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标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • TT Stock Exchange introduces AI chatbot

    TT Stock Exchange introduces AI chatbot

    The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE) has unveiled a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to transform how investors and market participants access financial information. Named TOBI (TTSE Online Bot Interface), the innovative tool now operates on the exchange’s official website, providing continuous automated assistance for various market-related inquiries.

    This advanced digital assistant represents a significant leap in the exchange’s technological capabilities, offering instant responses to frequently asked questions regarding trading activities, corporate listings, dividend distributions, and settlement procedures. The system serves both TTSE operations and services managed by the Trinidad and Tobago Central Depository (TTCD), creating a unified information gateway for all market participants.

    TOBI’s implementation caters to a diverse user base, from novice investors taking their first steps in capital markets to experienced brokers and corporate representatives. The AI-driven interface provides automated guidance on initiating trading activities, navigating online platforms, and accessing critical documents including account statements and corporate announcements.

    Exchange officials emphasized that TOBI’s deployment aligns with broader strategic initiatives to modernize the nation’s capital market infrastructure. “We remain focused on enhancing transparency, accessibility, and investor engagement,” stated TTSE representatives. “This launch demonstrates our ongoing commitment to market modernization and ensuring stakeholders can access necessary information promptly.”

    The chatbot introduction follows years of progressive digital transformation at TTSE, which has included substantial upgrades to its trading portal and electronic document management systems. TOBI’s adaptive functionality includes personalized responses to market queries, step-by-step guidance for trading processes, and seamless navigation support for TTSE and TTCD digital platforms.

    This technological advancement forms part of a comprehensive long-term digitalization strategy aimed at strengthening market infrastructure through technology-driven solutions. Exchange leadership confirmed that additional technological enhancements are planned to further improve user experience across the capital market ecosystem.

    Currently accessible through the TTSE website, TOBI provides 24/7 information access as Trinidad and Tobago’s capital markets continue their evolution toward increasingly automated, technology-enhanced services.

  • Brazilian dwarf: the seed to reviving Trinidad and Tobago’s coconut industry

    Brazilian dwarf: the seed to reviving Trinidad and Tobago’s coconut industry

    The Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has initiated a comprehensive strategy to resurrect the nation’s declining coconut sector, targeting US$1 billion in agricultural exports. Minister Ravi Ratiram unveiled the ambitious plan during a ceremonial distribution of Brazilian dwarf coconut seedlings at the Central Experiment Station in Centeno on December 1.

    Minister Ratiram revealed alarming statistics showing agriculture’s contribution to GDP has plummeted by $1.4 billion to just $650 million over the past decade, representing a more than 50% deterioration. The ministry’s intervention focuses on developing a complete coconut value chain rather than simply increasing raw nut production. This integrated approach encompasses farming, processing, manufacturing, distribution, and export operations.

    The Brazilian green dwarf coconut variety was specifically selected for its superior genetics, pest resistance, and exceptional water-producing capacity of over 600ml per nut. Each participating farmer received ten seedlings as part of the initial phase, with over 150 growers already expressing interest in the revitalization program.

    The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) plays a crucial role in this initiative, providing expertise in genetic improvement, pest management, and technical training. Executive Director Ansari Hosein outlined parallel efforts including establishing seed gardens across nine EU countries, with projected annual production of 45,000 nuts within two years.

    Global market projections indicate substantial opportunity, with the coconut water market expected to surpass US$11 billion by 2060 and the overall coconut market anticipated to exceed US$58 billion by 2030. The ministry recognizes challenges including aging tree populations, lethal yellowing disease, South American palm weevils, and decades of underinvestment.

    Chief Technical Officer Ian Mohammed emphasized that the seedling distribution symbolizes both literal and figurative investment in transforming agriculture into a driver of food security, rural development, and economic diversification. The program represents a strategic partnership between government, research institutions, and farmers to restore Trinidad and Tobago’s position in the global coconut market.

  • Teaching Service Commission restrained from appointing principal to Sixth Form Polytechnic

    Teaching Service Commission restrained from appointing principal to Sixth Form Polytechnic

    In a significant judicial development, the High Court has authorized acting principal Nisha Thomas to legally contest her exclusion from a promotion process, despite her unequivocal possession of the required academic credentials. Justice Frank Seepersad presided over the case on December 4, delivering a ruling that not only grants leave for judicial review but also extends the application deadline while casting serious doubt on the rationality of the Teaching Service Commission’s (TSC) position.

    The court’s intervention includes an interim injunction that prohibits the TSC from making any permanent appointment to the principal position at the Sixth Form Government Polytechnic Institute in St James until at least December 15, when the matter will receive further judicial consideration.

