In a post-cabinet news conference held at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on November 20, Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry parliamentary secretary Nicholas Morris reassured the public that Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is fully prepared to handle any potential fallout from escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela in the Caribbean region. Dr. Moonilal dismissed claims by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley that TT’s offshore energy installations could be at risk due to the country’s support for US military deployments in the region. He labeled Rowley’s statements as ‘alarmist and irresponsible,’ emphasizing that TT has engaged in discussions with multinational corporations operating in the energy sector, all of whom have contingency plans in place for such scenarios. Moonilal also criticized Rowley for attempting to undermine Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, suggesting his remarks were politically motivated. Meanwhile, Morris highlighted the government’s transparency regarding TT’s position in the US-Venezuela situation, noting that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has consistently reassured the public that TT will not serve as a launching pad for any military actions. He also addressed concerns about US military exercises in TT, stating that all activities were part of previously announced joint training exercises. Morris reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability and results, particularly in reducing crime rates linked to the US military presence. Both ministers emphasized that TT’s longstanding relationship with the US remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy, and the government is focused on maintaining stability and security in the region.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Signal Hill drub Trinity East 9-1, keep SSFL title hopes alive
Signal Hill Secondary School delivered a commanding performance on November 20, thrashing Trinity East 9-1 in their penultimate rescheduled match of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division. The victory, secured at their home grounds in Tobago, keeps their premiership title aspirations firmly alive. Immaual Wright, Kyle James, and Jedidiah Marcelle each scored twice, showcasing Signal Hill’s offensive prowess and tactical superiority. The match began with Wright assisting Morgan for the opening goal in the ninth minute, followed by Nickel Williams’ unexpected long-range strike two minutes later. James added a third in the 16th minute, and Wright capitalized on a defensive error in the 32nd to make it 4-0. Despite Trinity East’s goalkeeper Ishmael Wadi making several saves, Signal Hill continued to dominate, with Wright and James extending the lead to 6-0 by halftime. The second half saw Wright convert a penalty in the 58th minute, while Trinity East managed a consolation goal in the 71st. Marcelle sealed the emphatic victory with two late goals, bringing the final score to 9-1. Signal Hill now sits fifth in the standings with 28 points and two matches remaining. Their title hopes hinge on a pending disciplinary committee ruling regarding their November 17 fixture against St Augustine, which could potentially propel them to third place. A win in their final match against Malick on November 24 could set up a thrilling title decider against league leaders Naparima College.
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San Fernando mayor moved to tears as he chooses duty over family
San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris led an emotional interfaith service on November 18 to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the city’s elevation to city status. Held for the first time at the Krishna Mandir on Todd Street, the event marked a significant departure from traditional Christian venues, symbolizing the city’s commitment to inclusivity. Mayor Parris, visibly moved, shared the personal challenge of attending the service while his uncle, Mikey Atherly, was being buried. He requested a moment of silence in his uncle’s honor, which the congregation observed solemnly. The service featured prayers for peace, unity, and dialogue by members of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), who praised Parris for his inclusive leadership. Rudranath Maharaj, principal of the Hugh Wooding Law School, described the occasion as a “red-letter day” for San Fernando, highlighting the city’s diverse spiritual fabric. Imam Ayoub Latchan echoed these sentiments, urging citizens to embrace shared values of peace, respect, and compassion. Parris also outlined the city’s progress since 1988, emphasizing redevelopment projects like the upgrade of Skinner Park and youth engagement initiatives in partnership with UNESCO and UNICEF. Future plans include expanding economic opportunities, restoring heritage buildings, and creating designated vending areas for small entrepreneurs. The mayor concluded by encouraging residents to embrace the “Sando Live Right” ethos and actively shape the city’s future.
