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Showing posts with the label Politics

Prime Minister Warns: ‘I Will NOT Hesitate To Call Another SoE If Needed’

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Despite the passage of the Special Operations (SO) Bill in the House of Representatives on Friday night (18th September, 2026), Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, is warning that she will not hesitate to call another State of Emergency (SoE) if needed. The most recent SoE ended at Midnight on 17th September, 2026. In a Media Release on Saturday afternoon (19th September, 2026), the Prime Minister said, “Following the highly successful State of Emergency, during which 3,552 persons were charged, last night [Friday] the Special Operations (SO) Bill was passed in the House of Representatives. Next week, the SO Bill will be passed in the Senate without amendments. However, if serious threats to the safety and security of citizens re-emerge, I will not hesitate to put the country under another SoE.” Mrs. Persad-Bissessar added, “I want the local drug mafia and the violent gangs to understand clearly that the cells at Teteron and MSP [Maximum Security Prison] await...

NCRHA Launches Free Golf Cart Service At Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex

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The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) launched two (2) eight-seater golf carts at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mount Hope today (Wednesday 16th September, 2026) to assist patients, visitors and staff in moving around the Hospital compound, as part of its ongoing commitment to patient care. In a Media Release, the NCRHA said the golf carts will be positioned at clinic areas and the main entrance to transport patients to and from the car park. The service will make it easier for patients, families and staff who need assistance to move around the large Hospital complex. The initiative is expected to be beneficial to elderly patients, particularly those who are immobile, those with limited mobility and members of the public who have difficulty moving across the compound. It will certainly benefit patients with disabilities and mobility concerns by easing access to the facility and supporting their comfort and safety. The service is now operating fr...

All 777 Schools Open For Start of 2026/2027 Academic Year

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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...

Prime Minister Issues Statement Ahead of Re-Opening of Schools On Monday

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“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 ...

2026 School Supplies And Book Grant: Payment And Cheque-Collection Arrangements

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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 ...

Prime Minister RESPONDS To Several Acts of Violence Over Long Independence Day Weekend

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Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, has responded to several acts of violence which were recorded and shared across social media over the long Independence Day weekend. In a Facebook post a short while ago this evening (Tuesday 1st September, 2026), Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said, “Trinidad and Tobago, the irresponsible behaviour seen in the video clip [ see below ] occurred over the Independence weekend. The majority of citizens are decent, law-abiding people who should not have to live in a lawless dump because of criminals and belligerent individuals.” She added that eighty-five (85) murders have occurred this year “because of altercations that were totally avoidable. We cannot keep blaming the TTPS, Judiciary, the British Empire, and every other entity for violence and crime when supposedly normal persons are behaving like this in public.” The Prime Minister’s statement concluded by saying, “If you can’t behave properly in public, please stay home so decent, ...

TTPS Activates Security Measures Following Threats To Embassies, Diplomatic Facilities, Government Buildings

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The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said it is aware of an unverified report concerning possible threats to Embassies, Diplomatic Facilities and Government Buildings. In a Media Release earlier today (Saturday 29th August, 2026), the TTPS said the information is “being treated with the seriousness and operational sensitivity required. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Suzette Martin, has instructed Divisional Commanders to implement the necessary operational measures and is working closely with intelligence and national security partners to assess the credibility of the report and safeguard the public.” The TTPS notes that at this stage, the threat remains unverified and is cautioning “against speculation or the circulation of unconfirmed information, particularly claims concerning the identity, affiliation or location of any person or group.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “Members of the public are assured that the TTPS is acting with due diligence and care...

Education Ministry Advances Processing of 45,953 School Supplies And Book Grant Applications

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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...

Payment Dates For Government Salaries And Pensions For September 2026

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The Treasury Division of the Ministry of Finance is advising that the payment of Government Salaries and Pensions for September 2026 will be made on the undermentioned dates: Salaries:  Tuesday 22nd September, 2026 Pensions:  Wednesday 23rd September, 2026 The Treasury Division notes that Government Pension is applicable to retired Public Officers only. Please be guided accordingly.

