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UPDATE: Former Prime Minister and former Minister of Energy, Stuart R. Young, SC, MP, issued the following statement in response to the Prime Minister: “Once again in what has become a disturbing trend, Kamla Persad Bissessar via X and FB issued an unhinged rant of incoherent threats where she lays the foundation for another SOE. It is clear that the UNC crime plan is SOEs under false premises. TT is NOT winning.” “I want the gangs and those detainees released from prison to know that decent law-abiding citizens are fed up of your criminality and I will have no hesitation in enacting another SOE [State of Emergency] if you cannot behave yourselves.” This from Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, in response to the release of over 100 detainees from prison, including numerous gang members, as the SOE expires on 31st January, 2026. In a sternly-worded statement issued via Facebook and X this evening (Saturday 31st January, 2026), titled “WARNING: ABSOLUTE HELL...

The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service said it is “deeply saddened” by the passing of 48-year-old Steve Dookie, Prisons Officer II (Ag.) #2632, of Cumuto Road, Cumuto, on Wednesday (28th January, 2026). According to reports, Dookie was speaking with personnel in the dormitory area of the Golden Grove Prison, Arouca, when he suddenly collapsed.  Paramedics were immediately called, and he was conveyed to the Arima Hospital. However, despite emergency medical intervention, he subsequently passed away. In a Media Release on Thursday (29th January, 2026), the Prison Service said Officer Dookie, last attached to the Extended Remand Facility (ERF), who would have celebrated thirty (30) years of yeoman service this year, “was an active and dedicated member of the Service. He served with distinction as an integral part of the Prison Service Divali Committee and was also a valued member of the Prison Service Cricket Team, where his camaraderie and team spirit were well recognized. Mr. Carlos...

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we can expect mostly fair, hazy and breezy/windy conditions today (Saturday 31st January, 2026), despite a few brisk, isolated showers. Tonight will be fair but hazy, with a gentle breeze.  Winds can gust at times, especially in the vicinity of showers. The Met Office notes that there is a significant concentration of Saharan dust present in the atmosphere. Persons sensitive to this change in air quality are advised to take the necessary precautions. The forecast maximum temperature today will be 31°C at Piarco in Trinidad and 30°C at Crown Point in Tobago.  Seas are moderate with waves 2m to 2.5m in open waters and 1m to 1.5m in sheltered areas.  Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

UPDATE (02/02/26): New video shows the extent of the damage sustained by the Blue Wave Harmony during berthing manoeuvers on Friday (30th January, 2026). According to reports, the hull of the recently-acquired vessel, the Blue Wave Harmony — the passenger and cargo boat which replaces the Cabo Star on the sea-bridge — was damaged this morning (Friday 30th January, 2026) during its second sea-trial sailing to the Port of Scarborough, Tobago. The incident occurred during the vessel’s berthing manoeuvers, and only its crew was onboard at the time. There have been no reports of injuries. Preliminary information indicates that weather conditions, including strong winds, were contributing factors. The Blue Wave Harmony arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on 22nd January, 2026 at the Port of Port-of-Spain. The vessel will provide increased cargo capacity, enhanced refrigerated storage, and improved passenger accommodations, including cabins and onboard amenities. It is also expected to improve o...

Pictured Above: Cindy Jaggernauth, 19. The Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT) is seeking the public’s assistance to find a missing 19-year-old girl. In a social media post today on Wednesday (28th January, 2026), the HSRT said Cindy Jaggernauth of Valencia was last seen on 23rd July, 2025. Her relatives are in contact with the team.  Cindy was also previously missing in February 2023 . Have you seen her?  Anyone with information on the teen’s whereabouts can contact the HSRT at 799-1453, or 999, 555, 911, 800-TIPS (800-8477), or contact any Police Station.  Please share quickly. Let us get Cindy home today.

