself in his office at the Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port of Spain. He expressed his hope that the decisions made during the budget presentation would enhance the lives of all citizens and pave the way for a prosperous future for Trinidad and Tobago. The budget, scheduled for delivery at 1:30 PM in the House of Representatives, marks a significant milestone for the UNC administration under Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s second term. Tancoo has previously indicated that the budget will likely reflect a deficit, a continuation of the fiscal trends established by the previous People’s National Movement (PNM) government over the past nine years. The 2024/2025 budget had projected revenues of $54.224 billion, expenditures of $59.741 billion, and a fiscal deficit of $5.517 billion. As the nation eagerly anticipates the budget’s unveiling, many are hopeful that the government will deliver on the promises that secured their victory in the April 28 general election.
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Court grants extensions in Danny Guerra’s lawsuit against police
The constitutional case filed by businessman Danny Guerra against the police, alleging violations of his and his company’s rights, has been postponed to later this year. Both parties requested additional time to prepare written submissions, prompting Justice Frank Seepersad to grant an extension without a hearing. The case, initially scheduled for October 13, has been rescheduled to November 27. Guerra’s legal team must submit their arguments by October 31, while the state has until November 28 to respond. Any replies from Guerra’s side are due by December 19. Guerra, the owner of DG Homes Ltd, initiated the constitutional motion following a May 2024 search of his company’s Sangre Grande office. He claims that police officers, led by Sgt Rajesh Antoine of the Special Investigations Unit, denied him legal representation during the operation. In January, Justice Seepersad upheld an injunction halting further police investigations into Guerra’s business. Guerra maintains that he provided payroll records to Ministry of Labour officials, who found no wage violations, but alleges that Antoine persisted in questioning him about hiring non-citizens and demanded access to the company’s safe. Separately, on October 11, Guerra, his son, and 17 workers were charged with unlawfully processing aggregate without a license from the Ministry of Energy. Arrested during a police operation on October 9, they were released on bail and are expected to appear before an Arima magistrate on October 22.
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Rough start for Trinidad and Tobago at Pan Am Table Tennis Champs
Trinidad and Tobago’s table tennis representatives, Derron Douglas and Imani Edwards-Taylor, encountered a challenging beginning to their 2025 Pan American Table Tennis Championship journey. The tournament commenced on October 12 at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Centre in South Carolina, USA. The duo teamed up for the mixed doubles event but were outplayed by Canada’s Simeon Martin and Natalie Chan, suffering a straight-sets defeat with scores of 4-11, 6-11, and 5-11. Edwards-Taylor then faced a tough battle in the women’s singles round-of-64, losing 4-1 to Mexico’s Monica Munoz. Despite a brief comeback in the fourth set, Edwards-Taylor was overpowered in the decisive fifth set. Similarly, Douglas struggled in the men’s singles, falling 4-0 to Mexico’s Axel Emmanuel Lovo Alvarez, who dominated the match with consistent performances across all sets. The early setbacks have placed Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes under significant pressure as they aim to regroup for their upcoming matches.
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Tancoo: ‘We are putting TT first’
In a momentous announcement that drew enthusiastic applause from a crowd gathered outside the Red House, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo revealed that the forthcoming budget aims to significantly enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Addressing the media, Tancoo emphasized that this budget marks the initial phase of a comprehensive, five-year strategy designed to transform the nation. ‘We are putting TT first,’ he declared, underscoring the government’s commitment to prioritizing the country’s development. Tancoo also expressed optimism about the administration’s ability to effectively manage the fiscal deficit, stating, ‘I think we have done very well with the circumstances that we have met…good things are happening.’ However, he acknowledged the challenges of fulfilling all campaign promises within the current fiscal year, responding to criticisms with a pragmatic outlook. The Finance Minister is scheduled to present the budget today at 1:30 PM, a moment eagerly anticipated by many.
