NEWS
Psychologist weighs pros, cons of cops in schools
A clinical psychologist believes there are pros and cons to the government’s decision to introduce police officers in schools as a measure to reduce student violence and indiscipline. Victoria Siewnarine-Geelalsingh told Newsday a child’s development is influenced by a series of interconnected environmental systems, from the immediate surroundings (microsystem) to broader cultural contexts (macrosystyem). She said a positive, integrated officer can help the connections between school and home or school and community to function more smoothly by being a trusted bridge between these worlds. Read more here
CAL pilot rescued
One man was killed while three others were taken into custody between Saturday night and midday yesterday, following the successful rescue of kidnapped Caribbean Airlines pilot Daniel Kawall. Meanwhile, the search continued overnight for two other suspects who allegedly fled into the bushes as officers stormed a hotel/apartment building at Third Street, Maraval, around 11 am and rescued Kawall, who was found by police with his hands and feet bound. Kawall, 59, of Palm Road, North Valsayn, was last seen and heard from on September 3. While a US$1 million ransom was reportedly demanded by the kidnappers on Friday, officials yesterday refused to say if all or part of it was paid. Read more here
POLITICS
Sobers: Trinidad and Tobago maintains diplomatic ties with Venezuela
Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers is reaffirming that TT maintains strong relations with both the US and Venezuela, even as tensions in the region continue over drug trafficking and recent military action. "We still share very close diplomatic ties with the people of Venezuela," Sobers said. Sobers highlighted that there was no tension between TT and Venezuela. He added that he recently had a cordial discussion with the Venezuelan ambassador, who is also the acting dean of the diplomatic corps. Read more here
Minister rejects claims he intervened in son’s traffic matter
Minister in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Alexander is rejecting claims circulating online suggesting his involvement in a traffic-related incident involving his son. In a public statement yesterday, Alexander described the allegations as “fabrications” and “psychosis added to a joke,” stressing he has never used his political influence for personal gain. Addressing the social media claims in his statement, Alexander said, “If my son ever puts himself in a position where he receives a ticket, he was raised to take full responsibility. Anyone claiming otherwise is using my name and voice to seek personal recognition.” He further challenged anyone making such claims to publicly defend them in a live forum, asserting that no police officer has contacted him regarding the matter. Read more here
BUSINESS
Gas dealers want forex facility
The Owners and Dealers Association (ODA) of Trinidad and Tobago has listed among its 2025 “budget wishes” the introduction of a foreign exchange facility for that industry. In a statement to the Express last Friday, ODA president Reval Chattergoon advocated for the “allocation of foreign exchange to the retail fuel industry for Owner Dealers that qualify”. Chattergoon said currently, Owner Dealers who own their station and equipment are required to maintain monthly, quarterly and/or annual software subscriptions for their operations and purchase equipment for the general upkeep of their operations. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Leadership is not a pursuit of self, but a covenant of service’
DR. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Guyana’s Ninth Executive President, on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to serve with humility, reduce the cost of living, and work in unity with all sectors of society to improve the lives of Guyana and propel Guyana’s development. He was at the time delivering a passionate address before thousands gathered on the lawns of State House for his Inauguration Ceremony, which marked the commencement of his second term in office. “I stand before you this day, both humbled and exalted by the solemn honour you have once more entrusted to me to serve as your President,” Dr. Ali declared shortly after taking the oath of office. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
In US town hoping for revival, Trump's tariffs put to test
In a corner of a cavernous 1890s factory in southern Massachusetts, 15 people are bent over sewing machines, churning out specialty, hospital-grade neonatal gear. They are all that remain of what was once a much bigger manufacturing operation, most of which the Teixeira family shut down in 1990, reinventing their business as a largely warehousing and distribution business. Since US President Donald Trump started rolling out sweeping tariffs, the Teixeiras have been fielding more inquiries from companies newly interested in their US-based sewing services. But they have turned down those offers, deterred by the difficulty of hiring in the midst of an immigration crackdown and doubts that the demand will be sustained. Read more here
8th September 2025