NEWS
Economist warns businesses of 'black swan events'
It can happen to any business. A series of unfortunate circumstances and challenges that combine to create a situation so dire for a business or for an economy that it would cause it to shut down. Senator and economist Marlene Attzs in a keynote address to businesses at the a conference hosted by the TT Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce at the chamber’s building on Columbus Circle, Westmoorings on January 13, called it a “black swan” event. She described it as a convergence of shocks and challenges that would mean the death of a business. “I did a presentation sometime last year for a company and they asked me at the end of the presentation to identify a “black swan” … that extremely high-impact event that could derail them… I think it would be remiss of us, since this is a business forum, to not think about those conditions that could derail the best laid plans…” Read more here
Mas bands report steady sales ahead of Carnival despite rising costs
With approximately one month to go until Carnival Monday and Tuesday, masqueraders can visit at least four bands across the country to purchase costumes, with leaders reporting that sales are generally steady, though not explosive. Lionel Jaggessar Jr, chief executive officer of Jaggessar Costumes, said this is typical for San Fernando, where masqueraders often register late—sometimes just days before Carnival. Interest in his band has been steady since the end of last year. “So, we’ve had interest since November. People know that we’re coming out with the band, so they would visit, message the page and show interest, but sales have always been dwindling,” he said. Read more here
POLITICS
Government touts new anti-crime bill: Special zones for 'hot spots'
The government says it is fulfilling its campaign promises by strengthening national security and advancing key crime-fighting legislation ahead of the next sitting of Parliament on January 16. Minister of Land and Legal Affairs and Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Saddam Hosein made the statements on January 14 while addressing the media at the United National Congress (UNC) headquarters in Chaguanas, alongside Attorney General John Jeremie. Hosein said since the government took office on April 28, it has worked to ensure commitments made on the campaign trail were translated into clear, actionable public policy. Read more here
T&T spared as US suspends visa processing for 75 countries
Trinidad and Tobago nationals are exempt from the list of 75 countries affected by a United States decision to suspend the processing of certain visas. The restriction applies only to immigrant visas, commonly referred to as green cards, and does not affect tourist, business, student or other non-immigrant visa categories. The decision was announced by the US Department of State yesterday and is scheduled to take effect on January 21, with no end date announced. The pause follows a decision by the State Department last year to tighten checks under the “public charge” provision of US immigration law. The move targetted applicants that the Trump administration viewed as potentially dependent on state support. Read more here
BUSINESS
Your business, our data using TTEITI insights for decision-making
In today’s economic environment, marked by uncertainty, fiscal constraints, foreign exchange pressures, and heightened ESG expectations, access to credible, timely data is no longer optional. It is a strategic necessity. This is particularly true for an economy such as ours, where the extractive sector continues to play a defining role in shaping fiscal outcomes, foreign exchange flows, and investor confidence. Transparency and open data are not abstract ideals for me. They are principles I have worked to advance in practice. Between 2012 and 2015, I had the responsibility of serving as the country lead for TT’s first Open Government Partnership Action Plan. That experience reinforced a simple but powerful truth. When data is open, reliable, and accessible, it strengthens governance, builds trust, and improves decision making across the public and private sectors alike. Read more here
Woodside reduces local workforce to one
Woodside Energy’s local operations have moved from around 100 employees to one person on the ground as it shifted assets and workers to another company, a Joint Select Committee (JSC) was told yesterday. Concern over the decline was expressed by committee member and former energy minister Stuart Young. The JSC, chaired by Housing Minister Dr David Lee, held an “enquiry into the State’s strategies to promote investments for both offshore and onshore exploration activities”. Young said there was a need to understand what was transpiring with Woodside, noting its only local investment at this time was the Calypso deepwater project. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘We must do better to build for the long term’
Labour shortages and persistently low turnout rates on construction sites are challenges being faced that could threaten the pace of national development, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has warned, even as the government moves to adopt a more flexible labour model within existing laws to reduce delays on key projects. An assessment of government-funded projects revealed that average labour attendance in December fell below 35 per cent across several major sites. According to the President, such levels of absenteeism are unsustainable for a country seeking to build resilient and long-term infrastructure. “And that is why you’re adopting a very flexible labour model within the context of our laws, so that we would not have too much delays or stagnation in the development and expansion of government infrastructure, private sector infrastructure, and investments,” Dr. Ali said on Tuesday during a site visit to the ongoing Buzz Bee Dam and Land of Canaan East Bank Demerara Highway. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Astronauts splash down to Earth after medical evacuation from space station
Four astronauts evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS) have landed back on Earth after their stay in space was cut short by a month due to a "serious" medical issue. The crew's captain, Nasa astronaut Mike Fincke, exited the spacecraft first, smiling and wobbling slightly on his feet before lying down on a gurney, following normal procedures. Nasa's Zena Cardman, Japan's Kimiya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov followed, waving and beaming at cameras. "It's so good to be home!", said Cardman. It is the first time astronauts have been evacuated due to a health issue since the station was put into Earth's orbit in 1998. Read more here
15th January 2026