Trinidad and Tobago News

Tobago eyes two Senate seats

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her government will seek a constitutional amendment to require at least two of the nine Independent senators to be Tobagonians, giving Tobago guaranteed representation in both Houses of Parliament. The proposal, announced in Tobago, would need a special majority in Parliament and is framed as a move toward fairness and greater regional balance.

By Anna Ramdass

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Kamla: THA got more than ever

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Tobago receives far more central government support than its THA budget shows, pointing to a $300 million loan refinancing, security posts, health care and social grants funded directly by taxpayers. She said the new East Terminal at ANR Robinson International Airport should boost tourism, jobs and investment across Tobago.

By Anna Ramdass

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

TTMA wants timely VAT refunds: ‘It’s not a favour’

TTMA president Emil Ramkissoon said VAT refunds must be paid on time because the money belongs to manufacturers and helps fund reinvestment, expansion and export growth. He welcomed the budget’s modernised VAT system, a 25% excise tax cut on alcohol and steps against illicit trade, while urging similar relief for tobacco and stronger support for doing business and exports.

By Vishanna Phagoo

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Sparrow fans disappointed

Mourners who went to SAPA to view calypso icon Mighty Sparrow were disappointed to find his body in a closed casket, though many still signed condolence books and paid tribute. Fans, fellow artists and OWTU president Ancel Roget praised Sparrow’s impact on calypso and Trinidad and Tobago. His public viewing continues today at NAPA, with a national farewell Friday.

By Shivana Lal

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

UNC ‘WAGING WAR’

PNM-held local government corporations have condemned Trinidad and Tobago’s 2027 budget, saying cuts will hurt drainage, roads, recreation, contractor payments, municipal policing and other services. Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne said the city’s development funding fell from $19.75 million in 2025 to $2.6 million in 2027, while San Fernando and Diego Martin leaders warned of unpaid debts and underfunded flood control.

By Vivian Bowen

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

New ANR Robinson International Airport opened

Tobago’s new ANR Robinson International Airport east terminal opened in Crown Point, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and former prime minister Keith Rowley among those present. Augustine highlighted the hardship faced by residents displaced for the project, while Persad-Bissessar said the terminal could boost jobs, tourism and airlift.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

3 police posts commissioned in Tobago

Tobago’s new security posts in Signal Hill, Goodwood and Plymouth are now operational, after being commissioned by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro said the micro-policing model has already produced arrests and patrols in Trinidad, while Defence Minister Wayne Sturge said the Tobago posts are meant to prevent crime and strengthen community safety.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Business chambers welcome budget measures, call for action

Trinidad and Tobago’s private sector broadly welcomed Budget 2027, but business leaders said its success will depend on how quickly government delivers results on issues like foreign exchange shortages, high costs and public service delays. Chambers also backed planned projects such as the refinery, San Fernando waterfront and Chaguanas Ring Road, saying they could boost growth, jobs and investor confidence if properly implemented.

By GEISHA KOWLESSAR ALONZO

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Diesel prices

The columnist says global diesel shortages, driven by war-related refinery disruptions in Ukraine and the Middle East, are pushing prices to record highs and even forcing the US to buy diesel from Russia. For Trinidad and Tobago, which relies heavily on imported diesel and subsidies, that could mean higher costs for the state and consumers unless local refining resumes.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Angostura workers reject 4% wage offer

Angostura Ltd workers, backed by SWWTU president Michael Annisette, are rejecting the company’s four per cent wage offer and warning of possible industrial action if talks do not resume soon. The union says workers deserve more because production and profits have grown, while employees say overtime cuts are straining household budgets. Angostura says it is committed to fair negotiations and long-term sustainability.

By Shane Superville

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Two killed during shootouts with police in Couva

Two men, Jason Hilaire, 45, and Nixon Stewart, 41, were shot dead by police during an operation in Carli Bay, Couva, after officers said armed suspects opened fire on them and fled. Police detained three others and seized three firearms and ammunition, while residents called for stronger action against crime in Perseverance Village and the surrounding area.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Hazel Manning loses PNM San Fernando East chairmanship bid

Councillor Nigel Couttier defeated Hazel Manning 51-29 to become chairman of the PNM’s San Fernando East constituency executive, prompting MP Brian Manning to say “the people have spoken.” The win comes as Couttier and other party figures face government questions over alleged CEPEP contract awards linked to the previous PNM administration.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Sparrow fans disappointed by closed-casket viewing