Prime Minister: TEN (10) Days With No Recorded Murders — Steady Progress Being Made To Curb Crime

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For the first time in a long while, Trinidad and Tobago had a 10-day span without a single recorded murder. This according to Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, in what she describes as a “small milestone” achieved by the country. In a Media Release a short while ago this evening (Saturday 8th August, 2026), the Prime Minister said, “Unfortunately, there was an incident recorded today, however, we keep working towards achieving our anti-crime objectives. This shows that the citizens of our nation do possess the will and ability to curb crime when we all work together.” She added, “I want to thank the law-abiding citizens of Trinidad and Tobago who supported the efforts to achieve this small milestone. We look forward to achieving greater progress in the coming months.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “Thank you Trinidad and Tobago, have a wonderful evening.” According to reports, a 65-year-old man identified as Ricardo Flatts, also known as “Half Breed...

Prime Minister: PNM Wickedly Sent TPRC Representatives To Chase Away Workers Constructing Eddie Hart Police Post

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Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, is accusing the People’s National Movement (PNM) of blocking the construction of the new Police post at Eddie Hart Grounds in Tunapuna. This new development follows her announcement a few days ago that in the upcoming four (4) months, thirty (30) joint army police posts will be placed in communities across the country . In a Media Release a short while ago this evening (Thursday 6th August, 2026), Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said, “Today the PNM showed their hatred to the citizens of Tunapuna when, through their representatives at the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation [TPRC], stopped the construction of the new Police post at Eddie Hart Grounds.” She added, “The PNM sent their representatives with a member of the TPRC Municipal Police to threaten and chase workers who started construction. This is a most evil and vile act committed by the PNM party that has no problem with drug blocks in Tunapuna but is fighting against a Polic...

Prime Minister Announces 30 Joint Army Police Posts Coming To Communities Across The Country

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Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, announced a short while ago tonight (Monday 3rd August, 2026) that in the upcoming four (4) months, thirty (30) joint army police posts will be placed in communities across the country. “Many communities have for years requested increased security presence and the protective services and Government are moving aggressively to provide such,” the Prime Minister said in a statement issued via social media. Mrs. Persad-Bissessar added, “These joint army police posts will provide a sense of comfort and help communities regain the use of their public spaces. I encourage NGOs, business chambers, community groups and councils to adopt and support these posts and work with the security services.” According to the Prime Minister, the proposed locations are as follows: Tarouba Flyover. Grand Bazaar Interchange. Couva Interchange. Williamsville Junction. Guayaguayare (Next to Indian Bay). Junction of Rochard Road and Penal Rock Road. Ju...

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles: The Prime Minister Has Questions To Answer

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“We will not be distracted by the Prime Minister’s crazy rants and public meltdowns. The citizens of Trinidad and Tobago once again call upon Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to provide accountability and transparency to the nation.” This from Leader of the Opposition of Trinidad and Tobago, Pennelope Beckles MP. In a strongly-worded statement issued via social media earlier today (Monday 3rd August, 2026), Beckles said, “For twelve (12) weeks, this Government has failed to hold post-Cabinet media briefings, leaving many serious unanswered questions concerning their governance, including but not limited to: corrupt Government procurement, job losses, the economic contraction, the State of Emergency , the ongoing Passport shortage , the data centre debacle, increasing water shortages, inadequate garbage collection nationwide, and the disastrous UNC policies on the energy sector and foreign affairs.” Speaking about the unemployment rate in T&T, she said, “The CSO [Central Statis...

