Republic Bank has officially launched the 2025/2026 cohort of its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) programme. The announcement was made on October 9, marking the third year of the bank’s ambitious five-year $125 million commitment to social development, spanning from 2023 to 2028. This year, 75 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focused on driving positive social change have been selected as partners for the programme. These NGOs will collaborate with Republic Bank to advance initiatives in education, healthcare, environmental preservation, inclusion, culture, sports, youth development, poverty alleviation, and entrepreneurship. Speaking at the launch event, Vice President Richard Sammy emphasized the bank’s determination to make this year the most impactful yet. He highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships, fostering innovation, and ensuring that collective efforts create lasting ripple effects across communities. The PMAD programme, which was first introduced in 2003, aligns with Republic Bank’s environmental, sustainability, and governance (ESG) objectives. It also supports the United Nations’ principles for responsible banking and contributes to the achievement of sustainable development goals. Over the years, the programme has expanded beyond Trinidad and Tobago to include Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, Grenada, Guyana, and Suriname. This expansion underscores Republic Bank’s dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities across the region.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Gunmen shoot boy, 9, and father in Maloney
A violent home invasion in Maloney Gardens has left a nine-year-old boy and his father hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 15, when the father, awakened by loud banging on his front door around 4 am, initially mistook the noise for a police visit. As he prepared to open the door, two masked assailants forcefully entered the apartment. Sensing danger, the father rushed into his son’s room, but the gunmen pursued him and opened fire, striking both victims in the legs. Emergency services promptly transported the injured pair to a nearby hospital, where they are currently in stable condition. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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Alcohol, tobacco duties to apply locally first
In a significant fiscal move, Trinidad and Tobago has announced a 100% increase in customs duties on alcohol, beer, and tobacco, effective immediately. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled this decision during the presentation of the 2025-2026 national budget on October 13. Contrary to widespread assumptions, the hike applies equally to both locally produced and imported goods, marking a substantial shift in the country’s taxation policy.
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Health sector gets $8.214m budget allocation
The 2023/2024 national budget has earmarked a historic $8.214 billion for the health sector, marking the largest allocation in recent years. While this figure falls slightly behind the $8.766 billion allocated to education and training, it represents a significant increase from the previous year’s $7.409 billion. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo detailed the allocation during his budget presentation on October 13, highlighting key investments such as $35 million for refurbishment, $45 million for facility upgrades, $60 million for critical medical equipment, $20 million for cardiac care, $100 million for dialysis, and $10 million for orthopedic and eye surgeries. Notably, the Couva Medical and Multi-Training Facility will be repurposed as the Couva Children’s Hospital, with rehabilitation efforts supported by a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the San Fernando Hospital will receive a new catheterization lab, the Port of Spain central block is set to become operational by March 2026, and the Sangre Grande Hospital will be commissioned this year. Thirty-seven clinics will also be equipped with new dental service tools. Minister Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing wait times for life-saving procedures, stating, ‘Faster care saves lives.’ The digitization of the National Health Management Information System is progressing, with plans to introduce a secure Health ID, a Medical Malpractice Court, a No Fault Compensation Fund, and a revised Patients’ Charter. However, critics like Dr. Neil Singh, former president of the Medical Board, labeled the budget as ‘window dressing,’ arguing that it prioritizes tertiary care over primary and secondary healthcare needs. Singh highlighted systemic issues such as outdated medications, insufficient facilities, and long wait times for surgeries. He also criticized the focus on dialysis, suggesting that better primary healthcare could reduce the need for such treatments. The TT National Nursing Association president, Idi Stuart, welcomed initiatives like the Medical Malpractice Court but expressed concerns over the lack of timelines and implementation details. Stuart urged the government to address critical issues such as patient-to-nurse ratios and the establishment of a National Health Insurance System.
