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Showing posts from February, 2026

Advisory From Ministry of Foreign And CARICOM Affairs On Developments In The Middle East

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The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago said it is closely observing the evolving developments in the Middle East . In a Media Release today (Saturday 28th February, 2026), the Ministry said nationals are strongly encouraged to undertake the following precautionary actions: Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities. Stay vigilant and informed by monitoring credible news sources and official advisories. Register promptly with the Ministry's Registration System for Nationals Abroad:
 https://register.foreign.gov.tt . Ensure that all travel documents are valid and up to date. Comply fully with safety and security directives issued by local authorities. Ascertain the location of the nearest emergency shelter in the event of intensifying hostilities. Formulate contingency plans for departure, particularly where personal safety may be at risk. Nationals are also reminded...

Trump Announces Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

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UPDATE 3:  Iran has confirmed the death of the Ayatollah after hours of denial, even after Donald Trump announced he was dead. UPDATE 2:  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump were reportedly shown an image of Khamenei's body after it was recovered from his compound. UPDATE: Khamenei's four (4) family members were also killed in the strikes, along with two (2) high-level military leaders — Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani and Commander of the IRGC, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour. “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead.” This according to a statement released a few moments ago this afternoon (Saturday 28th February, 2026) by United States President Donald Trump, announcing the death of 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989. He was reportedly killed after Israeli jets dropped thirty (30) bombs on his compound. The United States and Israel struck Iran in a major operation earlier today that President T...

Man Shot Dead At Gas Station In Arouca — 28 Spent Shells Found, Including 5 Marked ‘TTPS’

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A man is dead following a shooting incident at a gas station in Arouca early this morning (Saturday 28th February, 2026). The deceased has been identified as Minford Alick of Jokhan Trace, Carapo. Police reportedly recovered five (5) Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) spent shells at the scene. According to reports, Alick was shot while at the gas station, located at the corner of Eastern Main Road and Golden Grove Road, and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The gas station was said to be closed at the time of the brutal killing. Police and Emergency Health Services were notified. Officers attached to the Arouca Police Station responded to the scene, around 1:38 AM, and arrived seven (7) minutes later. Upon arrival, they found Alick lying next to his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds about the body. Workers at a nearby fast-food restaurant told Officers they heard gunshots and later discovered the man’s body. Crime scene investigators recovered twenty-eight (28) spent 9...

U.S. Forces Launch Operation Epic Fury — Uses One-Way Attack Drones In Historic First

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United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it commenced Operation Epic Fury today (Saturday 28th February, 2026) at the direction of the President of the United States, Donald Trump. CENTCOM's Task Force Scorpion Strike — for the first time in history — is using one-way attack drones in combat during Operation Epic Fury. “These low-cost drones, modeled after Iran's Shahed drones, are now delivering American-made retribution.” In a statement issued a short while ago this afternoon, CENTCOM said, “ U.S. and partner forces began striking targets at 1:15 AM ET to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat. Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. ” According to Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of CENTCOM, “The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Gu...

Mandatory Fixed Penalty Warning System For These 18 Traffic Violations To Take Effect From Monday

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The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation is advising members of the public that, effective from Monday (2nd March, 2026), mandatory Fixed Penalty Warnings will be implemented for eighteen (18) specified traffic violations contained in the Eleventh Schedule to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act , Chap. 48:50, aimed at improving road safety, encouraging compliance, and promoting corrective action. In a Media Release on Friday (27th February, 2026), the Ministry said, “ Motorists in breach of the listed violations will be issued a Fixed Penalty Warning instead of a Fixed Penalty Notice. The warning provides motorists with an opportunity to correct the identified defect within a prescribed three (3) or seven (7) business day period , excluding weekends, public holidays, Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday.” The Ministry notes that upon issuance of a warning, the motorist is required to remedy the defect and present the vehicle at any Police Station or any office of the Licensing...

