标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a decisive move reflecting cautious economic stewardship, the Central Bank has maintained its Repo rate at 3.50 percent, marking an unprecedented period of monetary policy stability that has persisted since March 2020. This significant decision was formally announced in the institution’s November 2025 Monetary Policy Report, released under the guidance of Central Bank Governor Larry Howai.

The comprehensive report paints a complex picture of the global economic landscape, highlighting how diminished international confidence and escalating policy uncertainties have collectively contributed to weakening economic prospects and tightening financial conditions worldwide. These findings align with the International Monetary Fund’s October 2025 World Economic Outlook, which projects global output expansion to moderate to 3.2 percent in 2025—a slight 0.1 percentage point decrease from previous year’s performance.

Energy markets have experienced substantial volatility, with crude oil prices undergoing sharp declines between June and October 2025. Trade tensions and market oversupply fundamentally undermined pricing structures, resulting in West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude oil averages falling by 13.9 percent year-on-year to settle at US$66.56 per barrel. Parallel declines affected natural gas markets, with UK and Asian prices dropping 8.4 percent annually to establish a natural gas basket price of US$11.53 per mmbtu.

Despite these challenging global headwinds, the domestic energy sector shows promising signs of stabilization in the short to medium term, primarily driven by the commencement of gas production from bpTT’s Cypre and Mento fields. This positive development, however, is tempered by concerns regarding downstream energy output constraints following the shutdown of Nutrien operations.

The non-energy sector demonstrates concerning signs of deceleration, with leading indicators such as cashless payments growth showing markedly slower momentum. Labor market conditions face additional pressure due to recent policy developments, particularly the closure of major state employment programs including CEPEP and URP. These closures have eliminated crucial employment opportunities for thousands of low-skilled workers who may encounter significant challenges transitioning to other sectors.

Conversely, the Central Bank notes potential long-term benefits from government initiatives to fill longstanding public service vacancies and transition from contract-based employment arrangements. These measures could ultimately enhance employment stability and strengthen domestic demand patterns over extended time horizons.

Digicel has launched an expansive Christmas caravan initiative that is currently traversing Trinidad, delivering festive celebrations and substantial giveaways to local communities. The telecommunications giant’s pop-up caravan has already generated significant public enthusiasm through successful visits to Arima, Sangre Grande, and Port of Spain, with additional destinations scheduled before December 25.

According to a December 12 corporate announcement, Digicel has deployed Santa Claus and holiday helpers to surprise customers with valuable gifts ranging from Christmas hams to full grocery provisions. The program emphasizes creating authentic moments of appreciation and meaningful connections with community members throughout its route.

The company has converted multiple flagship stores and dealer locations into seasonal entertainment hubs featuring live performances, holiday treats, and appearances by popular social media influencers. Participants can engage in ‘Spin the Wheel’ games with over $700,000 in prizes available, including electronics and specialty holiday items through weekly giveaway events.

This comprehensive community outreach forms the core of Digicel’s ‘Christmas Runs on Real Connections’ marketing campaign. The initiative strategically focuses on generating unexpected joyful experiences throughout December, enhancing customer engagement while celebrating the seasonal spirit through substantial corporate generosity.

In a significant development for telecommunications in Trinidad and Tobago, Telecommunications Services of TT (TSTT) has introduced a specialized affinity program offering substantial savings of up to 24% for Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) members, both active and retired. The initiative, unveiled on December 8 at TSTT House in Port of Spain, symbolizes a revitalized collaborative relationship between the company and the union.

The program, developed through close coordination between TSTT’s Business and Consumer Sales team led by Vice President Reyanne Sobers and CWU leadership, provides the most competitive market rates for bundled telecommunications services. These comprehensive packages encompass mobile connectivity, internet access, TV/landline services, and home security solutions.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, TSTT’s Acting CEO Keino Cox emphasized that the initiative transcends conventional commercial offerings. “This affinity plan represents a tangible expression of gratitude,” Cox stated. “It acknowledges the dedicated individuals who maintain our nation’s communications infrastructure—from those climbing poles and monitoring systems to customer service representatives and technology installers, including our valued retirees.”

CWU Secretary General Joanne Oyleer echoed this sentiment, describing the event as “a proud moment” for stakeholder collaboration. She particularly highlighted the symbolic theme ‘Union Connected by TSTT’ and noted the absence of corporate pushback as evidence of the positive trajectory in labor-management relations.

The affinity program forms an integral component of TSTT’s broader corporate transformation strategy, which aims to transition from traditional telecommunications provider to a high-performance technology company while keeping both current and former employees central to this evolution.

TSTT Chairman Kern Dass reinforced this commitment, stating: “This initiative ensures that CWU members directly benefit from our business progress, delivering real value to the homes and lives of those who have built and continue to sustain our organization.”

The plan is now available to all eligible union members and retirees, marking a new chapter of cooperation built on mutual respect and shared purpose between the telecommunications provider and the workers’ union.

A contractual dispute between Trinidad’s Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and one of its service providers has escalated into a legal standoff, with the cleaning company firmly rejecting the state agency’s request for additional time to address outstanding payments totaling $113,424.

Businessman Alick Anthony Charles, proprietor of Dirt B Gone Janitorial & Maintenance Services Ltd, has through his legal representative refused HDC’s plea for a one-month extension to respond to a pre-action protocol letter. The company had been contracted to provide comprehensive waste management services at Ridgewood Gardens, Phase Two housing development in Golconda.

According to legal documents obtained, attorney Kenneth Bradshaw of Bradshaw & Bradshaw Legal Solutions formally communicated his client’s position to both the permanent secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Ministry and HDC’s managing director on December 9. The correspondence emphasized that despite complete fulfillment of contractual obligations and proper submission of invoices, HDC has failed to remit payments for services rendered during March, June, July, August, September, and November.

HDC’s December 5 response, which acknowledged the matter was under review by its legal department, sought a 30-day grace period for investigation. This request was met with firm opposition from Charles’ legal team, who cited ‘prolonged, unreasonable delay in breach of contract’ that has already caused significant operational and personal hardship.

The attorney challenged the validity of HDC’s investigation rationale, characterizing it as ‘unparticularised, unsupported’ and potentially indicative of a stalling tactic. Legal representatives noted that all services had been verified on-site and approved through HDC’s internal payment channels, leaving no legitimate basis for further delay.

In a final compromise, Charles’ legal team has offered a seven-day ultimatum for full settlement of the $113,424 debt, plus accrued interest and $3,500 in legal costs. Failure to comply will trigger immediate legal proceedings for debt recovery, damages for breach of contract, and escalation to the Office of the Procurement Regulator for investigation under public procurement legislation.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in government procurement processes and the impact of payment delays on small businesses operating in the public sector supply chain.