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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...

No decision has been made regarding the continued issuance and subsequent demonetization of the 5-cent coin. This according to the Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago. In a statement issued this afternoon (Tuesday 24th February, 2026), the Central Bank said, “This is, however, under consideration as a cost saving initiative for the country given the cost to produce the 5-cent coin (about 24 cents each); this is similar to the experience with the 1-cent coin, which, at the time that the Bank stopped issuing it in 2017 was costing 21 cents each to produce.” The Central Bank added, “If a decision is taken to stop issuing and, subsequently, to demonetize the 5-cent coin, the public will be notified well ahead of time via the Bank's official communication channels. This will include the process for redeeming the coins to ensure that this is managed seamlessly as in the case of the 1-cent coins which continue to be redeemed indefinitely following its demonetization in 2018 .” More on t...

The Ministry of Finance (MOF), Inland Revenue Division (IRD), is informing all Liquor Licence Holders of significant changes to the filing process for Amusement Gaming Tax Returns. In a Media Release today (Friday 20th February, 2026), the Ministry said, effective 1st April, 2026, the IRD will be transitioning to a fully digital filing system for Amusement Gaming Tax. Please note the following changes: All Amusement Gaming Tax Returns will now be accessed and processed exclusively via the IRD's e-Tax Logged In Service. Discontinuation of Paper Returns: Paper-based returns will no longer be accepted for processing of the Amusement Gaming Tax Returns from the 2026 period. Licence Holders are reminded that all outstanding Amusement Gaming Tax Returns for periods prior to this transition must be submitted using the existing manual process. Electronic Documentation: Licence Holders will be required to upload all necessary information and documents electronically, including the sp...

UPDATE: Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, has issued the following statement after the announcement that Trinidad and Tobago has been removed from the EU tax list:  “Trinidad and Tobago is no longer blacklisted. Our country has officially been removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes — a designation applied to countries that fail to meet international standards for tax transparency.  This is a major step forward. The previous PNM administration failed to take the necessary actions to secure compliance and removal. Since assuming office, your UNC Government moved swiftly and decisively to fix it. Through legislative reform, sustained international engagement, and stronger institutions, we restored credibility and rebuilt trust. Blacklisting constrained investment, limited opportunity, and weakened confidence in our financial system. In less than a year, we strengthened our laws, enhanced transparency, ...

First Citizens Bank (FCB) has announced a reduction of foreign exchange limit on credit cards, effective from 10th March, 2026 — becoming the latest bank to make the move due to the ongoing foreign exchange shortage affecting Trinidad and Tobago. In a recent email sent to customers, the bank stated that the new limit on its Mastercard Standard credit card had been reduced from US $6,000 to US $2,000. According to the email, “Please be advised that effective March 10, 2026, there will be an adjustment to the US$ limit on our Mastercard Standard credit card. Your maximum US$ spend on this card will be USD $2,000.00 per month.” The bank further advised that the amended per cycle US$ spending limit will only apply to the international transactions of its customers, both online and in-person. However, it stated that TT$ credit limits would not change by this adjustment. This announcement came just under two (2) weeks since JMMB halved the monthly US dollar spending limit to US $100 for its...

With all indicators pointing to a bumper Carnival Season, Minister of Finance, the Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, says “this is the strongest signal yet that the economy is on the upswing.” In a Media Release on Fantastic Friday (13th February, 2026), the Ministry of Finance said, “Hot on the heels of a favourable country review by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Minister Tancoo expressed buoyant optimism about the state of the economy and its current trajectory, citing as evidence the vibrancy of this year's Carnival festivities.” “Activities such as fetes, some of which are massive events, are doing very well,” he said. “Mas bands have attracted large numbers and J'ouvert bands and hotel rooms are sold out. We expect flights into Trinidad and Tobago to be packed to capacity as visitors from all around the world descend on our shores for these celebrations.” Minister Tancoo, Member of Parliament for Fyzabad, was speaking on Friday at the extremely successful Fyzabad Ca...