U.S. President Donald Trump Announces MAJOR Combat Operations Against Iran

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UPDATE 3:  United States President Donald Trump has announced the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , Iran’s supreme leader since 1989. He was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on his Tehran compound. UPDATE 2:  Scenes of chaos unfolded in Qatar after debris from an intercepted missile fell from the sky, sending bystanders scrambling for cover. Cellphone footage circulating online shows several people running in panic as fragments descended overhead before striking the ground and exploding. UPDATE: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump monitored the situation overnight at Mar-a-Lago in Florida alongside members of his national security team. “The President spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu by phone. Prior to the attacks, Secretary Rubio called all members of the gang of eight to provide congressional notification, and he was able to reach and brief seven of the eight members. The President and his national security team will continue to c...

Today: Sunny, Hazy, Breezy, Brief Showers — Mild To Moderate Saharan Dust; 31°C Max

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According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we can expect sunny, hazy and breezy conditions today (Saturday 28th February, 2026), despite brief showers at times. Tonight will be fair but hazy apart from a few brisk showers, occurring mainly after Midnight. The Met Office notes the following: Winds may gust at times, especially near showers.  There is a mild to moderate concentration of Saharan dust in the atmosphere. Persons who are 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 near 1m in sheltered areas.  Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

Chaguanas Mayor Announces Development of Transport Hub, Vendor Relocation Deadline

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“The area formerly occupied by the old Chaguanas Health Facility has been identified for the development of a proper, structured transport hub. This is not a random decision. It is part of a broader plan to improve traffic flow, public safety, commuter comfort, and economic activity within our Borough.” This from Mayor of Chaguanas His Worship Councillor Faaiq Mohammed. In a Media Release today (Friday 27th February, 2026), the Mayor said, “Chaguanas is growing. And with growth comes responsibility. We cannot continue to operate in a way that creates congestion, disorder, and long term risk. We must plan properly, build properly, and manage our space properly. Let me also make the timeline clear. Vendors operating in that area have been formally notified and have until March 31st to remove their structures and relocate. Demolition will commence immediately after that date. This process is defined, it is orderly, and it will proceed.” According to Mohammed, “At the same time, let me be...

TRIPLE Murder Rocks Laventille — 3 Men Shot Dead Outside Home

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UPDATE: Following this morning’s triple murder in Laventille, Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, is assuring that law enforcement personnel will be present in the community as efforts continue to address safety and security concerns across the country. Three (3) men are dead following a brutal shooting incident outside a home in Laventille early this morning (Friday 27th February, 2026), which has left residents traumatized and shaken. The deceased have been identified as 33-year-old Jesse Nelson, Keon Alexander and Dwayne Alexander, all of 53 Mc Shine Lands, Laventille. According to reports, the men were gathered outside a home along 42nd Street off Laventille Road, Laventille, when they were ambushed by several gunmen armed with assault rifles, shortly after 1:00 AM. The men opened fire on the group, striking all three (3) victims multiple times before making their escape. Police and Emergency Health Services were notified and Officers assigned to the Port-of-Spain Tas...

Temporary Closure of Rio Claro Health Centre

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The Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) is informing members of the public that the Rio Claro Health Centre will be closed from 7:00 AM on Saturday (28th February, 2026) to facilitate maintenance works. During this temporary closure, services can be accessed at the Mayaro District Health Facility. Services at the Rio Claro Health Centre will resume at 8:00 AM on Monday (2nd March, 2026). The ERHA said it “apologizes for any inconvenience caused as we seek to continuously provide the highest quality healthcare services to our clients.” Please be guided accordingly.

Heritage Responds To Reports of Oil Spill At San Fernando East Secondary School

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Heritage Petroleum Company Limited (Heritage) has confirmed that it responded to a leak on Thursday (26th February, 2026) on a trunk pipeline located on the compound of the San Fernando East Secondary School, San Fernando. As a precautionary measure to protect students, staff and the wider community, the school remained closed today (Friday 27th February, 2026). Heritage said in a Media Release, “Upon detection, the area was secured, and emergency response protocols were activated. Heritage mobilized equipment to contain and clean up the affected area and air quality monitoring equipment was also used to ensure readings are within acceptable limits. As of 8:00 PM this evening [Thursday], the line was plugged and clamped, and the removal of contaminated material is ongoing.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Ministry of Education, the Environmental Management Authority, and other relevant stakeholders continue to be updated on the ...

