NEWS
CXC makes major shift in subjects: CSEC, CAPE revised
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) will be introducing 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. This applies to CSEC and CAPE subjects. CXC registrar Wayne Wesley, speaking at a virtual media conference on April 15, said the certification will involve three tracks – an advanced, accelerated track with a compressed programme; a typical, general track with a two-year programme; or, an individualised, flexible track with an extended programme. Read more here
Tobago Tourism Association wants answers on the way forward
The Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA) has written to Prime Minister Stuart Young, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, and other government officials, raising the alarm over four urgent issues affecting the island’s tourism and hospitality sector. In a statement to the media yesterday, the association highlighted the need for the “re-financing and restructuring of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited,” including increased airlift funding, enhanced promotional support, and appropriate industry representation on the Tobago Festivals Commission. THTA also called for the repeal of the Foreign Investment Act and the Tobago Land Acquisition Order of 2007, along with a review of foreign direct investment conditions within the sector. Read more here
POLITICS
Moonilal: State of emergency was a failure
Opposition candidate for Oropouche East, Dr Roodal Moonilal said the just ended state of emergency (SoE) was an abject failure, strongly differing with acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin that it was a “win against spiralling crime.” Addressing a meeting of the United National Congress (UNC) on April 14 at Bhupsingh Park, Penal, Moonilal said the three and a half months in which the SoE lasted had very little impact on reducing crime, which was the ultimate goal of the exercise, recording instead 111 murders. At a press briefing on April 15, acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin said the murder rate for the year stood at 113. Read more here
Alexander threatens to sue Griffith for defamation
Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP) leader Phillip Edward Alexander has threatened to sue National Transformation Alliance (NTA) leader Gary Griffith for defamation. Alexander made the threat in a pre-action protocol letter sent to Griffith by his lawyer, Aaron Patrick, on Monday. Patrick claimed that Griffith defamed Alexander in a series of voice notes sent via WhatsApp earlier this month. The allegations made by Griffith cannot be republished, as they may eventually be deemed to be defamatory. However, Griffith essentially accused Alexander, whose party has formed the Coalition of Interest with the United National Congress (UNC) and other smaller parties, of being contracted by the UNC. Read more here
BUSINESS
Global Trinidad and Tobago launched
Global Trinidad and Tobago, the bold new identity of the country’s unified Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, was officially launched on April 15 at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. The agency, supported by a workforce of 114, is tasked with driving export growth, attracting high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) and enhancing the country’s competitiveness on the global stage. Chairman Franka Costelloe unveiled the new brand and presented the agency’s four-year strategic plan at the launch. Global Trinidad and Tobago meshes three former state agencies – InvesTT, exporTT and CreativeTT (which encompassed MusicTT, FilmTT and FashionTT) – under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Grab at all the opportunities we create’
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has urged youths across the nation to embrace the wealth of opportunities being provided through government programmes and policies. “Guyana is changing, and it is changing rapidly. Many of us can’t even keep up with some of the changes, but it’s important for our young people to grab all the opportunities being presented to you today,” Prime Minister Phillips told residents at a community outreach at Paradise, Region Five, on Tuesday. Citing initiatives in higher education and vocational training, he emphasised that these avenues are vital steppingstones to personal success and national progress. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Supreme Court backs 'biological' definition of woman
Judges at the UK Supreme Court have unanimously ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. It marks the culmination of a long-running legal battle which could have major implications for how sex-based rights apply across Scotland, England and Wales. The court sided with campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought a case against the Scottish government arguing that sex-based protections should only apply to people that are born female. Read more here
16th April 2025