NEWS
Agostini opens hybrid Superpharm/Presto in South Park
Superpharm has officially opened its 11th branch in South Park, but this one has a twist – it is a hybrid store with Presto, the local store known for its fresh food. Parent company for both Pesto and Superpharm, Agostini Ltd, celebrated the launch at South Park on January 15. Superpharm CEO Glenn Maharaj said the hybrid store was the next step in innovation in retail and health and wellness. “The SuperPharm–Presto Hybrid Experience is a ‘store within a store,’ thoughtfully designed to bring together pharmacy, convenience shopping, and fresh food in a single, seamless experience – saving time, reducing friction, and improving quality of life. Read more here
As SoE nears end, families hope for detainees’ release
As the State of Emergency (SoE) comes to an end on January 31, several detainees who have been held for months under detention orders without charge are anxiously awaiting their freedom. For 89 families, the expiry of the SoE will mean either release or formal charges. Speaking to Guardian Media, the wife of a detainee, said she remains alarmed that her husband has been incarcerated for several months without facing a single charge. She said he was detained after assisting someone of questionable character and that the prolonged uncertainty has taken a heavy toll on the family. According to her, once the SoE expires, her husband will finally learn whether he will be charged or released. His attorney has advised that if charges are laid, he would be eligible for bail as a first-time offender. However, while families cling to hope, concerns are mounting about the proposed Zones of Special Operations Bill, which the Government said was intended to combat crime. The bill will be brought to Parliament today. Read more here
POLITICS
Government seeks to raise US$1 billion
The Government's plan to raise US$1 billion ($7 billion) was revealed in Legal Notice 9 of 2026 published online and dated January 13. It was signed by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, the day before. The item said while the government intends to issue notes of up to US$1 billion on the international market and offer them for sale to qualified institutional buyers both within and outside of the United States, it was now expedient the minister make an order to do so. It said the government appointed JP Morgan Securities LLC and Bank of America Securities Inc to act as joint lead managers/arrangers to facilitate the issuance of the notes. Read more here
House debates ZOSO bill today
With the State of Emergency (SoE) expected to come to an end in the coming weeks, the Government is turning its attention to targeted crime-fighting measures in hotspots. Attorney General John Jeremie revealed on Wednesday that Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) will be introduced, providing law enforcement with expanded legal authority to address criminal activity in hotspot communities, similar to a model used in Jamaica. At today’s House of Representatives sitting will be a debate on The Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026, which implements measures that will follow the SoE, which ends January 31. The 28-clause bill, geared to enhance T&T’s security and curb crime, provides for the Prime Minister to declare “Special Zones” in either Trinidad or Tobago, where “there are reasonable grounds to believe that there is rampant criminality—murder, gang warfare, or high or escalating levels of violence—or a threat to the rule of law and public order.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Perenco updates Govt on Greater Angostura acquisition
Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal and Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries Ernesto Kesar met with Perenco chief executive officer Armel Simondin and received an update on the company’s recent acquisition of the Greater Angostura oil and gas assets. Other Perenco executives at the meeting included general manager Stephane Barc, head of business development Denis Chatelan and business advisor Allan Russell. The meeting took place on Wednesday at the Energy Ministry’s International Waterfront Complex headquarters in Port of Spain. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Yas School of Inspiration’ to open doors for Region Three’s special needs children
Expanding the government’s efforts to provide equitable and specialised access to education, the Yas School of Inspiration was on Thursday commissioned by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.The new facility, located at Crane, West Coast Demerara, Region Three, was funded through a collaboration between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Guyana Government, which was praised as a demonstration of shared values, investing in people, education and responsible technology to create opportunities for all. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
China and Canada announce tariffs relief after a high-stakes meeting between Carney and Xi
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Canadian PM Mark Carney have announced lower tariffs, signalling a reset in their countries' relationship after a key meeting in Beijing. China is expected to lower levies on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by 1 March, while Ottawa has agreed to tax Chinese electric vehicles at the most-favoured-nation rate, 6.1%, Carney told reporters. The deal is a breakthrough after years of strained ties and tit-for-tat levies. Xi hailed the "turnaround" in their relationship but it is also a win for Carney, the first Canadian leader to visit China in nearly a decade. He has been trying to diversify Canadian trade away from the US, his country's biggest trading partner, following the uncertainty caused by Trump's on-again-off-again tariffs. Read more here
16th January 2026