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Kalicharan Mas set to Bedazzle for Carnival
On November 15, Kalicharan Mas, a renowned Carnival band, launched its 2026 presentation titled ‘Bedazzle at the Lobby’ at Paria Suits in La Romaine. The event was graced by San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris, bandleaders Sterlin Mahase and Ayana Kalicharan-Mahase, and a host of models. The band, originally founded by the husband-and-wife duo Ivan and Wendy Kalicharan, has an illustrious history, having won the San Fernando Band of the Year title 31 times. Tragically, Wendy Kalicharan passed away in May 2024 after a battle with cancer. Her daughter and co-bandleader, Ayana Kalicharan-Mahase, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing her mother’s life as ‘beautiful and glittery,’ which deeply influenced the designs for the upcoming Carnival presentation. The launch featured six distinct sections: Oro, Onyx, Mystic Quartz, Larimar, Bronzite, and Rose Quartz. Ayana emphasized that the theme transcends mere sparkle, aiming to evoke impact, emotion, and elevated beauty. She described ‘Bedazzle at the Lobby’ as a celebration of brilliance, both literal and metaphorical, connecting to gemstones to create a rich tapestry of meaning and emotional resonance. The event also served as a ‘thank you’ to loyal revellers, culminating in an after-party to honor their enduring support.
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Diego woman detained for alleged online posts inciting Venezuela to attack PM
In a significant move under the Emergency Powers Regulations of 2025, Trinidad and Tobago’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has authorized the preventive detention of Olive Green-Jack, a Diego Martin resident, for her alleged inflammatory social media posts. The decision, announced on November 20, follows an investigation into Green-Jack’s online activities, which authorities claim were aimed at inciting violence against the government and public officials. Her posts, directed at the Venezuelan government, allegedly encouraged external actors to commit acts of violence against Prime Minister Keith Rowley, government officials, and civilians. Minister Alexander emphasized that these actions posed an ‘imminent threat to public safety.’ The detention order, signed on November 12, permits Green-Jack’s confinement at the Women’s Prison Golden Grove in Arouca or another designated facility. Under the regulations, law enforcement officers are empowered to arrest individuals subject to such orders without a warrant. The Emergency Powers Regulations, enacted on July 18, 2025, and extended twice since, remain in effect during the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE). This case underscores the government’s heightened focus on national security amid concerns over external influence and domestic stability.
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CSO: Inflation down in October
The Central Statistical Office (CSO) has revealed that the inflation rate for October 2025, measured by the percentage change in the all items index compared to October 2024, stood at 0.4%. This marks a decline from the previous period, September 2025, which recorded a 0.2% inflation rate compared to September 2024. The all items index for October 2025 was 124.9, reflecting a 0.4% decrease from September 2025. Notably, the food and non-alcoholic beverages index saw a marginal drop of 0.1%, from 152.4 in September to 152.2 in October. Price reductions in key items such as Irish potatoes, pumpkin, pimentos, hot peppers, table margarine, eddoes, onions, tomatoes, ochroes, and fresh steak contributed to this decline. However, price hikes in cucumber, chive, frozen whole chickens, mixed fresh seasoning, fresh whole chickens, bodi, mayonnaise, full-cream powdered milk, celery, and fresh king fish partially offset these reductions. Further analysis showed decreases in clothing and footwear (0.1%), home ownership (0.1%), transport (2%), and recreation and culture (1.9%). Conversely, prices rose for tobacco (0.3%), household equipment and routine house maintenance (0.2%), hotels, cafés, and restaurants (0.6%), and miscellaneous goods and services (0.4%). These mixed trends highlight the complex dynamics influencing the inflation rate.
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Recovery in economic confidence stalls in Q3
The latest Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS), jointly conducted by the ACCA and IMA, has revealed a slight decline in confidence among global accountants in the third quarter of 2025, following a modest recovery in the previous quarter. The survey highlights persistent caution regarding global economic prospects, with key indicators such as the Global New Orders Index and Capital Expenditure Index hitting multi-year lows. The Employment Index also remained subdued, reflecting sluggish job markets across several economies. Jonathan Ashworth, Chief Economist at ACCA, noted that while the global economy showed resilience in the first half of 2025, the third quarter’s declines suggest a potential slowdown in global growth in the coming months. Despite this, he emphasized that a major economic downturn is not imminent. Regionally, North America saw a significant rise in confidence, driven by improved sentiment among US accountants, though the forward-looking New Orders Index plummeted to its lowest level since the pandemic’s peak in 2020. Alain Mulder, Senior Director at IMA, highlighted ongoing uncertainty in the US economy, with slowing job markets but solid GDP growth. In contrast, Western Europe experienced a sharp decline in confidence, particularly in the UK, where fears of upcoming tax hikes weighed heavily on sentiment. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific’s confidence improved, buoyed by global economic resilience and reduced tariff-related uncertainty. The survey also underscored the growing prominence of cybersecurity as a critical risk, transcending IT departments to become a governance and cultural issue across sectors and regions.
