NEWS
Pan now on Trinidad and Tobago's new coat of arms
Just four days before the Panorama finals, President Christine Kangaloo proclaimed the law to place the steelpan at the centre of the TT coat of arms. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts both proudly displayed the new emblem featuring the national instrument on their social media pages the same day, February 25. Kangaloo's proclamation was published as Legal Notice Number 6, Number 1 of 2025. Read more here
Ag CoP urges officers to keep up good work
Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Junior Benjamin and executive members of the T&T Police Service (TTPS) yesterday sought to encourage officers whose morale might be low. Benjamin acknowledged that the first triple homicide, which occurred in Guanapo on Saturday, might have adversely affected the spirit of law enforcement officers. “Safety and security is a journey, and therefore it is quite possible, as we continue along this journey to ensure that T&T becomes safe once again, that we are going to get some highs and lows,” he said. There are going to be times that we are going to get some good days and some bad days, but nevertheless, I want to assure you that the TTPS remains focused on the tasks that are ahead.” Senior officers said they would not let up on the hunt for the people who killed Anicia James, 47, her brother Anslem James, 49, and her common-law husband, Mitchell Francois, 30. Read more here
POLITICS
Ministers promise port efficiency, border protection with new scanners
Two new large-scale non-intrusive inspection (NII) mobile scanners were commissioned at the Port of Port of Spain on February 25, with two more set to be unveiled at Point Lisas in the coming days. The new Customs and Excise Division scanners are expected to enhance national security, improve business efficiency and save taxpayers money by increasing the percentage of containers inspected from about 25 per cent to 75 per cent. The four scanners cost US$12.9 million ($87 million). Read more here
Kamla rejects ‘One Love’ coalition with Gary
UNC Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has rejected a “One Love” outreach by the Progressive Alliance (PATT) coalition—comprising HOPE, Gary Griffith’s National Transformation Alliance (NTA), and the Community Reformation Network. She also said the UNC was not interested in attending the coalition’s March 12 public meeting. Saying that these parties were all asked a number of questions, which she listed, Persad-Bissessar added, “Yet no answer has been forthcoming. They are wasting sensible people’s time. However, it is a democracy, and they are entitled to do what they want, but the UNC has already made it crystal clear that we will not be associated with the NTA.” This comes after HOPE chairman Steve Alvarez stated that the Progressive Alliance coalition wrote to Persad-Bissessar yesterday, inviting her and UNC members to PATT’s public meeting at Eastern Main Road, Mt Lambert. Read more here
BUSINESS
Nutrimix CEO calls for adequate forex allocation
Nutrimix has invested $150 million to create an animal and pet feed plant which it hopes will generate foreign exchange. But while outlining the venture's economic benefits to the country, CEO Ronnie Mohammed called for a sufficient foreign-exchange allocation. "We aim to generate foreign exchange. Our request for an appropriate foreign-exchange allocation must be weighed against these facts," Mohammed said at the sod-turning ceremony in Pt Lisas on February 25. Read more here
Signwave Caribbean makes waves in Carnival branding
In 2004, the lead banners at the front of Carnival bands were still being hand-painted, according to Signwave Caribbean’s founder and managing director Colin Mitchell. “We introduced full-colour, high-quality photographic reproduction, which drastically improved the festival’s visual appeal, production efficiency, and cost-effectiveness,” Mitchell told Express Business. Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyanese being exposed to crucial opportunities to enhance skillset
Conisant that Guyana’s development hinges on the capability of its people, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has outlined a vision focused on creating a vibrant workforce capable of competing at the highest global levels. During his remarks at an event last week, the Guyanese Head of State said this ambitious goal can only be achieved through strategic investments in key sectors that are crucial to economic growth. “The foundation of our development rests in our people. The foundation in our development now and in the future rests in our ability to develop citizens and our human capital that can compete at every single level global,” President Ali said. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Will Starmer's defence hike win over Trump?
Sir Keir Starmer's promise to increase defence spending will have several consequences. It may one day actually strengthen the UK's ability to defend itself. More immediately it will mean billions less spent on foreign aid. But what will it buy the prime minister diplomatically in Washington? In times past visiting dignitaries would give emperors gifts and tributes. Starmer will now turn up at the White House on Thursday with a large goodie bag marked "more defence spending". Read more here
26th February 2025