Trinidad and Tobago News

Over $20M In Copper Cable Lost In Laventille Fire

More than $20 million in copper cable was destroyed in a fire at TSTT’s Laventille Work Centre, with investigators treating the blaze as suspected arson. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said authorities will assess the damage and possible links to copper theft, while police seek CCTV footage and three people assist with inquiries. The fire injured one firefighter and raised concerns over critical infrastructure security.

By Faith Cheruiyot

Retrieved Oct 26, 2026

PM Criticises Opposition Over Budget Vote

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar accused the Opposition of abandoning constituents during Saturday’s Lower House debate on the 2027 budget. She said the government still passed the budget and will continue delivering services and promises to Trinidad and Tobago despite political resistance.

By Faith Cheruiyot

Retrieved Oct 26, 2026

TVET Caravan Heads To Sangre Grande

The Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training brought its Touch of TVET caravan to Sangre Grande to promote technical and vocational training opportunities nationwide. Minister Prakash Persad said the National TVET Policy aims to align training with labour market needs, improve standards, and link education to jobs and national productivity.

By Terry-Ann Browne-Campbell

Retrieved Oct 26, 2026

Budget reveals $15M data centre spend

Government documents show $15 million was spent in fiscal 2026 on a Tier 4 data centre under the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, with another $10 million pencilled in for 2027. The figures come amid unanswered questions about whether the project relates to new MoUs with U.S. firms or an earlier state plan, and whether environmental approvals were secured.

By Sharlene Rampersad

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

POA alleges irregularities

The Prison Officers Association says it has no objection to a new communique on overtime payments, but wants clearer rules on who qualifies and how hours are verified. General Secretary Lester Logie warned against paying only selected officers on the same shift and called for better record-keeping and an investigation into disputed arrears and specialist-unit payments.

By Anna-Lisa Paul

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Hosein alleges corruption slowed Land Settlement Agency

Land and Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein told Parliament that Palo Seco Agricultural Enterprises Limited was used before the 2025 election for road paving and box drains, and that the $150 million allocation would cover certified work and disputed bills. He also accused the former administration of corruption at the Land Settlement Agency, prompting sharp exchanges with Opposition MPs over spending and appointments.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

PM Urges Parents To Prioritise Children’s Education

At Chaguanas’ Diwali Milan celebrations, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged parents to put children’s education first, saying it is the best route out of poverty and to a better life. She, along with local leaders, also highlighted community unity and the values of compassion and cooperation ahead of Diwali on November 8.

By Faith Cheruiyot

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

PM Says Budget 2027 “Rebalances” Policy To Favour Law-Abiding Citizens

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Budget 2027, now headed to the Senate after passing the House, will raise salaries, backpay and social support while cutting spending on wasteful programmes. She said the plan will shift growth toward the private sector and may divest loss-making state enterprises to fund health, education, security and infrastructure.

By TTT News

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

National Parenting Policy To Be Implemented

The government is moving ahead with a National Parenting Policy aimed at strengthening support for parents and caregivers, according to Ministry of Homeland Security director Zaheer Ali. At a National Parenting Seminar, officials said the initiative will promote positive parenting, build resilience and help families access support services, while bringing together parents, teachers and social workers nationwide.

By Terry-Ann Browne-Campbell

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Woman wants ZOSO after parents terrorised in home invasion

A 42-year-old breast cancer survivor is urging stronger security in Mc Bean, Couva, after masked, armed men broke into her family’s home and robbed her elderly parents at gunpoint. She said the attack left the family traumatised and renewed fears that older residents are being targeted, calling for a Zone of Special Operations to protect the community.

By SHASTRI BOODAN

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Fire Service Association condemns apparent arson at TSTT; wants stronger laws

The Fire Service Association’s Second Division is calling for the arrest and prosecution of those behind a suspected arson attack at the TSTT compound in Laventille, where a firefighter was hospitalised after suffering facial injuries and smoke inhalation. It is also urging stronger laws and harsher penalties to hold arsonists accountable for endangering first responders.

By GUARDIAN MEDIA NEWSROOM

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

TSTT: Fire extinguished; cause under investigation

A fire at TSTT’s Laventille Work Centre cable yard was extinguished after firefighters battled the blaze into the night on Saturday, but the site remains under monitoring to prevent reignition. The cause and full extent of damage are still being investigated, raising concerns about the telecom company’s infrastructure security.

