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The Ministry of Homeland Security is advising applicants under the Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) that the appointment-based collection process, which initially facilitated CARICOM and other nationals, has now been completed. The Ministry previously announced that as at 25th October, 2026, a total of 20,242 applicants had been recommended for MRF cards and Minister’s Permits following a comprehensive security vetting process. In a Media Release today (Thursday 5th November, 2026), the Ministry said effective from Friday (6th November, 2026), all applicants whose MRF application status is “Approved,” regardless of nationality, may proceed to make payment at any National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) booth nationwide and thereafter visit the MRF Collection Centre at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Balmain, Couva, to collect their Minister’s Permits. The Ministry notes that the required fee is $710. Applicants who have already made the required payment may proceed directly to the Collecti...

UPDATE: Reports state that the Prime Minister came down with the flu and was therefore unable to make the trip to Antigua and Barbuda. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announced this afternoon (Monday 2nd November, 2026) that the Honourable Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, will not be attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) as previously announced. Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, the Honourable Sean Sobers will represent the Government of Trinidad and Tobago at the meeting. The OPM said the Honourable Prime Minister “therefore reverts to her existing OPM schedule.” No reason was given for the sudden change. The 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is taking place from 1st to 4th November, 2026 in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” Among those scheduled to be in attendance are leaders and representatives from fifty-six (56) Common...

UPDATE (03/11/26): Less than 100 people reportedly showed up at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on Monday (2nd November, 2026) as distribution of Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) cards and Minister’s Permits began, despite 20,242 applicants being recommended for approval following comprehensive security checks. Some applicants are said to have struggled to find authorized NLCB Lotto booths to pay the required TT $710 fee, while others could not get time off from work to collect their documents. The Ministry of Homeland Security is advising migrants that the Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) is moving into its third and final phase, following the completion of online applications and in-person registration. As at 25th October, 2026, a total of 20,242 applicants had been recommended for MRF cards and Minister’s Permits following a comprehensive security vetting process. In a Media Release on Friday (30th October, 2026), the Ministry said payment is scheduled to commence on Sunda...

“The protest has bust, back to work on Monday, enjoy the weekend, your Prime Minister loves you.” This from Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, following a demonstration today (Friday 30th October, 2026) in Port-of-Spain , involving a number of Trade Union leaders, political leaders, Opposition MPs and others. The protest began shortly after 9:00 AM at Memorial Park. In a statement issued a short while ago this afternoon, the Prime Minister said, “The long touted hate protest against the UNC spectacularly failed today. (See aerial pic which media won’t show you).” ( Click/Tap Image To Enlarge ) Mrs. Persad-Bissessar continued, “The fake eat a food elite, local drug mafia, and the rich Indians, Chinese and Middle Easterners who the PNM MPs enriched at the expense of the working and middle classes during their time in Government failed to show up in their numbers in POS. Anything done because of racial and political hatred towards others will always fail. Hopefu...

UPDATE (6:00 PM): Following’s today’s protest, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued a statement in which she said, “The long touted hate protest against the UNC spectacularly failed today,” calling it a “bust.” A total of twelve (12) Trade Unions plan to proceed with their demonstration today (Friday 30th October, 2026) despite reportedly rejecting a Police request to postpone it. The march was scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM at Memorial Park, with a rally expected at Woodford Square around 12:00 PM. Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, has reportedly urged members of the public to avoid the route. The twelve (12) unions expected to participate in the march today are as follows: Communication Workers’ Union (CWU); Steel Workers’ Union of Trinidad and Tobago; Aviation, Communication and Allied Workers’ Union; Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU); Estate Police Association; Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA); Banking, ...

Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, said the country is seeing “real progress” in the fight against violent crime. In a social media post this afternoon (Thursday 29th October, 2026), the Prime Minister said the numbers show a decline from 523 murders for the year as of 28th October, 2024, to 305 during the same period in 2025 and now to 280 as of 28th October, 2026 — a reduction of approximately 46%. “Your UNC Government has placed a strong emphasis on confronting violent criminal elements, strengthening national security and restoring public safety. From legislative changes to resourcing and equipping our protective services, we have ensured that our brave men and women are not outmanned or outgunned on the streets.” Mrs. Persad-Bissessar added, “There is still much work to be done. Every life lost to crime is one too many, and our commitment must remain focused on making our communities safer. I extend our appreciation to the Ministers of Homeland Security...