Fans who visited SAPA in San Fernando to view Mighty Sparrow’s body were disappointed to find the casket closed, though many still paid tribute at the public lying in repose. The calypso legend, who died at 91, will be honoured with a state-assisted funeral and national Celebration of Life on Friday, with another public viewing in Port of Spain today.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Trade unions press ahead with October 30 march

Trade union leaders are pressing ahead with an October 30 march, saying budget promises on back pay do not resolve disputes over displaced workers, unpaid wage claims and long-delayed collective agreements. Michael Annisette, Timothy Bailey and other union leaders also raised concerns about crime, youth opportunities, TSTT bargaining and the restart of Trinidad and Tobago’s steel industry.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Roget welcomes Budget, remains hopeful on refinery restart

OWTU president general Ancel Roget welcomed the Government’s budget and said he remains confident the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery will restart, after Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said proposals had been shortlisted. Roget said the reopening could benefit workers, South Trinidad and the wider country, while the union will focus on wage talks instead of the October 30 march.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Senators question purchasing power of $250 social grant increase

Opposition Senator Dr Amery Browne and Independent Senator Dr Marlene Attzs questioned whether the $250 monthly increase in senior citizens’, public assistance and disability grants will help recipients, given the Ministry of the People received about $812 million less for social assistance overall. They said the rise may be offset by inflation and weak purchasing power, especially for essentials like medicine.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Mohit assures grant increases despite spending cuts

The 2027 Budget reduced recurrent spending allocations for several ministries, including a roughly $1 billion cut to grants in the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services. Minister Vandana Mohit said the promised increases for senior citizens, public assistance and disability grants will still be paid from January 1, 2027, despite opposition criticism over the cuts.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Gonzales says electricity surcharge is illegal

Former public utilities minister Marvin Gonzales says the Government’s planned electricity surcharge of five cents per kilowatt-hour on residential use above 3,000 kWh is illegal and breaches the RIC Act. He urged customers to challenge the move, saying the Regulated Industries Commission—not Cabinet—has the authority to set utility rates. The Government says about 90% of households will stay below the threshold.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Experts: Digital VAT could raise revenue but hit consumers

Trinidad and Tobago plans to tax foreign digital services from March 1, 2027, aiming to raise $18 million a year, but businesses and experts say the rules need more detail on what services are covered and how VAT will be collected. They warn consumers may face higher subscription costs, even as the move could boost revenue and level the playing field for local firms.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Independents support Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill

The Senate passed the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026, clearing the way for Chaguanas to become a city and for four new boroughs — Barataria, Couva, St Augustine and Sangre Grande — while redrawing municipal boundaries. The Government says the changes will improve representation and service delivery, but Opposition senators warned of missing documents, political bias and unanswered questions about costs and implementation.

By KAY-MARIE FLETCHER

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Mayors, chairmen decry budget cuts to PNM-controlled corporations

Port-of-Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne said he will join trade unions’ October 30 protest, accusing the UNC government of politically targeting PNM-controlled municipalities after budget documents showed a combined $49.55 million cut. Diego Martin Mayor Akeliah Glasgow-Warner also claimed the reductions and new security law could hurt local services, campaigning and voter access ahead of local elections.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Beckles alleges discrimination, demands criteria for funding cuts

Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles has accused the Government of political discrimination over development funding, saying it must publish the criteria used to allocate public money. She pointed to steep cuts for PNM-controlled municipal corporations, including Arima, and warned the reductions could affect roads, housing and other infrastructure in those communities.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

BLOW TO PNM CORPS

Funding for the seven PNM-controlled municipal corporations has been cut sharply in the 2027 Budget, falling by $49.55 million, or 61 per cent, while UNC-controlled councils face only a small overall reduction. The biggest cuts hit development, drainage and roads work, with Diego Martin and San Fernando among the hardest affected, prompting accusations of political discrimination.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Farley: Marriott Resort will complement new airport

Construction is set to begin on a $500 million Marriott resort at Rocky Point, Tobago, with completion expected by 2029. Backed by Superior Hotels Ltd, the project will add a 200-room four-star hotel, villas and other amenities, create nearly 800 jobs, and boost Tobago’s tourism sector while preserving beach access and following EMA rules.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Kamla: Govt to sell National Quarries, LABIDCO, Hilton and Magdalena

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the Government will divest several state-owned assets, including National Quarries, the Hilton Trinidad, the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, and LABIDCO, arguing that private investors are better suited to run commercial businesses. The move, announced at the $500 million Marriott project launch in Tobago, could reshape state involvement in tourism and other sectors and affect jobs and investment.

