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The Ministry of Education said it continues to work closely with relevant stakeholders following a reported fire at Canaan Presbyterian School, Duncan Village, San Fernando, early this morning (Friday 16th October, 2026). No students or staff were on the school compound at the time of the incident. A total of eight (8) classrooms were reportedly destroyed in the blaze, forcing the closure of the school today. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze after receiving the call after 4:00 AM. Following the fire, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS), the National Maintenance Training and Security Company Ltd (MTS), the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), and the Presbyterian Primary Schools’ Board of Education (PPSBE), advanced a co-ordinated approach to chart the way forward, prioritizing the necessary assessments, appropriate interventions, and arrangements to facilitate the safe resumption of school...

Southern Division Officers arrested four (4) men and seized various quantities of cannabis during an operation conducted in the Gasparillo district on Monday (5th October, 2026). According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), at approximately 11:50 AM, a team of Officers from the Southern Division Task Force was on mobile patrol in the vicinity of School Street, Gasparillo, near a primary school, when they had cause to search four (4) men. During the searches, the Officers found quantities of cannabis in the possession of each man. A 24-year-old man was found in possession of fourteen (14) grammes of cannabis, while a 26-year-old man, of Parforce Road, Bonne Aventure, was also found in possession of fourteen (14) grammes of cannabis. The Officers also searched a 37-year-old man, of Perry Wing Street, Gasparillo, and found nine (9) grammes of cannabis. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man, of Caratal Road, Gasparillo, was found in possession of sixteen (16) grammes of cannabis. The...

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is issuing a firm warning following reports of schoolchildren deliberately sitting in the middle of roadways as a dare or challenge to oncoming motorists. In a Public Advisory issued today (Saturday 26th September, 2026), the TTPS said, “Let us be clear: this behaviour is reckless, it is dangerous, and it will not be tolerated. A child sitting in the path of a moving vehicle is one moment away from tragedy. A driver who is forced to swerve or brake suddenly may lose control, putting the child, the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other road users at grave risk of serious injury or death. No trend, no dare and no social media video is worth a life.” The TTPS added that it is “treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. Active investigations are underway and the TTPS will take all appropriate action under the law against anyone found to be engaging in, encouraging, recording or promoting this conduct.” The public will be updated on t...

Bomb threats targeting four (4) schools were reported earlier today (Friday 25th September, 2026), forcing students and staff to evacuate their buildings. The affected schools were Arima North Secondary School, El Dorado East Secondary School, El Dorado West Secondary School, and Tunapuna Secondary School. The Ministry of Education said it was informed that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) received information concerning the threats and subsequently responded to the affected schools. In a Media Release, the Ministry said, “As part of the security response, the affected schools were thoroughly searched by Officers of the Explosive Detection and Disposal Unit and the Special Branch of the TTPS. Following the completion of the security sweeps, no explosive devices or suspicious items were found. The affected schools have therefore been cleared by the TTPS and deemed safe for the resumption of normal school operation.” The Ministry said it “wishes to assure parents, guardians,...

The Ministry of Education said it is aware of a reported incident at the San Juan North Secondary School which occurred on Thursday (10th September, 2026), involving the entry of an unauthorized individual onto the school compound and the reported robbery of personal property from a member of staff. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is currently investigating the matter. In a Media Release on Saturday (12th September, 2026), the Ministry said in response to the incident, it has “initiated emergency works to address an identified vulnerability along the rear perimeter of the school compound. The National Maintenance Training and Security Company Limited (MTS) has been engaged to undertake the necessary remedial works to further strengthen the physical security of the compound.” The Ministry, through its Health, Safety and Security Services Unit (HSSSU), has also reviewed the school’s security protocols and said it “continues to assess the arrangements in place. Security meas...

The Ministry of Education is confirming that all 777 Government and Government-Assisted schools, including Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres across Trinidad and Tobago, were open today (Monday 7th September, 2026) for the start of the 2026/2027 Academic Year . In a Media Release, the Ministry said the Minister of Education, Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlath, “extends best wishes to all students, teachers, principals, parents and support staff for a safe, productive and successful Academic Year. The Minister endorses the Prime Minister’s, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC., advice on regular attendance, discipline, respect for educators and active parental responsibility . Students are urged to take their education seriously, while parents are encouraged to work closely with schools to support their children’s learning and behaviour.” The Ministry said it “reaffirms its commitment to continuing the Government’s education initiatives, including the School Nutriti...

“Study diligently because life will grind you down into survival mode without an education.” This from Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, to students on the eve of the re-opening of schools across the country on Monday (7th September, 2026). In a lengthy statement issued via social media a short while ago this afternoon (Sunday 6th September, 2026), the Prime Minister said, “As the new academic year begins , I extend my best wishes to every student, teacher, principal and parent. To our students, ensure you return to school ready to learn and work. Be disciplined, attend classes, respect your teachers and staff and take responsibility for your progress. Most of you will accept this advice, go to school to learn, make lasting friendships and build your foundation for a successful future. A minority of you will not heed this advice, go to school to bully others, not study, create chaos in classrooms and hinder other students from learning and having a pleasant ...

