TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA kicks off trade mission to Jamaica
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) launched its trade mission to Jamaica yesterday with a seminar titled “Doing Business with Jamaica.” According to the TTMA, the session provided insights from key officials including the permanent secretary in Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sancia Bennett Templar, as well as experts from the Jamaica Bureau of Standards, Customs Agency, Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Affairs Branch, Ministry of Health and Procurement Commission. The TTMA embarked on its trade mission yesterday, led by executives from its board, including chief executive officer Dr Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen and Vice President Emil Ramkissoon. Read more here
NEWS
5 injured in Arima maxi accident
An early-morning collision between a red-band maxi and a garbage truck near Olton Road and the Priority Bus Route (PBR) in Arima left five people injured, including two secondary school students. A police media release said the accident happened around 7.40 am on May 12, when a garbage truck driven by a 47-year-old male employee of Bartholomew Transport Company Ltd was heading west on the PBR. On reaching the intersection with Olton Road, the driver reportedly signalled his intention to turn north. Read more here
Bodoe: Well-being of nurses critical to T&T’s health system
Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe says investment in the well-being of nurses is essential to the development of the country’s economy and healthcare system. Speaking at the International Nurses Day celebration held at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts yesterday, the health minister said, “When we invest in the well-being and development of our nurses, we are not only strengthening our health systems, but we are also strengthening our national economy.” He said nurses are on the front lines in clinics, hospitals and communities. “Nurses are central to the health and resilience of our people. They are not only caregivers; they are educators, advocates, researchers and leaders,” Bodoe said. Read more here
POLITICS
PNM general council to meet on May 16
The PNM will convene a special general council meeting on May 16 to discuss the recommendations of the party’s leadership for the conduct of its internal election. In a release on May 12, PNM chairman Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said the leadership met on May 12 to discuss the conduct of the election and other matters. The release said the recommendations to be proposed to the general council include that the PNM’s internal elections be held by the end of June 2025; all national executive positions be contested; and the internal elections be open to all party members in TT, using the one man, one vote system. The final recommendation was that an election supervisory committee be established by the general council to manage the conduct of the elections, including the review and issuance of the final electoral list, as well as the code of ethics for the internal election. Read more here
COP leader says party not left out by PM Kamla
Despite not receiving a ministerial portfolio, Congress of the People (COP) leader Prakash Ramadhar says he does not feel slighted by the Prime Minister and sought to assure that matters are in the works. The COP was part of the UNC’s “Coalition of Interests” for the April 28 General Election alongside the Progressive Empowerment Party, the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), the Laventille Outreach for Vertical Enrichment (LOVE) movement and other trade unions. The COP contested two seats as part of the coalition, albeit under its own banner for St Ann’s East and Port-of-Spain South. Read more here
BUSINESS
Agostini Ltd reports 3% growth amid re-branding
Agostini Ltd reported a three per cent growth for the first six months of its financial year ending March 31, 2025, in its unaudited half-year summary consolidated results released on the TT Stock Exchange's website on May 12. The data comes amid a major re-branding exercise which saw several changes in the company including its name changing from Agostini’s to Agostini Ltd. Revenue increased by eight per cent, from $2.57 billion for the six months ending on March 31, 2024, to $2.78 billion for the same period this year. Read more here
Brechin Castle Solar Farm to launch this year
The Brechin Castle Solar Farm is on track for full completion by the end of 2025, according to the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago. The first phase is expected to become operational as early as October, it stated. “Trinidad and Tobago is on the verge of a significant renewable energy achievement with the upcoming completion of the Brechin Castle Solar Farm, the largest solar project in the region. Located on 238 hectares of land northeast of Point Lisas, the solar farm is a joint venture between BCSL (Brechin Castle Solar Farm Ltd)—a partnership comprising BP Alternative Energy T&T, Shell, and the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited,” the Energy Chamber stated in a post yesterday. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘You have nothing to fear’—President Ali assures Guyanese
AS Venezuela continues with its aggressive posturing and plans to host an unlawful May 25, 2025, elections to supposedly elect a governor for Guyana’s Essequibo, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has assured citizens—particularly those residing near the border—that the Government of Guyana remains vigilant and committed to defending the nation’s sovereignty. “You have nothing to fear,” the President declared on Monday, addressing growing public concern over the neighbouring country’s actions. He added: “You’re living in what is our sovereign space, and we’re going to protect and ensure that our sovereign space is respected by all.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Trump's order on US drug prices: What's in it, and will it work?
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that aims to reduce high prescription drug prices – but its details and long-term effects are far from clear. Citing figures that patients in other countries pay much less than Americans for pharmaceuticals, Trump said he would order drug companies to reduce their prices inside the US.He touted the move as "one of the most consequential" executive orders in US history, claiming prices would fall "almost immediately, by 30% to 80%". But experts are highly sceptical of the claims, and stock market moves indicate that investors think they will have little immediate effect. Read more here
13th May 2025