    According to court documents, Thomas applied for the principal (secondary) position in April 2024 following the Ministry of Education’s public invitation for candidates. The established criteria mandated at least eight years of post-diploma teaching experience, two years of service as vice principal, a bachelor’s degree in a specialty subject, and a valid teaching certificate.

    Thomas, an educator since 1990 who has held the substantive post of head of department since 2013 (a position requiring a bachelor’s degree), presented compelling credentials. She earned her BA in History from the University of the West Indies in 1994 and has been serving as acting principal of the same institution since August 2021 through TSC appointment.

    The controversy emerged when the TSC notified Thomas in August that she was deemed ineligible for consideration, claiming she did not possess “a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university.” This determination persisted despite her documented academic history and professional trajectory. Thomas explained that she had misplaced her original degree certificate during a previous master’s program application and consequently did not upload it, assuming the TSC already maintained evidence of her qualifications from her head of department appointment.

    When Thomas sought clarification in late August, commission officials reportedly stated that even a replacement certificate would not alter her eligibility status due to the closed application window. This position was maintained despite her submission of a replacement certificate from UWI and her disclosure of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) intervened twice on her behalf, noting that other applicants had experienced similar documentation transmission issues. Court documents revealed that one acting vice principal in south Trinidad who initially faced comparable obstacles was eventually interviewed.

    Thomas’s legal team, comprising attorneys Ian Roach, Anthony Bullock, and Alatashe Girvan, argues that the TSC’s decision appears irrational, relies on unsupported assumptions, fails to consider relevant information, and denies their client a fair hearing. They emphasize that “there could be no reasonable dispute that she had the qualification” and note the limited number of vacant principal positions available.

    The applicant seeks formal declarations that her legitimate expectation to be considered was breached, orders to quash both TSC decisions, and mandates requiring the commission to reassess her eligibility and schedule an interview.

  • Agostini posts $312m profit amid complaints of pharmaceutical monopoly

    Agostini posts $312m profit amid complaints of pharmaceutical monopoly

    Celebrating its centennial anniversary, Caribbean conglomerate Agostini Ltd. has announced robust financial results for fiscal year 2025, demonstrating significant growth amid strategic expansion. The Trinidad-based group reported a 6.9% increase in revenue, reaching $5.44 billion compared to $5.09 billion in the previous year.

    Chairman Christian Mouttet characterized the period as one of ‘strategic transformation,’ noting the company achieved ‘another year of record revenue and earnings.’ The performance was primarily driven by two major acquisitions—Pharmacy Holdings Ltd (PHL) and Massy Distribution (Trinidad) Ltd—which substantially expanded Agostini’s presence in pharmaceutical and consumer distribution markets.

    Financial metrics showed substantial improvement across key indicators: Profit attributable to shareholders climbed to $230.3 million from $209.7 million, while earnings per share increased from $3.03 to $3.33. Operating profit rose 5.4% to $511.2 million, and pretax profit reached $435.6 million. After accounting for $123.3 million in taxes, net profit settled at $312.3 million, marking a 7.6% year-over-year improvement.

    The group’s comprehensive income, incorporating foreign exchange gains and pension adjustments, totaled $328.2 million, with $247.8 million attributable to shareholders and $80.4 million to non-controlling interests. Total assets grew to $4.89 billion, while shareholder equity increased to $2.48 billion.

    Despite these gains, the company acknowledged challenges including persistent inflation, supply chain disruptions, and foreign exchange constraints that continue to pressure margins. Finance costs increased to $75.6 million, though these were partially offset by foreign exchange gains of $15.57 million.

    Agostini’s expansion strategy has attracted regulatory attention. Recent parliamentary hearings examined market concentration in pharmaceutical distribution, with industry representatives noting that Agostini’s Aventa division reportedly imports approximately 74% of privately supplied medicines. While no formal investigation has been announced, the Prime Minister has signaled intentions to address drug pricing and market dominance concerns.

    The conglomerate continues to pursue growth through acquisition, currently proposing a share-swap merger with Prestige Holdings Ltd. that would exchange one AGL share for every 4.8 PHL shares. This transaction remains subject to regulatory approval from the Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trade Commission.

  • Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith has firmly opposed Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s proposal to join Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Council (NSC), citing constitutional and procedural constraints. The controversy emerged following Augustine’s call for Tobago representation during a Tobago People’s Party rally on December 1st, specifically referencing the recent installation of a US military radar at Arthur NR International Airport.

    Griffith, who served as both national security minister and adviser during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s first administration, explained that Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary system strictly follows the British model regarding NSC composition. “The NSC is a cabinet committee,” Griffith emphasized. “To be a member, you must first be a member of cabinet, which requires being both a parliamentarian in the lower house and a government minister simultaneously.”

    The former police commissioner detailed that even junior ministers designated as “minister in the ministry of” cannot join cabinet meetings, making them ineligible for NSC participation. He noted that only select cabinet members typically join the security council, with the prime minister serving as permanent chair alongside automatic members like the attorney general and national security minister.

