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Two (2) hikers who became lost in the Northern Range between Monday (30th March, 2026) and Tuesday (31st March, 2026), were successfully rescued by Officers of the Air Support Unit. The unit was also instrumental in  assisting a 60-year-old distressed hiker to make his way out of the Northern Range last week, on Thursday 26th March, 2026. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the hikers had ventured off course while attempting to access the airplane crash site via Bamboo Cathedral, Macqueripe, and subsequently became disoriented in dense forest terrain. Upon receiving the report, the TTPS said the Air Support Unit responded immediately, deploying advanced drone technology to initiate aerial search operations. Establishing early communication and situational awareness, the unit was able to rapidly assess the challenging environment and direct resources efficiently. Utilizing state-of-the-art FLIR (thermal imaging) systems, Air Support Unit personnel successful...

A 60-year-old male hiker in distress was assisted by personnel of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Coastal and Air Support Unit, in making his way out of the Northern Range last night (Thursday 26th March, 2026). According to the TTPS, the Unit received a distress call from the hiker, around 7:00 PM, and quickly sprang into action, conducting a joint and co-ordinated search effort, with the assistance of the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service’s Santa Cruz Search and Rescue Team.  The hiker, who was eventually spotted, was guided to safety using Police drone technology.  ASP (Ag.) Rampallard is advising hikers to do proper planning before going on hikes, to share their routes and expected return times with others and carry essentials like water, a charged phone and identification. They should also stay on marked trails and remain aware of their surroundings. Rampallard notes that if hikers encounter suspicious activities or feel unsafe during the hike, they should le...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) is reminding the public that the annual sea turtle nesting season runs from 1st March, 2026 and will continue until 31st August, 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago. During this crucial period, the MAF emphasizes the importance of preserving sea turtle habitats and urges vigilance in beach activities to minimize disturbance to nesting sites. In a Media Release today (Thursday 12th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “Beachgoers are urged to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in activities that may disrupt sea turtle nesting behaviors. This includes refraining from biking, driving vehicles, building sand castles, or mining beach sand, as well as avoiding the use of flambeaus, fires, headlights, or any bright lights along the shoreline. Such activities can disorient sea turtles, leading to potential abandonment of nesting sites or disorientation of hatchlings.”   To ensure the protection of sea turtles and their nesting sites, the public ...

The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, through its Disaster Management Coordinating Unit (DMCU), is advising the public that Trinidad is currently experiencing the peak of the Dry Season. During this period, there is an increased risk of bushfires across the country. In a Media Release today (Friday 6th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “In light of this elevated risk, all energy facilities operating within the boundaries of the fourteen (14) Municipal Corporations are urged to take immediate and proactive measures to safeguard their infrastructure, personnel, and the surrounding environment from the potential hazards posed by bushfires.” To reduce the risk and enhance preparedness, facilities are encouraged to implement the following precautionary measures: Establish fire trails around facilities to create effective buffer zones. Clear dry vegetation and combustible debris in and around operational areas. Ensure fire suppression systems are fully operational, properly...

Veterinarian Dr. Kriyaan Singh from the La Romain Veterinary Clinic has provided an update on Papaoutai the Ocelot, which was found shot and wounded in the Cedros-Granville forest on Sunday 22nd February, 2026. In a Facebook post on Tuesday (3rd March, 2026), Dr. Singh said, “Finally able to share the 3D rendering of the CT scan done on Papaoutai the Ocelot. From the scans we can see the entry point of the bullet under the left neck in the region of the jugular, it then proceeded through the spinal tissue and shattering the body of walls vertebral bones, it then continues onward to penetrate the right scapula and leave a hole and several bone and ballistic fragments throughout the spine and surrounding tissue.” Dr. Singh added, “We are forever grateful to Dr. Mark Adam, DVM of Broad St. Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Rasheed Adam, Neurosurgeon for affording us the ability to do these advanced diagnostics and pre-surgical consultations at no cost.” According to Dr. Singh, the preliminary re...

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 ...

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...

