NEWS
Fire forces closure of Beetham Landfill
The Beetham Landfill will remain closed until further notice. As a result, the Port of Spain City Corporation has redirected sanitation operations to the Forres Park Landfill, Claxton Bay. In a news release on January 6, the Port of Spain City Corporation said all available trucks are deployed to manage the increased travel distance. The move became necessary after a fire broke out at the Beetham Landfill on January 4. Read more here
Vendor to pay $19,000 ticket after racking up six traffic offences
Worried and frustrated after being slapped with a $19,000 ticket for six traffic offences during a police roadblock on Sunday night, a San Fernando coconut vendor said he is now unsure how he will pay the fines without “losing his livelihood.” Ravi Baboolal, who sells at Library Corner, explained that on Sunday, around 8.30 pm, he was on his way to drop off coconuts at his vending stall when he encountered a police roadblock. Baboolal said police officers chased him after he did not immediately stop, and later issued him a lengthy ticket for the offences at the corner of Keate and Mucurapo Streets. Read more here
POLITICS
Opposition wants PM to explain policy on Venezuela
Opposition Senator Dr Amery Browne has urged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to clearly outline Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign policy and approach to relations with the current Delcy Rodriguez administration in neighbouring Venezuela. So far, the Government has remained silent on its position. The call comes after Venezuelan Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Monday. Rodriguez assumed office following the US capture last Saturday of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who appeared before Manhattan courts on Monday facing drug and weapons charges. Read more here
BUSINESS
A review of T&T’s Sustainable Energy Landscape in 2025
In Trinidad and Tobago, we understand the difference between a big announcement and the real thing. A band launch is excitement and promise; crossing the stage is delivery. For years, our energy transition lived mostly in speeches, studies, and pilot-sized efforts. In 2025, that began to change. Utility-scale solar moved from concept into grid delivery, and a wave of smaller solar-and-efficiency projects showed up where ordinary citizens could see them—on campuses, community sites, and government offices. Wind works also shifted from: “We think it could work” to: “Here is the data investors need.” In Trini terms: the conversation started to feel less like talk and more like work. Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyana, US reaffirm commitment to regional security, democracy, freedom
President, Dr Irfaan Ali and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on Tuesday reaffirmed their nations’ deepening security partnership as both leaders committed to enhancing co-operation to counter transnational crime, protect regional stability and safeguard Guyana’s sovereignty. According to a statement issued by the US Department of State and attributed to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Secretary Rubio spoke with President Ali to discuss strengthening bilateral security co-operation, commending the Guyanese Head of State for his leadership as a regional security partner and for Guyana’s expanding role in promoting stability across the Western Hemisphere. “The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening security co-operation with Guyana to address shared challenges, including illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking, which threaten regional stability and economic resilience. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Russia sends navy to guard oil tanker being pursued by US forces
Russia has reportedly deployed a submarine and other vessels to escort an oil tanker - which is also being pursued by US forces - across the Atlantic. The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil but is reporting to be empty at the moment. Previously named Bella 1, its name has been changed to Marinera and it has also reportedly been reflagged from a Guyanese to a Russian vessel. President Donald Trump said last month that he was ordering a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move the government there described as "theft". Read more here
7th January 2026