    Griffith addressed concerns about the radar installation by suggesting alternative participation methods: “If there’s a specific agenda item pertaining to Tobago’s security, the chief secretary could be invited as a guest for that particular discussion.” He warned that granting Augustine’s request would set a problematic precedent where every minister could demand NSC access based on portfolio-related security concerns.

    The political context remains complex, as no formal coalition exists between the ruling UNC and Augustine’s TPP, though two TPP MPs occupy government-aligned seats in parliament without holding ministerial positions.

  • Dominant St Joseph’s Convent cruise to north zone intercol crown

    Dominant St Joseph’s Convent cruise to north zone intercol crown

    St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) delivered a breathtaking performance on December 3, securing the 2025 north zone championship with an emphatic 7-0 victory against Holy Name Convent at Hasely Crawford Stadium. The commanding win propels SJCPoS into the national intercol semifinals as they pursue consecutive Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Coca-Cola girls’ titles.

    The match transformed into a showcase of offensive brilliance as national team defender Kaitlyn Darwent transitioned to midfield duties, contributing two goals while earning Player of the Match honors. The 17-year-old captain, fresh from representing Trinidad and Tobago in their Concacaf W Qualifiers triumph over Barbados days earlier, demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical prowess throughout the encounter.

    SJCPoS established overwhelming dominance early, netting five goals within the first 34 minutes. Sydney Pollard initiated the scoring barrage in the 12th minute, followed by Darwent’s first strike four minutes later. Kara Cooper then delivered a rapid brace with goals in the 27th and 31st minutes, before Scarlett Cole extended the advantage to 5-0 before halftime.

    Despite resilient goalkeeping from Holy Name’s Sorcha Cumming in the second half, SJCPoS added two additional goals through Darwent (48th minute) and Pollard (76th minute) to complete the devastating result.

    The victory sets up a highly anticipated national semifinal clash against south zone champions Pleasantville Secondary—a rematch of last year’s dramatic final decided by penalties. Adding intrigue to the matchup, Pleasantville secured a Super Cup victory against SJCPoS earlier this season, establishing a compelling narrative of competitive rivalry.

    In the other semifinal pairing, east zone winners Five Rivers Secondary will confront Tobago champions Signal Hill Secondary, who earned their place with a 3-0 defeat of Bishop’s High School on the same day. Signal Hill’s victory featured goals from Leia-Marie Balfour, Alliyah Baptiste, and Shaquana Brown.

  • Out in South cancelled, promoters urge stadia ban reversal

    Out in South cancelled, promoters urge stadia ban reversal

    The Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association (TTPA) has publicly denounced the government’s sudden prohibition on utilizing state-owned venues for Carnival 2026 festivities, characterizing the move as discriminatory and operationally disruptive. During a December 3 media briefing at One Woodbrook Place in Port of Spain, industry representatives revealed approximately 16 major events now face potential cancellation or relocation due to the policy shift.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar initially justified the restrictions last month citing noise pollution concerns near venues including Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) and Hasely Crawford Stadium. The annual Out in South fete, traditionally hosted at BLCA, has already been confirmed as a casualty of the new regulations.

    TTPA Vice President Asha Green emphasized the association seeks constructive consultation rather than legal confrontation, despite having received no response to their December 1 letter requesting policy reversal. Green outlined comprehensive noise-mitigation strategies proposed by promoters, including certified acoustic oversight, real-time sound monitoring, and strategic speaker placement—measures she noted often exceed state recommendations.

    The financial implications are substantial, with promoters anticipating multimillion-dollar losses. Event producer Adrian Chandler described an atmosphere of uncertainty, noting that even when venues became available, increased costs made them economically unfeasible for many stakeholders.

    Damian Baboolal, director at Spirit Mas and secretary of Naparima College’s Past Students Association, highlighted the disproportionate impact on southern Trinidad communities. He revealed the ban has effectively dismantled vital fundraising mechanisms for educational institutions, depriving schools of resources for underprivileged students and infrastructure improvements. Baboolal further alleged an unofficial government mandate prohibiting state agencies from sponsoring Carnival events, exacerbating the financial strain on cultural organizers.

    The association maintains that collaborative governance—exemplified by the successful relocation of Scorch’s First Jam event through cooperation with the National Carnival Commission—represents a more effective solution than outright bans for addressing community concerns while preserving Trinidad’s cultural heritage.

  • Nicholas Paul, Teniel Campbell adjudged cyclists of the year

    Nicholas Paul, Teniel Campbell adjudged cyclists of the year

    The Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) celebrated its most accomplished international competitors during its annual awards ceremony on November 29 at the National Cycling Centre in Balmain, Couva. Sprint specialist Nicholas Paul and endurance cyclist Teniel Campbell received top honors as the federation’s 2025 most outstanding male and female international cyclists, respectively, following a year of remarkable achievements.

