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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.

A teenage boy has died after allegedly falling from a Housing Development Corporation (HDC) apartment complex in St. James early Sunday morning (22nd February, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 13-year-old Armani Alleyne, a student of St. Mary’s Mucurapo Boys’ R.C. Primary School, where he was known as a talented and dedicated footballer. According to reports, the incident occurred at the HDC Vieux Fort development, where the teen was said to be battling a fever since returning home from school on Friday (20th February, 2026), after complaining of feeling unwell. He remained at home on Saturday as his illness persisted. Sometime that night, while asleep and still feverish, Alleyne reportedly rushed into his mother’s bedroom, shouting that he was hearing his brother’s voice calling him. Within moments, he turned and sprinted out of the room toward the balcony of the fifth-floor apartment. Tragically, before anyone could intervene, the boy leaped over the railing, plunging an es...

The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) is mourning the death of Prison Officer Sheldon Lewis, who passed away at Hospital on Wednesday (4th February, 2026) after suffering a medical condition. In a statement issued today (Thursday 5th February, 2026), President of the Prison Officers’ Association, Gerard Gordon, said “it is with a heavy and grieving heart that I acknowledge the passing of our brother, Prison Officer Sheldon Lewis, who sadly passed away yesterday at Hospital due to a medical condition. This loss cuts especially deep. Sheldon stood on the threshold of retirement next year, at the doorway of a season he had worked his entire career to reach. To have that moment taken from him is heartbreaking beyond words.” He added, “Once again, our Prison Service family is gutted — still trying to come to terms with the recent loss of another Officer , and now forced to confront yet another painful goodbye. These are not just colleagues we lose; they are brothers, friends, and family, b...

Three-time Chutney Soca Monarch Kris “KI” Persad (real name: Kris Veeshal Persad) has withdrawn from the Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) Finals, citing health reasons. In a Media Release this morning (Thursday 5th February, 2026), Southex said KI “had a fainting incident on leaving the stage at the semi finals, he was taken to the Hospital by Ambulance, underwent tests and was given the all-clear. They had originally said that he may have fainted from a bit of dehydration.” According to Southex, KI traveled back to Canada, but his doctors have advised that he should rest for another two (2) weeks, “making it impossible for him to come back to Trinidad in time for the Grand Finals.” Southex said it “wishes KI a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him on our stages in the very near future.” The Grand Finals of the Chutney Soca Monarch will take place on Sunday (8th February, 2026) from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Midnight). The event will be held at Skinner Park in San Fernando.   Four...

The Ministry of Health, via its Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (CFDD), is advising of the WHO Medical Product Alert concerning falsified IBRANCE (palbociclib) capsules. The product is a cancer medicine used for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer in adults. In a Media Release today (Tuesday 3rd February, 2026), the Ministry said the falsified products deliberately misrepresent identity, composition and source, and the genuine manufacturer, Pfizer, has confirmed that the products mentioned in this alert are falsified. The WHO Alert stated that falsified IBRANCE (palbociclib) products have been detected in Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya and Türkiye. According to the Ministry, “Laboratory testing conducted by the genuine manufacturer confirmed that the falsified products contained no active pharmaceutical ingredient. Since these falsified medicines lack the required active ingredient, they must be considered unsafe and their use can lead to treatment failure, unc...

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...

A man is dead shortly after collapsing at a Carnival fete at O2 Park in Chaguaramas on Sunday morning (25th January, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 37-year-old Vishal Sookhoo of Red Hill, Arouca, who was a Senior Loans Officer at ANSA Bank. According to reports, Vishal was attending the Soaka Till Sunrise fete with a group of friends, when he complained of feeling unwell and suddenly collapsed, around 7:45 AM. Friends and on-site medical personnel immediately rendered assistance. He was subsequently conveyed to the St. James Medical Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 8:45 AM. An autopsy has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of death. A packet of non-prescription pills was allegedly found in Vishal’s possession, although authorities could not confirm what type of pills they are or whether he had consumed any. Officials have urged the public not to speculate on the cause of death, noting that autopsy results are pending. A Senior Police Official confi...

A baby boy was pronounced dead at the San Fernando General Hospital on Thursday afternoon (22nd January, 2026) after he was found unresponsive at his home in Embacadere, San Fernando. The deceased has been identified as two-and-a-half-month-old Azikeil Williams. According to reports, Azikeil was fed around 10:00 AM on Thursday morning and fell sleep on a couch afterwards. However, he was found unresponsive about an hour later. He was subsequently conveyed to the San Fernando General Hospital, around 12:51 PM.  Azikeil was pronounced dead around 1:22 PM after several resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.  Police said the body bore no marks of violence and visited the home to conduct further investigations into the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. An autopsy has been ordered. More on this as it becomes available.  [Source: Newsday ]

In line with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago's (GORTT's) commitment to reducing noise pollution while preserving cultural expression, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) said it has begun implementing a series of new and heightened noise management initiatives for the 2026 Carnival Season. These measures are designed to improve the regulation of noise from Carnival activities and other large-scale events, particularly in high-density residential areas where noise-related complaints have long been a concern. In a Media Release today (Wednesday 14th January, 2026), the EMA said, “Over the years, residents, particularly those in residential neighbourhoods, have expressed concerns regarding the noise generated by Carnival festivities. In response to this, and in alignment with the GORTT's commitment to improve noise mitigation strategies, the EMA has taken proactive measures under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001 (as amended) (NPCR), to enh...

