At just 24 years old, Seth Nurse, an entrepreneur from Arouca, Trinidad and Tobago, is spearheading the development of a ‘creative economy’ in his homeland, with aspirations to expand across the Caribbean. As the CEO and founder of Bustr Media Enterprise Ltd, Nurse has channeled his frustration with the local creative industry’s lack of structure into a thriving business that supports creators, entrepreneurs, and intellectual property (IP) owners. Bustr Media focuses on content development, creative management, media infrastructure, and cultural engagement, aiming to streamline the creative pipeline for films, games, and books. Nurse’s vision is to provide the resources and structure needed to elevate local talent to global prominence. Bustr offers two primary services: extended services, which include development, marketing, legal guidance, and distribution, and commission-based services, where the company acts as a producer for IP projects. One of Bustr’s early successes was collaborating with author Ciara Attong to adapt her novel *Dark and Cold* into a short film titled *One of Iron*. The company also partnered with Accent Game Studios to develop *Riddim Rabbit*, a steelpan-based video game set for release in 2026. Beyond these projects, Bustr is building a robust creative network through initiatives like *WI of the Future*, an online magazine showcasing Caribbean creatives, and *Bustrmrkt*, a touring platform that highlights creators’ work at various venues. Nurse’s journey into the creative industry began at age 14, with stints in drawing, acting, and music. His passion for storytelling led him to film, and he later earned an associate degree in film and video production. The challenges he observed during his studies, coupled with the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired him to create Bustr as a collaborative and supportive business model. Today, Bustr is not only fostering local talent but also laying the groundwork for a sustainable creative economy that could serve as a model for the Caribbean and beyond.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Guardian Holdings records $237m in profit
Guardian Holdings Ltd has demonstrated sustained growth in its third quarter, posting a profit of $237 million attributable to equity shareholders for the period ending September 30. This marks a significant 20% increase, or $40 million, compared to the $197 million reported in the same period last year. The company’s consolidated financial statements attribute this growth to the expansion of its core insurance operations across English-speaking Caribbean nations, the Dutch Caribbean, and the Netherlands. Chairman Robert Almeida emphasized the group’s commitment to sustainable, long-term value creation, supported by operational efficiencies, disciplined cost management, and favorable market conditions. Key achievements during the quarter included a robust performance ratio, a substantial rise in earnings per share from $2.58 to $5.52, and a 28% increase in return on equity. Additionally, Guardian Holdings successfully refinanced its $1.02 billion bond by issuing a $1.05 billion secured multi-tranche bond. On October 3, credit rating agency CariCRIS reaffirmed the group’s ratings of CariAA- on the regional scale and jmAAA on the Jamaican national scale, maintaining a stable outlook. Almeida also highlighted the group’s strong capitalization and regulatory compliance. Insurance revenue for the quarter grew by $109 million, reaching $1,588 million, while other operating expenses increased by $37 million to $244 million. The board proposed a third quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share, bringing the year-to-date total to 66 cents per share, a 43-cent increase over the previous year. For the nine months ending September 30, the group reported a profit of $1,281 million, a 114% increase from the prior year, driven largely by the sale of Thoma Exploitatie BV in January. Excluding discontinued operations, the group’s profit from continuing operations stood at $630 million, a 7% increase over the previous year. Almeida noted that the core insurance operations remain robust, with insurance service results outperforming the prior year by $207 million or 34%.
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Kamla takes lead in Melissa relief effort
In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar spearheaded the nation’s humanitarian efforts to aid Jamaica. On the first day of Jamaica’s recovery, Persad-Bissessar visited the Plipdeco Warehouse Complex at Point Lisas Industrial Estate to oversee the preparation of the first shipment of relief supplies. The shipment included essential items such as rice, flour, canned goods, baby formula, medical kits, generators, and blankets, identified in collaboration with the Jamaican government and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
During her visit, Persad-Bissessar toured the warehouse and observed the loading of containers onto the MV Seaboard Ranger. She emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s long-standing tradition of assisting regional neighbors in times of crisis, noting her personal connection to Jamaica, where she lived and worked for 14 years. “Jamaica is and always will be my second home,” she stated, highlighting the resilience and passion of its people.