64-Year-Old Man Dies In Fiery Highway Crash Near Divali Nagar Site; Passenger Injured

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A man is dead and another injured following a fiery road traffic accident along the Uriah Butler Highway in Chaguanas last night (Thursday 26th February, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 64-year-old Bhisham Phillip of Montrose, Chaguanas. According to reports, Phillip was driving a silver Mazda RX-8 (PCZ 7033) with a passenger along the Northbound lane of the Uriah Butler Highway, when he reportedly swerved in an attempt to avoid colliding with another vehicle, shortly after 10:00 PM. In doing so, however, he lost control of the car, which slammed into the metal railing near the pedestrian overpass in the vicinity of the Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas. Phillip was reportedly ejected from the car moments before it became engulfed in flames upon impact. Police, Fire and Emergency Health Services were notified and responded. However, Phillip succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His passenger sustained minor injuries. Investigations are continuing into the circumstances surr...

Today: Sunny, Hazy, Breezy, Isolated Showers — Significant Saharan Dust; 31°C Max

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According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we can expect generally sunny, hazy and breezy conditions today (Friday 27th February, 2026). A few patches of cloud cover and isolated showers are likely. Tonight will be generally fair, apart from the odd isolated shower. Gusts can accompany showers. The Met Office notes that a significant concentration of Saharan dust is present. Sensitive persons 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 near 2.5m 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.

NO Electricity On Friday In Parts of Belmont, El Dorado, Couva, Caratal, Lady Hailes, Tabaquite

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The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Belmont, El Dorado, Couva, Caratal, Lady Hailes and Tabaquite on Friday (27th February, 2026). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.  According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Belmont, El Dorado, Couva, Caratal, Lady Hailes and Tabaquite are as follows:  BELMONT (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) Along the Lady Young Road from the walkover to Upper Saint Francois Valley Road, inclusive of Romain Lands, parts of Marie Road (Digicel, Bmobile and Power 102 will not be affected). Along Saint Francois Valley Road, Belmont Valley Road, Durant Street, Collins Road, Lenore Lane and all associated side streets. EL DORADO (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) LP #34 to LP #40 Madoo Hill. COUVA (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) From LP #53 heading East up to LP #86 on Camden Road, inclusive of EMBD Exchange Phase I and EMBD Exchange Phase Il. From LP #7 headin...

Glock Pistol, Ammunition Seized During Intelligence-Led Operation In Arima — FOUR (4) Arrested

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An intelligence-led operation conducted by Officers of the Northern Division - North has resulted in the arrest of four (4) suspects and the seizure of a firearm and ammunition. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the exercise was carried out between 2:00 AM and 12:30 PM on Tuesday (24th February, 2026), within the Northern Division - North. The operation was spearheaded by ACP Singh, W/Snr. Supt. Maynard Wilson, Supt. Mc Kenzie, ASP Balewah and Insp. Estrada. It was supervised by Cpl. Osouna and included Officers attached to the Arima Charge Room and the Arima Intelligence and Operations Units. Around 2:00 AM, Officers, conducting a street-check exercise, observed a white Mitsubishi wagon. The driver looked in the direction of the Police, turned the vehicle abruptly and sped off in the opposite direction. Officers pursued the vehicle and successfully intercepted it a short distance away. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of several number...