By GUARDIAN MEDIA NEWSROOM

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Three Assisting With Investigations Into Suspected Arson At TSTT Compound

Police are investigating suspected arson at the TSTT compound on the Beetham, where a major fire on Saturday night destroyed more than TT$20 million in insulated copper cable. One firefighter suffered burns and smoke inhalation, and three people are assisting investigators as police review CCTV and continue enquiries in the area.

By TTT News

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

T&T contractor lands US$243M airport contract in St Lucia

NH International (Caribbean) has won a US$243 million contract to expand St Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport, including a new three-storey terminal and airside upgrades, with completion targeted for late 2029. The project is important for St Lucia’s tourism sector, and the government says it will create work for local and Caribbean firms as the airport remains open during construction.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

EWMSC blood bank to extend hours to 8 pm

The blood bank at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex is set to extend operating hours to 8 p.m. this year, a move aimed at boosting blood donations and easing shortages for emergency care. NCRHA chairman Dr Tim Gopeesingh said the change, being arranged with the National Blood Transfusion Service, should give donors more flexibility and help support Trinidad and Tobago’s blood supply.

By SHASTRI BOODAN

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Angostura Commends Emergency Responders After Fire At Neighbouring TSTT Compound

Angostura Limited thanked emergency and utility agencies for their coordinated response to Saturday’s fire at the neighbouring TSTT compound, saying the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service remained on site overnight and continues to monitor the area. The company also praised Industrial Rubber Products for supplying firefighting foam and commended staff and leadership for helping during the emergency.

By TTT News

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

OPM not a ‘slush fund’ for lavish lifestyles

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar accused the former PNM government of using the Office of the Prime Minister as a “slush fund,” saying $114 million was spent on entertainment, household costs, conferences and other luxury items from 2016 to 2025. She said her Government has cut the OPM budget sharply, from $1.2 billion to $465.7 million, while redirecting spending toward workers, development and digital projects.

By Joel Julien

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Family’s bed plunges through floor into neighbour’s living room

Two families in an HDC apartment on Jamadar Street, San Fernando escaped injury when the floor of an upper unit collapsed into the apartment below, sending a bed into the living room. Residents said they had warned the HDC for years about the worsening woodwork, and housing officials say engineers are now assessing repairs and possible relocation.

By Nikita Braxton-Benjamin

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

TSTT fire may have been an inside job, says Padarath

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says investigators are examining whether both insiders and outsiders were involved in the suspected arson at TSTT’s Laventille compound, where a fire on Saturday caused millions in damage. He said stored copper, worth tens of millions of dollars, may have been a motive amid rising copper theft and vandalism.

By SHASTRI BOODAN

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Govt projects $36m to wind up companies, including CEPEP

The Government has set aside $36 million to wind up companies, including CEPEP Company Ltd, after opposition MPs questioned the sharp jump from earlier spending levels. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said the money will help close long-unresolved companies such as BWIA and cover liabilities, while other ministry areas also face procurement delays and arrears.

By Rickie Ramdass

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

TSTT firebombing may have been an inside job, says Padarath

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said investigators are exploring whether insiders, outsiders or both were involved in the suspected arson at TSTT’s Laventille compound, where a major fire caused millions in damage. He said the blaze may have been linked to valuable copper stored at the site, amid rising copper theft and vandalism.

By SHASTRI BOODAN

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

State’s court judgment bill jumps to $140m

Government’s revised estimate for court judgments against the State has climbed to $140 million in fiscal 2026, up from $56.5 million spent in 2025, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo saying future payouts are hard to predict. Parliament also questioned large unspent allocations for jobs, small business support and infrastructure, with Tancoo citing transfers and procurement delays.

By Vishanna Phagoo

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

TSTT seeks relief from financial pressures

TSTT is seeking up to $1.156 billion from local investors as part of a US$500 million bond issue to refinance debt and ease repayment pressure. S&P assigned the proposed notes a BB- rating, saying the deal should extend the State-owned telecom’s debt maturity profile, reduce short-term liquidity risk and keep leverage around four times EBITDA.

