NEWS
Early-morning ambush in Cunupia – Dad, son shot dead
As if haunted by violence, the Joseph family was dealt yet another devastating blow on the morning of April 22. Coconut vendors Vikey "Thumb Thumb" Joseph, who survived a recent shooting, and his father Anthony John, 43, were gunned down at the corner of Mon Plaisir Road and River Road. Another of John's sons, Ricardo Joseph, 17, survived the deadly attack and up to press time, was fighting for his life at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope. Read more here
TTPS on high alert amid reports of plot to disrupt Apr 28 poll
The T&T Police Service (TTPS) is investigating potential threats aimed at disrupting the April 28 General Election. This was revealed by acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin during a media briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain yesterday. He confirmed that the authorities had received “certain intelligence” suggesting a possible disruption was being planned. Benjamin declined to disclose further details about the bombshell claim, stating, “The intelligence would lead us to believe that things are afoot to disrupt the electoral process, and we are saying to all persons, and this includes all parties as well, we want anyone seeking to disrupt the electoral process. We will take a zero-tolerance approach in dealing with that.” Read more here
POLITICS
EBC: Special voting has begun
Voting for special electors in the April 28 general election started on April 21. The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) made this announcement in a statement on that day. A total of 16,748 people are eligible to vote as special electors. These are people who vote ahead of election day because they will be unable to vote on that day. Read more here
Patriotic Front releases manifesto: Party promises to reduce crime in 18 months
The Patriotic Front has released its General Election manifesto outlining a $2.5 billion investment plan centred on public safety, sustainable development, youth empowerment, and economic diversification. The plan promises a reduction in violent crime within 18 months. It rules out new taxes or borrowing and commits to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio from 75 per cent to 55 per cent by 2030. The document, titled The Nation We Deserve: Built from the Ground Up, proposes reallocating 4.2 per cent of the national $59 billion budget to implement a series of initiatives grouped under nine core pillars. Read more here
BUSINESS
Energy chamber warns US tariffs could pose economic threat to Trinidad and Tobago
TT's energy exports to the US are facing new challenges following the introduction of US tariffs earlier this month. The Energy Chamber of TT, in a release on April 22, raised concerns about the potential impact on key commodities such as ammonia, methanol, iron and steel. On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping tariff policy, imposing a baseline ten per cent duty on imports from most countries, including TT. Read more here
Honouring Loquan: A life in energy and pan
Few individuals leave a legacy in both the engine of a nation’s economy and the cadence of its culture—but Mark Edward Loquan, who shaped Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector and championed its national instrument, did just that. And on Republic Day, September 24, 2024, Loquan was bestowed with the country’s highest award for his contributions to both. Loquan was the first of 62 honourees to receive an award at the national ceremony held that night at President’s House. Read more here
REGIONAL
Region Three continues to blossom with massive investments
With major development taking place in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), President Dr Irfaan Ali has said that it is now a “mind-blowing” time to live in the region. Speaking recently during an engagement with residents, the Head of State said that the scale and pace of development taking place will soon make Region Three indistinguishable from the capital region. “When we complete the waterfront development, all the port facilities, the Wales Economic Zone, the development zone, and the highways — there will be absolutely no distinction between what is happening in Georgetown [Region Four] and here in Region Three. It is a mind-blowing time to live in this region,” President Ali stated. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Musk to reduce Doge role after Tesla profits plunge
Tesla boss Elon Musk has pledged to "significantly" cut back his role in the US government after the electric car firm reported a huge drop in profit and sales for the start of this year. Musk has led the newly created advisory body - the Department for Government Efficiency (Doge) - since last year, putting the world's richest man at the heart of cutting US spending and jobs. But Musk said his "time allocation to Doge" would "drop significantly" from next month, adding he would spend only one to two days per week on it after accusations he has taken his focus off Tesla. His political involvement has sparked protests and boycotts of Tesla cars around the world. Read more here
23rd April 2025