NEWS
Acting CoP building on Erla’s plans
Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Junior Benjamin says he intends to build on the work done by CoP Erla Harewood-Christopher. He made the comment on February 10, while addressing the media for the first time at a police media briefing since his appointment to the post four days earlier. Benjamin thanked God for the opportunity to serve “this awesome organisation,” which he said requireD leadership that “knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” He praised Harewood-Christopher and thanked her for her “conscientious and committed” service. Read more here
Master key at Women’s Prison goes missing
An extensive investigation has been launched by senior prison officials following the disappearance of a key at the Women’s Prison in Arouca, raising serious security concerns. The missing key, sources say, can open multiple gates within the facility, potentially compromising the safety of both officers and inmates. Prison Officers Association president Gerard Gordon has described the situation as extremely concerning, emphasising the significant security risks and financial burden that could result. “This is not something that happens regularly but when it does, it’s a major problem,” Gordon said in a telephone interview yesterday. Read more here
POLITICS
Dookeran: Be prepared for Trump’s 'America First' trade policies
Former Central Bank governor Winston Dookeran believes that while Donald Trump's "America First" policy may cause significant shifts in global trade, there is no need for panic – but there is a clear need for preparedness. Dookeran warned that the Caribbean, particularly TT, should brace for possible economic shocks as Trump's trade and tariff decisions unfold, especially with his transactional approach to foreign policy. “His rhetoric, particularly on trade and tariffs, is aimed at generating flow of funds to the US,” Dookeran told Newsday in a recent interview. Read more here
Panday says Patriotic Front ‘bombarded’ with people willing to be candidates
Political leader of the Patriotic Front, Mickela Panday, says the party has been “bombarded” with people willing to contest seats on its behalf in the upcoming general election. During an interview with Guardian Media yesterday, Panday said while she is open to forming a partnership with other political entities, the Patriotic Front’s focus is on the screening process. On Sunday, the party named seven candidates who will be contesting the general election: Aretha Paula Clarke for Tobago West, Anita Margaret Hankey for Malabar/Mausica, Thelston Jagoo for Claxton Bay, Sacha Mangroo for Princes Town, Kenrick Serrette for San Fernando East, Valene Teelucksingh for Cumuto/Manzanilla and Elizabeth Wharton for Toco/Sangre Grande. Read more here
BUSINESS
Young: T&T continues to bet on energy sector
Amid challenging and uncertain global headwinds, T&T will attempt to leverage its current energy sector as a means to achieve the required energy transition and diversification needed in the future. This stance was reiterated by Energy Minister Stuart Young during his keynote address at the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference, which was held at the Hyatt Regency yesterday. "Our energy sector is at a point of regeneration with renewables becoming a part of the domestic energy mix. However, oil and gas are critical to our energy transformation by providing secure and affordable energy during the transition. We, therefore, are committed to the optimum exploitation of our hydrocarbon resources despite calls in some quarters for the cessation of exploration in the industry. This has been vindicated by the decision of many of advanced petroleum economies who continue to offer blocks for exploration as well as the decision of energy companies to refocus their efforts on oil and gas," said Minister Young, who acknowledged there were several geopolitical issues which have impacted the sector and may yet affect it in the future. However, he said the energy sector remained the key driver of the economy. Read more here
T&T seeks to expand maritime territory for resource exploitation
Trinidad and Tobago is seeking to expand its maritime territory beyond the standard 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to exploit additional natural resources, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has announced. Rowley made the statement a short while ago during his keynote address on the opening day of the Energy Chamber of T&T’s 2025 Energy Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Unified and integrated’
President, Dr Irfaan Ali has expressed his firm belief in Guyana’s vision of resilience and sustainability, emphasising that the nation’s path to prosperity must go hand in hand with unity and national pride. While he is confident in the country’s ability to achieve great economic strides, the President stressed that true success cannot be measured solely by development, but also by the happiness and togetherness of its people. “We can achieve all of this, but still not be happy,” Dr. Ali said in a recent appearance on the Energy Perspective Podcast. He added: “What is it that is required to bring our country and all the people of our country to a state of national pride? And that is really where ‘One Guyana’ comes in, building in such a way that brings our people together and that for me is the more important challenge.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Canada vows swift retaliation to 'unjustified' Trump tariffs
Canada will give a "clear and calibrated" response to the latest trade barriers planned by US President Donald Trump, its industry minister says. Trump says he will levy a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium products entering the US from 12 March. Canada is the top exporter of both metals to the US. Since returning to office last month, Trump has announced a wide range of these tariffs to try to protect US jobs and industries. Economists say they are likely to raise prices for ordinary Americans. Read more here
11th February 2025