Missing: 17-Year-Old Moruga Girl — Last Seen On Monday

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Pictured Above: Katrena Beekee, 17. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is seeking the public’s assistance to find a missing 17-year-old girl. In a social media post today (Thursday 26th February, 2026), the TTPS said Katrena Beekee of St. Mary’s, Moruga, was last seen and reported missing on Monday (23rd February, 2026).  Have you seen her?  Anyone with information on the teen’s whereabouts can contact the St. Mary’s Police Station at 674-0100, or 999, 555, 911, 800-TIPS (800-8477), or contact any Police Station.  Please share quickly. Let us get Katrena home today.

28-Year-Old Man Shot Dead Inside Car In Santa Cruz; 23 Spent Shells Found

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A man is dead following a shooting incident in Santa Cruz last night (Wednesday 25th February, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old labourer, Hakeem Baker, also known as “Peng,” of Northwest Drive, Patna Village, Diego Martin. He was gunned down inside a car. According to reports, Officers of the North Eastern Division were alerted about several loud explosions heard on Sun Valley Extension, La Canoa Road, shortly before 9:00 PM, and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found Baker’s body slumped with multiple gunshot wounds in the front passenger seat of a silver Nissan B14, which was partly in a drain at the side of the road. Police believe Baker attempted to escape his attackers by driving away, but lost control under heavy gunfire and drove into a ditch, before climbing into the passenger side seat. However, the gunmen allegedly pursued the vehicle and continued firing in his direction even after it came to a stop. A District Medical Officer (DMO) was summon...

T&T Prime Minister Meets With U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Trump Meeting To Follow In Early March

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Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, met on Wednesday (25th February, 2026) with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a one-on-one bilateral discussion during the CARICOM 50th Regular Meeting in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The Honourable Prime Minister was among a select group of regional leaders afforded the opportunity to engage in these high‑level talks. Mrs. Persad-Bissessar is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on 7th March, 2026, after receiving an invitation to attend what is being called the “Shields of the Americas” summit in Florida. The disclosure came following her closed-door talks with Secretary Rubio on Wednesday — a development that is already drawing regional attention. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set to meet United States President Donald Trump next month, after receiving an invitation to attend what is being called the “Shields of the Americas” summit in Florida. The disclosure came following her closed-door talks wi...

Today: Hazy, Breezy/Windy, Isolated Showers — Moderate Saharan Dust; 31°C Max

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According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), today (Thursday 26th February, 2026) will be generally hazy and breezy to windy at times, with brief, light or moderate showers in varying areas. A Hazardous Seas Alert (Yellow Level) is in effect until 9:00 AM on Saturday (28th February, 2026). The Met Office notes that a moderate concentration of Saharan dust is present in the atmosphere. Sensitive persons 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 to rough with waves 2.5m in open waters and 1m to 1.5m and occasionally choppy in sheltered areas.  Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

T&TEC: NO Electricity On Thursday In Parts of Cunupia, Chase Village, Freeport

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The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Cunupia, Chase Village and Freeport on Thursday (26th February, 2026). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.  According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Cunupia, Chase Village and Freeport are as follows:  CUNUPIA (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) From comer of Ramlal Trace and Ramsaran Trace heading East up to LP #56 on Ramlal Trace and all associated side streets, off Warren Road. CHASE VILLAGE (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) John Persad Trace and Ramlogan Drive: From pole 50 on John Persad Trace up to pole 60 and from pole 587/1 up to pole 54 along Ramlogan Drive and all associated side streets. FREEPORT (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) From pole 192 up to pole 146 along the Mission Road. Affected streets include: Ghany Lane, Camasak, Calcutta Settlement Road No. 3, Chickland Road, Preysal Crown Trace, Taitt Madoo Road, Dookie Trace East a...

Samsung Launches Galaxy S26 Models, Buds 4, Buds 4 Pro: Here’s Everything To Know

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Samsung announced its full lineup of Galaxy S26 phones at its Unpacked event today (Wednesday 25th February, 2026), along with the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. The brand launches new phones and earbuds in February, having done so consistently for over five (5) years. All the new products are available for pre-order today, and launch officially on 11th March, 2026. The Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra now start at 256GB of storage (up from 128GB on the S25 and S25 Plus), and have a new internal chip for faster performance in all tasks, including new AI software features. The S26 and S26 Plus feature a few minor hardware upgrades. The S26 has a slightly larger battery (4,300 mAh, up from 4,000), while the S26 Plus has slightly faster wireless charging. The storage increase to 256GB, up from 128GB last year, means that they are US $100 more expensive than before, with retail prices of US $899 and US $1,099, respectively. As for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the big new f...

