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Showing posts with the label International

Trinidad And Tobago Elected To United Nations Security Council For 2027 - 2028 Term

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Under the strategic leadership of the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar S.C., Prime Minister, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has achieved a significant diplomatic milestone by securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027 - 2028 term. In a statement issued this afternoon, the Prime Minister said, “I am proud to announce that our nation has been elected to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027 – 2028 term, securing the support of 181 countries. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago extend heartfelt thanks to the nations of the world for their overwhelming vote of confidence and support. Your trust is deeply appreciated, and we look forward to working together in the pursuit of peace, security and sustainable development.” TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ELECTED TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL 🇹🇹 I am proud to announce that our nation has been elected to serve as a non-permanent member of the Unit...

Customs Officers Seize Nearly TT $6M In Marijuana From British National At Piarco Airport

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The Customs and Excise Division said it successfully intercepted a passenger attempting to smuggle marijuana into Trinidad and Tobago through the Piarco International Airport on Sunday (17th May, 2026). According to the Division in a Media Release today (Monday 18th May, 2026), “During routine passenger clearance operations, Customs Officers at the Airport referred a 22-year-old British national to the Red Line for further examination of their luggage. During the examination, Officers discovered a quantity of plant-like material concealed within the passenger’s baggage. Officers attached to the Preventive Branch were subsequently contacted and responded to the scene, where field testing confirmed the substance to be marijuana. The estimated street value of the seizure is TT $5,996,295.80.” The Division said it “remains engaged with partner agencies within the National Security Network as the investigation progresses. The matter is being pursued under the Customs Act , Chapter 78:01, an...

TTPS Provides Information On Security‑Related Incident At Piarco Airport

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The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is advising the national community that following further enquiries and consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the irregularities initially detected in relation to a cargo aircraft at the Piarco International Airport , “determined that no breach of the laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was committed in relation to the aircraft or its operators.” In a Media Release today (Saturday 16th May, 2026), the TTPS notes that, “ As a result, and upon completion of the necessary local and international verifications, the aircraft and its crew were cleared to depart Trinidad and Tobago and have since resumed their scheduled journey.” The crew of the Ukrainian aircraft, which landed at the Piarco International Airport on Thursday night (14th May, 2026), carrying several tonnes of industrial explosives onboard, was allowed to leave Trinidad on Friday night (15th May, 2026), after facing hours of interrogati...

Ukranian Aircraft Receives Approval To Depart Piarco Airport After Thorough Investigation of ‘Explosives’ Cargo

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The Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is confirming that a Ukrainian aircraft, Flight No. CVK-7078, arrived in Trinidad and Tobago from the Bahamas on Thursday (14th May, 2026), for a technical refueling stop. The aircraft was en route to Cape Verde, with a final destination of Libya. In a Media Release today (Friday 15th May, 2026), the Authority said, “Upon the aircraft's arrival, Officers of the Immigration Division discovered that the aircraft was transporting explosives which had not been declared in accordance with established international aviation and security protocols. As a result, the aircraft and its Ukrainian crew were detained, pending investigations by several national and international security and law enforcement agencies. These included the Customs and Excise Division, Airports Authority Police Force, Special Branch, AIRCOP, United States Border Investigators and other national security stakeholders.” According to the Authority, “The co-ordinated investig...

Cargo Plane Carrying Prohibited Dangerous Items Impounded At Piarco Airport — Pilots, Crew Members Detained

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The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is advising the national community that a security‑related matter involving a cargo aircraft at the Piarco International Airport on Thursday (14th May, 2026), is currently engaging the attention of State security agencies. Reports indicate that the cargo aircraft may have been carrying explosives and was en route to another destination when it landed in Trinidad. Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the cargo found onboard the aircraft. In a statement issued this morning (Friday 15th May, 2026), the TTPS said, “In keeping with the heightened security posture under the ongoing State of Emergency, routine checks identified irregularities requiring immediate precautionary action. The aircraft was secured, the crew accounted for, and all relevant national security units activated in accordance with established protocols. At no time was there any threat to the travelling public, Airport operations, or the wider national community. ...

