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The Ministry of Finance is advising of an extension by the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) in the timeframe for the payment of gaming taxes. In a Media Release today (Friday 24th April, 2026), the Ministry announced that payment of Gaming Tax will now commence on 1st July, 2026 for taxes incurred during the period 1st April, 2025 to 31st March, 2027. Please be guided accordingly.

Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, issued a statement a short while ago tonight (Sunday 19th April, 2026) in response to two (2) recent incidents that have caused great concern amongst the population — the brutal killing of Acting Woman Corporal Anusha Eversley and the illegal dumping of fifty-six (56) bodies at the Cumuto Cemetery . According to the Prime Minister, “I have been advised that the incident which occurred earlier today at the San Fernando City Corporation Municipal Police Station on Kings Wharf was not an external attack on the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) or the National State security services. It was an internal betrayal perpetrated against the Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service (TTMPS) attached to the San Fernando City Corporation. It should be noted that the TTPS is a distinct entity from the TTMPS. TTPS Officers were not involved in the incident. The Ministry of Homeland Security and the TTPS will provide full su...

The Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) said it formally directed the Trinidad and Tobago Housing Development Corporation (HDC) on Tuesday (14th April, 2026) to hold on the award of TT $3.4 billion in housing contracts, pending a comprehensive review of the record of procurement proceedings.  In a Media Release on Thursday (16th April, 2026), the OPR said, “This enquiry was initiated to ensure full compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act, 2015 , as amended ("the Act"), its associated Regulations, Handbooks and Guidelines, pursuant to the Office's powers under Sections 14(1)(a), (c) and (d) of the Act.” The Office said it “will make no further comment on this matter to ensure the integrity of its ongoing enquiry process.” However, in response to the hold, Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Phillip Edward Alexander, is strongly defending the HDC’s proposed TT $3.4 billion housing contract awards, insisting the process was conducted ab...

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...

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...

Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, is turning up the pressure on CARICOM, once again blasting what she calls a secretive process behind the re-appointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. The Prime Minister is also warning that Trinidad and Tobago would not keep footing its portion of the bill unless there is transparency. Mrs. Persad-Bissessar issued the following statement on X on Monday afternoon (6th April, 2026): I AGAIN CALL ON CARICOM FOR TRANSPARENCY ON THE SURREPTITIOUS AND ODIOUS PROCESS USED TO REAPPOINT SG BARNETT. Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to CARICOM, but until this matter is transparently resolved, the organization and its secretariat should absolutely expect no quarter from my Government. This is not a simple matter of a run of the mill administrative appointment, it’s an appointment with long term ramifications for my citizens. It’s an appointment that directly affects the future over the coming five years of Trinidad and To...

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...

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...

The Ministry of Education said 17,573 students were registered to write the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination on Thursday (26th March, 2026), at 547 centres nationwide. This cohort comprised 8,885 males and 8,688 females, across eight (8) educational districts. In a Media Release following the examination on Thursday, the Ministry said Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlath, Minister of Education, “extends congratulations to all candidates, as well as sincere appreciation to the personnel responsible for the successful administration of the examination.” According to Minister Dowlath, “On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I commend all students who sat the SEA 2026 examination today [Thursday]. Today, you have shown not only what you have learned, but who you are becoming — focused, capable, and prepared for the future. Continue to strive for excellence.” Relief for over 18,000 Standard Five students as the Secondary Entrance Assessment (S.E.A.) exams is finally over. For...

“The recent developments surrounding delivery of an invitation to Dr. Keith Rowley, our former Political Leader and Prime Minister, for our 70th Anniversary Celebrations, present a unique opportunity for the People’s National Movement to continue strengthening our internal processes and rebuilding our Movement.” This from Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) and Opposition Leader of Trinidad and Tobago, Pennelope Beckles, MP, in response to recent claims made by Dr. Rowley that he was not invited to the milestone event.  However, the PNM has since rejected his claims and produced the invitation letter they say was hand-delivered to his residence. In a brief statement issued via Facebook on Friday (20th March, 2026), Beckles added, “I have been in direct communication with Dr. Rowley, following which, I have initiated a review of the circumstances with a view to ensuring that appropriate systems are put in place to prevent any similar situation arising in the future.” Mor...

UPDATE: In a scathing response to TATT, Dr. Keith Rowley issued the following statement via Facebook this afternoon (Saturday 21st March, 2026): “You sound surprised by the TATT awakening. Isn’t that threatening of the media part of what is happening abroad and very well known to us for copying here? Btw is the TATT a New organization in Trinidad and Tobago? Where was the TATT when Jack Warner a Former Chairman and UNC acting Prime Minister and ILP leader, in an election campaign advised the nation of a person that he took to a lawyers’s office to record and sign off on a statement that supported his allegation made on his platform about the conduct of the then Prime Minister who he said was using taxpayer money to fund her playmates with State jobs? I didn’t hear from the TATT and the advisers then. Also, it appears to be ok for the Prime Minister to go to The Parliament and lie about the PNM and its leadership being involved with criminal drug dealers and narco trafficking to build ...