A Tobago man was granted bail with surety in the sum of $350,000, when he appeared before a Master of the High Court, charged with attempted murder and possession of firearm and possession of ammunition.  According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Antonio Ram, 25, a labourer, of Lowlands, was charged with the offences when he appeared before Master Shabaana Shah on Wednesday (28th January, 2026).  He was granted bail and the matter adjourned to 7th July, 2026.  Officers of the Scarborough Criminal Investigations Department (CID), investigating a report of shooting in the Plymouth district on 17th December, 2025, arrested a male suspect in connection with the incident.  Ram was charged with the offences by PC James, and investigations were spearheaded by ASP Bachus, Insp. (Ag.) Mohammed and Cpl. (Ag.) Moses.

Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) is advising customers that cement prices could rise in the coming weeks if a proposed increase in natural gas prices for manufacturers is approved. The company warns the adjustment would have a “material and unavoidable cost impact” on its operations. Within the last five (5) years, cement prices have already seen several increases, including 15.6% in December 2021, 7% in August 2022, 5% in March 2023, 7.69% in February 2024, and most recently, 7% in February 2025. In a notice to customers on Monday (26th January, 2026), TCL said it is awaiting a final determination on the gas price increase proposed by the National Gas Company (NGC), which is expected by Saturday (31st January, 2026). The company notes that natural gas is “a critical input in cement manufacturing” and that the proposed increase would significantly affect its production cost. State-owned NGC recently announced a proposed 76% increase in the price of natural gas supplied to light industrial...

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we can expect variably cloudy conditions today (Friday 30th January, 2026), with a few periods of showers during the early afternoon. The isolated heavy shower can occur at times. Settled conditions but hazy and breezy, with a few lingering isolated showers are expected as the afternoon progresses and into night.  Winds may gust at times, particularly near showers. The Met Office notes that an increase in Saharan dust concentrations are expected later today. Sensitive persons are advised to take the necessary precautions. The forecast maximum temperature today will be 30°C at Piarco in Trinidad and 29°C at Crown Point in Tobago.  Seas are moderate with waves near 2m in open waters and near 1m and occasionally choppy in sheltered areas.  Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

Two (2) women have appeared before a Scarborough Magistrate, charged with larceny of grocery items at a supermarket.  In a Media Release today (Thursday 29th January, 2026), the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said Kenia Angel Simon, 20, of Patience Hill and Kevina Joseph, 21, of Golden Lane, were charged with the offence when they appeared in Court this week.  The women pleaded guilty to the charges and were each fined $1,200 and given 100 hours of community service. They were also placed under the supervision of a Probation Officer for eighteen (18) months.  According to the TTPS, a report was made to the Scarborough Police Station on Monday (26th January, 2026), regarding an incident of larceny at a supermarket in the district.  Investigations revealed that an employee of the supermarket allegedly colluded with a shopper to remove several grocery items from the premises, without payment. The shopper allegedly took the items to the cashier, who allegedly ...

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Manzanilla, Freeport, Penal and Oropouche on Friday (30th January, 2026). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.  According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Manzanilla, Freeport, Penal and Oropouche are as follows:  MANZANILLA (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) All customers on Warden Road. FREEPORT (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) From LP #50 (in the vicinity of corner of the Southern Main Road and Calcutta Road #1) heading East to LP #126 on Calcutta Road #1 (in the vicinity of corner of Calcutta Road #1 and Calcutta Road #2). From corner of Calcutta Road #1 and Calcutta Road #3 heading North to corner of Calcutta Road #3 and Sandya Avenue on Calcutta Road #3. From corner of Mc Bean Local Road and Verdant Vale Gardens heading South to LP #7 on Mc Bean Local Road. From corner of Calcutta Road #1 and Sonny Ladoo Road heading North t...

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising members of the public that it will be conducting overhead line works in the Port-of-Spain area on Friday (30th January, 2026), which will necessitate the interruption of the normal flow of traffic. The works will be conducted along the Westbound lane of Wrightson Road, between Dock Road and SWWTU Hall, between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Drivers and pedestrians are advised to follow the guidance of the Police Officers on duty. The Commission says it regrets the inconvenience which may be caused by this traffic interruption. Please be guided accordingly.

