NEWS
Weeks after murder, robbery – Tactical police, canine units for Piarco Airport
Following recent daring criminal acts – including a drive-by shooting which ended in a murder, and an armed robbery – the police have established tactical and canine units which will operate specifically at the Piarco International Airport. This was revealed during a press conference by police commissioner Allister Guevarro on Monday at the airport. Also in attendance was Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander. In addition to these two units, there will also be a permanent presence of plain clothed police officers at the airport. Read more here
Single father pleads for help as tragedy after tragedy hits family
In just three years, Arnold Mohammed watched his life collapse piece by piece. First, his home in Parayal Trace, Rio Claro collapsed due to a landslip. Then his wife left. Now, he fears he is losing his eldest daughter, who has started self-harming. Speaking to Guardian Media at his rented Pascal Road, Piparo home, Arnold admitted that his struggles are worse because he cannot read or write well. “I do the best that I can. I am not a dead-beat father and I’m doing the best that I can for my children,” Mohammed said, with tears in his eyes. He has two daughters aged 19 and 13, as well as a seven-year-old son. Mohammed said his eldest daughter is autistic and cannot be left alone. Read more here
POLITICS
Swaratsingh: TTRA will not improve revenue collection
Minister in the Ministry of Finance Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh says there is no evidence the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA) can improve revenue collection. He made this comment when he opened debate on the TTRA (Repeal) Bill, 2025 in the Senate on June 23. The House of Representatives passed the bill on June 13. Swaratsingh, a former PNM government minister from 2007-2010, described the TTRA as an attempt to create an entity to carry out a function which is supposed to be handled by the state. Read more here
Foster defends low turnout at PNM’s internal election
People’s National Movement (PNM) General Secretary Foster Cummings is defending the voter turnout in the party’s internal elections on Sunday, attributing it to the fact that the post of political leader was uncontested. Of the 102,300 eligible members to vote, only 7,100 voted during the process as political leader Pennelope Beckles’ One PNM slate took 14 of 15 executive positions, according to preliminary results provided by the party’s Election Supervisory Committee. During a media briefing at the Office of the Opposition Leader in Port-of-Spain yesterday, however, Cummings revealed that less than 10,000 voted in the party’s last internal election as well. Read more here
BUSINESS
Moonilal met with Global Petroleum Group executives
Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal met with executives from Global Petroleum Group (GPG) on June 23 to discuss the company’s ongoing oil and gas operations in the region and future areas of collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries’ head office at the International Waterfront Complex, Port of Spain, also included Minister in the Energy Ministry Ernesto Kesar, acting permanent secretary Karinsa Tulsie and acting deputy permanent secretary Marc Rudder. Representing GPG were executive director Eduard Vasilyev and finance and corporate affairs officer Leonid Mironov. Read more here
Smith outlines vision for AI-powered public service
The Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration is developing a National AI Governance Framework that will follow global best practices while remaining firmly rooted in the unique values and realities of Trinidad and Tobago, Minister Dominic Smith has said. “It will cover data ethics, algorithmic transparency, procurement standards, and citizen redress mechanisms — ensuring AI is used to empower, not exploit,” Smith told Express Business. Smith, who was appointed Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, said this will be one of the major deliverables under his leadership. Read more here
REGIONAL
Sugar industry an engine of growth – VP Jagdeo
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday met with sugar workers at the Albion Sports Complex, where he reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the revitalisation and transformation of Guyana’s sugar industry—a sector that has long been a cornerstone of the country’s economy and rural livelihoods. Joined by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; and other senior government officials, the Vice President addressed the gathering of workers, union representatives, and community members. He outlined the government’s vision for a modernised and sustainable sugar industry, while highlighting the significant strides already made to bring the sector back from the brink of collapse. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
UN condemns Gaza aid 'death trap' as dozens reported killed by Israeli fire
At least 46 people waiting for aid have been killed by Israeli fire in two incidents in central and southern Gaza, according to rescuers and hospitals. UN agencies have condemned the US and Israel-backed food distribution system, with one official calling it "an abomination" and "a death trap". Such deadly incidents have recently become a near daily occurrence but have attracted relatively little attention outside Gaza since Israel attacked Iran more than a week ago. Without including the latest deaths, the UN has said that more than 410 Palestinians are reported to have been killed by Israeli gunfire or shelling since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began work in late May. Read more here
25th June 2025