By Guardian

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Prime Minister Presents Mining And Processing Licences To Studley Park Enterprises Limited

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has granted mining and processing licences to Studley Park Enterprises Limited, opening the way for expanded quarry operations in Tobago. The move could boost jobs, local business activity and exports, while helping the Tobago House of Assembly-owned company generate foreign exchange and widen economic benefits across the island.

By TTT News

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

Sod-Turning Held For Proposed TT$540 Million Marriott Hotel In Tobago

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar ended her Tobago visits with the sod-turning for a TT$540 million Marriott Hotel and Conference Centre at Rocky Point, Mt Irvine. The privately financed project will add 200 hotel rooms, conference space and 67 residences, creating about 600 construction jobs and up to 800 permanent jobs while boosting Tobago’s tourism economy.

By TTT News

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

TTMA Looks To Sustain Growth In Non-Energy Manufacturing

The TTMA is focusing on sustaining non-energy manufacturing growth after the sector expanded 11.6% in the first half of 2026, following a post-budget discussion with stakeholders. The association welcomed measures like mandatory e-filing, a tax systems upgrade, stronger tax-customs data sharing and a 25% excise tax cut on alcoholic beverages, while urging more government dialogue and effective implementation to support diversification.

By Kevion John

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

PM, Finance Minister Reaffirm Government’s Commitment To Tobago’s Development

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo defended Tobago’s TT$3.473 billion budget allocation, saying the island is set for growth in tourism, agriculture, construction and energy, and that talks with the THA will continue. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar also said Central Government spending on infrastructure, security, healthcare and tourism adds to Tobago’s development.

By TTT News

Retrieved Oct 14, 2026

New Tobago Airport Terminal Opens, Promising Tourism Opportunities

Tobago’s new East Terminal at A.N.R. Robinson International Airport opened on Tuesday, with flight operations set to begin on October 14, 2026. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the facility, built to handle up to three million passengers a year, could boost tourism, investment and local business participation across the island.

By Melissa Wong

Retrieved Oct 13, 2026

Government Proposes Two Guaranteed Senate Seats For Tobago

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her government will seek a constitutional amendment to guarantee Tobago two seats in the Senate, in addition to its two elected seats in the House of Representatives. She said the move would give Tobago stronger representation and greater constitutional recognition as an equal partner in national affairs.

By Melissa Wong

Retrieved Oct 13, 2026

Pointe-a-Pierre Refinery Restart Process To Advance This Fiscal Year

The Government says a procurement process to choose a partner for the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery restart will begin this fiscal year, with Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal leading the effort. Officials say reviving the mothballed Petrotrin facility could reduce fuel imports, ease debt pressures and improve foreign exchange earnings, while also affecting jobs and communities in south-central Trinidad.

By Sunil Lalla

Retrieved Oct 13, 2026

Fans Pay Their Last Respects To The Mighty Sparrow At SAPA

Fans lined up at SAPA in San Fernando to pay final respects to calypso icon Slinger Francisco, The Mighty Sparrow, whose death has stirred strong grief and pride across Trinidad and Tobago. Mourners called him a national treasure who carried the country’s name worldwide, with a national farewell set for Friday, October 16.

By Ayanna Carter

Retrieved Oct 13, 2026

Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill Passed In Senate

The Senate passed the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by 23 votes to six, with one abstention, as the Government said the reforms will improve population-based representation and modernise local government. Ministers Khadijah Ameen and Saddam Hosein insisted the changes, including Chaguanas becoming a city, will not delay the upcoming Local Government elections.

By Faith Cheruiyot

Retrieved Oct 13, 2026

Tobago Writers Take Centre Stage At Bocas Lit Fest

Bocas Lit Fest ended its outreach programme in Tobago with a day of readings, open-mic performances and children’s activities at the Scarborough Library, in partnership with the Tobago Writers’ Guild. Organisers said bringing the festival to Tobago matters because the island has a long literary tradition, and the event showcased local writers, speech band and historic works.

By Kandace Jackson

Retrieved Oct 13, 2026