Hantavirus: Health Ministry Issues Advisory — ‘Closely Monitoring’ WHO Reports

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In an Advisory issued this afternoon (Friday 8th May, 2026), the Ministry of Health said it is closely monitoring reports issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding a cluster of Hantavirus cases linked to an international cruise ship on route to the Canary Islands. At this time, there are no confirmed cases in Trinidad and Tobago and the global risk remains low as international health authorities confirmed eight (8) cases, including three (3) deaths among passengers. More than 100 passengers remain on the ship, and the WHO is monitoring their health.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hantavirus infection symptoms typically start as a flu-like illness, approximately one (1) to eight (8) weeks after exposure, characterized by fever, severe muscle aches (especially in thighs/back), fatigue, and headaches. Within four (4) to ten (10) days, however, this can rapidly progress to severe respiratory issues, including coughing, shortness of ...

Teacher Opens Fire Outside White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner — Trump, JD Vance Evacuated By Secret Service

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UPDATE 2:  Trump said the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner will be rescheduled within thirty (30) days. UPDATE: 31-year-old Cole Allen was targeting President Trump and administration officials, according to a 1,000-word document the authorities have since tied to the gunman. A gunman opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner last night (Saturday 25th April, 2026), where President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were in attendance, sending well-dressed guests scampering for safety under tables and on the floor of the huge ballroom. A law-enforcement officer was the only wounded victim in the terrifying attack. He has since been released from the Hospital. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were rushed off the stage after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. #news pic.twitter.com/YQuG8gzTMf — MS NOW (@MSNOWNews) April 26, 2026 A suspected gunman has been arrested after firing shots at a hotel ...

Breaking: Tim Cook Steps Down As Apple CEO — John Ternus Takes Over From 1st September, 2026

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Tech giant Apple announced a short while ago this afternoon (Monday 20th April, 2026) that current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tim Cook, will become Executive Chairman of Apple’s Board of Directors and John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will become Apple’s next CEO, effective on 1st September, 2026. Apple said the transition, which was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors, follows a “thoughtful, long-term succession planning process.” Pictured Above: Next Apple CEO John Ternus. In a Media Release this afternoon, Apple said, “Cook will continue in his role as CEO through the summer as he works closely with Ternus on a smooth transition. As Executive Chairman, Cook will assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world.” “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so gra...

NO More Domestic Departure Lounge At Piarco Airport From 24th April, 2026

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UPDATE (24/04/26): The Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago announced this morning (Friday 24th April, 2026) that the relocation of domestic operations, scheduled to begin from today, has been postponed until further notice. According to the Authority, “The planned redirection of domestic passengers through international checkpoints will not take effect at this time. We appreciate the continued co-operation of our stakeholders and the public as preparations continue.” All domestic passengers will therefore continue to be processed through the Domestic Departures area on the ground floor of the Piarco International Airport, with standard check-in and security procedures remaining in place. Authorities have not provided a new timeline for implementation but indicated that work toward the transition is ongoing. Stakeholders and the travelling public are being asked to maintain patience as adjustments continue. The planned overhaul forms part of a wider effort to modernize operations...

Breaking: Trump Agrees to 2-Week Ceasefire With Iran — If Strait of Hormuz Is Re-Opened

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United States President Donald Trump announced a short while ago this evening (Tuesday 7th April, 2026) that he has agreed to suspend attacks on Iran for a period of two (2) weeks, subject to the “immediate” re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, pointing to progress on a 10-point proposal from Tehran. Earlier in the day, Trump had escalated his aggressive rhetoric toward Iran in a post on Truth Social, threatening to wipe out the entirety of the country’s civilization if Tehran failed to cede to his demands by 8:00 PM EST tonight. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, wil...

