NEWS
FEEL to launch new wave of donor engagement in 2026
The Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) said that in 2026 it will be launching a new wave of donor engagement through the FEEL 1000 Club, a growing network of individuals and corporate entities committed to sustaining the organisation’s mission. In a release on December 30, the organisation said it was inviting members of the public and private sectors to join this” impactful initiative.” “Every donation strengthens our ability to respond to emergencies, empower communities and support the invaluable work of civil society organisations across the country.” The release said 2025 was a year defined by disciplined leadership, strategic growth and an unwavering commitment to service. It said the year was one of measurable impact, innovation in outreach and renewed partnerships, all driven by the mission to uplift lives across Trinidad and Tobago. Read more here
Five homicides among 11 deaths as T&T enters new year
Trinidad and Tobago recorded eleven deaths between December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, including five homicides and six other fatal incidents, as the country entered the new year. The five homicides occurred in east Port-of-Spain, El Socorro, Marabella, Penal, and Delaford, Tobago. The first murder of 2026 took place when 58-year-old businessman Ricky Taylor was fatally shot near his business at the corner of Prince and George Streets, Port-of-Spain, around 1.30 pm on New Year’s Day. Taylor, a well-known member of the community, had reportedly been threatened by gang members in the area, sources told Guardian Media. Police said investigators believe he may have been providing information to law enforcement. Read more here
POLITICS
Beckles: PM should meet with maxi taxi operators
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles said any discussion surrounding potential maxi taxi fare increases along the Priority Bus Route must be approached with care, compassion, and a clear understanding of the realities facing working people. She called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to meet with the Maxi Taxi Association. She said the Prime Minister’s “irresponsible attack” on the Maxi Taxi Association signals a leader who has squandered yet another opportunity for constructive engagement.
On December 30, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said there was no justification for any increase to maxi taxi fares. She said it might be time to open the Priority Bus Route to all commuters so the maxi taxi drivers can operate without any fee, as she criticised the maxi taxi operators for wanting to raise fares in light of traffic fines being doubled and customs duties increasing. Read more here
Young warns of economic fallout from NGC’s Nutrien shutdown
Former prime minister and former energy minister Stuart Young has criticised the Government over the National Gas Company’s (NGC) decision to cut gas supply to fertiliser producer Nutrien, warning of potential losses to foreign exchange earnings, jobs and Trinidad and Tobago’s international reputation. In a statement issued at the start of the new year, Young said the development reflected what he described as the Government’s broader approach to managing the energy sector. “This is how Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her incompetent and ignorant bunch start Trinidad and Tobago’s new year,” Young said. “The destruction of our energy sector is taking place in record time under the UNC. This is a consequence of wrong choice. Loss of forex, jobs and reputation.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Mahase is acting Plipdeco president
DEORAJ Mahase has been appointed the acting president of the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd (Plipdeco). His appointment took effect on December 31, a day after the T&T Stock Exchange published a material notice announcing his appointment as the corporation’s vice president of Technical Services. Mahase, who previously served as Plipdeco’s manager of Planning, had been acting as vice president of Technical Services since March last year. He replaced Dr Curtis Dennie, who resigned as Plipdeco’s president on December 31. Read more here
REGIONAL
Continued focus on enhancing public services, expanding economic opportunities
PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has outlined an agenda for 2026 centred on strengthening public services, expanding economic opportunities, and ensuring that national growth translates more directly into improved living standards for all Guyanese. The following is the full text of His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana New Year’s Address to the Nation on January 1, 2026. “My fellow Guyanese, Happy New Year! Wherever this new year finds you, in your homes and communities, on our rivers and coastlands, in our hinterland villages, on duty guarding our borders, patrolling our streets, caring for the sick, and to those across the seas who carry Guyana in their hearts as part of our cherished diaspora, I greet you with gratitude, affection, and pride. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Trump warns US will intervene if Iran kills protesters
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington "will come to their rescue". In a brief post on social media, he wrote: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go." He gave no further details. A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded by saying Trump should "be careful" if he intervened, warning of potential chaos across the Middle East. At least six people are reported to have been killed in Iran on Thursday after almost a week of mass protests sparked by worsening economic conditions. Read more here
2nd January 2026