Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) President Azim Bassarath has emphasized the critical role of cricket clubs in revitalizing the national team’s performance. Speaking at the TTCB premiership awards ceremony, Bassarath highlighted that the future success of Trinidad and Tobago cricket hinges on the ability of clubs to become well-organized, accountable, and sustainable. He stressed that strong clubs foster competitive environments, which in turn build robust national teams. However, achieving this vision is no simple task, requiring meticulous planning and structural reforms. Bassarath acknowledged the challenges, particularly financial constraints, that have hindered clubs from reaching their full potential. He also took accountability for the national team’s prolonged underperformance, noting that Trinidad and Tobago has not won the regional first-class competition since 2006. With six West Indies territories competing annually, Bassarath argued that Trinidad and Tobago should, at minimum, secure victory once every six years. He called for a renewed commitment from club administrators and board members to implement effective strategies and ensure the national team’s success. The upcoming TTCB meeting on October 25 is expected to address these pressing issues and chart a path forward for Trinidad and Tobago cricket.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Drivers delighted with ‘ease up’ on super gasoline
In a significant move during the 2025/2026 budget presentation on October 13, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced an immediate reduction of $1 per litre in the price of super gasoline. This decision, mandated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, aims to provide financial relief to citizens by reversing part of the previous administration’s phased removal of fuel subsidies, which had led to consistent price hikes over the past decade. Drivers expressed their delight at the news, with one stating, ‘Yuh can’t go wrong. Is ah ease up; ah dollar could help a lot.’ Another driver highlighted the potential savings, saying, ‘That supposed to help we. That’s a plus. More gas, less money.’ However, not all reactions were positive. Some drivers were disappointed that the price reduction did not take immediate effect at the pumps, as promised. ‘If they say immediately, they supposed to remove it immediately,’ one driver remarked. Additionally, users of premium gasoline and diesel expressed frustration that the price cut was limited to super gasoline, with one driver noting, ‘It’s only for super, it doesn’t do anything for people using premium.’ A diesel user added, ‘If the consideration was made for one type of fuel, it should have been made across the board.’ While the announcement was generally welcomed, many drivers remain cautious, hoping for broader economic improvements in the budget.
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Teniel Campbell wins double gold at Caribbean Road Champs
Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling sensation, Teniel Campbell, showcased her exceptional talent at the Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize, securing a remarkable double victory. On October 12, Campbell triumphed in the grueling 112.5-kilometer women’s road race, adding to her earlier gold in the individual time trial on October 11. The race, which tested the endurance of 17 elite cyclists, saw Campbell cross the finish line in 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 20 seconds, a commanding 31 seconds ahead of Bermuda’s Gabriella Arnold, who claimed second place. Cuban cyclist Evelyn Diaz Matos rounded out the podium in third. Seven participants were unable to complete the demanding course. Campbell’s dominance was further highlighted in the time trial, where she clocked an impressive 28 minutes and 39.4 seconds, leaving her competitors trailing by over three minutes. In the men’s events, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jadian Neaves secured third place in the Under-23 category, while Akil Campbell, Teniel’s brother, finished 11th in the senior division. The championships underscored the rising prominence of Caribbean cycling talent, with Campbell’s performances cementing her status as a regional powerhouse.
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Real estate trust to unlock ‘national wealth’ to ordinary citizens
In a groundbreaking move to democratize state-owned assets and enhance public participation in national wealth creation, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced the establishment of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and a $1 billion bond under the National Investment Fund (NIF). The announcement was made during the presentation of the $59 billion budget on October 13, marking a significant step toward innovative financing in Trinidad and Tobago. The REIT, described as a ‘landmark initiative,’ will include high-value income-generating properties such as land, office buildings, and commercial infrastructure. These assets will be transferred to the REIT and listed on the local stock exchange, enabling both individual and institutional investors to earn dividends from real estate investments. Minister Tancoo emphasized that the state will retain a strategic stake in these assets, ensuring transparency and accountability through a high-level technical committee. Additionally, the NIF will launch a $1 billion bond in the 2026 fiscal year, offering citizens and small businesses a safe, tax-free investment opportunity. The bond will be backed by 21% of the shareholding of First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Ltd (FCGFH), valued at approximately $2 billion. The government retains a 60.11% majority ownership in First Citizens Group, ensuring indirect control over these assets. Both initiatives aim to strengthen the capital market, diversify investment opportunities, and contribute significantly to government revenue.
