NEWS
Caribbean remains committed to clean energy
Energy Chamber of TT chairperson Mala Baliraj says the Caribbean has a strong interest in developing clean energies despite major shifts in the global landscape by larger countries like the United States in their focus on sustainable energy. Baliraj was delivering opening remarks on behalf of the Energy Chamber's board at its Caribbean Sustainable Energy Conference 2025 at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre in Port of Spain on June 2. She said countries like Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Dominica, Jamaica and TT were also aggressively pursuing renewable energy initiatives. Read more here
Company owner angry after Kartel patron caused $60,000 in damage
Director of the Lollabee Group of Companies, Sheldon Stephen, says over $60,000 worth of his company’s lighting equipment was damaged by an irate patron who stormed the stage of the One Caribbean Music Festival at the Queen’s Park Savannah, early on Sunday morning. In a video, which has been circulating on social media after the concert, the woman was seen walking onto the stage despite protests from another woman off-camera. The woman kicked speakers, before knocking over lights and other devices as technicians tried to block her from other pieces of equipment. Another video of the event showed the woman covering her face with a red bandanna, before leaving the stage. Police confirmed the woman remained at large as of yesterday afternoon. Read more here
POLITICS
Penny unopposed as PNM political leader, Young seeks no exec position
Leader of the Opposition Pennelope Beckles was nominated unopposed to become PNM political leader on June 2 at Balisier House, Port of Spain. The elections will be held across Trinidad and Tobago's 41 constituencies on June 22 under the one-man, one-vote system, ahead of the special convention set for June 29. At about 6 pm, Elections Supervisory Committee head Richard Walcott issued a statement detailing the nominees submitted and confirming Beckles as the only contender to be PNM leader. Read more here
Padarath dismisses claims of staff purge at TSTT
Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath and the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) are at odds over reports of contract expirations at the state-owned telecoms provider. Padarath yesterday pushed back against claims that the Government was orchestrating a “staff purge” at TSTT, although he acknowledged that some employees were nearing the end of their contracts. “How can it be a purge if it is short-term employment that is determined by the management of the company, not myself or the board?” Padarath said when asked about the number of individuals who may be unemployed at the end of their contracts. The minister said some employees on three-month contracts are approaching the end of their tenure but declined to offer further details on the circumstances surrounding the contract arrangements. “I am advised by the management of TSTT that there are short-term contracts that will expire, and the contracts are for three months,” Padarath said. Read more here
BUSINESS
Purchase of Massy Distribution (Jamaica) raises competition concerns
Jamaica’s Fair Trading Commission (FTC) says the acquisition of Massy Distribution (Jamaica) by Acado Ltd (formerly Caribbean Distribution Partners) has raised competition concerns, resulting in the transaction being “advanced” to a phase 2 review. Acado announced in February that it was set to acquire Massy Distribution Jamaica from Massy Holdings. This deal was set to be consummated by the end of the third quarter ending June 30. Acado is a 50/50 joint venture between Goddard Enterprises Ltd and Agostini Ltd (formerly Agostini’s). Both Agostini and Acado are chaired by Christian E Mouttet. Read more here
Energy transition specialist tipped to head NGC
Energy transition specialist Randy Ramadhar Singh is said to be tipped for the role of chairman at the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC). According to his LinkedIn profile, Ramadhar Singh is an: “Expert advisor and international consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the renewables, energy sector, energy transition and just transitions. Skilled in risk management, physics, lecturing, environmental governance and strategic communications. Strong programme and project management professional with a Doctor of Philosophy—PhD focused in Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources, Renewables and Efficiency, Sustainable Development from University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus.” Read more here
REGIONAL
25,000 senior citizens to benefit as NIS rolls out one-off payment programme
THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS)’s One-Off payment programme for eligible insured persons who have between 500 and 749 contributions, was officially launched by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Monday. President Dr. Irfaan Ali had laid out the details of the initiative on April 10, 2025, following his earlier announcement of the programme. It is expected to benefit over 25,000 senior citizens. The initiative also forms part of government’s broader range of interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of Guyana’s senior citizens. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
At least 27 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire near aid centre, Gaza authorities say
At least 27 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire as they attempted to collect aid near a distribution site in Gaza, local officials say. Civilians were fired upon by tanks, quadcopter drones, and helicopters near the al-Alam roundabout, about 1km (0.6 miles) from the aid distribution centre, a spokesman for Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence agency, Mahmoud Basal, said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its troops fired shots after identifying suspects who moved towards them "deviating from the designated access routes". Israel previously denied shooting Palestinians in a similar incident on Sunday which the Hamas-run health ministry said killed 31 people and injured nearly 200. Read more here
3rd June 2025