The Ministry of Education is advising the public that the distribution of payments under the 2026 School Supplies and Book Grant Initiative will commence on Wednesday (2nd September, 2026). Final verification checks have been completed, and the programme has now transitioned to the disbursement phase. In a Media Release today (Tuesday 1st September, 2026), the Ministry notes that successful applicants will receive an email confirming that their application has been approved. According to the Ministry, “Further correspondence will be issued once payments have been deposited into the bank accounts of beneficiaries who provided banking information. Applicants receiving payment by cheque will receive a subsequent email advising them of the relevant collection arrangements.” For those receiving disbursements via cheque, collection will be available at Education District Offices nationwide ( see below ) between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. ( Click/Tap Image To Enlarge) A valid form of ...

The Ministry of Education is advising the public that the initial review of all 45,953 applications received for the 2026 School Supplies and Book Grant has been completed. The Ministry said it is now undertaking the necessary final verification checks to confirm eligibility and ensure that the available assistance is directed to the most vulnerable applicants. In a Media Release on Thursday (27th August, 2026) the Ministry said it expects to have completed final verification for approximately 10,000 applications by Friday (28th August, 2026). Final verification of the remaining applications is expected to be completed by Wednesday 2nd September, 2026. The Ministry notes that these final verification checks are “essential to maintaining the integrity of the programme, safeguarding public funds and ensuring that assistance is directed to eligible applicants who are most vulnerable.” Payments to successful applicants are expected to begin by Wednesday 2nd September, 2026. According to t...

Minister of Education, Dr. Michael Dowlath, has signaled a “significant improvement” in this year’s Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) results, after getting a sneak preview ahead of the official release of the results at 11:00 PM tonight (Thursday 2nd July, 2026). Dr. Dowlath made the revelation while speaking on Wednesday (1st July, 2026) at the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago’s (Amcham) 8th Annual Tech Hub Islands Summit (T.H.I.S.) 2026 - IMPACT, held at the Hyatt Regency. He was at the time praising the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Amcham, particularly support for an artificial intelligence platform that provided pupils with access to past SEA Mathematics examination papers. The Minister stated, “And this is where I want to thank Amcham, through an NGO that they supported, that assisted the Ministry of Education in building and successfully introducing the SEA Mathematics Past Paper Al platform. You deserve a wonderful round of applause ...

The Ministry of Education is advising parents and guardians that the results of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) 2026 Examination are expected to be released on Thursday (2nd July, 2026). Students will be able to access their results via the Ministry’s SEA Portal from 11:00 PM. A total of 17,509 students, comprising 8,854 boys and 8,655 girls, wrote the SEA Exams on Thursday 26th March, 2026. In a Media Release this morning (Monday 29th June, 2026), the Ministry said results can be accessed and downloaded at https://searesults.moe.gov.tt . “Please be advised that schools will not be distributing hard copies of the results, as these are not required for the secondary school registration process.” To access the SEA Online Portal, parents and guardians will need the following information, which can be found on the SEA Admission slip: The student’s date of birth; The student’s number; and The admissions number. Private candidates who misplaced their SEA Admission slips are required ...

The Ministry of Education is conducting a Means Test to determine eligibility for the School Supplies and Book Grant, to support financially disadvantaged students at both the Primary and Secondary levels. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens students face in acquiring essential school supplies, ensuring they have the resources for learning. The Means Test commenced on Monday 22nd June, 2026 and the deadline for applications is on Wednesday 8th July, 2026. Download, complete, and re-upload all forms to bookgrant.moe.gov.tt . WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Trinidad and Tobago Nationals only. Parents/Guardians earning a gross salary of $7,500 or less, with students currently enrolled at the following institutions: Government and Government Assisted Primary and Secondary Schools (Special schools included); Government Funded Private Secondary and Private Special Educational Institutes; and SERVOL Junior Life Centres. Parents of students with Special Needs. Parents/Guardians of student...

The Ministry of Education has outlined the calendar for the Academic Year 2026 - 2027 , as follows: Term I: Monday 7th September - Friday 11th December, 2026 (14 weeks); Term II: Monday 4th January - Thursday 25th March, 2027 (12 weeks); Term III: Monday 12th April - Friday 9th July, 2027 (13 weeks). ( Click/Tap Image To Enlarge ) Feel free to share this with friends and family to keep everyone on track and informed.

The Ministry of Education is advising that the settlement of teachers’ backpay remains a priority and that financial provision for this purpose was already included in the Draft Estimates for Fiscal 2026, subject to the requisite approvals being granted.  In a Media Release today (Saturday 13th June, 2026), the Ministry said, at present, it is “actively engaged in the comprehensive process of compiling, verifying, auditing, and finalizing teachers’ backpay calculations. This exercise is necessary to ensure the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of all payments prior to disbursement.” The Ministry is further clarifying that the “funding request submitted as part of the Mid-Year Review was separate and distinct from the provisions made for teachers’ backpay. The request related specifically to the settlement of the Ministry’s financial obligations and operational commitments for the period July to September 2026, in keeping with its ongoing operational and fiscal responsibilities....