Keith Rowley Calls For End of State of Emergency ‘NOW!’ In Blistering Attack On Prime Minister

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Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, has launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, and her administration, accusing the Government of abusing its powers under the State of Emergency (SoE), while demanding the immediate dismissal of the Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, and the Attorney General, John Jeremie. In a scathing statement issued via Facebook this afternoon (Tuesday 28th July, 2026), Rowley accused the Government of pursuing what he described as political vendettas instead of acting within the law. His comments come days after the Privy Council ruled in a high-profile legal challenge involving individuals detained during the ongoing State of Emergency. Read Dr. Rowley’s full statement below: “Surprise! Surprise!  The Prime Minister thought that bigotry and racist remarks were reserved only for her use. When she called me an Oreo in the service of the 1%, what did she think that was...

Star Sabga Bombshell Audio Leaks Online — Gary Griffith RESPONDS

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UPDATE (28/07/26):  Businesswoman Star Sabga was released from prison late last night (Monday 27th July, 2026). This comes after the State failed to obtain an extension of a temporary stay that had delayed her release following a High Court ruling. Sabga is said to have walked out of the Golden Grove Prison shortly after 11:30 PM after the 6-hour stay expired without the Court of Appeal granting the State’s request for additional time. Immediately following her release, Sabga was escorted by Police Officers to her home in Regents Park, Westmoorings, where she will remain under strict house arrest conditions, while her constitutional claim against her Preventive Detention Order (PDO) is heard by the Court. Earlier on Monday, High Court Justice Vigel Paul ruled that Sabga should be granted interim relief, finding that her legal challenge raised serious constitutional issues that should be determined by the Court. The ruling ordered her release, pending the outcome of the case. UPDAT...

Tariffs Lowered From 15% To 10% On Exports From Trinidad And Tobago To United States

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The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said it has noted the “misleading and outright inaccurate reporting” in Friday’s Guardian Newspaper (25th July, 2026) with the headline “US Slaps T&T with 10% Tariff.” According to the Ministry, “This front-page story demonstrates the absence of diligent, intelligent and responsible journalism, which can mislead members of the business community and other commentators.” In a Media Release on Friday, the Ministry said it wishes to “categorically state that the United States of America has not applied any new tariffs on exports from Trinidad and Tobago . ” The Ministry states that, “Members of the public may recall that via Executive Order 14326 of 31 July 2025, United States President Donald Trump unveiled new reciprocal tariffs on more than seventy (70) countries globally, including Trinidad and Tobago. The decision was a follow-up to Executive Order 14257 dated 02 April 2025 (Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade ...

Hadeeds ‘In Good Spirits’ At Home After Homeland Security Minister Revokes Preventive Detention Orders

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UPDATE (27/07/26): Dominic Hadeed, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Waters Products Limited, received a warm and emotional welcome from employees today (Monday 27th July, 2026), as he returned to the company’s operations for the first time since his Preventive Detention Order (PDO) was revoked. A video circulating on social media showed employees applauding and celebrating his return, with many describing the moment as a significant one for the Blue Waters family. Hadeed, who had been away from the business during the period of his detention, was greeted by cheering staff members who expressed their happiness at seeing him back at the company. Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, has revoked the Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) issued against businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve Hadeed. In announcing the revocation of the PDOs via a Media Release this afternoon (Thursday 23rd July, 2026), he stated that their continued detention was no long...

MV Barima Disaster In Guyana: P.M. Kamla Persad-Bissessar Issues Statement — Dozens Dead And Missing

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UPDATE (29/07/26):  The Government of Guyana has confirmed that a survivor of the MV Barima disaster has died, as an extensive search-and-recovery operation involving three (3) aircraft and fifteen (15) vessels continues across the country’s Northwestern waters — stretching West to Waini Point and East to Adventure. The latest update comes just hours after the vessel’s Captain and two (2) crew members appeared before a Guyanese Court, charged with the murders of the seventy-three (73) victims whose bodies have been recovered so far. The Government said seventy-seven (77) people were initially rescued, but one (1) survivor later died, reducing the number of survivors to seventy-six (76). Authorities also confirmed that out of the seventy-three (73) bodies that have been recovered, five (5) have yet to be positively identified — while an estimated thirty (30) people remain unaccounted for. UPDATE (22/07/26): President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, revealed this morning (Wednesday 22n...