NEWS
Denominational boards cautious about CXC announcement
Some denominational schools are cautiously optimistic about the changes being made to the administration of subjects by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). They are awaiting further details on implementation from CXC. On April 14, CXC announced the creation of a new qualification called the Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC), which will split traditional subjects into modules, enabling students to engage with the topics at their own pace. Students will be awarded certificates for each module and be able to complete modules in different subjects without having to complete the entire subject. Read more here
Man gunned down outside arrivals at Piarco Airport
Within less than an hour of arriving in Trinidad from Panama, a 38-year-old Maraval man was gunned down early on Thursday morning. Police said Arkim Quash, arrived at the Piarco International Airport just before 2 am and was picked up by a driver in a blue Hyundai Tucson, when gunmen in a silver Nissan Tiida drove alongside the car and shot him several times as he sat in the front passenger side seat. Another man who was nearby was shot in both legs. Read more here
POLITICS
Le Hunte: More political shifts coming
Former PNM vice-chairman Robert Le Hunte says it is possible people could expect more changes on the political landscape before the April 28 general election. Le Hunte made this comment in reference to former UNC member attorney Larry Lalla, SC, joining the PNM and former PNM attorney general John Jeremie endorsing UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar. In a statement on April 16, Le Hunte said people have consistently asserted their constitutional right to choose which political party they support. "The recent celebration among PNM members following the defection of high-ranking UNC officials, such as Mr Lalla, underscores our unwavering commitment to individual choice." Read more here
Tobago hoteliers raise alarm over island’s tourism
The Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THAT) has written to Prime Minister Stuart Young, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, and other government officials, raising an alarm over four urgent issues affecting the island’s tourism and hospitality sector. In a statement to the media yesterday, the association spoke of the need for “re-financing and restructuring of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited,” including better airlift funding, promotional support, and the right industry representation on the Tobago Festivals Commission. They also called for the “repeal of the Foreign Investment Act and the Tobago Land Acquisition Order of 2007,” and a review of foreign direct investment conditions in the sector. Read more here
BUSINESS
Global Trinidad and Tobago: New Era for trade, investment
With a bold mandate to achieve 20 per cent year-on-year growth in exports and investment, Global Trinidad and Tobago is poised to set a new standard for national economic ambition. The newly rebranded agency, formerly the TT Trade and Investment Promotion Agency launched last November, was unveiled on April 15, at Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Port of Spain. It is designed to unify the country’s trade and investment promotion efforts and aims to position TT among the world’s top ten trade and investment promotion agencies within five years. Read more here
Business community: Action needed, not promises
As the general election campaign reaches its climax, and as political parties dish out promises, the business community of T&T is concerned they are not hearing enough about parties’ plans for the economy. The Business Guardian spoke to several entities which all said those running for office are yet to detail their economic policies for the critical years that lie ahead. President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC), Baldath Maharaj, said given the projected shortfall in energy revenues and the Dragon gas deal “this poses significant risks to national income and foreign exchange earnings.” Maharaj further said it was a topic the business community wanted to hear more about from political parties on the campaign trail. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Creating new opportunities at every level’
EMPOWERING Guyanese citizens is a key component of the government’s development plan, which fosters growth at the household and community levels. President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently highlighted this during an outreach in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). A region once left on the back burners of development is now becoming a major economic hub and sparking entrepreneurial and job opportunities for all. The government is assiduously working to improve the quality of life for all citizens via major injections in the economy. For example, the sugar industry, previously weakened under the prior coalition government, has been revitalised by the current administration. Read more here
INTERNATONAL
Italy's Meloni heads to US with unlikely mission for Europe
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is heading to the US to meet Donald Trump – a visit that will see her walk a tightrope between representing the interests of the EU and remaining in the US president's good books. As the first European leader to travel to Washington since Trump introduced - then paused – 20% tariffs on the EU earlier in April, Meloni will be hoping to convince him of the merits of a "zero-for-zero" tariffs deal for the entire EU. Italy is particularly vulnerable to any changes to US trade policy. Read more here
17th April 2025