The National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) said it is preparing to host Divali Nagar 2026, the premier and largest Divali celebration in the English-speaking Caribbean. Taking place at the iconic NCIC Nagar in Chaguanas from 30th October to 7th November, 2026, the NCIC notes that this year’s 9-day festival is projected to welcome over 300,000 visitors locally, regionally and internationally. In a Media Release this afternoon (Monday 26th October, 2026), the NCIC said, “Under the 2026 theme ‘Viveka: Discerning Truth in the Age of Al,’ the festival explores the timeless Eastern philosophical concept of Viveka (intellectual discernment and wisdom) as a guiding light through modern digital landscapes and technological evolution.” Over nine (9) spectacular nights, Divali Nagar 2026 will transform Chaguanas into a beacon of culture, light and unity. According to the NCIC, attendees can look forward to: Cultural Staging & Entertainment: Daily performances featuring top local and inter...

The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, M.P, Minister of Finance, presented the National Budget 2027 in Parliament this afternoon (Monday 12th October, 2026). Below are thirty-five (35) fiscal measures that were announced by Minister Tancoo: 1. Introduce a limit on carried-forward losses for general trade and business: Effective January 1, 2027, businesses will be allowed to offset up to 75% of their annual chargeable profits using losses carried forward from previous years. Projected Revenue: $430 Million. This measure will ensure a balance between supporting business activity and ensuring that profitable enterprises make a fair and timely contribution to the revenues required for our national priorities. 2. Increase in Unemployment Levy: Effective January 1, 2027, the Unemployment Levy on the taxable profits of petroleum companies will increase from 5% to 8%. Projected Additional Revenue: $155 Million. This measure will ensure we have adequate resources to support workers and strength...

The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, M.P, Minister of Finance, announced this afternoon (Monday 12th October, 2026) during his presentation of the National Budget 2027, that households using more than 3,000 kWh of electricity per billing period will pay an extra 5 cents per kWh . The proposed measure, which is expected to generate $17.8 million in additional revenue, effectively means that households will pay an extra 5 cents for every kilowatt-hour consumed above 3,000 units. The Minister said the surcharge will take effect on 1st January, 2027, and is expected to affect 10% of households in Trinidad and Tobago , as he had been advised that 90% of residential customers consumed less than the proposed threshold, which he notes was designed to protect households with moderate electricity consumption. “Efficient management of our energy resources should encourage conservation while protecting households with modest energy needs,” he said. Electricity rate increase Tancoo: Households usin...

The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, M.P, Minister of Finance, announced this afternoon (Monday 12th October, 2026) during his presentation of the National Budget 2027, that despite international fuel prices rising, the Government will keep the price of super gasoline at $5.97 per litre, absorbing the higher cost rather than passing it on to motorists. This cost the Government TT $290 million during the fiscal year. Had they not done so, the Minister said the average price per liter between March to September 2026 would have been $7.64, instead of the current $5.97. Minister Tancoo notes that a driver filling a 50-litre tank four (4) times per month saved $332 per month or $3,984 over the past year. Tancoo: Despite international fuel prices rising, Government will keep super gasoline at $5.97 per litre, absorbing the higher cost rather than passing it on to motorists. A driver filling a 50-litre tank four times monthly saved $3,984 over the past year. #Budget27 https://t.co/XUbqQGuSSl...

The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, M.P, Minister of Finance, announced this afternoon (Monday 12th October, 2026) during his presentation of the National Budget 2027, that the Senior Citizens’ Grant, Public Assistance Grant and Disability Assistance Grant will each increase by $250, effective from 1st January, 2027 , benefiting 124,000, 13,637 and 28,000 recipients, respectively. The Minister pointed out that the last time the Senior Citizens’ pension was increased was twelve (12) years ago, under the then-Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Tancoo: Senior Citizens’ Grant, Public Assistance Grant and Disability Assistance Grant will each increase by $250 from January 1, 2027, benefiting 124,000, 13,637 and 28,000 recipients respectively. #Budget27 https://t.co/un6LaZuzVA — Kejan Haynes (@KejanHaynes) October 12, 2026 Watch the live stream of the ongoing National Budget 2027 presentation  here . More on this as it becomes available.