Well Services Petroleum Company Limited has officially ended the search for the remains of 47-year-old rig worker, Pete Phillip of La Romaine, who was lost at sea when Rig 110 collapsed in the early hours on Sunday 22nd December, 2024 . He was among seventy-five (75) personnel on the rig at the time of the incident, in the Heritage Offshore East Field. The company confirmed the decision in a statement issued today (Monday 9th February, 2026), which said an intensive recovery operation involving both local and international specialists was launched in January, with the sole focus of locating Phillip. However, despite weeks of co-ordinated salvage and search activity, those efforts were unsuccessful. The company said all viable search areas have now been exhausted, leaving no further locations to explore. As a result, a decision was taken to discontinue recovery operations. Well Services described the outcome as heartbreaking and said Phillip’s family has been informed.  The company...

Heritage Petroleum Company Limited (Heritage) said it continues to lend co-ordination support to Well Services Petroleum Company Limited in their continued effort to conduct salvage and recovery operations for Rig 110. In a Media Release today (Friday 9th January, 2026), Heritage said the operations “commenced on Monday 8th November, 2025 and are continuing.”  Rig 110 partially collapsed in the early hours on Sunday 22nd December, 2024 and resulted in the disappearance of 47-year-old Pete Phillip of La Romaine, a worker who was among seventy-five (75) personnel on the rig at the time of the incident, in the Heritage Offshore East Field. According to Heritage, “The salvage and recovery operations are being undertaken on a phased basis, with Phase One, the formal salvage component, having been completed on 21st November, 2025. Currently, the recovery operations (Phase Two) are underway, with all regulatory approvals secured, recovery equipment in position and safety monitoring ongoi...

“I indicated to the media today that the ball is in the public’s court. Their behaviour will determine future changes with respect to a ban on fireworks and the revision of fines for traffic offences .” This from Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, in a post on X this afternoon (Friday 2nd January, 2026). Her statement comes after increasing public criticism on social media and elsewhere over the doubling of several traffic fines — with some calling it a “revenue generator.” According to the Prime Minister on X, “ I will give the fireworks legislation a couple more months, but if there is no improvement, I will ban it outright. Similarly, with respect to the traffic fines, if by the end of the first half of 2026 there is a decrease in road deaths, reckless driving, and drunk driving offences, I would be willing to reduce traffic fines to lower than they previously were .” She notes that, “From the reports I have received, compliance with the fireworks law var...

UPDATE: Managing Director of FireOne Fireworks, Andre Abraham, is calling for the Government to increase the fine for the illegal discharge of fireworks to $20,000. The current penalty for discharging fireworks without a permit in Trinidad and Tobago is $450. Speaking to TTT News on Sunday afternoon (28th December, 2025), Abraham said he believes such an increase is a necessary move that would deter people from using fireworks out of the stipulated period. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said it acknowledges the proclamation of the Summary Offences (Amendment) Act (No. 13 of 2025) and the Summary Offences (Fireworks) Regulations 2025 (Legal Notice 466) , and is advising the public that the legislation is now in force. According to Section 101C. (2) of the Summary Offences (Amendment) Act: A person is allowed to discharge fireworks on- (a) a public holiday between the hours of eight o'clock in the evening to nine o'clock in the evening of that same day; and (b) t...

The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MoRDLG) is advising the general public that there is presently a heightened level of activity at the Piparo Mud Volcano, and co-ordinated monitoring and assessment efforts are actively underway to safeguard public safety. In a Media Release today (Wednesday 24th December, 2025), the Ministry said it is conducting Initial Damage Assessments in collaboration with Disaster Management Units (DMUs) from the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation (CTTRC) and the Princes Town Regional Corporation (PTRC), along with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service (TTMPS), the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (MoW), the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS).  Reports indicate that the volcano's main vent is experiencing increased activity, with visible cracks observed along the roadway in the Western area. This h...

The Summary Offences (Amendment) Act , 2025 (Act No. 13 of 2025), which pertains to the discharge of fireworks, received the assent of Her Excellency the President on Tuesday (16th December, 2025) and is to come into operation by Proclamation on Friday (19th December, 2025). In a Public Advisory, the Office of the Attorney General said, “ With effect from December 19, 2025, it would be a fixed penalty (or ticketable) offence to discharge fireworks without a permit issued by the Commissioner of Police, except on a public holiday between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM and on December 31 between 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM of the next day. It would also be an offence to discharge fireworks within a half mile radius of a public hospital, a private hospital, an airport, a zoo, a registered animal shelter, a farm where animals are reared, a Forest Reserve or a National Park. ” Details with respect to applications for fireworks permits, the granting of fireworks permits and the issuing of fixed penalty notic...