A family has been left traumatized following a violent home invasion and robbery in Carapichaima early Wednesday morning (28th January, 2026) . According to reports, three (3) armed men stormed a home located along Roopsingh Road Extension, Carapichaima. The victims were asleep when they were suddenly awoken by loud noises, around 3:30 AM. The intruders, all brandishing firearms, announced a robbery, tied the victims in the bedroom, and struck one of them multiple times with a crowbar. The suspects then proceeded to ransack the house, stealing jewelry, TT currency, US $10,000, and three (3) cellphones before fleeing in the family’s black Toyota Yaris (PEF 8948). Police were notified and responded to the scene.  Investigations are continuing into the incident. More on this as it becomes available.  [Source: Ian Alleyne ]

The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) said it “wishes to express its deep concern over statements recently attributed to the Commissioner of Police (COP) regarding the reasons for his decision not to place on suspension, those Police Officers who were involved in a shooting which resulted in the death of one individual, and the maiming of another, following a Police chase.” Joshua Samaroo, 31, and his common-law wife, Kaia Sealy, 24, were both shot by Police Officers inside their vehicle on Tuesday 20th January, 2026, following a high-speed chase from Maloney. Samaroo succumbed to his injuries, while Sealy remains hospitalized in a paralyzed state. In a Media Release on Wednesday (28th January, 2026), LATT said, “The COP is reported to have said that he reviewed footage circulating on social media and that having reviewed such footage, he saw nothing which suggested that placing the Police Officers involved in the said shooting on suspension was warranted. The LATT cannot...

UPDATE:   Independent Senators and Opposition members are rejecting Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s claim that two (2) independent Senators sought personal favours in exchange for supporting the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) Bill, calling on her to publicly identify the individuals or withdraw the allegation. “My Government will not buy votes.” This according to Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, following the collapse of the contentious Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026 in the Senate on Tuesday night (27th January, 2026).   The Government, which needed the support of at least four (4) independent Senators for the passage of the ZOSO Bill, did not receive a single vote in their favour. Eight (8) of the independents voted against, with Senator Courtney Mc Nish abstaining. In a Media Release on Wednesday (28th January, 2026), the Prime Minister said, “I fully expected...

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), today (Thursday 29th January, 2026) will be partly cloudy at times, with isolated light to moderate showers, near, but not confined to, Western and hilly areas, and also Tobago. The forecast maximum temperature today will be 31°C at Piarco in Trinidad and 30°C at Crown Point in Tobago.  Seas are moderate with waves 1.5m to 2m in open waters and 0.5m to 1m in sheltered areas.  Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Maraval, Cunupia, Fyzabad and Moruga on Thursday (29th January, 2026). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.  According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Maraval, Cunupia, Fyzabad and Moruga are as follows:  MARAVAL (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) Along Saddle Road, Maraval, from LP #A441 North of Valleton Road to LP #437, inclusive of Darcy Street, Adam's Bagels, Camille Drive, Cocoa Street and all associated side streets. Note: This work will necessitate a traffic interruption for vehicles and pedestrians along Saddle Road, Maraval, between Valleton Road and Darcy Road. CUNUPIA (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) From corner of Warren Road and Ajodha Road heading West to corner of Warren Road and Ramlal Trace. From corner of Ramlal Trace and Ramsaran Trace heading East up to LP #56 and all associated side streets, inclusive of Rang...

The Ministry of Education said it continues to closely monitor attendance at all Primary and Secondary schools, following reports of absenteeism among teachers and students for a second day in a row. In a Media Release today (Wednesday 28th January, 2026), the Ministry said preliminary reports indicate that, “while attendance levels continue to vary by school, a number of institutions have recorded improved teacher and student turnout in several districts compared to the previous day . Schools continue to function under normal operating conditions.” In instances where challenges persisted, the Ministry said it has “activated established contingency measures to ensure adequate supervision, safeguard student welfare, and facilitate the continuation of instruction as far as practicable. These measures were applied across all affected schools in keeping with existing protocols.” The Ministry is further advising that school supervisors and district officials remain in active communication w...

The Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPost) is advising members of the public that there are legal limits on the use of coins for payments in accordance with the Central Bank Act , Chapter 79:02, Section 26 (3), which it says it must adhere to for the efficient processing of all transactions. In a Notice To Customers today (Wednesday 28th January, 2026), TTPost said customers wishing to settle payments using coins are asked to note the applicable limits for 25¢, 10¢ and 5¢ coins, per single transaction, as follows: LEGAL LIMITS ON COIN PAYMENTS Coins of twenty-five cents (25¢) are legal tender for payments up to two hundred dollars ($200). Coins of ten cents (10¢) are legal tender for payments up to one hundred dollars ($100). Coins of five cents (5¢) are legal tender for payments up to one hundred dollars ($100). ( Click/Tap Image To Enlarge ) Please ensure your payments adhere to these legal guidelines.

A man is dead following a road traffic accident along the Eastern Main Road in Arima a short while ago this morning (Wednesday 28th January, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old Nigel Cain of Bon Air West, Arouca. He was said to be a well-known and popular maxi-taxi operator. According to reports, the driver of a blue 10-wheeler dump truck lost control of the vehicle and slammed into an oncoming brown Mitsubishi Sportero van (TDK 678), driven by Cain, along the Eastern Main Road, in the vicinity of the Aripo Detention Centre, around 10:00 AM. The impact caused both vehicles to veer off the roadway. The truck is said to have struck the driver’s side of Cain’s vehicle, causing extensive damage. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The 50-year-old truck driver of Sangre Grande alleges that while heading East along the Main Road, his braking system “locked,” causing him to lose control. Police, Fire and Emergency Health Services were notified and are currently at th...

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) is reminding the public that the first half of the 2026 Dry Season (January to March) is likely to be wetter than usual overall, with frequent rainfall events occurring over most areas. Above-normal is defined as rainfall amounts greater than or equal to 125% of the Long Term Average (LTA) (1991 - 2020). ( Click/Tap Images To Enlarge ) The Met Office notes that most of the observable dryness will be seen in the latter half of March 2026, while near-normal rainfall amounts are likely during the latter half of the Dry Season.  The complete outlook for the 2026 Dry Season (January to May) is available at: https://www.metoffice.gov.tt/rainandtemp . Please be guided accordingly.

The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is advising motorists and members of the general public of traffic restrictions along Malabar Extension Road (between Gloria Mc Clean and Balsam Street), Arima. This is in order to facilitate sewer pipeline replacement works on the following days and times: From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Monday 26th January, 2026. From 8:00 AM on Tuesday 27th January to 8:00 PM on Wednesday 28th January, 2026. Motorists are asked to proceed with caution and to obey the instructions of the Traffic Control Officers on duty in the vicinity of the job-site(s), or use an alternative route where possible. For further information or assistance, please contact WASA's Customer Call Centre, toll free at 800-4420 to 800-4426. The Authority thanks the public for their patience and understanding.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we can expect g enerally sunny conditions today (Wednesday 28th January, 2026). A few partly cloudy spells and brief isolated showers are possible near hilly areas and Western parts of Trinidad. Tonight will be generally fair and cool. The forecast maximum temperature today will be 31°C at Piarco in Trinidad and 30°C at Crown Point in Tobago.  Seas are moderate with waves near 2m in open waters and below 1m and occasionally choppy in sheltered areas.  Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

The Ministry of Education is advising the public that Cabinet has granted approval for revised Terms and Conditions of Employment for members of the Teaching Service, following the ratification of the Agreement reached between the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers' Association (TTUTA) for the period 1st October, 2020 to 30th September, 2023. In a Media Release on Monday (26th January, 2026), the Ministry said it “confirms that relevant documentation pertaining to the wage negotiations has been finalized. These documents make clear that the approved salary revisions, consolidation of allowances, and associated benefits are now to be given effect through the established administrative and financial processes of the State, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance where required. As such, these documents are now in preparation to be forwarded to the Ministry of Education for the necessary administrative processing.” The Ministry added that i...