The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service is informing the public and all relevant stakeholders of the presence of the varicella virus (Chicken Pox) among the inmate population at the Maximum Security Prison. A total of seventy-nine (79) persons have reportedly contracted Chicken Pox during the outbreak since November 2025. The Prison Officers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago have also confirmed the outbreak in a Facebook post on Friday (9th January, 2026), saying, “There is an outbreak at the Maximum Security Prison of Chicken Pox. We advise our members to adhere to the strictest protocols to reduce the risk of transmission to your self or your family. The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service has a duty of care to our Officers, inmates and by extension, the society at large. In times like this, the glaring deficiencies become even more evident.” In a Media Release this afternoon (Saturday 10th January, 2026), the Prison Service said following the detection of the first recorded case on ...

The Ministry of Education is advising that it is actively addressing the provision of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services to ensure employees have access to effective, efficient and sustainable psychosocial support. In a Media Release today (Friday 9th January, 2026), the Ministry said it “confirms that funding for the EAP was allocated from the Fiscal 2026 Budget. At this time, no user fees have been introduced for Ministry-supported EAP counselling services and employees are not required to pay any fee, including $450.00 per counselling session, to access Ministry-provided support.” According to the Ministry, “Any counselling services independently arranged by individuals outside of Ministry-approved mechanisms fall outside the scope of the EAP and should not be interpreted as a replacement for employer-supported services.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry of Education recognizes that mental health and psychosocial support are critical to employee wellbei...

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 ...

UPDATE (18/12/25):  President of the Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA), Idi Stuart, says wage negotiations for nurses must conclude by January or February 2026, calling the timeline “non-negotiable.” Stuart is warning that unresolved backpay and staffing shortages could disrupt healthcare services over the Christmas period. He is also urging the Government to issue clear guidance to Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) to resolve negotiations quickly. Stuart emphasized that the TTRNA is not responsible for occasional work slowdowns, attributing them instead to frustrated individual workers. He also highlighted concerns over unrepresented healthcare staff, infrastructure challenges, and the need for careful planning before diverting staff to new projects. The Government said it has taken note of the planned “day of rest and reflection” by nursing personnel over outstanding wage settlements. “While we respect the right to protest, we urge that patient care and ...

The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) is informing the public that planned road paving and repair works will take place this weekend, from 6:00 AM on Saturday (13th December, 2025) to 6:00 AM on Sunday (14th December, 2025). In a Media Release today (Friday 12th December, 2025), the NCRHA said in order to facilitate these works, the following temporary access changes will be in effect: Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) Closed to Entry: South Entrance. Alternative Access: North Gate Entrance, EWMSC. Mount Hope Women’s Hospital (MHWH) Closed to Entry: Front Entrance. Alternative Access: North Gate Entrance, MHWH. St. Joseph Enhanced Health Centre (SJEHC) Closed to Entry: Back Carpark Entrance (Drop-off Only). Alternative Access: Parking available at Carpark 1, EWMSC. The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Chairman, Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer extend thanks to the public as we continue upgrading our facilities for your safety and comfort,...

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 ...

The Ministry of Health is advising the public that the office of the County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) for Caroni, located at Southern Main Road, Couva, will be closed today (Thursday 27th November, 2025) and tomorrow (Friday 28th November, 2025). Regular operating hours are expected to resume on Monday (1st December, 2025). This is as a result of scheduled maintenance and internal works. For further information, members of the public can forward queries to the following email address: cmoh-caroni@health.gov.tt. The Ministry said it apologizes for any inconvenience caused. Please be guided accordingly.

A 39-year-old man of Bon Air North, D’Abadie, appeared before a Magistrate on Thursday (20th November, 2025), charged with three (3) offences under the Medical Board Act 29:50 by Ag. W/Cpl. Joseph of the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau (ACIB), to wit: Using medical titles and descriptions whilst not registered; Assuming the title of Doctor whilst not registered; Diagnosing human ailments whilst not registered. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Timothy Malchan, 39, appeared before Magistrate Ali at the Arima Third Magistrates’ Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty. He was granted $50,000 own-bail and is scheduled to re-appear on 17th June, 2026. The charges stem from an investigation launched in January 2025, following a report by the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA). It was alleged that Mr. Malchan had been contacting ERHA patients to discuss their confidential medical records and subsequently requesting payment for these “consultations.”...

The Ministry of Health, via its Chemistry Food and Drugs Division, is advising the public of an international alert regarding contaminated ByHeart Whole Nutrition baby formula, linked to multiple cases of infant botulism. In a Media Release today (Monday 17th November, 2025), the Ministry said, “According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), baby formula ByHeart Whole Nutrition has been linked to multiple cases of making infants sick with infant botulism.” ByHeart was notified by the FDA on 7th November, 2025 of an estimated eighty-three (83) cases of infant botulism that were reported nationwide since August 2025. Symptoms of infant botulism can include any of the following: Poor feeding. Loss of head control. Difficulty swallowing. Decreased facial expression. Parents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if your infant has consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula and has any of the symptoms ment...

Pennywise Cosmetics Limited has announced that it will be the nation’s exclusive authorized commercial retailer of the ZO Skin Health brand, following a settlement between both parties in a Court matter. In a Press Release issued today (Tuesday 11th November, 2025), Pennywise said, “Over one year ago, in a Court matter, an injunction was granted against Pennywise Cosmetics Ltd ., the terms of which prevented us from selling ZO Skin Health, a brand of medical-grade skincare. At all times, in the said Court matter, our constant position was that we had legally imported genuine, authentic products and had offered it to our customers at the best possible prices, in keeping with our standard practice and our continuous commitment to our customers. As a result we decided to challenge said injunction and take the matter to trial.” Pennywise added, “While awaiting the trial we were approached by the claimants with an offer to enter into settlement discussions. After months of negotiations, thr...