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Cabinet amends import restriction on vehicles to 8 years
In a significant policy shift, the government has approved an extension of the permissible age for importing foreign-used private vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, and station wagons powered by gas, diesel, or CNG. The age limit has been increased from three years to eight years from the date of manufacture. Additionally, the permissible age for light commercial vehicles, pickups, and panel vans with diesel engines has been raised from seven years to ten years. These changes were announced during the post-Cabinet media briefing held at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain on November 20. Minister of Transport and Public Aviation, Eli Zakour, emphasized that these measures aim to make vehicle ownership more accessible to the public. He also revealed Cabinet approval for establishing a regulatory framework to manage the registration and use of classic, antique, and vintage vehicles in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Currently, there is no legal framework for these vehicles, which has limited their lawful use and economic potential. Zakour stated that the Ministry of Transport, guided by international best practices, will develop a policy and legislative framework to regulate this sector, starting with a formal classification and registry system. Addressing concerns about increased traffic congestion due to the policy, Zakour noted that vehicle ownership remains a personal choice, and the government is simultaneously working to improve public transport and road infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to revive the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC), which had 71 discontinued routes and a severe shortage of buses when he assumed office. Zakour also announced plans for a park-and-ride system, allowing commuters to park their vehicles at safe locations in Arima, Chaguanas, Couva, and San Fernando and take buses or maxi-taxis to Port of Spain. Further details will be released on November 21.
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Address Nutrien fallout more robustly
The recent closure of Nutrien’s operations in Trinidad has sent shockwaves through the local economy, leaving at least 600 workers unemployed. The global chemicals producer had been a cornerstone of the Point Lisas industrial estate for nearly 30 years, serving as a significant foreign exchange generator. The shutdown, while disheartening, has revealed a complex web of consequences and opportunities. Gerald Ramdeen, Chairman of the National Gas Company (NGC), highlighted a silver lining during a November 17 interview, noting that other producers at Point Lisas are benefiting from the redistribution of resources. ‘Almost all plants on the estate are exceeding their daily contractual quantities due to this redistribution,’ he stated. However, Ramdeen’s optimism is tempered by the challenges he faces, such as securing alternative carbon dioxide supplies for the food and beverage industry. Companies like Proman have stepped in to fill the gap, but the long-term implications remain uncertain. The fallout stems from a contentious $500 million invoice issued by an NGC subsidiary for port and pier fees, a move that has been criticized for its lack of transparency and prior warning. This abrupt action has raised concerns about the government’s approach to managing longstanding business relationships. Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal’s earlier statements about revitalizing strategic partnerships with Nutrien contrast sharply with Ramdeen’s current stance, highlighting a lack of cohesion among officials. Moving forward, a clearer roadmap for Point Lisas post-Nutrien is essential to restore confidence and ensure economic stability.
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Bamboo gives customers a safe place ‘to cell’
In a world where online marketplaces often expose sellers to risks of fraud and theft, Quincy Richards, the founder and CEO of Bamboo Marketplace, is pioneering a safer alternative. Launching in February next year, Bamboo Marketplace aims to eliminate the dangers associated with face-to-face transactions by offering a secure, cashless platform for buying and selling electronic devices. Richards, an account manager in a telecommunications company, was inspired to create the platform after a close call with a fraudulent buyer during a personal phone sale. His vision is to provide a seamless, contact-free transaction experience, ensuring both buyers and sellers can operate without fear of scams or physical harm. The platform utilizes an ‘Escrow’ system, where funds are held in a digital wallet until the item is delivered via Aeropost’s smart lockers across 14 locations in Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, Bamboo Marketplace offers a 24-hour warranty and a dispute management team to address any issues post-purchase. With rigorous verification processes, including AI-driven identity checks and device serial number validation, Richards is confident that Bamboo Marketplace will set a new standard for safety in peer-to-peer online transactions. The platform also caters to businesses, offering subscription plans that exempt them from transaction fees and expand their market reach. Richards envisions Bamboo Marketplace becoming the go-to platform for secure online transactions, ultimately eradicating the recurring issue of fraud in the digital marketplace.