A massive fire has gutted the premises of Anand Low Price Supermarket in Gulf View early this morning (Sunday 8th February, 2026), causing millions of dollars in damage  and leaving multiple employees without jobs.  Bentley's, a 24-hour hotel located in the lower section of the building, was spared from the blaze, sustaining only minimal water damage during firefighting efforts. Senior Fire Officer Ansar Ali confirmed the fire consumed much of the two-storey property shortly before 4:00 AM, although Officers were able to contain the destruction to the upper floor. According to Ali, the total value of losses as a result of the fire has not yet been determined, but accounting for stock and structural damage, he estimated the figure would be in the millions. According to reports, the Fire Service was contacted around 3:43 AM and an appliance was swiftly dispatched from the Mon Repos Fire Station, arriving at the site within two (2) minutes. Upon arrival, Officers observed that t...

Downloadable forms for Landlord Registration with the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) will be available from 1st March, 2026. This was announced by the BIR this week, as it advised that preparations are well underway to facilitate landlords seeking to become compliant. In a Media Release today (Friday 6th February, 2026), the Ministry of Finance said the BIR is “currently involved in administrative preparations to ensure readiness for implementation of the Landlord Business Surcharge — a new tax introduced in the 2025/2026 National Budget .” Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo, met with the BIR this week to discuss the new measure. According to the Ministry, “As indicated in the National Budget 2026, all landlords are now required to register with the BIR. Landlords now have up to May 30 to get registered , following an extension of the timeframe from an earlier deadline of March 31.” For an individual, the revised penalty for not filing taxes (Landlord Business Surcharge) is $1,000...

After a meeting with San Fernando Carnival Stakeholders on Monday (2nd February, 2026), the San Fernando Carnival Committee said it wishes to “formally advise all stakeholders, bandleaders, cultural practitioners, sponsors, and the general public that the competitive component of San Fernando Carnival 2026 has been suspended. ” In a Media Release following the meeting, the Committee said, “This decision was taken following careful review of the level of funding received for Carnival 2026 , which was lower than allocations received in previous years , and insufficient to responsibly support a full competition-based Carnival product. The Committee has also assessed current operational costs and the need to ensure that all participating bands and stakeholders are treated fairly and sustainably. Carnival 2026 WILL PROCEED The Committee is emphasizing that San Fernando Carnival 2026 is not cancelled. “The parade of the bands will proceed as scheduled , and the City will once again come aliv...

Starbucks Trinidad & Tobago has announced that its Piarco International Airport location will be closed as of Tuesday 3rd February, 2026, pending relocation within the Airport. Starbucks said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your patience and continued support. Please stay tuned for updates. Thank you for being part of our Starbucks community.” More on this as it becomes available.

Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) is advising customers that there will be a 15% increase in the price of its sacks/bags of cements, effective from 9th February, 2026 , due to an increase in natural gas prices which the company said is having a “direct and significant impact” on its production costs. TCL signaled its intention to raise prices in a previous notice to customers on 26th January, 2026), stating that it was awaiting a final determination on the gas price increase proposed by the National Gas Company (NGC), which was expected by 31st January, 2026. The company noted at the time that natural gas is “a critical input in cement manufacturing” and that the proposed increase would significantly affect its production cost. In a new letter to customers on Monday (2nd February, 2026), TCL General Manager Gonzalo Rueda Castillo said, “Following our communication of 26 January 2026, we would like to share an important update regarding recent developments affecting our operations with pot...

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...

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.

The bar industry in Trinidad and Tobago is facing an unprecedented crisis. This according to the Trinidad & Tobago Coalition of Bars & Restaurants. In a statement issued via Facebook today (Saturday 24th January, 2026), the Coalition said the crisis being experienced by the bar industry is a result of several factors, including what it calls “disproportionate policy decisions” that it says threaten the very survival of an entire sector. See their full statement below: AN INDUSTRY ON THE BRINK: A PLEA FROM THE BAR SECTOR OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - By Nicholas Ramsundar The bar industry in Trinidad and Tobago is facing an unprecedented crisis. What we are experiencing today is not the result of poor management or reckless behaviour, but the cumulative impact of drastic, unconsulted, and disproportionate policy decisions that threaten the very survival of an entire sector. This is not an exaggeration. It is the lived reality of thousands of bar owners, workers, suppliers, and fami...