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Comparing the two SoEs
The recent state of emergency (SoE) in Trinidad and Tobago has sparked a debate over its effectiveness compared to the previous one under the PNM government. While both SoEs aimed to curb crime, the current administration has achieved a significant reduction in murders, with only 78 recorded compared to 114 during the last SoE. This improvement, despite a recent uptick, highlights a more focused and stable approach under the current UNC government.
However, the previous SoE was marred by political and institutional chaos. It began with the shocking assassination of state attorney Randall Hector, followed by then-Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s abrupt resignation announcement. This triggered widespread confusion and instability, compounded by the controversial appointment of Stuart Young as Rowley’s successor without internal or national elections. The arrest and suspension of then-Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher further deepened the turmoil.
In contrast, the current SoE has been marked by stability and tangible results. Deputy Commissioner of Police Benjamin reported a 22% drop in violent crimes, a 15% reduction in serious crimes, and a 34% decrease in vehicle thefts. These achievements, coupled with the absence of political drama, underscore the effectiveness of the current administration’s approach.
The PNM’s mismanagement of its SoE, characterized by instability and heavy-handedness, likely contributed to its historic electoral defeat, paving the way for the UNC’s landslide victory. The stark contrast between the two SoEs serves as a reminder of the importance of stability and focus in governance during crises.
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Tancoo’s tightrope bets on growth
In a landmark parliamentary session on October 13, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo presented the 2025-2026 budget, marking the first budget under the UNC administration in a decade. The fiscal plan, described as bold and ambitious, hinges on sustained public investment, institutional reforms, and the preservation of social safety nets. Key highlights include an anticipated boost in staffing at the Board of Inland Revenue by February, a projected GDP growth by 2026, and a promised 10% salary increase for civil servants. Despite these optimistic measures, the budget reflects cautious optimism rather than radical economic transformation. Energy revenues, though declining, still account for 20% of total income, while diversification efforts remain modest, with token mentions of agriculture, university business labs, and renewable energy. The budget deficit stands at $3.89 billion, the lowest in years, though concerns linger over optimistic oil and gas price assumptions. Tancoo’s three-hour speech, marked by directness and enthusiasm, avoided excessive criticism of the previous PNM administration while acknowledging structural economic challenges. The budget balances short-term gains, such as increased education spending and VAT reductions on select items, with potential drawbacks like higher duties on cigars and alcohol, increased NIS rates, and new levies on private enterprises. The absence of clarity on the Petrotrin refinery’s future suggests the budget is part of a broader, long-term strategy.
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Young: Budget unrealistic, expect raid on H&S Fund
Former Energy Minister Stuart Young has sharply criticized the 2025/2026 budget presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, labeling it as a ‘smoke and mirrors’ strategy. Young expressed concerns over the government’s potential raid on the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund to cover revenue shortfalls. The $59.232 billion budget, announced on October 13, is projected to fall short by $3.865 billion in revenue. Key measures include a $1 per litre reduction in super gasoline prices, a revised 10% salary increase for public servants, an electricity surcharge for commercial and industrial customers, a landlord tax, and an asset levy on banks and insurance companies. Young, in a Facebook post on October 14, supported the gasoline price cut but condemned the budget as ‘populist’ and warned of rising inflation and job losses. He questioned the government’s optimistic oil price projection of US$73.25 per barrel, which is 40% higher than global forecasts, and predicted serious revenue shortfalls. Young also criticized the lack of new energy initiatives, the closure of employment programs like URP and CEPEP, and the potential economic impact of new taxes on banks, insurance companies, and landlords, which he argued would lead to higher costs for consumers. Additionally, he raised concerns about the government’s plan to appoint majority directors at Republic Bank, warning against interference in critical financial institutions.
