NEWS
Cultural fraternity says farewell to Bynoe Charles today
Nationally renowned mezzo-soprano, Hermina Bynoe Charles, will be laid to rest today. She died on February 21. The Marionettes Chorale recognised Bynoe Charles’ contribution following her 18 years with the ensemble, where she was referred to as an honorary alto. Marionettes highlighted her role within the contralto section, where she took part in rehearsals, concerts and other activities and maintained strong ties with members of the ensemble. Marionettes said Bynoe Charles contributed to performances across Trinidad and Tobago and that no two performances were the same. Members recalled gathering backstage and at rehearsals to listen to her sing and noted her participation in formal presentations and informal moments with the group. “We will miss her terribly. We will miss that glorious voice, and us gathering to listen to her backstage and sidestage to hear what new magic she would bring to each performance — because no two were the same,” the chorale said. Read more here
Triple Murder in Port of Spain
Three men were shot dead in the early hours of Friday in what police are describing as a targeted attack on 42nd Street, Port of Spain. The victims have been identified as Keon Alexander, Jesse Nelson and Dwayne Alexander. According to initial reports, around 1 a.m. three heavily armed gunmen, reportedly carrying rifles, opened fire on the men. All three victims died at the scene. Police from the Port of Spain Division responded and secured the area while Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the killings and to identify and apprehend the suspects. Read more here
POLITICS
Caricom’s hands may be tied on Cuba, says Skerrit
Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Caricom is not hiding behind diplomatic language on Cuba but has limited power to influence developments there, as pressure mounts from the United States, which has implemented a blockade on that island, for Caribbean governments to reassess ties with Havana. Regional leaders have continued to express solidarity with Cuba, particularly as several territories rely on the Cuban medical programme. But Skerrit acknowledged that the bloc’s influence is constrained. “One has to appreciate that the dynamics are different from other times and that you will have to approach things differently and be more consolatory in your approach. There are issues that are not really in the control or domain of the Caribbean, of the Caricom leaders. We are just on standby, on the sidelines rather, looking in like everyone else.” He encouraged Caribbean citizens to raise their own voices, even as governments navigate a shifting geopolitical landscape. Read more here
After Rubio’s pledge of aid, union backs refinery restart
The Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) said yesterday it was “totally supportive” of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s promise to help Trinidad and Tobago with the restart of the former Petrotrin oil refinery. According to a statement yesterday from OWTU education officer Ozzi Warwick, the union is “extremely pleased and totally supportive” of the Prime Minister’s “continuous commitment to secure the restart of the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery”. “Both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy, Dr Roodal Moonilal have been making enormous progress. Their efforts are phenomenal and historic and they must be commended without reservation,” OWTU president-general Ancel Roget was quoted as saying in the release. Read more here
BUSINESS
Seabridge crisis exposed: Scheduling is the issue, says feed supplier
Long before her doors officially open at 7:30 am, Marsha Peters (not her real name) is already standing in the centre aisle of her small minimart in Carnbee. Staring at a half-empty shelf that once held pantry staples now serves only as a visual reminder of a broken supply chain. Only three tins of condensed milk remain, the bread rack is bare and the spaces where flour and rice usually sit are empty, recalling a shipment that never arrived. “It’s the first time in years, I’ve seen it this bad,” she said. Her concern is shared across Tobago, a problem that Tobago economist Dr Vanus James described as elements of a much deeper national malaise. Read more here
EMA engages oil and gas operators on CEC delays
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) this week held talks with major upstream oil and gas operators in the country to address complaints that its permitting process has grown slow and cumbersome. “The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Authority to outline the operational constraints and regulatory considerations that impact the timely processing of applications and post-CEC requirements. This engagement forms part of the EMA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration, enhancing transparency, and improving the overall efficacy of the CEC permitting framework,” a release from the EMA stated yesterday. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Ali urges removal of ‘artificial’ trade barriers
Guyana is pressing for the free movement of goods and removal of “artificial” trade barriers as President Dr. Irfaan Ali, earlier this week, emphasised the importance of efficient flow of exports across borders. The 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) opened on Tuesday in St. Kitts and Nevis and although President Ali did not address the opening ceremony, he joined regional leaders for Wednesday’s plenary session and held several bilateral engagements, including talks with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamala Persad- Bissessar. The President on the sidelines of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM told reporters that while energy security remains a cornerstone in bilateral engagements between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, it must go beyond this. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan defence minister says country in 'open war' with Afghanistan after strikes
Pakistan's defence minister has said the country is in "open war" with Afghanistan, after Islamabad launched airstrikes on Kabul as part of a wave of attacks across the country. "Our patience has now run out," said Khawaja Muhammad Asif following the attacks. The strikes came after the Afghan Taliban announced a major offensive against Pakistani military posts near the border on Thursday night. The latest attacks follow months of clashes between the two neighbouring nations, despite agreeing to a fragile ceasefire in October. Read more here
27th February 2026