NEWS
$1M FOR PUNDIT SET UP BY COPS
The State has been ordered to pay more than $1 million to a Rio Claro Hindu pundit, his wife and their three children after they successfully sued for malicious prosecution, claiming police fabricated marijuana charges against them. In a recent ruling, Justice Robin Mohammed found evidence of collusion among police officers and concluded they acted without reasonable or probable cause in arresting and charging the family. The matter stems from a police raid on the family’s home on September 18, 2010, at 9.40 am. Police claimed they acted on information received from an informant. Read more here
Bravo urges men to speak out against abuse of women
Former West Indies all rounder and TKR coach Dwayne Bravo has called on men in Trinidad and Tobago to speak out against violence and abuse against women, following the circulation of a video showing a man verbally and physically abusing a woman inside a vehicle. In a social media post, Bravo said the video was unacceptable and urged men to take greater responsibility for their own actions and those of people within their circles. “We need to do better. We need to do better,” Bravo said, addressing men directly. Read more here
POLITICS
New exemption clause in Miscellaneous Bill allows for underage selling of alcohol, tobacco
A new exemption clause in the Government’s Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026 will allow people over 18 but under 21 to handle, sell, supply or be in possession of alcohol and tobacco products during their lawful employment. The exemption was among amendments presented by Attorney General John Jeremie during the final stage of debate on the bill in the House of Representatives on Wednesday night. The bill, which seeks to raise the minimum age for the sale, purchase, possession or consumption of intoxicating liquor or tobacco to 21, and cannabis to 25, also seeks to raise the minimum permissible age for gambling to 25. The House passed the bill at 11.15 pm, with 23 Government MPs voting in favour. The ten People’s National Movement MPs present voted against it. Read more here
Drugs and alcohol fuel youth problems
DOZENS of minors are currently receiving intervention and treatment through State agencies for substance abuse including alcohol and marijuana, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit has said. Mohit has also blamed the influence of drugs and alcohol on a “riot” last week involving young people receiving treatment at the National Care and Empowerment Centre (NCEC).
The minister’s comments came during her contribution to the debate on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill, 2026, which was passed in the Lower House on Wednesday night. Read more here
BUSINESS
Consumers hunting for grocery bargains in tough economy
Why is the place so hard? It is a question that has gone viral on social media, but it has served as a stark marker of the economic reality faced by most citizens as most have noted the cost of living has largely increased. This reality that has not gone unnoticed by businesses across industries. Many companies, in the face of rising costs, have committed to value option promotions to encourage sales. This is perhaps most exemplified in the supermarket industry, where monthly many of the major chains adverstise sales campaigns with an emphasis on consumer savings. Today the Business Guardian assesses if those deals are giving consumer better returns than in previous years? An examination of grocery prices dating back to 2023 has revealed a nuanced answer. Read more here
OSHA consults on oil rig safety rules
Trinidad and Tobago is moving toward new regulations governing safety on oil rigs, with the Occupational Safety and Health Authority and Agency (OSHA) consulting the Government, energy sector employers, trade unions and other stakeholders on the proposed framework. The consultation, held Monday at the Radisson Hotel, is part of OSHA’s work to develop subsidiary legislation for oil rig safety under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chap. 88:08. Read more here
REGIONAL
Agricultural transformation must meet future demands
President Dr Irfaan Ali has said Guyana’s agriculture sector is undergoing a major transformation aimed at building a modern, productive and competitive industry capable of meeting future demands and strengthening food security. In his message marking Agriculture Month 2026, President Ali said the transformation of the sector is being driven by investments in technology, infrastructure, production, processing, logistics and market access. “Food is more than what we put on our tables. It is security. It is opportunity. It is economic strength. And in an uncertain world, the ability to feed ourselves and to help feed our neighbours is an expression of national resilience,” the President said. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
'I was not going to let others die' - pilot of Flydubai flight describes cockpit attack by co-pilot
The Indian pilot of the Flydubai plane who was stabbed by his co-pilot and opened the cockpit door to let others in has said he was determined not to let others die. Capt Smit Machchhar said he was on the floor and still being attacked when he realised the plane carrying more than 170 passengers was sinking and he had to do something. "I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," he said in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Read more here
2nd October 2026