NEWS
Young scholar appeals for help to attend Yale summer programme
Krisann Bedassie, 17, has made history by becoming the first student from T&T to be accepted into the prestigious Yale Young Global Scholars Programme. However, although she received a merit-based scholarship covering tuition, accommodation and healthcare, the Form 5 St Joseph Convent, San Fernando, student still needs approximately US$4,000 to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity a reality. The two-week programme is a highly selective academic enrichment initiative for outstanding high school students from across the globe. The session, which runs from July 6 to 18, will focus on law, politics, and economics—subjects close to Krisann’s heart. “I am very excited because Yale is an Ivy League university and this stands as an accomplishment not just for me but all of Trinidad and Tobago because I am the first admitted student from Trinidad and Tobago,” she said. Read more here
Six vie for TTUTA president
Incumbent Martin Lum Kin is among six challengers for the post of TTUTA president at the October 14 TTUTA national elections. Also vying for the post are Crystal Bevin Ashe (North Eastern Education District Office), Randy Lall (Shiva Boys Hindu College), Rajdeo Mohan (Rousillac Hindu Primary School), Germaine Raymond (Chaguanas North Secondary) and Anderson Zoe (Matelot Community College). Lum Kin was elected president in October 2022. Adesh Dwarika, a dean at Aranguez North Secondary, is the only nominee for TTUTA first vice president. Read more here
POLITICS
Government examining cost of private security contracts
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the government will be examining the contracts in place for private security companies, as it attempts to cut down on $500 billion in spending on contracted security services. The PM made the announcement at the post-Cabinet media briefing on May 22 at the Red House, Port of Spain. “The government is spending $500 million on contracted security services. I am not speaking about the police services or any of the protective services, this is contracted security services. Read more here
BUSINESS
Floods drive up market prices
Pimento prices fell to 15 for $5, while tomato prices rose to $15 per pound in the aftermath of last weekend’s floods, which affected communities including Aranjuez, Piarco, Las Lomas/St Helena, Bamboo No 2, Cocorite, and Diego Martin, according to public relations officer of the Charlotte Street Vendors’ Association Junior Lewis. Read more here
REGIONAL
Path to victory
Jamaica’s two main political parties have outlined their strategies for the general election due by September, each charting a path they believe will lead to victory. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) says it is banking on its record of delivering on...Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Israeli strike on Gaza school sheltering displaced Palestinians kills dozens, officials say
At least 54 Palestinians have been killed - most of them in a school building sheltering displaced families - during Israeli air strikes on Gaza overnight, hospital directors have told the BBC. Fahmi Al-Jargawi School in Gaza City was housing hundreds of people from Beit Lahia, currently under intense Israeli military assault. At least 35 were reported to have been killed when the school was hit. Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence said multiple bodies, including those of children, were recovered – many severely burned, after fires engulfed two classrooms serving as living quarters. Read more here
26th May 2025