NEWS
Barber, 19, cousin, 20, gunned down in Moruga
Nearly three years after their 26-year-old uncle was gunned down at Poui Road in St Mary’s Village, Moruga, the bodies of his two young nephews were found, both with gunshot wounds, in a nearby forested area. The victims have been identified as 19-year-old barber Josiah Carthy of White Trace and his 20-year-old cousin, Seon Yohance Carthy, of Simon Trace, off the Moruga Main Road. Seon was unemployed but had previously worked as a security guard. The two were reportedly inseparable and grew up more like brothers than cousins. Read more here
Canine training launched to tackle gun smuggling
Trinidad and Tobago has launched a two-week canine training course to boost the country’s ability to detect firearms, components, and ammunition at ports, airports, and border crossings. The Ministry of Homeland Security opened the programme on Monday at CSI Canine Consulting Group Ltd. in St James. It is being delivered in partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), CSI Canine Consulting, and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. Permanent Secretary Videsh Maharaj called the initiative a critical investment in national security. “This is not simply training. This is transformation,” he said. “This programme marks a turning point in Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts to dismantle the machinery of illicit arms trafficking.” Read more here
POLITICS
Kamla proposes chancellor to help Chief Justice
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar proposed the creation of a new office-holder to help the chief justice to administer the infrastructure used by the judiciary, addressing the UNC Monday Night Forum on July 7 at Penal. "We plan to introduce a chancellor in the Judiciary." She said Attorney General John Jeremie has instructed the Law Reform Commission to examine the issue. "The Law Reform Commission has prepared a research note, and we are reviewing it. Read more here
Kamla raises drinking limit
Law will be brought to the Parliament to raise the legal age for gambling and marijuana use to 25 years and over and also increase the legal age for alcohol use to 21 years and older. And Government is reviewing and amending the tax laws regarding pensions, as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar believes once a person reaches 60 and has been contributing to the pension system for decades, they should no longer be taxed on their retirement benefits. Persad-Bissessar announced the developments at last night’s United National Congress (UNC) Monday Report in Penal - first in a series of such meetings. In her first address reporting to UNC supporters since the party’s April 28 General Election victory, Persad-Bissessar detailed moves for upcoming legislation and other developments regarding the judiciary, Budget 2026 - and her intention to contest the party’s leadership election ahead. Read more here
BUSINESS
TTSE’s SME market hits $1b mark with Medcorp listing
Medcorp Ltd has officially become the fourth company to be listed on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange’s (TTSE) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Market, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the country’s medical services sector. It joins CinemaOne Ltd, Endeavour Holdings Ltd and Eric Solis Marketing Ltd on the SME board. Speaking at the listing ceremony, chief executive officer of the TTSE Eva Mitchell said the addition of Medcorp has significantly boosted the SME index by over $375 million, bringing the total SME market capitalisation to approximately $1.078 billion as of yesterday. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Vigorous, urgent need’ to strengthen regional collaboration, trade –President Ali
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has underscored the urgent need to boost intra-regional trade as a driver of economic stability and growth within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In a commemoratory message to celebrate CARICOM Day, the president called on member states to harness the region’s collective potential, noting that stronger economic linkages will fortify the region’s resilience amid rising external pressures. “We must vigorously strengthen and strategically expand intra-regional trade, aggressively advance our efforts toward long-term food security, and ensure resilient energy systems and sustainable environmental protections.,” the President urged, emphasising the need for collective action to overcome shared vulnerabilities and unlock the full potential of the Single Market and Economy. He stressed that enhanced trade within the region is essential not only for economic resilience but also for advancing food security, energy sustainability, and regional self-sufficiency. Read more here
INTERNTIONAL
US delays higher tariffs but announces new taxes for some countries
President Donald Trump has officially delayed imposing higher tariffs on US imports, while sending letters to 14 countries including Japan and South Korea detailing the levies they face. The latest development comes as a 90-day pause the White House placed on some of its most aggressive import taxes was set to expire this week. The president renewed his threat of a 25% tax on products entering the country from Japan and South Korea and shared a batch of other letters to world leaders warning of levies from 1 August. Higher tariffs had been set to come into effect on 9 July, having previously been suspended with White House officials saying they would look to strike trade deals. Read more here
8th July 2025