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PM on UNC government’s first budget – ‘All about fairness and equality’
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized fairness and equality as the cornerstone of her UNC government’s 2025-2026 budget during a press briefing at the Red House rotunda on October 13. The fiscal package, presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, introduced several measures aimed at rebalancing economic disparities and ensuring accountability. Among the key announcements was a 0.25% levy on the assets of banks and insurance companies, alongside a landlord business surcharge targeting undeclared rental properties. Persad-Bissessar clarified that the surcharge was not a property tax but a mechanism to protect both landlords and tenants while boosting public revenue. She also highlighted a reduction in the price of super gasoline by $1 per liter, which she estimated would save consumers $500,000 annually. Additionally, the removal of VAT on agricultural inputs was framed as a move to empower farmers. The Prime Minister contrasted her government’s $3 billion budget deficit with the former PNM administration’s $16-$18 billion deficits over a decade, attributing the improvement to diligent management. Other measures included a 3% increase in National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, expected to raise the National Insurance Board’s annual collections by 23%. Persad-Bissessar also addressed the dire state of the NIS, warning that without immediate action, funds for pensions and benefits would soon be depleted. She praised Tancoo’s allocation of $2.96 billion for the Tobago House of Assembly’s development plan, which represents 5% of the national budget, and an additional $763 million through various ministries, bringing Tobago’s total allocation to $3.7 billion. In response to a reporter’s question, the PM identified 8,000 public sector vacancies, promising better job opportunities.
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PSA head eyes 10% settlement by Xmas
Public Service Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has announced the union’s goal to finalize public sector wage negotiations by Christmas, ensuring workers receive long-awaited payments. Speaking during a live Facebook media conference on October 14, Thomas addressed what she termed ‘misinformation from the Opposition’ regarding the recent ten per cent wage offer proposed by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the October 13 budget presentation. Thomas emphasized the PSA’s commitment to resolving negotiations swiftly, stating, ‘We are serious about your business. Our aim is to have your negotiation settled by Christmas so that your money will be in your pockets.’
Thomas criticized former Finance Ministry official Brian Manning for his public call for clarification on the government’s offer, urging him to ‘stay quiet, sit down, and stay out of public servants’ business.’ She accused the Opposition of spreading ‘lies’ to undermine the PSA’s recent achievements on behalf of civil servants, statutory authority workers, and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) employees. Thomas referenced a May 19, 2022, memorandum of agreement from the chief personnel officer (CPO), highlighting past wage proposals under the previous government, which she described as ‘disrespectful.’
She condemned the Opposition’s claims of a nine per cent offer during the same period, calling it an attempt to minimize the PSA’s victories. Thomas also recalled the previous government’s decision to refer the matter to a special tribunal, which she viewed as an effort to impose an inadequate four per cent wage increase. She praised civil servants as ‘the backbone of this nation,’ crediting them for sustaining the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas hailed the revised ten per cent offer as a turning point, restoring dignity to the negotiation process and marking a victory for workers.
Thomas confirmed that the CPO has acknowledged the PSA’s request to meet, and the union awaits a formal response to begin talks. She urged workers to rely solely on the PSA for accurate information on negotiations, warning against the Opposition’s attempts to ‘create mischief.’ During the budget presentation, Tancoo confirmed that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC had instructed the CPO to submit the revised offer covering the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019 for civil servants, statutory authorities, and THA employees.
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Alexander Again
In a recent statement, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander proposed treating child offenders as adults, sparking fierce criticism from child rights advocate Hazel Thompson-Ahye. Drawing on historical context, Thompson-Ahye referenced philosopher George Santayana’s famous quote, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,’ to underscore the dangers of reverting to outdated practices. She argued that such a move would disregard decades of progress in juvenile justice, which emphasizes rehabilitation and the unique needs of children. Thompson-Ahye highlighted the establishment of juvenile courts in 1899 and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991 as milestones in protecting children’s rights. She warned that treating children as adults would be counterproductive, undermining efforts to reintegrate young offenders into society. Instead, she urged the minister to focus on prevention, community support, and restorative justice. Thompson-Ahye’s passionate critique, framed in a creative parody of Kenny J’s parang song, ‘Alexander Again,’ called for a renewed commitment to child-centered policies and principles.
