TTMA IN THE NEWS
New Trade Minister Kama Maharaj gets thumbs-up from businesses
Newly appointed Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Satykama “Kama” Maharaj said his focus will be on diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas; expanding trade and exports; strengthening local manufacturing; driving investment and innovation and positioning tourism as a pillar of economic growth. Maharaj, who was sworn in at President’s House, Port of Spain on May 7, is the founder of Sacha Cosmetics, which has been in business for 45 years. In a post on his Facebook page, Maharaj said he did not take the responsibility of being appointed minister lightly. He was one of two final appointments to Persad-Bissessar's government with the other being PEP leader Phillip Edward Alexander who has been appointed a minister in the Ministry of Housing. Read more here
Business groups eager to work with new Trade Minister
The T&T Manufacturers’ Association and business groups are eager to work with newly appointed Minister of Trade, Investment, and Tourism Satyakama “Kama” Maharaj. Maharaj was sworn in as the new minister at a ceremony at President House, St Ann’s, yesterday. Colin Neil Gosine was also sworn in as the Parliamentary secretary in the ministry on Saturday. Speaking hours after the ceremony, TTMA president Dale Parson told Guardian media that Maharaj was a very good choice and praised the Prime Minister for choosing someone from the manufacturing sector. “Minister Maharaj, as you know, his business is Sacha Cosmetics, and he has been a member of TTMA for more than 30 years and he understands the plights of the manufacturers very well and what we face to get our products exported to earn US dollars for the country,” Parson stated. Read more here
NEWS
Stolen swords returned to Military Museum
Police have recovered three swords that were stolen from the Chaguaramas Military History and Aerospace Museum (CMHAM) last month. On April 16, CCTV cameras placed around the compound captured four barebacked men entering the museum, which is located along the Western Main Road, Carenage, and leaving with the three swords. A report was made one week later on April 22. The intruders took a Japanese katana, believed to be from the World War I era or earlier, valued at $6,600; a Japanese wakizashi short sword worth approximately $3,600; and a replica sword with red between the handles. The value of the replica was not provided. Read more here
New Trade Minister eyes linkages with Africa
Although he was only approached by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to lead a ministry days ago, Minister of Trade, Investment, and Tourism Satyakama “Kama” Maharaj has ambitious plans to reshape Trinidad and Tobago’s business landscape at a time when the country continues to face challenges with its ease of doing business. Maharaj may not be a career politician, but he is no stranger to political affiliations, having previously been aligned with the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), Congress of the People (COP) and now, the United National Congress (UNC). The Sacha Cosmetics founder brings over 45 years of business experience, having nurtured a homegrown brand into 50 markets and topped Amazon charts. Read more here
POLITICS
PEP leader joins Lee, Anil in Housing – Ministerial post for Phillip
Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP) leader Phillip Edward Alexander – who was defeated by the PNM's Stuart Young for the Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West seat in the general elections – emerged a winner still as he was picked as Minister in the Ministry of Housing by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. PEP is one of several political entities which aligned with the UNC to fight the PNM in the April 28 elections. He and Sacha Cosmetics founder Satykama "Kama" Maharaj were the final selections in Persad-Bissessar's government and were both sworn in on May 7, at President's House. Read more here
BUSINESS
Aranguez's commercial pivot: From farmland to enterprise
WHAT was once one of Trinidad’s largest farming belts on the outskirts of Port of Spain is swiftly transforming into a dense patchwork of hardware stores, warehouses, fast food outlets, plazas and malls. The district of Aranguez, long known for its fertile fields and steady supply of fresh produce, is in the midst of a dramatic evolution – one that farmers and business leaders alike believe is inevitable, though not without its consequences. The signs are obvious. From the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway up to the Aranguez Savannah, a number of plots that once yielded patchoi and watermelon now sit behind chain-link fences marked "For Sale." Read more here
REGIONAL
Adriana Younge investigation: PM Phillips pledges government’s commitment to transparency
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has pledged the Guyana Government’s commitment to ensuring transparency in the investigation into the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge. Adriana was found dead on April 24, 2025, in the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), the day after she was reported missing. She disappeared shortly after arriving at the hotel with relatives. In a recent discussion on The Reset Talk Show hosted by Jr Giddings, PM Phillips firmly stated that the government is not interested in the politicisation of the incident and is open to facilitating all avenues that will bring closure to the matter and the child’s family. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
What could be in the UK-US tariff deal?
The US and the UK are expected to announce a deal to reduce tariffs later. It's thought US President Trump's blanket 10% tariffs on imports will stay, but that the UK will see cuts to the 25% tariffs on some of its biggest exports. Here's a look at what could be in the deal. Read more here
8th May 2025