NEWS
Decapitated, decomposing body found in Icacos
The search for a missing coconut vendor in Icacos Village, Cedros, yesterday led to the discovery of a decapitated, decomposing body of a man. Up to last evening, police said the man’s identity had not been confirmed. Hunters Search and Rescue Team captain Vallence Rambharat said the gruesome discovery was made around 2 pm while members were searching for 38-year-old Indar Rampersad, who had been missing from the village for seven days. Officers of the Cedros Police Station, along with the TTPS Air Support Unit, assisted in the search. Read more here
Howai: We hear public frustration
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has started engaging Republic Bank directly after the bank announced fee increases on a number of services which came into effect on May 1. In acknowledging public concerns generated from the rise in fees, Central Bank Governor Larry Howai stated yesterday, “We understand why citizens are frustrated, and we do not take this sentiment lightly. Over the years, we have closely monitored fees and charges of commercial banks, and the data on this remains publicly available on our website.” He said in a release issued by the Central Bank: “While our role as Regulator is defined by law, it is not a passive one. Citizens deserve a financial system that works in their interest, and the Central Bank will continue to advocate for that.” Read more here
POLITICS
5 days and counting
Five days after People’s National Movement (PNM) Senator Janelle John-Bates tendered her resignation, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has yet to indicate whether she will accept it, while the Government remains silent on how it will respond if John-Bates or Senator Faris Al-Rawi appear in the Upper House, starting today. Contacted for comment yesterday, Beckles offered a brief response: “I will let you know ASAP.” On the Government’s next move, Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Darrel Allahar, declined to be drawn into the controversy surrounding John-Bates, replying only, “No Comment.” And a former Senate president is recommending that parliamentary operational guidelines be revisited to ensure there is no repeat of what is now developing into a Senate stalemate. Read more here
NP to THA: $50m to link fuel lines to new terminal
The National Petroleum Company Ltd (NP) has informed the Tobago House of Assembly that it will cost $50 million to have fuel lines connected from the old ANR Robinson International Airport to the new terminal. This was confirmed yesterday by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, who noted the new ANR Robinson International Airport terminal was built without a fuelling station. Augustine told the Express that NP had previously advised him that to connect fuel lines to the new ANR Robinson International Airport from the existing airport would cost approximately $50 million. Read more here
BUSINESS
CBTT seeks Republic’s assurance on 30-day notice of fee hike
The Central Bank of T&T (CBTT) yesterday disclosed that it is engaging Republic Bank Ltd regarding concerns over the introduction of new and higher banking fees, including whether customers were given sufficient notice ahead of the changes. The issue has sparked public debate, particularly as customers reported surprise at increased charges applied to their accounts. Asked whether the Central Bank was satisfied that Republic Bank gave its customers the required 30-day notice of the introduction of higher fees, the regulator of financial institutions said: “This is one of the areas that the Central Bank is engaging with Republic Bank at this time in respect of the new bank fees and charges. The Central Bank is seeking assurance, as the regulator, that communication to the bank’s customers met the minimum standards as stipulated in the Central Bank’s Market Conduct Guideline for institutions licensed under the Financial Institutions Act (FIA).” Read more here
Aranjuez emerging as retail hotspot
Aranjuez is becoming a vibrant entertainment and retail hub, with multiple plazas being developed along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. In an interview with Express Business, directors Ishmael Ali, Sarah Ali-Dawar and Faheed Ali said Aranjuez was chosen for the newly opened Icon Plaza for its convenience and central position along the East–West corridor. “While the surrounding area has a variety of individual businesses, we noticed that there were no modern, well-curated plazas in Aranjuez South. We saw an opportunity to introduce a thoughtfully designed space that brings together a mix of services in one location. Our goal was to create a convenient, one-stop destination that meets the everyday needs of residents while also serving the wider community,” they said in an e-mail exchange. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘No one must be a stranger in their homeland’
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has called on Guyanese to actively work towards deeper unity as Guyana marked Arrival Day and further prepares to celebrate 60 years of Independence. The Head of State made these remarks during his Arrival Day message, during which he reflected on the country’s complex historical journey and emphasised that Guyana’s independence was built on sacrifices that were made long before 1966. He urged citizens to recognise the collective contributions of all groups who shaped the nation. “The stepping stones were laid by every hand, every sacrifice and every dream that came before,” the President said. To this end, he pointed to the foundational role of Indigenous peoples, the endurance of African ancestors, and the contributions of those who arrived later. Arrival Day, he noted, provides a moment to honour the waves of migrants who came to Guyana following Emancipation, many as indentured labourers from India, China, Portugal and elsewhere. Read more here
INTERNATIUONAL
To stay or risk the 'Road of Death' - Ukrainian civilians trapped in frontline city
"The road is mined. So, we're stuck here," says Ludmilla, over the phone from the rooftop of a fire-damaged house in southern Ukraine. "People are trying their best to survive." Her frontline home city of Oleshky has, according to multiple accounts, been largely cut off from fresh supplies of food or medicine for months. Ludmilla describes being trapped there, and watching it decaying before her eyes. Ukraine's commissioner for human rights has warned of a "humanitarian crisis." Read more here
6th May 2026