TTMA IN THE NEWS
Cost of SoE: Experts, chamber on the economics of crime
The state of emergency (SoE), while used as a tool to combat gang violence, global crises and threats to national security, has an inevitable effect on business. Economist and Senator Dr Marlene Attzs highlighted the disruptions to the flow of customer movement, length of business hours and pace at which sectors like transport and retail operate. In cases where an SoE comes with a curfew, the impact is multiplied. This was seen in 2021, where restrictions on movement, which came amid a pandemic, brought some businesses to a halt. Read more here
NEWS
Las Lomas farmer gets 16 years in jail for teen’s death
A 44-year-old farmer from Las Lomas was sentenced on July 22 to over 16 years in prison after being convicted in connection with the 2024 shooting death of a 15-year-old girl from the same community. Sunil Ramjattan was initially charged with the murder of Isabella Megan Teelucksingh, affectionately known as “Izzy.” However, at a hearing on July 16, Justice Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds, sitting in the Port of Spain Assizes Court, found him guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. He was also convicted of wounding a woman and possession of a gun and ammunition. Read more here
Friends flee kidnappers in Valencia forest after 2 days in captivity
Two days of searches and investigations came to an end when kidnap victims Ryan Singh, 18, and Keeran Latchman, 21, fled from a shed in the Valencia forest where they were kept by captors since their abduction earlier this week. Police said Singh escaped the hideout sometime after 11 am and ran along San Pedro Road, through dirt tracks, before being taken to the Valencia Police Post. Latchman followed shortly after. While at the station, the men were interviewed by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU). Police said two men were arrested by officers of the Northern and Eastern Division in relation to the kidnapping soon after. Officers said Singh and Latchman - both from D’Abadie - were confronted by kidnappers on Monday morning while driving to Valencia to deliver scaffolding material. Read more here
POLITICS
Griffith backs tougher gun laws; warns criminals exploiting bail loopholes
Former National Security Minister and ex-Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith has thrown his support behind Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s call for tougher penalties on gun crimes, including automatic bail denial and life imprisonment. Griffith’s endorsement follows Alexander’s interview with Guardian Media on Tuesday, where the minister proposed denying bail for gun-related offences for up to 180 days and introducing sentences of 25 years to life upon conviction. While declining to comment on the government’s apparent reversal on bail policy—after opposing similar measures in 2020—Griffith reiterated his long-held position that the criminal justice system is skewed in favour of offenders and in urgent need of reform. He also called for mandatory police body cameras and said individuals caught with high-powered rifles should be charged under the Terrorism Act and face life imprisonment without bail. Read more here
BUSINESS
Strong support from home invasion
Victims of home invasions in the Caroni East constituency have voiced their support for Stand Your Ground legislation which they believe will empower them to protect their families and property. Their expressions of support came during a public consultation on the legislation which was hosted on Tuesday evening at the Cunupia office of the Member of Parliament for that constituency, Dr Rishad Seecheran. Read more here
NCC operating with debt, says Gypsy
THE National Carnival Commission (NCC) doesn’t receive enough money for the annual festival and has for years operated with recurring annual debts, former chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters said yesterday. Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin said in a media release earlier yesterday that the NCC had acquired a $200 million loan which was spent on Carnival in March 2025. But even though the NCC spent the $200 million, it still owes $178 million to various Carnival stakeholders for goods and services for the March 2025 festival. Peters responded, saying that the Commission had no autonomy and couldn’t borrow money. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘A sanctuary of botanical wonder’: Guyana provides over US$15.2 billion in ecosystem services
WITH its emerald rainforests, vibrant skies, and rich biodiversity, Guyana has emerged as a global leader in nature-based economics, providing over US$15.2 billion annually in ecosystem services. This remarkable valuation was highlighted on Wednesday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali at the opening of the Global Biodiversity Summit, currently underway in the country’s capital. “The forest of Guyana not being cleared, not being sold, not being converted, are providing more economic value by standing than they would if destroyed,” the President said. Dr. Ali reminded delegates that Guyana’s commitment is rooted in a larger planetary responsibility: “This is the very essence of nature, positive economy, and its value is not unique to Guyana. It is echoed in every forest, reef, wetland, savannah, and mountain on Earth.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
BBC and news agencies warn journalists in Gaza at risk of starvation
BBC News and three leading news agencies have expressed desperate concern for journalists in Gaza, who they say are increasingly unable to feed themselves and their families. Those reporting the conflict from Gaza now face starvation and "the same dire circumstances as those they are covering," a joint statement from BBC News, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press (AP) and Reuters said. "For many months, these independent journalists have been the world's eyes and ears on the ground in Gaza", it reads. International news outlets rely on local reporters within Gaza, as Israel does not allow foreign media, including BBC News, to send journalists into the territory. Read more here
24th July 2025