NEWS
Mt Dor man gets bail for election bribery
The Mt Dor man arrested on election day and charged with bribery, after he was allegedly found in the community with $30,000 in his car, has been granted his own bail. The man, 46, from Champ Fleurs, appeared before Master Kimitria Gray on May 5. He will return to court on June 5. The man was arrested on April 28 and charged on May 2. Police said around 9.40 am on April 28, they received information about possible voter bribery and intercepted a vehicle at Mt Dor Road. Read more here
‘Gypsy’ still NCC chairman despite resignations by culture officials
Board members from four of the country’s leading performing arts institutions have tendered their resignations. Yet, one notable figure remains unmoved - National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters. Peters was still working up to yesterday evening. He cited his contract, which he said comes to an end in November this year. New Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin told Guardian Media yesterday that those who have resigned include board members from the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), Naparima Bowl, and Queen’s Hall. These entities are collectively referred to as the National Cultural Facilities Board (NCFB). Read more here
POLITICS
Opposition Leader urges progressive politics, people first
Arima MP Pennelope Beckles-Robinson has responded firmly to critics who have labelled her as too soft-spoken, declaring her calm demeanour reflects strength, not weakness, and signals the beginning of a new era in the People's National Movement (PNM) political landscape. “Do not mistake my kindness for weakness. I carry on my shoulders the hopes of citizens whose voices and votes have helped shape the future of our nation,” she said. Speaking during her instrument-of-appointment ceremony on May 6 at the President’s House in St Ann’s, Beckles-Robinson described the moment not as a burden but as a sacred trust, a responsibility that has guided her throughout her career. Read more here
Penny ready to spark PNM revival in Opposition
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has addressed any doubts about her capacity to lead the People’s National Movement (PNM) in the Lower House, asserting that while her leadership may appear understated, it is firmly rooted in experience and unwavering dedication to public service. “Judge me not by the decibel of my voice but by the depth of my commitment and the strength of my conviction to lift every citizen higher,” she told a gathering of PNM supporters. She added: “Some may mistake quiet strength for weakness but I offer you firm resolve, guided by compassion and wisdom, and underpinned by experience and boundless faith in our destiny.” Beckles made history yesterday, becoming the first woman to serve as PNM Opposition Leader in the party’s 70-year history. She was officially installed during a ceremony at President’s House, St Ann’s. Read more here
BUSINESS
Gosine: Government to focus on innovation, non-energy sector
Parliamentary secretary in the Trade, Investment and Tourism Ministry Dr Colin Neil Gosine met with the ministry’s permanent secretary Randall Karim and members of staff at the ministry's headquarters in Port of Spain on May 5. In a release, the ministry said Gosine engaged in meaningful dialogue with personnel during his inaugural visit. Gosine reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing national economic development with a clear focus on non-energy sector advancement, private sector engagement, innovation and export growth. He also highlighted the importance of shaping a resilient and inclusive economy, reiterating the government’s intention to accelerate diversification, deepen trade relationships and create a stronger enabling environment for trade, investment, manufacturing, innovation and tourism. Read more here
Shell reportedly eyeing BP acquisition
In a development that is being carefully monitored in Port-of-Spain, Shell is reportedly assessing the possibility of a potential acquisition of BP, Bloomberg reported yesterday, citing people familiar with the matter. Shell is monitoring stock and oil price trends before making a move. The decision to proceed depends on BP's declining stock value. For years, both the oil and gas giants have been comparable in size, but recently Shell has surged ahead, now boasting a market value of approximately US$197.7 billion, nearly double that of BP. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘No excuses’
President, Dr Irfaan Ali has warned the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that there will be “no excuses” for officers not to wear body cameras during their duties, as 5,000 body cameras were handed over to boost transparency and law-enforcement reform. In his remarks at the handing-over ceremony at State House on Tuesday, President Ali said: “There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for our men and women in the field not being equipped with these cameras when conducting their duties and responsibilities.” The Head of State made it clear that the era of unmonitored police interactions is over. “A big part of improving service delivery is monitoring and evaluation, transparency and accountability… giving our police officers the tools to make their jobs easier, the tool that would allow them also to hold people accountable for their actions,” the Head of State said. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine, Biden tells BBC
Joe Biden has told the BBC that pressure from the Trump administration on Ukraine to give up territory to Russia is "modern-day appeasement" in an exclusive interview, his first since leaving the White House. Speaking in Delaware on Monday, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin believed Ukraine was part of Russia and "anybody that thinks he's going to stop" if some territory is conceded as part of a peace deal "is just foolish". Biden, who spoke as Allied nations mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day this week, said he was concerned about US-Europe relations breaking down under President Donald Trump, which he said "would change the modern history of the world". In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Biden was challenged on his own record on Ukraine as well as his decision to end his 2024 re-election bid late in the race after a stumbling debate performance stoked concerns over his fitness and plunged the Democratic Party into crisis. Read more here
7th May 2025