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Belmont, Petit Valley, Aranguez, Guaico Tamana, Guaico, Longdenville, Caratal and Cap-de-Ville on Wednesday (28th January, 2026). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.  According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Belmont, Petit Valley, Aranguez, Guaico Tamana, Guaico, Longdenville, Caratal and Cap-de-Ville are as follows:  BELMONT (9:00 AM to 2:00 PM) Along the Lady Young Road from the walkover to Upper Saint Francois Valley Road, inclusive of Romain Lands, Marie Road. Along San Francois Valley Road, Belmont Valley Road, Durant Street, Collins Road, Lenore Lane and all associated side streets. PETIT VALLEY (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) All customers on Pioneer Drive from LP #56 to LP #65 and all associated side streets. ARANGUEZ (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) All customers on Global Avenue, including WASA Main Stores North, Gl...

Officers of the Western Division, with support from the West End Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Western Division Task Force (WDTF), successfully recovered two (2) stolen vehicles and arrested seven (7) men during an operation in the Four Roads district in Diego Martin on Monday night (26th January, 2026). According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), around 10:30 PM, Police received intelligence information from the Command Centre, regarding a silver Toyota Fielder wagon that was reported stolen earlier that day in the Arima district. Acting on the information, Officers proceeded to a car park in the vicinity of First Citizens Bank, Four Roads. Upon arrival, Officers observed the stolen wagon along with two (2) other vehicles parked in the area. The behaviour of several individuals at the scene aroused suspicion, prompting Officers to intervene. Four (4) suspects were detained initially. Shortly after, another vehicle attempting to evade Police was inter...

A 41-year-old resident of Barrackpore has been charged with the unlawful killing (manslaughter) of his father, 63-year-old Ramesh Lalbeharry, who died on Tuesday 6th January, 2026. In a Media Release today (Tuesday 27th January, 2026), the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said the accused, Brandon Lalbeharry, a labourer of Hassanali Trace, South Lower Barrackpore, was formally charged on Wednesday 21st January, 2026, following advice received from Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) (Ag.), Mrs. Subrina Dougdeen-Jaglal. The charge was laid by Corporal Huggins of the Barrackpore Police Station. Investigations revealed that on Wednesday 31st December, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, the deceased was attending a family gathering at his home in Hassanali Trace South, Lower Barrackpore, where he resided along with the accused and other relatives. During the gathering, the deceased engaged in a heated argument with the accused. Shortly thereafter, Ramesh Lalbeharry was seen ...

UPDATE (28/01/26):  The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) is reporting 63% of teachers and 62% of students were absent on Tuesday (27th January, 2026). TTUTA has also confirmed a high level of teacher and student absenteeism today (Wednesday 28th January, 2026) at schools across the country — for a second day in a row. However, TTUTA insists it is not responsible for the absences. Meanwhile, the National Parent Teacher Association (NPTA) is expressing concern over these developments, and the impact on the nation’s students. UPDATE: Across in Tobago, the Division of Education, Skills and Innovation (DESI) said in a Media Release that it has “observed a low turnout of teachers at some Primary and Secondary schools under its purview. Consequently, early dismissal was authorized at affected schools. DESI continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Parents and guardians are urged to follow the Division's official communicat...

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we can expect fair and at times, breezy conditions today (Tuesday 27th January, 2026), with some brief, isolated light to moderate showery interruptions, favouring, but not confined to, hilly and Western areas. The forecast maximum temperature today will be 31°C at Piarco in Trinidad and 30°C at Crown Point in Tobago.  Seas are moderate with waves 2m to 2.5m in open waters and up to 0.5m in sheltered areas.  Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.