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State in settlement talks with ex-SSA director over dismissal
Negotiations between the state and retired Major Roger Best, former director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), are advancing as efforts to resolve his legal challenge over his dismissal from the elite intelligence unit intensify. Best’s legal team filed a constitutional motion on November 7, 2024, alleging violations of his rights and seeking damages for lost income and reputational harm. The case, heard by Justice Nadia Kangaloo on October 10, was expected to conclude this month. However, the judge has instead requested a filing schedule should settlement talks fail. Sources indicate the state has acknowledged the illegality of Best’s termination in a written proposal, with both parties now discussing potential compensation. Best, appointed SSA director in October 2019, claims he was dismissed without seeing any investigative report and has been unable to secure employment since. His dismissal followed a National Security Council review of a confidential Special Branch report, which led to the termination of dozens of SSA operatives between March and May 2024. Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley cited national security concerns, alleging the agency was compromised by a “religious cult” plotting to overthrow the government. Best vehemently denies these claims, stating they have irreparably damaged his reputation. Represented by attorneys Arden Williams, Mariah Ramrattan, and Don-Marie Adolphe, Best continues to seek justice for what he describes as an unjust and unlawful dismissal.
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Living a full life, road to recovery
Breast cancer, a life-altering diagnosis, often shatters the dreams of young women, including aspirations of marriage, motherhood, and career growth. Dr. Rajen Rampaul, a breast oncologist and reconstructive surgeon, highlights the unique challenges faced by younger patients, particularly concerns about fertility, identity, and long-term plans. Unlike older women who may have already raised families, younger survivors grapple with the emotional and physical toll of treatment, including fatigue, scarring, and fertility loss, which disrupt their daily lives and responsibilities.
Dr. Rampaul emphasizes the transformative role of breast reconstruction in restoring confidence and reintegrating survivors into society. Psychological support, he notes, is equally critical, with initiatives like the Think Pink support group providing a safe space for women to share experiences and navigate their journeys. He underscores the importance of open communication with partners and family members to maintain healthy relationships during recovery.
Practical lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, are vital for reducing the risk of recurrence. Dr. Rampaul also advises regular follow-ups, adhering to international guidelines, to monitor patients’ health. For those concerned about their children’s risk of developing cancer, he recommends proper risk assessment based on family history and age.
Ultimately, Dr. Rampaul encourages survivors to embrace life fully, emphasizing that healing begins with honesty, connection, and the belief that life can be wholesome again. ‘Communication is the key,’ he says, urging patients to share their fears and seek support from loved ones and professionals.
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Woman, 22, killed in Couva crash
A fatal two-vehicle collision occurred in the early hours of October 12 in Mc Bean Village, Couva, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old woman. Adana Alexander, a resident of Calcutta Road in Mc Bean Village, was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident took place around 4:40 a.m. on the Southern Main Road near Deonarine Junction. Alexander was a backseat passenger in a silver Toyota Fielder, driven by a 21-year-old woman from Calcutta Road #2, Freeport, who was heading north. Reports indicate that the driver attempted to turn right into Calcutta Road #3 when a silver Nissan Cefiro, traveling south, collided with the Toyota. The Nissan was driven by a 44-year-old man from Santa Flora. The crash caused extensive damage to both vehicles and injuries to all occupants. Officers from the Couva police station, including PC Acres and McMillan, along with FSSO Ali and other personnel from the Couva Fire Station, responded to the scene. Dr. Sant, the District Medical Officer, ordered the removal of Alexander’s body to the San Fernando General Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Cpl Boodlal is leading the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident.
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Tancoo reveals $50m WASA smart-metering project
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has unveiled a $50 million smart-metering initiative aimed at modernizing Trinidad and Tobago’s water infrastructure. The program, set to launch in the 2026 fiscal year, is part of a broader strategy to enhance revenue generation and curb water wastage. Tancoo emphasized the government’s decision to scrap the WASA transformation plan, a move that safeguards 3,700 jobs and reallocates $30 million in savings to essential services. He highlighted significant improvements in water supply, particularly in historically underserved areas like Siparia and Maracas Bay, where residents now receive water three times a week and five days a week, respectively. Additionally, a $300 million pipeline replacement program will target key mains in Port of Spain, San Fernando, and Arima. The smart-metering system, initially proposed in 2019 by former Public Utilities Minister Robert Le Hunte, aims to enhance billing accuracy and reduce water losses. Despite previous resistance, the renewed initiative reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable water management.