Two (2) significant pieces of legislation — one addressing home invasions and the other, noise pollution — aimed at strengthening public safety and improving the quality of life in Trinidad and Tobago, have been assented by President Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T.   In a statement issued on her X account this morning (Wednesday 17th December, 2025), Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, said, “My Government has delivered on two (2) major commitments made to the people during the 2025 General Election campaign, with the President, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, assenting to two (2) significant pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening public safety and improving quality of life. These laws reflect the clear and decisive mandate given to me by the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout the campaign, I placed strong emphasis on protecting families, restoring public order, and responding to long-standing concerns raised by communities across ...

A hunter who became separated from his hunting pack in Guayaguayare over the weekend was safely found earlier today (Tuesday 16th December, 2025), after he  walked several miles through dense forest, making his way from Guayaguayare into Rio Claro. According to reports, 49-year-old Paul Campo of Valencia became separated from his hunting pack at 2:30 PM on Saturday (13th December, 2025), in Mainfield, Guayaguayare Village, where he went hunting for the first time. A massive search was launched, involving members of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT) and a specialized unit from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). Leader of the HSRT, Vallence Rambharat, shared the news of Campo’s safe recovery on the group’s Facebook page this afternoon (Tuesday 16th December, 2025). “The hunter Paul Campo, he has just been located. It seems as though he made his way from Guayaguayare over the last seventy (70) hours and would have journeyed to the Rio Claro-Guayaguayare Road and st...

The carcass of an Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) wild cat was tragically found with a gunshot wound in Grande Riviere on Wednesday (10th December, 2025) by a community conservation activist. In a Media Release today (Friday 12th December, 2025), HADCO Experiences, which offers bespoke vacation packages at Asa Wright Nature Centre in Arima, Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel and Pawi Lodge in Grande Riviere, said, “Trinidad and Tobago is home to extraordinary wildlife, much of which we are privileged to witness and protect. Today, however, we must share something deeply difficult. On December 10th, an Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) — one of Trinidad’s most elusive and legally-protected wild cats, was found dead in Grande Riviere by a community conservation activist, Len Peters. The animal showed signs consistent with a recent gunshot. The report was relayed to the team at HADCO Experiences at Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel, and the carcass was recovered by Giselle Ragoonanan, Biodiversity Manager.” According...

FireOne Fireworks said it acknowledges the Government's introduction of the Summary Offences (Amendment) Bill 2025, as we quickly approach fireworks-heavy celebrations on the night of 31st December, 2025. In a Media Release on Thursday (11th December, 2025), the company said, “We support its intent to enhance public safety, protect vulnerable groups, and bring greater structure to the industry — an approach fully aligned with FireOne's longstanding values and operational principles. At FireOne Fireworks, safety has always been the foundation of our identity and operations. Our systems are built on a structured, professional, and safety-driven model that consistently exceeds standard industry requirements.” According to FireOne, “Thirty (30) years ago, Trinidad and Tobago's cultural practices, such as bamboo bursting, carbide explosions, and other homemade pyrotechnics, often caused serious injuries and widespread noise pollution. Through persistent public education and the ...

A massive explosion rocked Venezuela’s Petrocedeño petrochemical plant, a State-run PDVSA facility in the Eastern State of Anzoátegui, near the Orinoco Belt — the country's primary oil-producing region — on Wednesday afternoon (19th November, 2025), followed by a large fire. There were no immediate reports of injuries, or what the cause of the explosion was. A fire erupted on Wednesday at an oil plant in Venezuela’s main oil producing region after people nearby said they heard an explosion. There we no immediate reports of injuries, or what the cause was. pic.twitter.com/zzv7Y8vaTX — Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 20, 2025 Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before flames erupted, creating a massive fireball and thick black smoke visible for miles. Emergency response teams from Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), including specialized Fire Officers, quickly mobilized to contain the blaze, which was brought under control later that evening. Reports state that a...