TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA head not anticipating any fallout
Chief executive officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Dr Ramesh Ramdeen does not anticipate any fallout at this time or see any withdrawal from Caricom. His comments follow Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne condemning statements by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Saturday that Caricom is an unreliable partner to T&T. Browne also highlighted that T&T earned more than US$1.1 billion from trade with Caricom, comprising approximately US$784.7 million in domestic exports and US$501.3 million in re-exports to Caricom states in 2024 alone. In a statement to the Express, Ramdeen said, “TTMA sees the Caricom market as a key market for our non-energy exports; it remains our number one market for such trade. Is it working optimally? No. We have to ensure all aspects of the CSME are working optimally to have the greatest return from the CSME.” Read more here
NEWS
Agriculture minister hosts children's Xmas party
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram hosted a Christmas party on December 21 for the children of staff of the ministry at the National Cycling Velodrome, Couva. In a media release, the ministry said the event brought together approximately 800 children for an afternoon of festive activities, entertainment and celebration, reflecting the minister’s continued commitment to staff welfare and family engagement during the Christmas season. In his speech, Ratiram highlighted the importance of creating meaningful spaces for children and recognising the vital role played by families in supporting public officers. He said, “Christmas reminds us of what truly matters. Family, love, kindness, gratitude and hope. When we invest in our children and create spaces where they feel valued and cherished, we are planting seeds for a stronger future for TT.” Read more here
POLITICS
Govt extends use of former Coat of Arms to 2031
The Government has extended the period during which the former Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago may be used, pushing the deadline to January 2, 2031. The order extending the use of the former emblem was dated December 18, 2025, and signed by Roger Alexander, Minister of Homeland Security. The extension is contained in Legal Notice No. 468, published on December 22, 2025, and made under section 5(2) of the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2025. The order allows the Minister to prescribe a later date for the continued use of the former emblem. When the amendment was proclaimed in January 2025, it provided that the former Coat of Arms could only be used until January 1, 2026, after which the new design was to take full effect. Read more here
REGIONAL
Major legislative, justice reforms on the cards to tackle inequality, foster accountability
With plans to continue fostering equal access to justice, greater accountability and improved efficiency, the government is pursuing major legislative and justice reforms to enhance public trust in the justice system. Vice President and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent press conference, supported President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s push for eroding unfair treatment by the courts. Last Wednesday, President Ali said that his government is committed to building a system that is fair, predictable and efficient. It is to this end that there will be a series of implementations to ensure this happens, coupled with evidence-based data management across all levels of the court system. The President also said case disposal and clearance rate standards will be introduced. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Trump says US will keep or sell oil seized from Venezuela
Donald Trump has said the US will keep or sell the crude oil contained on tankers it has seized off the coast of Venezuela, as well as the vessels themselves. The US president's comments came as Washington continues to pressure the South American country's leader Nicolás Maduro to stand down. Speaking to reporters in Florida on Monday, Trump said of the oil "we're going to keep it", adding: "Maybe we will sell it, maybe we will keep it. Maybe we'll use it in the Strategic Reserves. We're keeping the ships also." The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug-related crime, while Caracas has condemned the seizures as "piracy". Read more here
23rd December 2025