TTMA IN THE NEWS
Customs says border control system partially operational
The customs border control system ASYCUDA is operational, however, the Customs and Excise Division is advising that some users may still experience challenges clearing their consignment. A media release from the division on July 3 said it is working with border agencies to resolve the issues and minimise further disruption. Full service restoration is expected by noon on July 5.“In the interim, efforts are ongoing to ensure the timely processing of transactions and continued support to system users,” the release said. Read more here
Customs: ASYCUDA fully operational by Sunday
The Customs and Excise Division has finally reported to stakeholders that the Customs Border Control System (CBCS) or ASYCUDA, is operational, but some users may still be experiencing challenges with the clearance of their goods. In a news release yesterday, the Division said that in collaboration with other relevant border agencies, it is actively working to resolve these issues and minimise further disruption to stakeholders. Customs said it anticipated full restoration of services by noon tomorrow. In the interim, it said efforts are ongoing to ensure the timely processing of transactions and continued support system users. “The Customs and Excise Division remains committed to the efficient management of the nation’s border operations. We extend our sincere appreciation to the business community and members of the public for their patience and understanding during this period.” Read more here
NEWS
CoP Guevarro leads police operation at illegal quarry site
Days after a Newsday report highlighted the major pollution of a the environmentally-sensitive Guanapo River, as a direct result of an illegal quarry operator pumping tonnes of silt into that river – threatening to disrupt the water supply to thousands of residents – Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro has led a team of officers to a visit to the illegal quarry. A July 3 TTPS press release said Commissioner Guevarro led a "targeted operation" on July 2, in the affected areas to assess the situation on the ground. The release said this operation was in acknowledgement of recent reports highlighting illegal quarrying and mining activities in the Sangre Grande, Valencia, and Manuel Congo regions. Read more here
POLITICS
Penny, Farley expected at Modi's national award ceremony
Both Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) head Farley Augustine told Newsday they plan to attend the award ceremony for President Christine Kangaloo to award the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) to visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The award is set to be made at 10 am on July 4 at President's House. Beckles and Augustine, via WhatsApp, told Newsday they had been invited and intended to be present. Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales told Newsday via a phone call that the opposition had been invited and expected to attend a joint assembly of both Houses of Parliament at the Red House, due to be addressed by Modi. Read more here
BUSINESS
Young leads Hilaire’s wrongful dismissal fight
Former prime minister Stuart Young is leading the legal team representing former Central Bank Governor Dr Alvin Hilaire in his wrongful dismissal battle against the State. On Wednesday, Hilaire told the Express that his attorneys issued a pre-action protocol letter to the Attorney General and the Cabinet Secretariat. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Ali signs proclamations dissolving parliament, RDCs
President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday signed the proclamation to dissolve the Parliament of Guyana, making way for the general and regional elections on September 1, 2025. “Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democratic state. The upcoming elections represent our country’s commitment to renewing the democratic covenant between its citizens and government,” the President said in a live broadcast on his Facebook page. In accordance with Article 70 (2) of the Constitution, Proclamation No.1 of 2025 he officially dissolved the 12th Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Additionally, he signed a proclamation which will dissolve the Regional Democratic Councils, in accordance with Article 73 (2) of the Constitution. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Kyiv hit by barrage of drone strikes as Putin rejects Trump's truce bid
A pall of acrid smoke hung over Kyiv on Friday morning following a night of intensive Russian strikes that hit almost every district of the Ukrainian capital, injuring 23 people, officials say. The hours of darkness were punctuated by the staccato of air defence guns, buzz of drones and large explosions. Ukraine said Russia fired a record 550 drones and 11 missiles. The strikes came hours after a call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Trump said he was "disappointed" that Putin was not ready to end the war against Ukraine. Read more here
Dozens killed in Gaza as Israel intensifies bombardment, rescuers say
At least 69 people have been killed by Israeli fire across Gaza on Thursday, rescuers say, as Israel intensified its bombardment of the Palestinian territory. One air strike killed 15 people at a school-turned-shelter for displaced families in Gaza City, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. The Israeli military said it targeted a "key" Hamas operative based there. The Civil Defence also reported that 38 people were killed while queueing for aid, or on their way to pick it up. The military said such reports of extensive casualties were "lies". It comes as pressure mounts on both Israel and Hamas to agree to a new ceasefire and hostage release deal being pushed by US President Donald Trump. Read more here
4th July 2025