NEWS
Man robbed at traffic light by cross-dressing bandit
Police held a suspect on June 22, hours after they received a report that a driver was robbed by a man wearing a dress. Around 3.40 am, the 29-year-old driver stopped his red Toyota Corolla at the traffic light near the Tragarete Road and Cipriani Boulevard intersection. While waiting for the light to change, a man dressed in a black dress and black wig, opened the back door on the passenger side and got in. The bandit put an ice pick to the driver’s neck, announced a robbery and told the victim to continue driving when the light turned green. The victim obeyed and the bandit told him to turn left onto Victoria Avenue and stop near Tranquility Government School. Read more here
Mayor pledges help for homeless at City Day celebrations
As Port-of-Spain marks 111 years of civic status, Mayor Chinua Alleyne is using the moment not only to honour the city’s democratic legacy but also to push forward a strong call for compassion and coordinated action on homelessness in the capital. Speaking to Guardian Media during City Day observances yesterday, Alleyne confirmed that the Port-of-Spain City Corporation had been working with the central government to complete the long-delayed assessment centre at South Quay, which is expected to be a critical facility to support street dwellers in the heart of the capital. “We’ve been working very closely with central government on the assessment centre that is currently being built at South Quay,” Alleyne told Guardian Media. “I toured the facility earlier this year. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet with the new Minister of Social Development but I intend to, because treating with the needs of the socially displaced, the most vulnerable in our city, is something that’s very important to the council.” Read more here
POLITICS
Moonilal to appoint refinery reopening committee
A committee with a combined experience of 500 years of experience in refinery services is set to be appointed for the reopening of the Petrotrin refinery at Pointe-a-Pierre. This was announced by Energy and Energy Industries Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal during the fourth sitting of the House of Representatives on June 23. He said the refinery requires technical, scientific, commercial, economic and contractual evaluations before the re-opening can be finalised and the government has been working with multiple stakeholders inciting the Oilfields Workers Trade Union. Read more here
THA seeks $3.7B to run its affairs
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has made it clear it will not accept anything less than 5.9 per cent of the national budget as its allocation for the fiscal year 2025/2026. Last year, the THA requested $3.9 billion and received $2.59 billion in the national budget. In her first-ever budget presentation yesterday, THA Secretary of Finance Petal-Ann Roberts requested a total of $3.71 billion based on what she said was “a projected national budget of $63.5 billion.” “Let me state here, Madam Presiding Officer, that any allocation to the THA in fiscal 2026 that is less than 5.9 per cent will constitute a non-alleviation of the per capita expenditure inequality that has defined the national budget and its appropriation bill since 1962,” Roberts said. “Basically, all Tobago is requesting is per capita expenditure equality as a minimum revenue share to the THA, based primarily on the island’s population as a percentage share of the national population. In dollars and cents, this is calculated as $5.90 out of every $100 in proposed national expenditure in fiscal 2026.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Adam Sabga appointed Ansa Group COO
Former ANSA McAL group chief performance officer Adam Sabga has been appointed as group chief operating officer (COO), according to a notice of material change posted on the TT Stock Exchange website on June 18. "As a key member of the executive leadership team, Sabga will drive enterprise-wide operational excellence and support the execution of the group’s diversified strategy across sectors," the notice said. "He will also be responsible for ensuring that all operational pillars are robust, agile and aligned with the group’s corporate vision and values." Sabga holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of West Indies and an executive MBA from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business. Read more here
‘Strange’ hires and costly missteps
ENERGY Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has criticised the former government’s fiscal management of the energy sector and “strange” hirings, which included the wife of a former minister at a State company. In his contribution to the debate on the mid-year budget review at the Parliament sitting yesterday, Moonilal disclosed that Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd appointed Joel Jack as a consultant specialist advisor to the chairman and board, at a retainer of $70,000 a month. Read more here
REGIONAL
Region Three poised to be industrial capital of Guyana
Fuelled by investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy security, Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) is on track to become the industrial capital of Guyana. This was according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his feature address at a business networking event hosted by the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI) on Monday evening. He said that with supporting pillars already enforced, Region Three is being strategically positioned to be a key player in Guyana’s diverse economy.
Boasting vibrant commercial and industrial sectors, the region is well on its way to becoming a powerhouse. “Region Three is strategically positioned with access to natural resources, agricultural strength, and proximity to major markets, including the Essequibo Coast, Bartica, and the populous Region Four, giving Region Three advantages which must be harnessed,” Dr. Ali said. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
What we know about the Iran-Israel ceasefire
Israel has accused Iran of violating a ceasefire, hours after agreeing to a deal brokered by Donald Trump and Qatar. Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel's military would "respond forcefully to Iran's violation of the ceasefire" with "powerful strikes" on Tehran. Iran has denied firing any missiles towards Israel and the country's top security body has vowed to respond to any further Israeli aggression. Here's what we know so far. Read more here
24th June 2025