TTMA IN THE NEWS
SoE necessary but not sufficient, business leaders say
Heavy handed but necessary given the state of crime in T&T. This was a common assessment from various business groups when asked for their perspective on the latest declaration of a state of emergency in the country. The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, in a released issued yesterday, called the State of Emergency (SoE) “a necessary measure in restoring the safety and security of our citizens and businesses. “ The Chamber said, “As of early March 2026, official reporting noted that the country had already recorded 63 homicides this year, nearly matching the tally from the same period in the previous year. Authorities cited credible evidence linking organised gangs—including individuals released from detention after the last state of emergency—to the resurgence in violent criminal acts. “The release continued, “The increase in organised violent criminal activities identified by the National Security Council (NSC), poses a grave threat to public safety. The T&T Chamber, therefore, understands the Government’s decision to implement a state of emergency (SoE) as an urgent and necessary measure to protect citizens and preserve national order. Read more here
NEWS
Healthcare workers to proceed with protests despite SoE
President of the Trinidad and Tobago National Nurses Association, Idi Stuart, has confirmed that the union will proceed with the planned protest despite the recently declared State of Emergency. Stuart said the association is gearing up for a series of peaceful demonstrations, beginning this Friday at the San Fernando General Hospital. “This is just the first phase, where we’re going to be engaging in a series of peaceful demonstrations, beginning in San Fernando General Hospital. This Friday, Friday the 6th, we will be in San Fernando General Hospital as we highlight our membership issues.” He called on the association’s members and all Regional Health Authority workers to attend. Read more here
POLITICS
PM defends second State of Emergency
As citizens once again face the suspension of certain constitutional rights, an unapologetic Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has made it clear she will continue to use States of Emergency as a crime-fighting tool, insisting she would rather act decisively to protect lives than stand by as criminals terrorise the population. The second State of Emergency under the United National Congress administration took effect at midnight yesterday (March 3). This means that since assuming office on April 28, 2025, the Government has kept the country under emergency powers for nearly seven of its ten months in office. Trinidad and Tobago has been free of a SoE only during May and June 2025, and again in February 2026. Read more here
BUSINESS
Underpromise and overdeliver
“If we have more women lifting each other up, we will have stronger entrepreneurs. We will have stronger businesses.” For Lisa Edwin-Herbert, founder of L Edwin Weddings and Events, that conviction is more than rhetoric. More than 25 years ago, she began building a business without mentors, without widespread digital resources and with limited industry guidance. Today, her company operates as a full-service weddings and corporate events brand, recognised for its annual Wedding Expo and its role in shaping a more coordinated approach to event planning locally. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Ali calls for nation-building rooted in unity
President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, used his Phagwah message to deliver a broader vision for Guyana, one rooted in unity, equality, and a sense of belonging for every citizen. In a video address, President Ali emphasised that nation-building is not simply a matter of policy, but a collective responsibility that requires all Guyanese to transcend divisions of race, religion and class. “There is a moment just before dawn breaks over Guyana… between the old self and a new one,” President Ali said, framing the traditional celebration of Holi not just as a cultural festival, but as a reminder of shared humanity and the strength found in diversity. Against this backdrop, he highlighted that inclusion should extend to all Guyanese, including those returning from overseas. “You’re not visitors here. Your presence completes our circle,” he said, while underscoring the role of the diaspora in national development. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
'All red lines have been crossed': Gulf states weigh response to Iranian strikes
Gulf states have found themselves on the front line of the Middle East's newest war, and they are angry. Iran has retaliated to US-Israeli air strikes by firing hundreds of missiles and drones at its Arab neighbours – targeting American military bases on their soil, but also civilian and energy infrastructure. In doing so it is targeting the Gulf's image as a safe, prosperous hub for travel, tourism and finance, and disrupting the oil and gas industry at its core. This is a war that the Arab governments didn't want and tried to prevent. The question is whether they'll be drawn into it by what they've called the "treacherous" Iranian attacks. Read more here
4th March 2026