NEWS
Mark Loquan remembered as 'a true patriot'
Former National Gas Company president and composer of steelpan music Mark Loquan is being remembered as a true patriot. Loquan, 63, died on April 6, fourteen months after he was diagnosed with brain cancer. In a statement posted to Facebook, President Christine Kangaloo extended condolences to Loquan’s friends and family. Kangaloo said, “A true patriot, his selfless dedication to the development of our nation's energy sector and culture, particularly in the realm of steelpan, has left an indelible mark on our country.” Read more here
Family pleads with kidnappers to release British citizen
The father of Trinidad-born British citizen Zaheer Esat who was abducted in broad daylight after leaving a mosque in Central Trinidad on Friday is appealing to his son’s kidnappers to release him. In a telephone interview yesterday, the 70-year-old father said his son’s kidnappers have not contacted him, and said he suffers from asthma and needs his inhaler. Esat came to Trinidad just before Eid-ul-Fitr to visit his parents. Read more here
POLITICS
PM: New CoP selection legislation coming
Prime Minister Stuart Young has said an incoming PNM government on April 29 will "immediately change the law for the appointment of a commissioner of police (CoP)" as part of a series of measures to deal with crime. He made the disclosure at a PNM meeting at Exodus Pan Theatre in Tunapuna on April 5. Young told PNM supporters, "One of the difficulties we face is not having strategic and stable leadership (in the police service) and that is the first thing that we will do as a government." Read more here
Young promises virtual doctors for elderly
Prime Minister Stuart Young has promised to establish virtual doctor sessions for the elderly should the People’s National Movement be re-elected in the April 28 polls. The Prime Minister also plans to offer cheaper data plans for young people of T&T. He made the promises during a People’s National Movement political meeting at the Exodus panyard in Tunapuna on Saturday. Young said this approach was far more responsible and potentially cost-effective than the United National Congress’ plan to send doctors physically to the homes of elderly people. “After consulting with Minister (Terrence) Deyalsingh today and asking him to get more information, the next PNM Government, having consideration and considering in particular our senior citizens, we are going to expand the availability and use of virtual doctor consultations for senior citizens who want to use it so they don’t have to sit down for hours waiting in a healthcare centre,” said Young. Read more here
BUSINESS
$34M jump in visitor spend for Carnival 2025
Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago spent more this year during Carnival 2025. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Carnival 2025 report released on Wednesday, April 2, visitors spent $668,060,354.40 during the event from February 14 to March 4, 2025. This represented a $34 million increase over the $634 million that was reported in the Ministry’s 2024 report. The Ministry hailed Carnival 2025 as a resounding success in the report with Minister Randall Mitchell stating, “Carnival continues to be a powerful testament to our culture’s global appeal. Despite initial concerns about visitor arrivals, the overwhelming turnout demonstrates the strength of Trinidad and Tobago’s heritage and the power of the Carnival brand.” He said the country’s returns during the season underscored the global appeal of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. Read more here
PM hands over $35m Sando Fishing Facility
A new $35 million San Fernando Fishing Facility was on Saturday handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries by Prime Minister Stuart Young. It replaces the King’s Wharf as a point of congregation for the city’s fisherfolk who for years have populated the seawall with their vessels. Read more here
REGIONAL
West Demerara residents confident PPP/C, President Ali can take Guyana forward
Despite rainy conditions on Sunday, residents of Belle West, Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara, came out in their numbers to praise the good work of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government. During a community meeting held at Belle West, Canal #2 Polder, several residents took turns in giving their approval of the work done by the current administration for the past four years. According to them, they have benefitted greatly from many of the initiatives and development works. Captain Cleroy Heywood used the opportunity to encourage others to support visionary political party since according to him the development across Guyana is evidence of its continued progress. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Chemical burns, assaults, electric shocks - Gazans tell BBC of torture in Israeli detention
Palestinian detainees released back to Gaza have told the BBC they were subjected to mistreatment and torture at the hands of Israeli military and prison staff, adding to reports of misconduct within Israel's barracks and jails. One man said he was attacked with chemicals and set alight. "I thrashed around like an animal in an attempt to put the fire out [on my body]," said Mohammad Abu Tawileh, a 36-year-old mechanic. We have conducted in-depth interviews with five released detainees, all of whom were arrested in Gaza in the months after Hamas and other groups killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostage. The men were held under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law, a measure by which people suspected of posing a security risk can be detained for an unspecified period without charge, as Israel set out to recover the hostages and dismantle the proscribed terror group. Read more here
7th April 2025