    Paul dominated the Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Paraguay last April, securing an impressive triple crown in the men’s team sprint, individual sprint, and 1km time trial events, while adding a silver medal in the keirin. Though he narrowly missed the podium at the World Championships with fourth and seventh place finishes in sprint and keirin events, Paul continued his winning streak with sprint gold at the Summer Slam in the United States in July. Most recently, he claimed keirin gold at the ongoing Bolivarian Games in Lima, Peru.

    Campbell demonstrated exceptional versatility throughout the 2025 season, capturing double gold in both the women’s individual time trial and road race at the Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize this October. Her Pan American performances included gold in the points race and bronze in the elimination race at the Track Championships, complemented by dual bronze medals in the time trial and road race at the Pan American Road Continental Championships in April. The elite cyclist also achieved second place at Belgium’s Grote Prijs Yvonne Reynders event in August and placed 23rd in a competitive field of 44 riders at the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.

    The ceremony also recognized emerging talent, with Campbell’s younger brother Akil receiving the President’s Cup for his promising performances across local, regional, and international circuits as a rising endurance specialist. Akil Campbell additionally claimed top honors for elite division one men, while Miami Blazers professional Alexi Costa-Ramirez earned the women’s equivalent.

    San Fernando-based Rigtech Sonics received the distinction of best club, with junior accolades awarded to Trishton Jaichan (PSL) and Cassidy Samaroo (Madonna Wheelers). The federation further celebrated developing talent across multiple age categories, from tinymites to masters divisions, highlighting the depth of Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling future.

  • Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has vehemently rejected allegations from former finance minister Colm Imbert regarding impending tax implementations. The controversy emerged as Parliament prepared to review the Finance Bill 2025 during its December 5 House session scheduled for 1:30 PM.

    Minister Tancoo characterized Imbert’s assertions as political theatrics, stating the bill’s circulation timeline complies entirely with parliamentary procedures that have been standard practice for over a decade. Through WhatsApp communications on December 3, Tancoo emphasized that finance bills routinely follow budget approvals to implement previously outlined policies.

    The minister accused the opposition of neglecting their parliamentary duties while he works extensively to address financial and administrative challenges inherited from the previous administration. Tancoo stressed the nation requires serious governance rather than complaints about legislative processes.

    Opposition MP Imbert had taken to social media platform X on December 5, claiming the government circulated a 44-page bill containing numerous new taxes including landlord taxes, electricity surcharges, a 20% National Insurance System rate increase, and enhanced fines alongside previously announced alcohol tax hikes.

    The 2025/2026 budget presented on October 13 projects $59.232 billion in expenditure against $55.367 billion revenue, creating a $3.865 billion deficit. This contrasts with the previous PNM government’s budget that showed a $5.517 billion deficit. Tancoo’s budget calculations assume oil at US$73.25/barrel and natural gas at US$4.25/mmbtu, slightly adjusted from last year’s energy price projections.

  • Zara Chase leads Pleasantville to girls’ south intercol crown

    Zara Chase leads Pleasantville to girls’ south intercol crown

    In a spectacular display of offensive prowess, Pleasantville Secondary School secured a resounding 5-0 victory against St Joseph’s Convent San Fernando in the Secondary Schools Football League’s girls’ south zone intercol final. The championship match, held December 2 at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium, witnessed winger Zara Chase emerge as the undeniable star with a second-half hat-trick that dismantled the opposition.

    Despite controlling first-half proceedings, the reigning girls’ Big 5 champions only managed a single goal before halftime—a 13th-minute finish from Kaeley Martin, expertly set up by midfielder Ayoka Muhammad’s precision through pass.

    The match transformed dramatically after the interval as Pleasantville, under coach Brian London, returned with intensified determination. The breakthrough came swiftly when St Joseph’s goalkeeper Amara Bhagan mishandled a long-range effort in the 47th minute, presenting Chase with an opportunistic close-range tap-in.

    Demonstrating remarkable individual skill, Chase doubled her tally merely two minutes later, elegantly navigating past multiple defenders before slotting a left-footed strike into the far corner. The relentless offensive continued as captain Natalia Gosine converted a 56th-minute penalty with composed accuracy following a handball violation.

    Chase completed her hat-trick moments later, cutting inside from the left flank and driving a powerful right-footed finish past the goalkeeper at the near post. Bhagan partially redeemed herself with a critical foot save denying Chase a fourth goal in the 62nd minute, while Gosine nearly added another with a late long-range effort that sailed just over the crossbar.

    The final whistle confirmed Pleasantville’s successful defense of their south zone intercol championship, advancing them to the national intercol semifinals against the north zone victors.