NEWS
Eight injured in Pigeon Point boating accident
Eight people were injured yesterday following a boating accident at Pigeon Point beach. According to reports, two pirogues with several passengers aboard collided around 6.20 pm at the popular location. Sources confirmed Water Junkie, owned by Waterholics, was being taken for a test run, with just two people aboard, when it crashed into another vessel. The impact resulted in one passenger going airborne, being flung from one boat to the next. Several passengers received injuries to their heads and bodies. One affected passenger complained about fibre glass being on her skin. Read more here
Worry over restrictions
A number of Port of Spain residents believe the Special Operations legislation is unnecessary, while others are hopeful it will help tackle crime. The differing views emerged when the Express took to the streets yesterday to gauge public reaction to the legislation, which was passed in the House of Representatives late Friday night. Among the provisions of the Bill is the ability to declare certain communities “closed areas”, potentially restricting the movement of residents within those communities. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has said residents affected by such restrictions would be able to apply for police-issued permits to leave their homes and communities. Read more here
POLITICS
PM leaves for UNGA
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar departed Trinidad and Tobago last night for New York to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Persad-Bissessar confirmed her departure to Guardian Media yesterday, saying she is expected to return on Thursday morning. “I’m leaving tonight and returning on Thursday morning. Minister Sobers and Morris will accompany me along with PS Barrow,” she said. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Nicholas Morris and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Natasha Barrow. Among the anticipated engagements on Persad-Bissessar’s agenda is a planned meeting with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, against the backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Read more here
They’re free to protest
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland and his constituents are free to protest against the Government’s proposed Special Operations legislation, declaring that she is “not bothered” by opposition to the crime-fighting measure. Persad-Bissessar was responding to questions yesterday about Scotland’s stated intention to mobilise constituents against the designation of “closed areas” under the Special Operations Bill, 2026, as well as wider criticism from the People’s National Movement (PNM). Read more here
BUSINESS
Brace for higher imported food prices, say analysts
Every trip to the grocery can serve as a reminder of how vulnerable T&T remains to global supply chain shocks. As shipping disruptions persist, freight rates rise and geopolitical tensions create uncertainty, food security is emerging as a pressing concern for households already grappling with higher living costs. Dr Patrick Antoine, CEO and technical director of the Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), international relations expert Prof Andy Knight and development economist Marlene Attzs are all warning that the country faces growing risks from external shocks that are driving up the cost of food and threatening the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. Their concerns also come against the backdrop of restrictions at the Panama Canal, disruptions to global shipping routes and continued inflationary pressures affecting international food markets. Read more here
Digicel prepaid prices to rise
DIGICEL Trinidad and Tobago will increase prices on several of its prepaid mobile plans from October 19. However, customers who automatically renew eligible plans within 48 hours of expiry will be able to access discounted renewal rates, the company stated. The increases range from $5 to $10 on the plans for which previous prices were provided, with the D’ Weekly Flex, D’ Weekly Classic, D’ Fortnight, D’ Lite, D’ Freedom and D’ All In plans all set to cost more. Read more here
REGIONAL
Government developing mobile app to widen access to Guyana Development Bank
The Government of Guyana is developing a mobile application to ensure that the soon‑to‑be‑launched Guyana Development Bank (GDB) is accessible to entrepreneurs and small businesses in every region of the country, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced. Speaking during a wide‑ranging discussion with private sector leaders and stakeholders on Sunday, the President said the bank, which comes into operation on October 5 with an initial capitalisation of US$100 million (approximately G$20 billion), is being deliberately designed as a “grassroots” institution to serve ordinary Guyanese, particularly young people, women, and vulnerable groups. Dr. Ali explained that the mobile application will allow citizens to engage with the bank’s services without having to be physically close to traditional financial centres on the coast. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Workers came across human remains – and unearthed a mass grave of 572 people
When a mass grave was unearthed in northern Sri Lanka last February, it was not by design. Workers were digging to extend a cremation ground in the Chemmani area of the Jaffna region when they suddenly discovered human remains, prompting an investigation. By August, archaeologists had completed the third phase of the excavation at the site, during which they found the skeletal remains of 572 people, including children and infants. Among the dead were artefacts from their lives – bangles, a school bag, a milk bottle. Read more here
21st September 2026