NEWS
TOP OF THE WORLD! Jubilation as Keshorn bags gold, Richards silver
T&T athletes Keshorn Walcott and Jereem Richards ensured that Trinidad and Tobago’s medal drought at global athletics meets did not extend to a decade yesterday, after coming away from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with gold and silver medals in the javelin and 400 metres events, respectively, on day six of the championships. Before yesterday’s double-medal effort, T&T had gone unrewarded at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games in Japan and France, respectively, as well as at the 2019, 2022, and 2023 World Athletics Championships in Qatar, United States and Hungary, respectively. Walcott, T&T’s last Olympic medallist when he produced a bronze medal at the 2016 Brazil games, yesterday captured that elusive World Championship medal in the men’s javelin, hurling the spear 88.16 metres on his fourth attempt in the final, which was good enough to beat a class field of some of the best athletes in the discipline. Read more here
Couva Children's Hospital to open after 'critical works' done
The government is hoping to operationalise the Couva Children's Hospital for its intended purpose "as soon as possible," and as long as critical works are completed, doors could open before the end of the year. So said Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John, who toured the facility on September 18, along with Minister of Health Dr Lackram Bodoe and Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Rishad Seecheran. They were accompanied by newly installed Urban Development Corporation (Udecott) chairman Shankar Bidaisee and officials from each organisation. "We have already proffered a date to the Honourable Prime Minister, but it would be up to her to say when the hospital would be opened," John said in response to a question from reporters. Read more here
POLITICS
Tancoo: Temper expectations for budget
Finance Minister Davendeanath Tancoo said the upcoming budget will leave him popular with some people but unpopular with others. He was speaking to reporters on September 18 at an event at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's. Tancoo told the population to temper its expectations. He said promises will be delivered over five years rather than one. Tancoo said wage talks on the ten per cent hike promised to the Public Services Association (PSA) will begin this fiscal year. Read more here
Grandchildren now eligible for T&T citizenship as Senate passes bill
The Constitution (Amendment) (Citizenship) Bill, 2025, was passed in the Senate early yesterday morning by a slim margin after hours of heated debate. Once proclaimed into law, it will allow people to acquire T&T citizenship through their grandparents. The final vote stood at 16 in favour, 13 against and one abstention. The lone Independent senator to back the bill was temporary Senator Wesley Gibbings, while Independent Senator Courtney McNish abstained. The Opposition gave no support and most Independent senators voted against it. The legislation was approved in the House of Representatives last week. Previously, under Section 17(3) of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Citizenship Act, only second-generation descendants— children of citizens born abroad —were eligible for citizenship by descent. The bill introduces two major changes: Read more here
BUSINESS
UTC donates $50,000 to UWI mentorship programme
The Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) has provided $50,000 to support student financial empowerment through its sponsorship of the UWI First Gen Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) peer mentorship programme. In a media release on September 18, UTC said it formally presented a cheque to the university representatives on September 15. UTC said it will donate $45,000 in renewable scholarships to the programme, which will be distributed over the next three years. It will also give a one-time bursary of $5,000. UTC said the financial support reflects its core belief in empowering people by equipping them with essential tools and guidance to create their own legacies. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Ali engages Upper Corentyne rice farmers on strengthening industry
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday met with rice farmers in the Upper Corentyne area as part of a series of nationwide engagements aimed at addressing current challenges in the rice industry and charting a path forward together. During the discussions, President Ali outlined the complex situation confronting the sector, shaped by global oversupply, falling prices, dumping, and outstanding payments owed to millers by external markets. He emphasised that while the environment is difficult, the government remains fully committed to standing with farmers, ensuring their livelihoods are protected, and safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the rice industry. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
US blocks UN call for Gaza ceasefire for sixth time
The US has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus said the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognise Israel's right to defend itself. All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favour of the draft resolution - which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic" and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions. It comes as the UN's humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City as Israel expands its military offensive. Read more here
19th September 2025