Breaking: Cuban Border Guard Troops Open Fire On Florida-Registered Speedboat — 4 Dead, 6 Wounded

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Cuban officials announced this afternoon (Wednesday 25th February, 2026) that four (4) people aboard a Florida-registered speedboat were killed by Cuban border guard troops and six (6) wounded, when the vessel allegedly violated its territorial waters. A Commander of the Cuban border guard was also shot during the confrontation. Cuban officials allege that the Florida-registered vessel had initiated the firefight. U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet responded to the incident. The Cuban Embassy in the U.S. issued a note from Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior via X this afternoon, stating, “On the morning of February 25, 2026, a violating speedboat was detected within Cuban territorial waters. The vessel, registered in Florida, United States, with registration number FL7726SH, approached up to 1 nautical mile Northeast of the El Pino channel, in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province. When a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior, ...

Final Day For ‘Migrant Registration Framework’ Online Registration

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The Ministry of Homeland Security is advising that today (Wednesday 25th February, 2026) is the final day for online registration with the Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) .   The registration portal will close promptly at Midnight . In a Media Release today, the Ministry said, “Applicants are reminded that incomplete applications will NOT be accepted.  Individuals are therefore encouraged to ensure that all required information and supporting documents are properly submitted before the deadline.” In-Person Interview Schedule In-person interviews will be conducted at the following locations: Monday 2nd March, 2026 to Friday 27th March, 2026 Hasely Crawford Stadium (Port-of-Spain) Larry Gomes Stadium (Arima) Ato Boldon Stadium (Couva) Tuesday 3rd March, 2026 to Wednesday 11th March, 2026 Dwight Yorke Stadium (Tobago) Applicants are strongly advised to check their email regularly for their assigned appointment date and time. All appointment notifications will be issued...

NO Electricity On Thursday In Parts of Diego Martin, Las Cuevas, Cumuto, Sangre Grande, Rio Claro

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The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Diego Martin, Las Cuevas, Cumuto, Sangre Grande and Rio Claro on Thursday (26th February, 2026). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.  According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Diego Martin, Las Cuevas, Cumuto, Sangre Grande and Rio Claro are as follows:  DIEGO MARTIN (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) Along Western zone of Cemetery Street and all associated side streets. LAS CUEVAS (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) Along Zorro Road all associated side streets. CUMUTO (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) Saint Maire Emmanuel Road, including Dedier Trace, Carpenter Trace, Hakoo Trace, Sookoo Trace, Guatapajaro Road, Thanoo Trace and all associated side streets. SANGRE GRANDE (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) LP #56 on Oropouche Road heading East, including El Reposo Road, Sonja Circular, Ragbir Avenue, Boodoo Highway, Non Pariel Road, Juantia Boulevard, Felmina...

Ministry ‘Unequivocally Condemns’ Ocelot Shooting Incident In Cedros/Granville Forest

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries said it acknowledges a recent incident involving an ocelot, an Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) protected under the Environmental Management Act , found shot and wounded in the Cedros-Granville forest on Sunday (22nd February, 2026). The animal was recovered by wildlife officials, transferred to veterinary care, and is presently receiving treatment. Recovery is expected to take several weeks. In a Media Release on Tuesday (24th February, 2026), the Ministry said the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is “legally recognized as an ESS, a status that accords it full protection from hunting, harm, or disturbance. As an apex predator, the species plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of Trinidad and Tobago's forests by regulating prey populations. Any act that jeopardizes the life or well-being of an ESS not only undermines national conservation objectives but also contravenes the Environmental Management Act , which prescri...