NEWS
Central Bank supports ban on virtual assets
Describing the Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025 as a "measured" approach, the Central Bank expressed its support for the proposed bill, which seeks to ban all virtual asset activity – trading in bitcoin, NFTs and other digital assets – until 2027. On September 24, while responding to questions sent to the Central Bank from Newsday, it said virtual assets and the technology behind it can present both opportunities and threats. "Virtual assets and their underlying technology present opportunities for financial innovation, efficiency and financial inclusion but these can also be undermined by the risks associated with criminal activity. These risks are evident domestically given the publicised reports of investment scams perpetrated on our citizens." Read more here
T&T maintains support of Palestine; joins calls for peace in Middle East
Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers believes this country does not have to worry about being intimidated by the United States after Trinidad and Tobago reaffirmed its recognition of Palestine and its support of the “two-state solution”. T&T formally recognised Palestine on May 2, 2024, and established diplomatic relations on September 22, 2024. The decision was made by the Cabinet of T&T based on a recommendation from then Foreign Affairs minister Dr Amery Browne. Speaking with Guardian Media outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York yesterday, Sobers said T&T’s position has not changed, even with a new administration in charge. “As you would know, we accepted the accreditation of the Palestinian ambassador when she came to Trinidad about a month ago. She was warmly greeted by Trinidad and Tobago. And we continue to have good relations,” Sobers sought to assure. Read more here
POLITICS
COP preparing for 2027 local government elections
The Congress of the People (COP) says it has already begun tweaking its constituency machinery in preparation for the 2027 local government elections when it will partner with the governing United National Congress (UNC) once again. The COP was among several smaller organisations such as Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP), the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), the Public Services Association (PSA), and the LOVE party that joined forces with the UNC in what is known as the Coalition of Interests. The coalition saw the smaller parties contest seats considered to be PNM strongholds in the April 28 general election. Read more here
Alexander’s lawyers reject claims he met improperly with gang leaders
Lawyers representing Homeland Security Roger Alexander have rejected claims that he held improper meetings with gang leaders while he served as a police officer before leaving the T&T Police Service (TTPS) to pursue a career in politics. Alexander’s legal team, led by Anand Ramlogan SC, addressed the allegation made last week by detained prison supervisor Garth Guada, as they sought to respond to a legal threat made by Guada’s lawyer Krystal Primus. In the correspondence, obtained by Guardian Media, attorney Jared Jagroo stated that Guada’s claims over Alexander’s admitted meetings were inaccurate and misleading. “All visits were conducted lawfully, in his then capacity as a senior police officer, with the knowledge and sanction of the TTPS,” Jagroo said. Read more here
BUSINESS
‘Deficits and debt to continue in 2026 fiscal year’
With the 2026 national budget on the horizon, T&T is once again bracing for a fiscal deficit. In his mid-year budget review on June 18, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo indicated there was a projected $9.67 billion deficit for the 2025 fiscal year, with a reduction in revenue of $556.7 million. This signals that the Government would continue to face significant financial strain as it prepares for the 2026 budget, which Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has already stated would not be balanced. T&T’s projected fiscal deficit is a continuing pattern that has largely defined its financial landscape since 2011. The lone break in this trend was a $1.33 billion surplus in 2022, which was an exceptional event rather than a sign of a sustainable economic recovery. That surplus was primarily a direct result of a temporary surge in global energy prices triggered by geopolitical conflict. Read more here
Amcham T&T signs MOU with FuturePlus
The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Amcham T&T) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UK-based FuturePlus to push ESG leadership in Trinidad and Tobago’s private sector. The signing took place at Part II of Amcham T&T’s 2025 ESG Conference: People, Purpose & Progress — Activating the “S” in ESG, hosted at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, on September 16. “The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, and civil society stakeholders to explore how embedding the “S” in ESG can drive inclusive workplaces, resilient communities, and a sustainable future,” Amcham T&T stated. Read more here
REGIONAL
Border Controversy…’We will not cower to coercion, intimidation, unilateral action’
IN defence of Guyana’s sovereignty on the world stage, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali told the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that Venezuela’s continued threats of annexation are a direct assault on international law and the very principles that uphold global order. “Guyana is a small and peaceful state; we have endured repeated threats and aggression from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” the Guyanese Head of State told hundreds of World leaders. He reminded the Assembly that the border controversy is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has twice reaffirmed its jurisdiction. In 2023, the ICJ issued provisional measures ordering Venezuela to refrain from altering the status quo, however, “Venezuela persists with unilateral laws and threats of annexation, flagrantly violating international law, the UN Charter, and the very principles that sustain global order.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza City, hospitals say, as offensive expands
More than 80 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, most of them in Gaza City, local hospitals said. Women and children were among at least 20 who died when a strike hit a building and tents sheltering displaced families near Firas market in Gaza City's central Daraj neighbourhood overnight, according to first responders. The Israeli military said it struck two Hamas fighters and that the number of casualties did not align with its own information. Meanwhile, Israeli tanks and troops continued their advance into the heart of the city, which Israel says is the last stronghold of Hamas. Read more here
25th September 2025