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Alberto Sautúa returns to Horizons Art Gallery
Horizons Art Gallery is thrilled to announce the return of acclaimed Cuban artist Alberto Sautúa with his latest exhibition, *Images of the Subconscious*. Following the success of his 2022 showcase, Sautúa’s new collection promises to mesmerize art enthusiasts with its unique fusion of realism and fantasy. Born in Havana in 1976, Sautúa honed his craft at the prestigious San Alejandro National Academy of Visual Arts and later specialized in xylography at the Higher Studies Art Institute. His career has spanned the globe, with exhibitions in Cuba, the United States, Mexico, Belgium, Germany, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, Spain, and Sweden, earning him international recognition for his imaginative and distinctive style. Sautúa’s work is deeply rooted in Cuba’s art community, where he has contributed to cultural and social projects, including anti-smoking campaigns and initiatives to democratize access to art. His creations, often described as ‘fairy tales for grown-ups,’ feature ethereal figures touched by nature, inviting viewers into a world of pure imagination. The exhibition, which runs from October 14 to October 25, offers a glimpse into Sautúa’s subconscious, with each painting serving as a fragment of thought and emotion. The opening night on October 14, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, is free to attend at 37 Mucurapo Road, St James. For more information, call 628-9769 or visit www.horizonsartgallery.com.
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Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup dream takes a hit after 1-1 draw vs Curacao
Trinidad and Tobago’s aspirations to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a significant setback following a 1-1 draw against Curacao in their latest Concacaf final-round qualifying match. The game, held at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Curacao on October 14, saw both teams fiercely contesting for dominance, but ultimately, neither could clinch a decisive victory.
With this result, Trinidad and Tobago now have five points from four matches, placing them third in Group B. Curacao, on the other hand, have accumulated eight points, while Jamaica were poised to extend their lead to nine points as they led 3-0 against Bermuda at halftime.
The match began with high intensity, with Trinidad and Tobago controlling much of the possession but struggling to convert their dominance into clear scoring opportunities. Curacao’s defense remained resolute, thwarting several attempts by the visitors. In the 14th minute, a free kick by Trinidad and Tobago’s Rio Cardines found Kobi Henry, whose header narrowly missed the target.
Curacao seized the initiative in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Trinidad and Tobago. Kenji Gorre capitalized on a poorly cleared cross, curling a right-footed shot into the top corner to give Curacao a 1-0 lead. The first half saw several close calls, including a powerful header by Trinidad and Tobago that narrowly missed the net, allowing Curacao to maintain their lead at halftime.
Trinidad and Tobago’s coach, Dwight Yorke, made strategic substitutions at halftime, introducing veteran Kevin Molino and Deron Payne. The changes paid off in the 57th minute when Molino’s clever play set up Spicer, who unleashed a thunderous shot to equalize. The goal rejuvenated Curacao, who began to create more chances, but neither side could find a winning goal.
Despite multiple opportunities, particularly from set pieces, Trinidad and Tobago were unable to break the deadlock. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, leaving Trinidad and Tobago with a challenging path to World Cup qualification. Their campaign will resume next month with crucial matches against Jamaica and Bermuda.
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South, Central zones heat up in SSFL championship division
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Championship division is heating up as teams across five zones battle for supremacy and a spot in the prestigious ‘Big 5′ tournament, which serves as the gateway to premier division promotion. With Round One completed and the second round underway, the competition is intensifying, promising thrilling matchups on October 14. In the South Zone, Pleasantville Secondary leads with 14 points, closely followed by Palo Seco Secondary and Siparia West Secondary, both on 12 points. Pleasantville faces a stern test against Palo Seco, while Siparia West takes on Point Fortin East Secondary. The North Zone sees a tight race between Mucurapo West Secondary (17 points) and East Mucurapo Secondary (14 points), with their recent 2-2 draw adding to the drama. Mucurapo West will face Tranquillity Secondary, while East Mucurapo takes on St Francis Boys’ College. In the Central Zone, Chaguanas North Secondary (16 points) leads after a 3-0 victory over Couva West Secondary (15 points). They will face Presentation Chaguanas in a top-two clash, while Couva West aims to bounce back against Cunupia Secondary. Tobago Zone leaders Speyside Secondary (18 points) remain favorites despite a recent loss, as they face Roxborough Secondary. Meanwhile, Goodwood Secondary and Mason Hall Secondary clash in a bid to close the gap. In the East Zone, Hillview College (18 points) continues their dominant run, aiming to extend their perfect record against Holy Cross College. El Dorado East Secondary and St George’s College also face off in a crucial match. With high stakes and fierce rivalries, the SSFL Championship division promises excitement and drama as teams vie for glory.