The Route 2 Maxi Taxi Association has announced a return to full service by 6:00 PM this afternoon (Tuesday 2nd June, 2026) — bringing an early end to their planned three-day protest action , which saw thousands of commuters experiencing hardships for public transportation. Speaking with I.A.N. News a short while ago, Vice President of the Association, Parsana Rampersad, confirmed that the entire complement of maxi taxis assigned to the route will be back on the road by the stated time later today. Rampersad said the Association observed several entities stepping in to provide transportation support to commuters during the disruption [ including the TTPS ], noting the impact the action had on daily travel.  He stated that while the protest action has been suspended, the dispute is far from resolved, declaring that “the battle is over, but the war still continues.” The Association indicated it will now explore alternative measures to ensure their concerns are properly heard and ad...

In response to the ongoing maxi taxi strike , which commenced today (Monday 1st June, 2026), and is expected to continue until Wednesday (3rd June, 2026), the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has extended a helping hand to members of the public affected by the disruption. In a Media Release this afternoon, the TTPS said, “Acting on the directive of Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro, ACP Specialized Support, Brian Sooden, deployed five (5) TTPS maxi taxis to the City Gate transportation hub in Port-of-Spain this afternoon, to assist commuters travelling along the various affected routes.” The TTPS prioritized schoolchildren, the elderly and other vulnerable commuters, with additional trips scheduled to assist those affected by the disruption. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro speaks with the media in City Gate as police buses were deployed to transport stranded passengers during the maxi-taxi strike on Monday. The TTPS prioritised schoolchildren, the elderly an...

Thousands of commuters across Trinidad could be left stranded today (Monday 1st June, 2026) as the country’s maxi taxi operators proceed full speed ahead with a planned three-day shutdown, to protest what they say are years of neglect and unresolved issues. The move is expected to disrupt schools, workplaces and businesses, involving more than 5,000 operators. While many passengers fear the impact of the strike, maxi taxi representatives insist they have been pushed to the breaking point. Commuters already faced significant disruptions this morning as the Trinidad and Tobago Maxi Taxi Association began the three-day protest over several issues, including current speed limits. Today, thousands of commuters across Trinidad could be left stranded as the country's maxi taxi operators prepare to slam the brakes on service. In a move expected to disrupt schools, workplaces and businesses, more than 5,000 operators are planning a three-day shutdown to… pic.twitter.com/E25BoNSwcG — CNC3TV...

EDITOR’S NOTE 2:  The body of this article has been updated with new details.   EDITOR’S NOTE: This publication has taken the editorial decision not to include the horrendous video in this article. We pray the victim makes a full recovery soon and the perpetrators face the full brunt of all applicable laws. The Ministry of Education is condemning a violent incident involving students assaulting another schoolboy in uniform on the street in Montrose, Chaguanas, as videos of the horrific attack continues to be widely circulated on social media. It is alleged the aggressors are students from Chaguanas South Secondary School. In a Media Release today (Thursday 21st May, 2026), the Ministry said it “unequivocally condemns the recent incident involving a physical altercation among students, and expresses deep concern regarding both the act of violence itself and the circulation of videos and images of the incidents across social media platforms. Schools are intended to be safe sp...

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is confirming that it has viewed a video currently circulating on social media regarding an incident on Monday afternoon (4th May, 2026), allegedly involving a member of the public and a group of school children in Port-of-Spain.  The man has been identified as Alderman Wayne Griffith, Chairman of the PNM’s Port-of-Spain South Constituency Executive. The students are reportedly from Tranquillity Government Secondary School. Preliminary information indicates that the individual reportedly observed a group of students fighting along Dundonald Street, Port-of-Spain, and attempted to intervene. It is further alleged that the individual was subsequently assaulted by several persons and later discovered personal items missing. As a result, the TTPS said an investigation has been launched into the matter, and an investigator has been officially appointed to conduct enquiries. The alleged victim was interviewed by Police Officers in relation to...

The Ministry of Education said it is pleased to report a successful start to Term III of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, with schools across the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Primary, and Secondary levels re-opening on schedule today (Monday 13th April, 2026). Teaching and learning activities resumed nationwide without major disruption. In a Media Release, the Ministry said it also utilized the Easter vacation period to advance critical repair works. This includes a total of seventy-nine (79) minor repairs to facilitate CSEC and CAPE examinations, and sixteen (16) emergency repairs at both Primary and Secondary schools. The Ministry said it is “further pleased to confirm the resumption of operations by the National Schools Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL).” On the first day of service, the Ministry notes that approximately 62,091 breakfasts and 75,605 lunches were delivered to students nationwide, supported by sixty-seven (67) fully-operational kitchens across the country. Ac...