Trump Threatens Iran’s Power Plants, Bridges, As Tuesday Night Deadline Looms To Re-Open Strait of Hormuz

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Responding to a United States proposal through mediator, Pakistan, Iran rejected ‌a ceasefire and said today (Monday 6th April, 2026) that a permanent end to the war with the U.S. and Israel was necessary, according to the official IRNA news agency. Tehran also pushed back against pressure to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. President Donald Trump warned the country could be “taken out” if it did not meet his looming 8:00 PM EDT deadline on Tuesday night (7th April, 2026) to reach a deal. The Iranian response consisted of ten (10) clauses, including an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions and reconstruction, the IRNA news agency added. Trump, who has threatened to rain “hell” on Tehran if it did not make a deal by Tuesday night to open the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies, rejected the Iranian response and said his deadline was final. “They made a proposal, and it's a signifi...

U.S. Military Rescues TWO (2) Service Members After F-15E Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Iran

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UPDATE (06/04/26): U.S. President Donald Trump broke down the rescue mission to save the F-15 crew in Iran over the weekend, during a Press Conference earlier today (Monday 6th April, 2026), stating the following (courtesy of Collin Rugg on X ): 155 aircraft in total were used to save the 2nd crew member. This included 4 bombers, 64 fighters, 48 refueling tankers, 13 rescue aircraft, and more. The second crew member was miles away from the first and was badly injured. “The Officer followed his training and climbed into the treacherous mountain terrain and started climbing toward a higher altitude.” While “bleeding profusely,” the Officer scaled cliffs and treated his own wounds. American forces were able to transmit his location: “They have a very sophisticated beeper-type apparatus that is on them at all times.” Thousands of Iranians were looking for the Officer. “We had seven different locations where they thought, and they were very confused.” “So in a breathtaking show of skill an...

Health Ministry Advises On Recall of Moringa Capsules

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The Ministry of Health, via its Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division (CFDD), is advising the public of a voluntary recall of Rosabella Moringa capsules, initiated by Ambrosia Brands LLC in February 2026. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States of America, Rosebella Moringa capsules have been linked to multiple cases of drug-resistant Salmonella infections. Illness caused by Salmonella infection usually develops within twelve (12) to seventy-two (72) hours and can last for four (4) to seven (7) days. In a Media Release today (Friday 27th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. While many individuals recover without treatment, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of experiencing severe infections.” Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, the Ministry is advising persons who may have purchased or are current...

Netflix Once Again Increases Prices For ALL Plans; Premium Hits US $27 Per Month

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Streaming giant Netflix is once again increasing its prices, with all plans set to receive a hike of US $1 to US $2, effective from today (Thursday 26th March, 2026) for both new and existing subscribers. According to reports, the ad-supported plan is now US $8.99 per month , up from US $7.99/month, while the Standard plan is US $19.99 per month , up from US $17.99 per month. Meanwhile, the company's most expensive Premium plan is US $26.99 per month , up from US $24.99 per month. Extra member add-on pricing is also increasing by US $1. New members will see the higher prices today, with the pricing rolling out to existing subscribers in the coming weeks. Subscribers will receive an alert one (1) month before the new prices are applied to them. In a statement issued to Variety , Netflix said that it is updating its pricing because it delivers more value to customers.  “Our approach remains the same: We continue offering a range of prices and plans to meet a variety of needs, and as...

2 Dead, 41 Injured After Air Canada Plane Collides With Fire Truck At LaGuardia Airport, New York

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The pilot and co-pilot of an Air Canada Express passenger jet are dead after the plane struck a Port Authority vehicle at LaGuardia Airport in New York late last night (Sunday 22nd March, 2026). Forty-one (41) people were injured in the collision and were treated at local Hospitals, with some seriously injured. Thirty-two (32) have since been released, the Port Authority said. The collision involved a Jazz Aviation flight operated on behalf of Air Canada. The plane was carrying seventy-two (72) passengers and four (4) crew members. According to a Port Authority Spokesperson, a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting truck was responding to unrelated reports of an “odor” on a United Airlines flight, when it was struck by the plane at 11:40 PM. NEW: New video footage captures the moment an Air Canada jet and a fire truck collided at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Here is what we know: - The plane’s two pilots sadly died. - 41 passengers and crew members were taken to the hospital...