Persad-Bissessar also convened an Inter-Ministerial Emergency Response Team to coordinate national efforts, involving multiple ministries and supported by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. She expressed gratitude to the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) for their assistance in organizing relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Khadijah Ameen called on the public to contribute to the relief initiative, with collection points established across the country. Corporate entities and businesses operating in Jamaica have also joined the effort, with financial contributions and supplies being mobilized.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness assessed the damage, noting significant flooding and infrastructure issues but praised the resilience of the Jamaican people. Both Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport have resumed operations, aiding recovery efforts.
The United States Southern Command (Southcom) has also been enlisted to assist with logistics, including the transportation of personnel and heavy equipment to Jamaica.
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Don’t lecture to us, Maduro
In a bold and unflinching open letter to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Curtis A. Obrady of Arima, Trinidad and Tobago (TT), delivers a scathing critique of the Venezuelan leader’s regime. The letter accuses Maduro of transforming Venezuela into a ‘living hell,’ forcing millions to flee due to hunger, fear, and oppression. Obrady highlights the irony of Maduro’s government, which silences dissent and imprisons journalists, now attempting to lecture TT on humanity and deportations. He emphasizes that TT has shown compassion by welcoming Venezuelan refugees, providing them with safety and dignity, but asserts that this compassion does not equate to weakness. The letter concludes with a strong defense of TT’s sovereignty and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s leadership, urging Maduro to address his own human rights abuses before criticizing others.
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Schools, businesses close early amid Defence Force alert
In response to heightened military activity and escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, several schools across Trinidad urged parents to collect their children early on October 31. An internal memo revealed that the Defence Force had been placed on high alert, with all military personnel required to report to their bases by 6 pm. Even officers on pre-retirement, sick leave, or vacation were instructed to remain on standby at home, awaiting further orders. This development follows reports from The Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal suggesting an imminent attack on Venezuelan military installations, though US President Donald Trump denied these claims. At La Horquetta South Government Primary, tensions flared as a frustrated parent clashed with a security guard over early dismissal procedures. Similarly, a denominational primary school in Curepe advised parents to pick up their children by 2 pm, an hour earlier than usual. Businesses in Port of Spain also took precautionary measures, with a software development company and a prominent law firm sending staff home by mid-afternoon. While no panic was reported, the situation was taken seriously by the public.
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House to debate SoE extension on October 31
Members of Parliament (MPs) in Trinidad and Tobago are set to convene on October 31 to deliberate on the government’s proposal for a second extension of the state of emergency (SoE). The decision, which requires only a simple majority in the House of Representatives, appears to be a foregone conclusion, as both government and opposition MPs have remained tight-lipped in their responses to media inquiries. The motion does not necessitate approval from the Senate, where independent benches hold moderating influence. The issue was expected to be addressed during a post-Cabinet briefing on October 30 at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, when contacted via WhatsApp, indicated that her MPs would caucus that afternoon to discuss the matter. The SoE was initially declared on July 18 following a public statement by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, who warned of criminal gangs targeting public figures in politics and criminal justice. The House previously extended the SoE by three months on July 28, and MPs will now decide whether to grant another three-month extension. The Trinidad and Tobago Constitution outlines the procedure for extending the SoE, with the first two extensions requiring only a simple majority. However, any third extension would demand a special majority in the House and Senate approval. Attorney General John Jeremie’s motion will argue that the extension is ‘necessary and expedient.’ Meanwhile, government MPs have not responded to media inquiries, leaving reporters to await clarification at the post-Cabinet briefing. During the briefing, officials highlighted measurable decreases in crime as justification for the extension, while dismissing any connection to US-Venezuela tensions.
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Ban fireworks once and for all
In a heartfelt letter to the editor of Newsday, D. Maharaj, a self-described educated and law-abiding citizen, has passionately advocated for a complete prohibition on fireworks, firecrackers, and other noise-making devices in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Maharaj argues that these traditional forms of celebration, often associated with holidays like Divali, Old Year’s Night, and Independence Day, inflict unnecessary terror on animals, particularly dogs, and disrupt the peace of countless citizens.
Maharaj highlights the distressing experiences of many pet owners who are forced to spend these holidays indoors, comforting their frightened animals or fearing they might escape in panic. The writer shares a personal account of being unable to leave home during such nights due to their dog’s extreme fear of the loud explosions.