The National Budget 2027 will be presented in Parliament this afternoon (Monday 12th October, 2026) at 1:30 PM by the Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, M.P, Minister of Finance. Watch the live stream of the presentation of the National Budget 2027 from 1:30 PM below: Ahead of the presentation of the National Budget 2027, Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, issued the following statement on Sunday (11th October, 2026): THE GOVERNMENT WILL REBALANCE SOCIETY IN FAVOUR OF THE LAW-ABIDING, HARD-WORKING, HONEST CITIZENS AND AWAY FROM REWARDING LAZINESS, ILLEGALITY, IRRESPONSIBILITY AND NEGATIVE BEHAVIOURS. On Monday the 2027 National Budget will be delivered. There will be better and brighter days ahead for all law-abiding citizens who study diligently, work honestly, make good choices, and live productive lives. Conversely, no matter what is said in Monday’s budget, some citizens who have a poor work ethic, dishonest behaviour, bad habits, and negative attitudes will...

The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said in a brief Media Release that contrary to a story in the Trinidad Express today (Sunday 11th October, 2026), authored by Mr. Mark Bassant, it is “pleased to inform the population that NO sitting Trinidad and Tobago Government Minister’s US visa has been revoked.” The statement concluded by saying, “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has no involvement in the issuance or revocation of US visas.” More on this as it becomes available.

According to Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, last night (Tuesday 6th October, 2026), the Government bench in the Senate voted for and passed legislation to increase the permissible ages for gambling, marijuana, alcohol and tobacco use . In a Media Release a short while ago this evening (Wednesday 7th October, 2026), the Prime Minister said, “The PNM, as expected, did not support the legislation. The PNM’s answer to protecting our youth is giving them marijuana to smoke and low-paying, menial welfare jobs. The PNM Parliamentarians only exist to serve the owners of the PNM while simultaneously destroying your children’s futures.” Mrs. Persad-Bissessar added, “After hours of useless braying from the nine (9) scumbag President’s Senators, they also voted against the Bill, which was created to protect your children and grandchildren as they enter adulthood. Their vote against protecting young people was consistent with the hateful behaviour that this loathsome...

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announced a short while ago this evening (Thursday 1st October, 2026) that the National Budget 2027 will be presented in Parliament by the Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, M.P, Minister of Finance, on Monday 12th October, 2026 at 1:30 PM. More on this as it becomes available.  This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.  

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said it destroyed more than 8.3 tonnes of illegal narcotics today (Tuesday 29th September, 2026) at the Caroni Cremation Site, with an estimated street value of $1.6 billion. The drugs were seized in multiple operations and arrests, by the Southern, Eastern, North Eastern Divisions and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), some dating back to 2005. According to the TTPS, the destroyed narcotics included: 3.08 tonnes of cocaine, valued at approximately $1.431 billion. 5.22 tonnes of marijuana, valued at approximately $156 million. 4.87 kilograms of ecstasy and heroin, valued at approximately $13 million. $1.6 BILLION IN ILLEGAL DRUGS DESTROYED Today, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) destroyed more than $1.6 billion in illegal drugs by estimated street value. The value of these drugs, seized from the local drug mafia, amounts to approximately 1% of our annual GDP.… pic.twitter.com/6IRUDCjTrO — Kamla Persad-Bissessar (@PM_Kamla...

Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, announced a short while ago this afternoon (Monday 28th September, 2026) that the UNC Government will bring a Bill to Parliament on Wednesday (30th September, 2026), which proposes to raise the minimum legal age for alcohol and tobacco from 18 years to 21 years, the minimum legal age for cannabis from 18 years to 25 years, and the minimum legal age for gambling, also from 18 years to 25 years. According to the Prime Minister, on Wednesday, the UNC Government will bring a Bill entitled, “An Act to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act, Chap. 11:25, the Registration of Clubs Act, Chap. 21:01, the Tobacco Control Act, Chap. 30:04, the Children Act, Chap. 46:01, the Liquor Licences Act, Chap. 84:10, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2021 (Act No. 8 of 2021) and the Cannabis Control Act, 2022 (Act No. 10 of 2022).” Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said in a statement this afternoon, “I am resolute in my duty to protect and safeguard th...

The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Her Excellency Delcy Rodríguez Gómez and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar S.C. MP held a meeting today (Wednesday 23rd September, 2026) at the Permanent Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations in New York, United States, within the framework of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. A joint statement between the Governments confirmed that President Rodríguez Gómez and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar “held a cordial working meeting heralding the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations.” According to the statement, “During the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the historical bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, while reiterating their commitment to consolidating the bilateral agenda under the principles of mutual respect, sovereignty, good neighborliness, dialogue, and cooper...

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...