By Joel Julien

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

A need to be more self-reliant

Religious leaders have urged calm after State sponsorship was withdrawn from this year’s Divali Nagar, saying the dispute should be resolved without affecting Divali celebrations. SDMS secretary general Vijay Maharaj said cultural and religious bodies should not depend on government support, while IRO vice-president Lloyd Mukram Sirjoo hoped for an amicable settlement.

By Rickie Ramdass

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Budget passes without Opposition support

The House of Representatives passed Trinidad and Tobago’s 2026/2027 budget without opposition support, with the PNM saying it fails to address job losses, rising costs and the country’s worsening finances. The Senate debate begins tomorrow, as the Opposition warns the plan lacks a credible recovery strategy and could deepen hardship for households, businesses and Tobago.

By Express

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

PURE probe may lead to criminal charges

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said PURE will be shut down after more than 20 years, with investigations under way and possible criminal charges over its operations. She also said the former PNM administration’s spending of more than $750 million on three miles of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway Extension is being probed, with MOWT and Nidco officials expected to answer questions.

By Anna Ramdass

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Country needs 100,000 homes for families in need

Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago says the country needs about 100,000 homes for families in need, with the greatest demand in South and East Trinidad. At its 50th anniversary gala in Port of Spain, leaders called for more donors, volunteers and partners to help expand safe housing, which they said supports children, stability and community development.

By Michelle Loubon

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Reported robberies down 30%

Reported robberies in Trinidad and Tobago fell 30.1% in the first four months of 2026, with 423 cases compared with 605 in the same period last year, according to TTPS crime data. The Northern Division still had the most robberies, while police urged bank customers to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to use safer payment methods after recent incidents targeting people leaving financial institutions.

By Alexander Bruzual

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

$1B in Budget — PSA part arrears; Divali Nagar nixed

Parliament’s scrutiny of Trinidad and Tobago’s $63.36 billion 2027 Budget highlighted a larger spending plan driven by public service salary increases and arrears, even as many ministries face reduced allocations. The piece says the Government is using the budget to push cost-cutting, welfare clean-up and tighter control, while controversial moves such as the Divali Nagar subsidy refusal and a recent security incident have added to tensions.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

HDC apartment floor gives way, sending bedroom crashing downstairs

Two families in HDC Building Three on Jamadar Street, San Fernando narrowly escaped injury after the upstairs floor collapsed around 1 a.m., sending a bed and furniture into the lower apartment. Residents said they had warned HDC for years about deteriorating flooring, and officials later dispatched repair crews and promised urgent action.

By Sascha Wilson

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Annisette pushes back against PM’s ‘lazy’ public servants comment

Trade union leader Michael Annisette has urged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar not to publicly criticise underperforming public workers after she warned they could be fired and replaced. He said productivity should be improved through empowerment, better working conditions and collaboration, not shaming employees, arguing that sustainable gains matter for Trinidad and Tobago’s regional competitiveness.

By GEISHA KOWLESSAR ALONZO

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Moonilal lauds loadout of Coconut jacket

Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has welcomed the successful fabrication and loadout of the Coconut jacket, saying it should help strengthen natural gas supplies for Trinidad and Tobago’s petrochemical and downstream industries. He congratulated TOFCO, EOG Resources and BP on the milestone, following NGC’s deal to secure 100% of EOG’s Coconut gas, with first gas expected in 2027.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Supermarket closed after incident

Massy Chaguanas was closed to the public yesterday afternoon after Fire Service tenders responded to an incident inside the supermarket. A female worker was injured and taken by ambulance for treatment, while workers and shoppers gathered outside as fire officers operated at the scene.

By Gail Alexander

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

Village mourns beloved elder found dead in pond

An 82-year-old man, Paras Bhaiwah, was found dead in the Usine Ste Madeleine Pond near San Fernando after leaving his Sugar Road home unnoticed early yesterday morning. CCTV showed him walking in the village after 4 a.m., and relatives are awaiting an autopsy as police investigate how he ended up in the water.

By Sascha Wilson

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026

No T&T ambassadors to Washington, Venezuela or China

Trinidad and Tobago currently has no ambassadors in Washington, DC, Venezuela or China, and no high commissioner in London, Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers told Parliament. He also defended increased diplomatic spending, including plans for an embassy in the UAE, vehicle purchases for visiting dignitaries, and payments for sports ambassadors Keiron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Dwayne Bravo.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 25, 2026