NEWS
Historian: T&T should exit Commonwealth to push reparations cause
A historian feels Trinidad and Tobago must consider withdrawing from the Commonwealth and imposing economic pressure on countries that refuse to pay reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Dr Jerome Teelucksingh’s comment follows British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s indication that Britain is prepared to apologise for its role in the transatlantic slave trade but will not consider financial reparations. Burnham’s comment came as King Charles III is scheduled to meet with Caribbean leaders at this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda. Read more here
FOIA after teen’s death
THE mother of the 18-year-old who was fatally shot by a prison officer during an alleged home invasion in Freeport is seeking information surrounding his death. An application filed under the Freedom of Information Act was yesterday sent to the Commissioner of Police (CoP) through Global Law Chambers attorney Petronilla Basdeo on behalf of the teen’s mother Vicky Daniel. It stated that Javon Hamilton died in suspicious circumstances involving the discharge of a firearm by a prison officer and Daniel had yet to be contacted by any member of the police service regarding the investigation. Daniel is seeking answers on the progress of the investigation and the laying of criminal charges against the offender. She is also seeking the steps taken to apprehend and charge the three other people who were allegedly with Hamilton at the house and fled the scene. Read more here
POLITICS
Bad flu forces PM out of CHOGM
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar last night confirmed that she was forced to pull out of attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda this week after contracting the flu. Her confirmation came in a WhatsApp message to questions from Guardian Media on her late withdrawal. “Came down with bad case of flu,” Persad-Bissessar wrote. Hours earlier, however, the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs had confirmed her withdrawal after initially saying at the start of the day that she would be travelling to St John's to lead the country's delegation to the high-level meeting. “The Honourable Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, will not be attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting as previously announced. Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, the Honourable Sean Sobers will represent the Government of Trinidad and Tobago at the meeting. The Honourable Prime Minister therefore reverts to her existing OPM schedule,” the second statement said. Read more here
BUSINESS
CPSO calls for region to be exempt from US maritime fees
The Caircom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) is calling for permanent exemptions from US maritime service fees for Caribbean shipping, warning that any lapse could increase freight costs and disrupt the movement of goods across the region. In a news release sent yesterday, the CPSO disclosed that it and the CPSO-US Business Council (CPSO-USBC) had filed joint comments with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), supporting a proposed two-month extension of the suspension of the Section 301 maritime fees. The fees took effect on October 14, 2025, but their application to Caribbean short-sea shipping was suspended for one year from November 10, 2025. That suspension expires on November 9. The USTR has proposed extending it from November 10, to January 9, 2027. Read more here
Witco profit rises 20% despite domestic market pressures
THE West Indian Tobacco Company Ltd (Witco) reported a 20% increase in after-tax profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, as the company continued to face pressure in its domestic market from higher excise taxes and the expansion of illicit trade. Witco’s after-tax profit rose to $72.9 million, compared with $60.9 million in the corresponding period last year, according to its unaudited interim results. Chairman Ingrid Lashley said profit before tax increased by $14.1 million, or 17 per cent, to $97 million. “The West Indian Tobacco Company Ltd recorded profit before tax of $97 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2026. This represents a positive trend, with an increase of $14.1 million or 17% above the corresponding period last year,” Lashley stated. Read more here
REGIONAL
PSC rejects violence, intimidation, threats against businesses
“The Private Sector Commission (PSC) unequivocally condemns the reported calls for violence, including statements invoking the burning of ExxonMobil’s premises and threats against members of the Guyana Police Force. “There can be no justification for such statements. No political grievance,disagreement with a court ruling or dissatisfaction with the administration of justice gives anyone the right to threaten lives, incite destruction, intimidate law enforcement officers or place innocent citizens in danger. “Such conduct is reckless and poses a serious threat to the peace and stability of our nation. No worker should have to fear going to work. No business owner should have to watch years of sacrifice and investment destroyed because someone wishes to make a political point. The safety of our citizens, the security of businesses and the livelihoods of thousands of Guyanese must never become casualties of political confrontation. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Three scenarios for how the US midterm results could unfold
After months of campaigning and billions of dollars spent on the US midterms, election day is finally here. According to the latest public opinion surveys, Democrats appear to have the upper hand - but polls haven't always been reliable, and this year could have its own share of surprising results. In broad strokes, however, there are three possible outcomes after Americans have their say. Here's a look at what they could be, what the early signs might be as results come in (which you can follow later on our results page) and what it could mean for the country. Read more here
3rd November 2026