The People’s National Movement (PNM) is firmly rejecting claims made by its former political leader and former Prime Minister of the country, Dr. Keith Rowley, that he was not invited to the party’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations, held on 26th January, 2026 at Queen's Hall, stating that an official invitation was in fact sent and hand-delivered to his residence. The party also produced the signed invitation letter by PNM General Secretary Foster Cummings. Dr. Rowley, speaking at a Press Conference on Tuesday (17th March, 2026), expressed his disappointment over what he said was a lack of inclusion in the milestone event. He told reporters that despite his fifteen (15) years of leadership — including time in opposition and two (2) General Election victories — he only became aware of the celebrations through other means. However, in a Media Statement issued on Tuesday following Dr. Rowley’s remarks, the PNM said, “The People's National Movement, in the highest traditions of courte...

“Dr. Keith Rowley's ‘jamette’ outburst exposes the arrogance, misogyny and moral collapse that defined his politics.” This from the Honourable Barry Shiva Padarath, MP, Member for Couva South, in response to statements made by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley during a Press Conference held on Tuesday (17th March, 2026), in which he once again referred to Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, as a “jamette.” In a Media Release today (Wednesday 18th March, 2026), Padarath said the following: Dr. Rowley's latest Press Conference was not the performance of a former Prime Minister. It was the meltdown of a bitter man whose collapsing legacy rests on contradiction and a chronic distortion of facts. When a former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago stands before the country and refers to the sitting Prime Minister, a woman, as a “jamette,” he is not displaying strength. He is displaying spite, vulgarity and a complete absence of decency. This is bigger...

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation is advising the public that the Government has approved an amendment to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations, made pursuant to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act , Chapter 48:50, by Legal Notice No. 48 of 2026. In a Media Release on Monday (16th March, 2026), the Ministry said this amendment will allow holders of valid Driver's Licences to renew their licences up to three (3) months prior to the expiration date , instead of the previous one (1) month period before expiry. The Ministry notes that this change “will provide greater convenience to the public, reduce last-minute renewals, and improve overall service efficiency.” The change takes effect from Monday (16th March, 2026). The Ministry said it “thanks the public for its continued co-operation and remains committed to improving service delivery across the transport sector.” Please be guided accordingly.

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...

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 ...

In a significant step toward strengthening Trinidad and Tobago's digital security and resilience, the Ministry of Homeland Security and the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cyber Security Cooperation on Friday (13th March, 2026). In a Media Release, the Ministry said, “The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation between the Ministry of Homeland Security, through the Trinidad and Tobago Cyber Security Incident Response Team (TT-CSIRT), and the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), an agency under the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence (MPAAI). The agreement strengthens coordination in cyber threat information sharing, technical collaboration, and cyber incident response to support Trinidad and Tobago's national cyber security priorities.” The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Homeland Security, Tower C, International Waterfront Complex, Wright...

The Ministry of Education (MOE) said it wishes to assure parents, students, educators, and the national community that arrangements for the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) 2026, scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2026, have been “fully mobilized, with coordinated support and contingency plans in place, in line with established procedures that have successfully guided this national examination for many years.” In a Media Release on Friday (13th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “The administration of SEA requires the coordinated support of multiple divisions within the education system. As is customary, the Ministry has adopted a comprehensive approach, drawing on the expertise of personnel across the education sector to ensure that every child writing the examination does so in a secure, well-managed, and supportive environment.” Within this framework: Primary School Teachers voluntarily serve as invigilators and centre supervisors, helping to manage examination rooms and centres ...

The motion to extend the current State of Emergency for a further three (3) months was approved in the Lower House on Friday night (13th March, 2026). Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, moved two (2) motions for the House of Representatives: to note the President’s statement outlining the grounds for the declaration; and to extend the Proclamation declaring a State of Public Emergency in Trinidad and Tobago for a further three (3) months. Both motions were approved after debate, with twenty-six (26) members voting in favour and twelve (12) against. There were no abstentions. Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, announced the start of the latest State of Emergency on 3rd March, 2026, citing an increase in violent criminal activity across the country, most of which has been carried out by members of organized criminal gangs. More on this as it becomes available.  [Source: TTT Live Online ]

UPDATE: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made a startling revelation in Parliament on Friday (13th March, 2026), stating that “drug money financed [PNM Headquarters] Balisier House.” The Prime Minister made the claim in response to a question from Opposition MP Colm Imbert. In a social media post a short while ago this morning (Friday 13th March, 2026), Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, said, “Today I will make an important statement in Parliament when it convenes at 1:30 PM. Be sure to tune in! My Government remains focused on putting our nation on a path of progress and, most importantly, ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.” According to the Prime Minister, on today’s agenda in the People’s Parliament: Law Revision (Amendment) Bill - Moving Trinidad and Tobago’s laws into an official digital format alongside printed volumes, saving millions in printing costs. Civil Division Bill, 2026 - Establishes a specialised Civil Division within t...