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PM on UNC govt’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 sectors and ensuring accountability. Persad-Bissessar defended a 0.25% levy on the assets of banks and insurance companies, alongside a landlord business surcharge on undeclared rental properties, clarifying that this was not a property tax but a mechanism to protect both landlords and tenants. She stressed that the budget was not about taxing individuals but about fostering accountability. The Prime Minister highlighted a reduction in the price of super gasoline by $1 per liter, which she said would save consumers $500,000 annually. Additionally, the removal of VAT on agricultural inputs was framed as a move to empower farmers. Persad-Bissessar contrasted her government’s $3 billion budget deficit with the former PNM administration’s $16-$18 billion deficits, attributing the improvement to diligent management. She also announced a 3% increase in National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, expected to boost the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) annual collections by 23%. The PM urged citizens to consider private pensions, which are tax-free, unlike government pensions. She warned that without immediate action, the NIS would face collapse, leaving no funds for pensions or benefits. Persad-Bissessar praised Tancoo’s allocation of $2.96 billion for the Tobago House of Assembly’s development plan, along with an additional $763 million through various ministries, totaling $3.7 billion or 6.3% of the national budget. Responding to a reporter, she identified 8,000 public sector vacancies and promised better job opportunities.
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Budget shifts gear on auto sector
The 2025/2026 national budget of Trinidad and Tobago has been hailed as ‘for the people’ by Visham Babwah, president of the TT Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA). The budget introduces significant policy shifts aimed at making vehicle ownership more affordable while addressing loopholes that have allegedly drained foreign exchange reserves. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced a series of tax reforms in the automotive sector, balancing environmental responsibility, economic prudence, and public accessibility. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of new taxes on luxury electric vehicles (EVs), effective January 1, 2026. Tancoo emphasized the government’s support for EV adoption to reduce carbon emissions but highlighted the misuse of tax exemptions for high-end models. Under the new regime, EVs with a cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value exceeding $400,000 will attract a ten per cent customs duty, a 12.5 per cent VAT, and a tiered motor vehicle tax, expected to raise $40 million annually. Mid- and lower-priced EVs will continue to benefit from tax relief, promoting clean energy alternatives for the average citizen. Additionally, tax concessions for returning nationals, including exemptions from motor vehicle tax, VAT, and customs duty, will be removed, aligning them with other vehicle importers. The government also revised the age limit on used car imports, increasing the permissible age for private vehicles from three to six years and for light commercial vehicles from seven to ten years. Babwah welcomed these changes, noting they followed detailed consultations with TTADA. The budget also introduced increased fines for road safety and environmental protection, including higher penalties for careless driving and driving under the influence. While no new investments were made in compressed natural gas (CNG), Babwah cautioned against revisiting past initiatives that failed to yield long-term benefits. He also welcomed the government’s $1 reduction in the price of super gasoline, highlighting past unfulfilled promises to reverse fuel price hikes. Babwah described TTADA’s engagement with the government as collaborative, emphasizing their commitment to policies supporting the automotive industry, consumer protection, and environmental sustainability.
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AI and education
Artificial Intelligence (AI), a transformative technology that simulates human learning, decision-making, and creativity, has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1950s. By the 1980s, machine learning introduced ‘expert systems’ that leveraged historical data. The 2010s marked the rise of deep learning, enabling machines to mimic human brain functions. This technological leap was driven by major corporations seeking to enhance efficiency and productivity, particularly through the vast data generated by social media platforms. AI’s unique ability to reshape societies, economies, and education systems sets it apart from traditional digital technologies, but it also raises critical ethical and social challenges, including fairness, transparency, privacy, and accountability. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, systems worldwide are grappling with its implications. Educators emphasize that AI should support, not replace, human decision-making and intellectual development, while respecting human rights and cultural diversity. In the absence of a national policy framework, UNESCO’s AI competency frameworks for students and teachers provide essential guidance. These frameworks focus on fostering a human-centered mindset, ethical AI use, foundational AI knowledge, and system design. For teachers, the framework emphasizes lifelong professional development, responsible AI use, and innovative teaching methods. The overarching principle is that AI should amplify human judgment, creativity, and empathy, not replace them. Schools are advised to develop their own AI policies, ensuring robust privacy safeguards and accountability mechanisms to prevent misuse of personal data and protect civil liberties.