The letter emphasizes that the continued use of fireworks is outdated and unjustifiable, given the widespread suffering it causes. Maharaj calls for immediate action, urging authorities to implement a total ban without further delay. The plea concludes with a resounding message: ‘Enough is enough. No more excuses, no more empty promises.’
This appeal reflects growing concerns about the impact of fireworks on both animal welfare and community well-being, sparking a broader conversation about the need for more considerate and modern forms of celebration.
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Sewa TT partners with Supermarket Assoc for relief supplies for Jamaica
In the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, non-governmental organization Sewa TT has joined forces with the Supermarket Association of TT to streamline disaster relief operations. The initiative aims to facilitate the swift collection and distribution of essential relief items to the hurricane-ravaged island. Sewa TT announced on its social media platforms on October 31 that individuals can contribute to the cause by visiting any of the participating supermarkets and donating $100 at checkout. This contribution will fund the assembly of essential relief buckets containing food staples, hygiene products, and other necessities for Jamaicans who have lost everything to the Category 5 storm. The partnership includes major supermarket chains such as Betterdeal, Low Cost, Massy Stores, and Tru Valu. Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on Jamaica’s southwestern coast, has left a trail of destruction, claiming 19 lives, including a child, and leaving over 475,000 people without power. The storm also caused extensive damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure. Following its impact on Jamaica, Melissa continued its path of destruction, affecting Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. The Jamaican government has already dispatched eight 40-foot-long containers filled with critical relief supplies to aid in the recovery efforts.
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Guns kill 4 in 24 hours as MPs prepare to debate SoE extension
In the wake of a surge in gun-related violence, including a fatal shooting in the upscale Valsayn area, Trinidad and Tobago grapples with heightened security concerns. The incident, which claimed the life of 36-year-old Miguel Lawrence in the Valpark Shopping Plaza carpark, occurred just hours before the government’s planned extension of the state of emergency (SoE). This tragic event is part of a broader wave of violence that has left four dead in recent days.
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Historical context behind Trinidad and Tobago’s engagement with US, Venezuela
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s position on Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) involvement in regional security, particularly concerning the escalating tensions with Venezuela, has sparked considerable debate. Critics have labeled her approach as overly aligned with the United States or even “far-fetched.” However, a closer examination reveals that her stance is neither unprecedented nor unreasonable. It is deeply rooted in an 80-year history of strategic cooperation with the US, shared security interests, and a pragmatic assessment of contemporary challenges.
TT’s relationship with the US dates back to the Second World War, when the 1940 Destroyers for Bases Agreement led to the establishment of a US naval base in Chaguaramas and the construction of critical infrastructure, including the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway. These developments not only bolstered the Allied war effort but also laid the groundwork for TT’s modern road network. Although the US presence in Chaguaramas ended in 1963, the two nations have maintained a cooperative partnership through various agreements, such as the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. These frameworks have facilitated information-sharing, law enforcement collaboration, and maritime security, which are vital in combating transnational crime, narcotics, and arms trafficking.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s concerns about Venezuela’s security developments are well-founded. Recent US legal actions against Venezuelan officials, including former intelligence chief Hugo “El Pollo” Carvajal and President Nicolás Maduro, highlight the gravity of the situation. TT is not insulated from the repercussions of Venezuelan instability, as evidenced by the infiltration of the Tren de Aragua gang, now designated a terrorist organization under TT’s Anti-Terrorism Act. This poses a direct threat to national security, border management, and social stability.
When the Prime Minister asserts that any incursion into TT’s territorial waters will be met with force, she is not echoing US rhetoric but reaffirming TT’s sovereignty and right to self-defense. Her engagement with the US on surveillance, intelligence, and counter-narcotics cooperation aligns with the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. This pragmatic approach is aimed at safeguarding TT’s people and borders.
However, this cooperation must be balanced with transparency. TT must ensure that its territory is never used as a staging ground for foreign military operations without full sovereign consent. Diplomatic efforts should continue to prioritize peace, dialogue, and regional stability through organizations like Caricom, while simultaneously strengthening TT’s readiness to defend its frontiers.
In essence, TT’s current engagement with the US is neither subservience nor a novelty. It is a continuation of a historical partnership shaped by shared interests, geography, and the need for security in a volatile region. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s approach is not “far-fetched” but a rational extension of TT’s historical trajectory and its responsibility to protect the republic.