A heated political debate has emerged following the recent issuance of an export licence to Studley Park Enterprises Ltd by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Port-of-Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young has criticized the move, labelling it as ‘political gimmickry.’ Speaking at a media conference on November 6, Young defended the previous administration’s decision not to grant the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) the licence, emphasizing the high local demand for the quarry’s high-grade materials. Young highlighted that aggregate from Studley Park was crucial for several local projects, including the Diego Martin Interchange, and that the quarry’s production capacity was insufficient to meet domestic needs. He questioned the rationale behind prioritizing exports when local demand remains unmet, warning that the export licence could exacerbate foreign exchange challenges and impact roadworks across the country. Young also revealed that former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and former Works Minister Rohan Sinanan were previously barred from visiting the quarry. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, however, defended the licence, stating it would enable Studley Park to market its aggregate regionally and generate much-needed foreign exchange, empowering Tobago to chart its own economic destiny.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Divali Nagar hosts fund-raising concert for Jamaica
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, a beacon of hope emerges from Trinidad. Under the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is One Family,’ a major fundraising concert is set to take place on November 8 at the Divali Nagar outdoor auditorium in Chaguanas. This event, a collaborative effort between five organizations from Trinidad and Jamaica, aims to support relief and rebuilding efforts in the hurricane-ravaged nation. The concert will showcase Trinidad and Tobago’s top East Indian performers, all volunteering their talents for an evening dedicated to unity, love, and humanitarianism. The driving force behind this initiative is Ravi Rambarran, a Trinidad-born, Jamaica-based philanthropist and retired CEO of Sagicor Southern Caribbean, who has called Jamaica home for the past 29 years. Rambarran, deeply moved by the devastation caused by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck on October 28, quickly rallied support from partners in both countries. The event marks a historic first, with five organizations uniting across borders for a single humanitarian cause. The concert will feature performances by renowned artists and dance troupes, supported by digital innovations like WiPay, a Trinidadian-built platform enabling global donations. Rambarran and Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture, emphasize the importance of Caribbean solidarity, urging citizens to contribute to this noble cause. Tickets are available online, and the concert will be streamed live, offering a global audience the chance to participate in this act of compassion and unity.
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Ansa Merchant Bank profit rises 40%
ANSA Merchant Bank Ltd (AMBL) has announced a remarkable 40% increase in profit before tax for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, reaching $180.9 million, up from $129.4 million in the same period last year. Chairman A Norman Sabga hailed the results as a testament to the bank’s robust financial performance, with group assets growing by 2.98% and earnings per share rising to $1.78 from $1.39 in 2024. The bank’s diversified operations, including banking, insurance, and mutual funds, all contributed to this impressive growth. In the banking sector, pre-tax profit rose by 12.2% to $85.8 million, while the insurance segment saw a 45% increase to $129.4 million, driven by improved underwriting and higher investment income. The mutual funds business also performed well, generating $16.4 million in pre-tax profit, up from $15.5 million in 2024. Net operating income for the period stood at $456.4 million, compared to $415.9 million the previous year, with operating profit at $180.9 million after $275.5 million in expenses. Profit attributable to shareholders surged by 33% to $152.5 million after tax. Total assets grew to $10.22 billion, with shareholders’ equity increasing to $2.74 billion and total liabilities at $7.48 billion. The group also reported net cash from operating activities of $279.8 million and held $538.9 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period. Sabga attributed the strong performance to steady growth in the loan portfolio, expansion of private-wealth management services, and improved premium income in insurance operations. He expressed confidence in the bank’s continued success and commitment to delivering value to shareholders and customers.
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After traumatic home invasion, Phillipine man wants a gun
A Philippine family of seven endured a harrowing ordeal when six armed men invaded their home in the early hours of November 4, just meters away from the Prime Minister’s residence. The attackers, who claimed to be police officers, tied up the family, beat them, and ransacked their property, leaving them traumatized and seeking justice. Vijay Ragoonanan, 53, the family patriarch, sustained severe injuries to his eye and lip during the assault. The incident has reignited discussions about the proposed stand-your-ground legislation, which the family now supports as a means of self-defense. Ragoonanan, a farmer who built his home through decades of hard work, expressed his shock and disbelief, stating that he had always felt safe in the community until this brutal attack. The family, now living in fear, has appealed for assistance to secure their home and recover from the financial and emotional toll of the invasion. Police investigations are ongoing, but the family remains hopeful for stronger legal protections and the ability to defend themselves in the future.