Health Ministry Launches Learning Management System (LMS) For Public Healthcare Workers

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The Ministry of Health has launched a new Learning Management System (LMS) aimed at strengthening professional development and knowledge-sharing across Trinidad and Tobago's public health sector. The platform, unveiled on Friday (13th March, 2026) at the Ministry's Corporate Headquarters, was developed with support from the United States Government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In a Media Release on Saturday (14th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “The LMS will serve as a centralized digital hub for training, providing healthcare workers across the Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Authorities with structured and accessible opportunities for professional development.” According to the Ministry, “One of the first programmes introduced on the platform focuses on the District Health Information Software 2 [DHIS2], a widely used global health information system that enables realt...

Controversial U.S. Radar In Tobago Disappears Overnight

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The controversial United States radar which has been seen spinning for months at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point, Tobago, is no longer visible. Reports indicate that the U.S.-supplied military-grade ground/air task-oriented radar has been dismantled overnight and will be transported out of the country via cargo plane soon. A U.S. military aircraft is expected to arrive on the island to transport the US $3 million per day equipment. Guardian Media visited a vantage point this morning (Monday 16th March, 2026) where the towering radar could have previously been seen rotating 360 degrees, but the equipment was absent. The controversial U.S. radar is now down. The radar, which has been seen spinning for months, is no longer visible. Sources say the radar was taken down last night and is expected to be transported out of the country via cargo plane soon. Video by QUAMINA PAYNE and STEPHON… pic.twitter.com/KLO2EaQnKa — CNC3TV (@CNC3TV) March 16, 2026 Chief Secretary ...

T&T Online Arrival/Departure (AD) Form Now Live

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Effective from Tuesday 17th March, 2026, all passengers landing in and departing from Piarco International and ANR International Airports, Trinidad and Tobago, are advised that the completion of an online immigration and customs form will be in effect. In a Notice issued today (Saturday 14th March, 2026), Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) advises that passengers arriving into and departing from Trinidad and Tobago from Tuesday 17th March, 2026 are required to complete their Arrival/Departure (AD) form using the website: https://travel.gov.tt . The form is now live, ahead of the full launch on Tuesday. Digital forms may be completed within seventy-two (72) hours of arrival or departure. CAL notes that Airport Customer Service Representatives will be on hand to provide support with completing the form and offer any additional guidance required. Please be guided accordingly.

Online Immigration Form Testing At Piarco International Airport On Saturday

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Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) is advising that passengers travelling on Saturday (14th March, 2026) on specific flights , will be required to complete the T&T digital Arrival/Departure (AD) form via https://travel.gov.tt as authorities at the Airport are testing the online immigration and customs platform. In a Notice issued today (Thursday 12th March, 2026), CAL said the link will be accessible from Saturday (14th March, 2026) and passengers on these test flights are to complete their AD forms on the date of travel. The specific Caribbean Airlines flights are as follows: BW 527 and BW 431 arriving at POS. BW 240 departing POS. Caribbean Airlines notes that the digital process is being piloted; therefore, passengers will still be required to complete the paper immigration form until the digital process is fully on stream. Please be guided accordingly.

P.M. Kamla Persad-Bissessar Returns Home After ‘Shield of The Americas’ Summit

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Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, has returned home today (Wednesday 11th March, 2026) following her participation in the Shield of the Americas Summit in the United States . Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Infrastructure, the Honourable Jearlean John, along with members of the Cabinet, who gathered to welcome her back to Trinidad and Tobago. The Government said it “remains committed to advancing the interests of the people of Trinidad and Tobago both at home and on the international stage.”