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is planning to raise US $1 billion (TT $7 billion) on the international market. This was revealed in Legal Notice No. 9 of 2026, published online and dated 13th January, 2026, and signed the previous day by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, on 12th January, 2026. The item said while the Government intends to issue notes of up to US $1 billion on the international market and offer them for sale to qualified institutional buyers, both within and outside of the United States, it was now expedient that the Minister make an order to do so. It further said the Government has appointed JP Morgan Securities LLC and Bank of America Securities Inc., to act as joint lead managers/arrangers to facilitate the issuance of the notes. With this deal being done under Trinidad and Tobago’s External Loans Act (Section 6), the act allows the Minister (by order) to exempt certain items – the payment of principal, interest and any other debt charges – from all taxe...

Following the passing of the 2025 Finance Bill, a structured increase in contribution rates for the National Insurance System (NIS) was introduced as part of measures to strengthen the sustainability of the scheme. According to the National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago (NIBTT), from 5th January, 2026, the contribution rate will be adjusted from 13.2% to 16.2% , “ensuring the long-term sustainability of pensions and other key National Insurance benefits. This measure is pivotal to the future of the Fund, ensuring that today's workforce, as well as future generations, can rely on a strong and stable NIS.” Employers and employees are encouraged to review these rates below: ( Click/Tap Image To Enlarge ) A phased 6% increase to the NIS contribution rate was  announced  by the Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, M.P., Minister of Finance, during his National Budget 2026 presentation on 13th October, 2025. There will be an increase by 3% (from 13.2% to 16.2%), effective from ...

The Coat of Arms is integrated into the design of all Trinidad and Tobago banknotes and coins. The new Coat of Arms became valid from 25th February, 2025 and consistent with the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) (Extension of Time for Use of Former Coat of Arms) Order, 2025, the old Coat of Arms remains valid until 2nd January, 2031. In a Media Release today (Friday 9th January, 2026), the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago said it will introduce the new Coat of Arms on new banknotes from August 2026, beginning with the Series 2026 $100 denomination. Following the introduction of the Series 2026 $100 banknotes with the new Coat of Arms, all $100 notes and notes of other denominations with Series dates prior to 2026, as well as all coins bearing the former Coat of Arms, will be changed out on a phased basis. The Bank said it will therefore allow the old notes and coins with the former Coat of Arms that are in active circulation to remain legal tender unti...

Newsday announced a short while ago this evening (Friday 9th January, 2026) that it has commenced legal proceedings to wind-up its business — after serving Trinidad and Tobago for the past thirty-two (32) years.   According to Newsday, a Public Notice, to be published in all daily newspapers on Saturday (10th January, 2026), will state that a petition to wind-up Daily News Ltd., publishers of Newsday, was filed on 31st December, 2025, and the first hearing is set for 19th January, 2026. Newsday was established in 1993 by a group of journalists, led by Therese Mills, and challenged the two (2) other daily newspapers, Express and Guardian, eventually taking top spot during its peak. The company's Managing Director, Grant Taylor, said in a statement today (Friday 9th January, 2026), “ A perfect storm of challenges has led to where we are now: closure. ” He added: “Newsday is no different in most respects from the other players in the market; this is an industry under severe pressure. ...

The Ministry of Homeland Security has officially announced the implementation of a revised fee structure for services provided by the Immigration Division, effective from 1st January, 2026.   In a Media Release on Wednesday (31st December, 2025), the Ministry said this adjustment, made under the Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, “is a vital component of the Government's ongoing commitment to modernizing our nation's border management and enhancing the efficiency of service delivery to all citizens, residents, clients and stakeholders of the Immigration Division.” Context For The Adjustment According to the Ministry, “For almost two (2) decades, many of the fees associated with immigration services have remained unchanged, with the last significant revision occurring in 2007. Since that time, the operational landscape of the Immigration Division has evolved significantly. The current adjustments are necessary to align with the modern costs of providing secure, high-qual...

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) has released a comprehensive position paper outlining the scale, causes, and solutions to the country's worsening foreign exchange (forex) crisis, warning that inaction is no longer a viable option for the national economy. In a Media Release today (Friday 19th December, 2025), the TT Chamber said it “emphasizes that the foreign exchange shortage is now a nationally recognized challenge affecting businesses of all sizes, households and the country's long-term development prospects. Persistent shortages, growing uncertainty and widening market distortions are undermining business continuity, weakening investor confidence and constraining economic diversification.” According to the TT Chamber, “ Addressing the crisis requires broad-based engagement and a multi-stakeholder approach, involving the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, the private sector and other chambers. T...