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Government eyes 500-acre Tamana Prison Campus
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has unveiled an ambitious ‘Revitalisation Blueprint’ aimed at transforming the nation’s historic prison facilities into vibrant cultural, economic, and residential spaces. The plan, launched on November 6, was presented to private sector representatives and diplomats at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, signaling a call for both local and foreign investment.
Central to the initiative is the consolidation of all prisoners and select justice facilities into a state-of-the-art 500-acre Tamana Prison Campus, designed to house 6,000 inmates. This move is projected to save the State $60 million annually. The campus will feature a youth/juvenile detention center, agricultural facilities, training programs, and maximum-security units, all focused on education, reform, and reintegration. According to the TT Global Hub website, the project reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a fairer, more compassionate society.
Under the plan, the historic Carrera Prison Island will be redeveloped into a 75-room luxury resort, while the Port of Spain Prison will be transformed into an exhibition and event hall named ‘Dem Boyz Jail,’ inspired by the lyrics of the Mighty Shadow. The facility will include classrooms for artist education and workshops. The land currently occupied by the Golden Grove Prison will be repurposed for housing developments, featuring single-family homes, high-rise apartments, and townhouses.
In addition to these transformations, the government proposed the creation of a National Security Complex in Mt Hope to centralize national security operations. A South West Security Hub in Cedros will house the Coast Guard, Customs, and Immigration teams, with upgrades planned for the Coast Guard’s Staubles Bay and Teteron Barracks. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described the initiative as a ‘bold modernization agenda’ essential for national security and economic growth. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander also emphasized efforts to strengthen the TT Police Service by filling vacancies to combat crime effectively.
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Tribunal rejects claims of delay in reviewing SoE detentions
The State of Emergency Review Tribunal has firmly rebutted public criticism regarding its handling of Preventive Detention Order (PDO) reviews, labeling recent media reports as ‘misinformed’ and inconsistent with the legal procedures it is mandated to follow. In a statement issued on November 7, the tribunal addressed concerns raised by attorneys representing detainees under the state of emergency, who alleged delays or withholding of decisions on their clients’ detention. The tribunal expressed disappointment, particularly given that such claims originated from legal professionals expected to base their statements on factual and legal grounds. It emphasized that, under paragraph 8(1) of the Schedule to the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025, its role is strictly limited to reviewing detention upon request and submitting reports to the Minister of Homeland Security, not directly to attorneys or detainees. The tribunal clarified that its recommendations on whether detention should continue are exclusively provided to the minister, who is then responsible for sharing the relevant portions of the report with the detainee. The tribunal highlighted that it has already completed and forwarded reports on multiple cases, with submissions made on September 12, 19, 28, and October 6, 9, and 22. Additionally, a decision on a preliminary application in another matter was sent to the detainee’s attorney on November 1. These actions, the tribunal asserted, demonstrate its adherence to the Emergency Powers Regulations, countering claims of inefficiency or procedural lapses. The tribunal’s response comes amid escalating national debate over the prolonged detention of individuals under the state of emergency, with attorneys and rights advocates criticizing the review process for lacking transparency and violating fair hearing principles. The government, however, maintains that these measures are lawful and essential for public safety. Earlier this week, former national security minister and several defense attorneys urged the government to release individuals detained for months without charges, condemning the situation as a severe infringement of constitutional rights. Attorney Subhas Panday criticized the tribunal’s independence, arguing that its appointment by the Attorney General compromises its impartiality. Detainees have also reported dire conditions at the Arouca facility, including overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate medical care. Attorneys Sanjiv Boodhu and Darren Mitchell, representing several detainees, claimed the review process has stalled, with their clients awaiting decisions months after appearing before the tribunal. They argued that the tribunal’s failure to provide reports directly to lawyers undermines natural justice. The tribunal was appointed by former Chief Justice Ivor Archie on July 21, in accordance with Section 11 of the Constitution and Paragraph 5(1) of the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025. Attorney David Alexander serves as chairman, with retired Army Major Arden Williams and attorney Shivangelie Ramoutar as members. President Christine Kangaloo declared the state of emergency on July 18, and it was extended for a second three-month period on October 31.
