NEWS
More prisoners moved to military bases from Maximum Security Prison
More prisoners have been moved from the Maximum Security Prison as national security authorities focus on dismantling the criminal elements whose plot led to the state of emergency (SoE) being declared. Some ten prisoners were removed from cellblock 13 and placed at military bases at the start of the SoE for additional security and to limit their networks after authorities unearthed a plot to kill high-ranking officials stemming from within the prison's walls. Speaking on TV6's Morning Edition, Commissioner of Police (CoP) Allister Guevarro said the prisoners were removed after it was realised that new leadership had begun emerging within the prison. Read more here
Deadly drips Second autopsy on Jasher reveals he suffered heart failure, brain swelling as a result of IV-administered meds
Following the results of a second autopsy on six-year-old Jasher Francois, which suggested that an adverse reaction to intravenously administered medication caused his death, the Ministry of Health has appointed a committee to investigate the matter. Last Friday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar ordered an investigation into his death at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital, following an emotional Facebook Live by Jasher’s parents, Aaron, 34, and Yhnique Francois, 32, seeking justice. A Ministry of Health press release yesterday stated that the four-member investigative committee has been given an August 20 deadline to submit their report. The release said the committee comprises experts in the areas of paediatrics, paediatric intensive care, nursing, quality assurance and law. “Their mandate is to review the case and determine whether the proper standard of care, clinical judgement and professional responsibilities were upheld,” the release added. Read more here
POLITICS
'Buss head for corrupt officials' – PM warns UNC against mixing with 'crooked financiers'
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar warned members of her own UNC party to avoid the corruption that she alleged of the former PNM administration, in a fiery address at the UNC's Monday Night Forum on August 11 at Couva. It was a speech hitting both high-level corruption and low-level dependency work. She alleged that under the former PNM government the Cepep programme was linked to criminality and various public works agencies were linked to corruption. With the government now under fire for job losses due to the freezing of Cepep while under audit, she said her government's stoppage of the programme has unearthed a huge resistance from the belly of the underworld. Read more here
UNC’s first 100 days: Govt still needs time to achieve goals, say experts
One hundred days after sweeping into power in the April 28 General Election, the United National Congress (UNC) is marking a period of legislative action, early reforms, and a cautious but determined start on its ambitious campaign agenda. Led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the UNC secured 26 of 41 parliamentary seats in the election, ending the People’s National Movement’s decade-long grip on government. The victory, hailed by supporters as a “turning point,” has brought with it high public expectations for rapid change. During an interview with Guardian Media yesterday, however, political scientist Dr Indira Rampersad urged caution when assessing the period, noting the time since the election victory has not been enough to achieve significant change. Read more here
BUSINESS
Pooran inspires youths, reflects on 2015 accident
AT 19, Nicholas Pooran had already established himself as one of the Caribbean’s most promising cricketers, but a car accident in 2015 nearly brought it all to an end. Pooran reflected on the life-changing event as he spoke to the 600 youths aged 17-21 selected for TSTT’s Future Leaders Internship Programme, held at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, on August 11. “I ran off the road, came back and got hit by another car. I woke up and all I remember is smoke. Life changed in that moment. Read more here
Witco records $19.7 million after-tax profit
The West Indian Tobacco Company Ltd (Witco) reported an after-tax profit of $19.7 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, marking a 70% drop compared to the same period last year. In her chairman’s review of the unaudited interim results for the half-year, Ingrid Lashley stated that WITCO reported a profit before tax of $45.9 million for the six months ended June 30. Read more here
REGIONAL
New Amsterdam to get new waterfront market
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced plans to replace the town’s decades-old market structure with a modern facility, giving vendors and shoppers a cleaner, more vibrant space. Speaking to thousands of residents of New Amsterdam and surrounding areas at a public meeting on Monday evening, the president announced to a roar of approving applause: “We are going to develop your market.” The president further disclosed that the existing market will be dismantled to make way for the new facility. Residents of New Amsterdam and nearby communities in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) were reassured of a suite of development projects over the next five years under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine's borders must not be changed by force, EU leaders say
European leaders have warned against Ukrainian borders being redrawn by force – two days before a US-Russia summit on Ukraine is due to take place in Alaska. In a statement, European leaders said "the people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future". It added the principles of "territorial integrity" must be respected and "international borders must not be changed by force". The statement was signed by 26 of 27 leaders. Missing from the signatories was Hungary's leader Viktor Orban, who has maintained friendly relations with Russia and has repeatedly tried to block European Union support for Ukraine. Read more here
12th August 2025