NEWS
Zachary Ransome does ECU junior kaiso beaver-trick
Zachary Ransome of Montrose Government Primary School did the beaver-trick to fend off 12 rivals to retain his crown in the Eastern Credit Union's 33rd annual primary schools calypso competition at the Eric Williams Auditorium, La Joya, St Joseph. He won the crown in 2022 and retained it in 2023, 2024 and now in 2025. Cael Pyke of the Athenians Presecondary School placed second and Daniah Mohammed of Signal Hill Primary in Tobago came in third. Ransome wowed the judges with his offering Twelve Months. Last year he also came second in the TUCO junior calypso monarch competition. Read more here
Prison officers call for audit of all prison keys
The Prison Officers’ Association is calling for an immediate audit of all prison keys across the country, after a set of keys, which includes the riot gate key (which controls the main gate along the corridor of the prison used in emergencies), went missing from the Women’s Prison in Arouca. The association says the absence of the riot gate key poses a serious threat to the safety of both officers and inmates. PoA secretary Lester Logie has urged acting Commissioner of Prisons Carlos Corraspe to order a comprehensive assessment of the locks and keys at the nation’s major prison facilities, including the Remand Prison at Golden Grove, the Port-of-Spain Prison, and the Carrera Convict Prison. Read more here
POLITICS
Hinds signs off on 3 more SoE orders
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds has issued three detention orders under the emergency powers regulations, targeting individuals allegedly linked to violent gang activity and crime. The orders, dated February 12, authorise the preventive detention of Sterling Walcott, Akhim Ravello, and Tyereeke Williamson, citing threats to public safety and national security. Walcott of Richardson Trace, Pepper Village, Fyzabad, has been identified as the leader of the Oropouche Gang, which operates within the Oropouche district and surrounding areas. Read more here
Opposition Leader backs Moonilal despite latest EMBD allegations
As Oropouche MP, Dr Roodal Moonilal prepares for screening today. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has described the latest allegations against him in the Estate Management and Business Development Company Ltd (EMBD) multi-million dollar cartel lawsuit as a “political witch-hunt” and a waste of taxpayers’ money. Speaking to Guardian Media after attending the funeral of former chairman Premchand Sookoo, Persad-Bissessar threw her support behind Dr Moonilal, saying the latest allegations were “fabricated,” and will not debar him from facing the party’s screening committee today. “I am of the view that they continue to fabricate and make up as they go along. What they have put in the case has been rubbished, and now they are scrambling to find something else, which is total nonsense,” Persad-Bissessar said. Read more here
BUSINESS
Agostini’s is now Agostini
Agostini’s Ltd has officially changed its name to Agostini Ltd following a meeting of its shareholders. The group made an announcement yesterday, in which it also revealed a new logo and brand identity, inclusive of name changes to companies across the three main sectors of its operations—consumer products, pharmaceutical and healthcare, and energy and industrial. It stated that as a regional group with operations in 10 markets, clients in over 30 countries and 3,500 employees, the group’s operations have traditionally been conducted through more than 20 companies, each with a different name and logo. Speaking of the rebranding exercise, Group CEO Barry Davis said, “This rebrand is about strengthening our position for future growth, reinforcing our collective identity, and ensuring that our employees, customers, and partners see us and our joint business ventures as part of a larger, connected, and sustainable organisation. Read more here
Caribbean Airlines introduces gift cards
Caribbean Airlines says that as part of its vision of becoming a “lifestyle brand” rather than just a transportation provider, it will introduce gift cards. According to the airline, these Caribbean Airlines Gift Cards will allow customers to share the gift of travel with friends and family. Chief executive officer Garvin Medera made the comments on Wednesday night as Caribbean Airlines reaffirmed its commitment to its valued customers and partners at its exclusive Welcome Home to Love and Loyalty customer appreciation event, held on Wednesday at the Winifred Atwell Auditorium, Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘We don’t seek conflict’
Guyana has once again reiterated its peaceful stance in resolving the ongoing border controversy with its western neighbour, Venezuela. President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday said Guyana continues to “face acts of provocation and aggressive rhetoric” from the Bolivarian Republic, even though the matter is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Dr. Ali stressed that the territorial claims by Venezuela remain a serious and persistent threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Chernobyl radiation shield hit by Russian drone, Ukraine says
A Russian drone attack has hit the radiation shelter protecting Chernobyl's damaged nuclear reactor, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. The overnight strike at the nuclear plant, which is the site of the world's worst nuclear accident, caused a fire that has since been extinguished, he added. As of Friday morning, radiation levels inside and outside Chernobyl remain normal and stable according to the UN's nuclear watchdog (the IAEA). Read more here
14th February 2025