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7 new members appointed to NIF board as 4 resign
The National Investment Fund Holding Company Ltd (NIF) is undergoing significant changes as four board members have resigned, and seven new members have been appointed. The resignations, effective from October 28, include Chairperson Jennifer Lutchman, along with board members Nadira Lyder, Dexter Jaggernauth, and Cindy Pierre. The vacancies have been filled with the appointment of Dr. Sandra Sookram as the new chairperson, Patrice Jameela Ayoung-Chee as deputy chairman, and Aiden Boodoo, Shivanand Maharaj, Vandanna Singh-Maharaj, and Dexter V. Ragoonath as board members. The new board will serve a two-year term starting October 28. Established in 2018, the NIF was created to manage assets received by the government from Clico’s shareholdings, following a $4 billion government bailout in 2009. The fund has since repaid the bailout and made significant interest distributions, totaling $2.4 billion since its inception. Notable assets under the NIF include Republic Financial Holdings Ltd, One Caribbean Media Ltd, West Indian Tobacco Company Ltd, Angostura Holdings Ltd, and TT Generation Unlimited. The NIF has also made multiple coupon payments to bondholders, including a recent $9 million payment under the NIF 2 bond offer launched in 2022.
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TTDRM 2026: Climate risk to regional readiness
As climate risks escalate globally, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is spearheading a regional initiative to combat these challenges. The TT Disaster Risk Management Conference and Expo (TTDRM), themed ‘Resilience 360: Bridging Knowledge and Action,’ is set to take place from June 1-3, 2026. Organized by PODS Emergency Management Consultancy & Solutions, this event aims to transform climate warnings into actionable resilience strategies, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to bolster national preparedness. The conference builds on the success of TTDRM 2024, which emphasized a ‘whole-of-society’ approach, uniting government agencies, NGOs, private sector leaders, academics, and community stakeholders. TTDRM 2026 will focus on systemic risk, advocating for a shift from isolated hazard management to understanding interconnected risks. Drawing lessons from past disasters like Hurricane Flora in 1963, the event will address gaps in disaster risk reduction, particularly for SMEs and vulnerable populations. The conference will feature international and regional experts, including renowned meteorologist Brian Shields, and showcase innovative emergency management products. PODS Managing Director Stacey-Ann Pi Osoria has called for government representation at TTDRM 2026, stressing the need for political will to drive effective disaster risk management policies. TTDRM stands as a platform where local innovation meets regional readiness, ensuring communities are active participants in building resilience.
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Cyclist Wallace motivated after World Track Champs debut
Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging track cycling sensation, Makaira Wallace, has described her inaugural appearance at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile, as a profoundly inspiring and motivating experience. Competing for the first time as a senior rider, Wallace marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
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Positioning Trinidad and Tobago for the AI economy
As the global economy increasingly relies on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) faces a critical question: Is the nation prepared to seize the opportunities these innovations present? The answer, unfortunately, is far from reassuring. Recent data paints a troubling picture of TT’s declining performance in global innovation benchmarks. On the 2024 Global Innovation Index, TT ranked 108th, a significant drop from its peak at 68th in 2008. Similarly, the UNCTAD Frontier Technology Readiness Index shows TT slipping to 86th in 2025, down from 75th in 2021. These rankings highlight systemic weaknesses in industrial capacity and research and development (R&D), with TT scoring 122nd and 130th globally in these areas, respectively. The nation’s R&D expenditure remains below 0.5% of GDP, and patent filings are alarmingly low, averaging just one per year. Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Ramps Logistics’ AI-driven solution, MAWI, is revolutionizing customs brokerage and generating foreign exchange, while Carib Brewery’s $200 million smart manufacturing initiative marks a bold step toward industrial modernization. These successes underscore the potential for TT to tap into the $2.5 trillion global frontier technology market, projected to grow to $16.4 trillion by 2033. To bridge the innovation gap, TT must prioritize R&D and industrial capacity, strengthen governance frameworks, and support SMEs in adopting advanced technologies. The urgency of these reforms cannot be overstated, as failure to act risks leaving TT behind in the rapidly evolving global economy.