NEWS
$1,000 CAL flights to Tobago
Tourism Minister reveals plan to introduce unsubsidised return fares during peak periods amid cash crunch
Members of the public will pay from $960 to $1,000 to travel between Trinidad and Tobago via Caribbean Airlines (CAL) under peak-period pricing, as Government moves ahead with a proposed plan to introduce unsubsidised flights on the domestic airbridge. Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism Satyakama “Kama” Maharaj revealed this yesterday, as he said Government is looking to roll out morning and evening flights between T&T without subsidy, aimed at easing financial pressure to operate the airbridge and improve seat availability during high-demand periods. CAL currently offers flights to Tobago at a subsidised cost of $400.Speaking to Guardian Media during the launch of the Sail Clear platform at Cruise Inn, Chaguaramas, Maharaj said the proposal would allow passengers to purchase guaranteed return fare seats at market-based rates...read more
Court upholds will favoring children over widow’s claim
A COURT of Appeal panel has upheld a High Court ruling dismissing a businesswoman's challenge to her late husband's will, which left the bulk of his assets to his children from a previous marriage and a grandson. In a decision delivered on Wednesday, Justices of Appeal Peter Rajkumar, Maria Wilson and Ricky Rahim rejected the appeal brought by Sumatie Maharaj against her stepson, Darshan Maharaj, who serves as executor of his father's estate. The dispute arose following the death of Dhanraj Maharaj, a taxi driver, who died in November 2011 at age 73. Evidence before the court outlined that he had separated from his first wife in 1991 after having four children, including Darshan. He retained the matrimonial home and later compensated his former wife for her share...read more
Court bans jet skis in Tobago waters after child’s death
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has secured an emergency court injunction banning jet ski operations in major marine areas, following the death of eight-year-old Angelica Saydee Jogie earlier this month. The order, granted by the High Court in Tobago, immediately prohibits the operation, rental, launching and retrieval of personal watercraft within Buccoo Reef Marine Park and Pigeon Point Heritage Park. The injunction also restrains named individuals and “persons unknown” from offering or soliciting jet ski services in these protected zones, pending further hearings...read more
POLITICS
Minister wants probe into 2017 Amplia acquisition
Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has raised concerns over the “suspicious” acquisition of Amplia Communications Limited, confirming that a formal probe will now be launched into its operations and purchase. Amplia was acquired by the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) in 2017 as part of TSTT’s strategy to expand its broadband and fibre network capabilities, particularly in the residential and enterprise internet market.The minister said yesterday that a determination on Amplia’s future direction would be made after the investigation is concluded.Padarath made the comments when questioned by reporters during PowerGen’s Annual Special Children’s Sports Day in Syne Village, Penal, about the departure of former Amplia general manager Shawn Clarke...read more
Penny questions alleged move to dissolve NCC
OPPOSITION Leader Pennelope Beckles has questioned the Government's alleged move to dissolve the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and whether the relevant stakeholders were consulted.Beckles also accused the Government of being a late payer across the board, asking whether all performers engaged for Carnival 2026 have received their dues. The People's National Movement (PNM) political leader was speaking yesterday at a news conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Port of Spain. Beckles said information reaching the Opposition was that the Cabinet had agreed to dissolve the NCC and establish a 'National Festivals Commissions' act to encompass related matters...read more
BUSINESS
CariCRIS reaffirms TTUTC’s high credit ratings with stable outlook
he Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Ltd (CariCRIS) has reaffirmed “high creditworthiness” ratings for the T&T Unit Trust Corporation (TTUTC).In a release issued yesterday, CariCRIS explained that it reaffirmed the issuer/corporate credit ratings of CariAA (foreign and local currency) on the regional rating scale, and ttAA on the T&T national scale, for the TTUTC.These ratings indicate that the level of creditworthiness of this obligor, adjudged in relation to other obligors in T&T and the wider Caribbean, is high.CariCRIS also maintained a stable outlook on the ratings. The stable outlook is based on the high likelihood that, over the next 12 to 15 months, TTUTC will remain profitable, albeit at a lower level...read more
Witco profit drops 36%
Hit by shift to cheaper products, illicit trade...
The West Indian Tobacco Company Ltd (Witco) has recorded a 36.3% decline in profit to $109.8 million for its year ending December 31, 2025. In a release yesterday, Witco quoted managing director Hiram Murillo at the company’s 121st annual meeting at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain, where he noted that results were driven by shifts in consumer purchasing behaviour toward lower-priced options, illicit trade and an overall decline in sales volumes locally. He also reiterated his call for a meeting with regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders to address shared challenges and support a balanced, well-regulated marketplace...read more
REGIONAL
OAS to deploy electoral observation mission to Antigua – Barbuda for 2026 General Elections
The Organization of American States (OAS) is preparing to deploy its Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) for the 2026 General Elections in Antigua and Barbuda. Led by former OAS Secretary for Access to Rights and Equity Maricarmen Plata, the Mission comprises 17 experts and observers from eleven countries. The team will focus its observation on electoral organisation, electoral technology, electoral justice, political-electoral finance and the political participation of women. Before voters cast their ballots, chief of mission Plata and the OAS team will meet with a range of stakeholders, including government officials, electoral authorities, political parties and candidates, and civil society representatives to gather diverse perspectives on the electoral process...read more
INTERNATIONAL
Trump dismisses Prince Harry’s comments on Ukraine ahead of royal visit
President Donald Trump on Thursday brushed off remarks by Prince Harry asking the US for more action to end the war in Ukraine, saying the British royal does not speak for the United Kingdom.“I know one thing, Prince Harry is not speaking for the UK, that’s for sure. I think I am speaking for the UK more than Prince Harry. But I appreciate his advice very much,” Trump said, before quipping: “How’s he doing? How’s his wife?”...read more
Nato says 'no provision' to expel members after report US could seek to suspend Spain
Nato says there is no provision for member states to be suspended or expelled from the military alliance after a report said the US could seek to suspend Spain over its Iran war stance. Reuters quoted a US official who said an internal Pentagon email had suggested measures for the US to punish allies it believed had failed to support its campaign. The email also suggested reviewing the US position on the UK's claim to the Falklands islands in the south Atlantic, which are also claimed by Argentina...read more
24th April 2026