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The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) intercepted a vessel carrying seven (7) persons during a routine maritime patrol early this morning (Tuesday 28th July, 2026). In a Media Release following the incident, the Coast Guard said the vessel, identified as a pirogue, was intercepted in the vicinity of Monos Island. Preliminary assessments indicated that the occupants, comprising four (4) adult males, one (1) adult female and two (2) minors, were Venezuelan nationals. A search of the vessel resulted in the discovery of assorted food items and other provisions. The vessel and its occupants were subsequently handed over to the relevant authorities for processing in accordance with the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard remains committed to maintaining the security of the nation’s maritime borders and supporting inter-agency efforts to combat illegal maritime activity.”

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG), at approximately 7:27 PM last night (Sunday 26th July, 2026), whilst conducting searches for an overturned vessel on the South Coast of Trinidad, a Coast Guard patrol boat observed a pirogue proceeding from Venezuela to the South Coast of Trinidad.  In a Media Release today (Monday 27th July, 2026), the Coast Guard said the patrol boat was able to intercept the pirogue and discovered 252 packets of a green, plant-like substance onboard. Once the pirogue was secured, it was handed over to Officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), along with its contents and its two (2) occupants. The Coast Guard said it “remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and working with partner agencies to combat transnational crime and protect the security of the country’s maritime domain.” Reports state that a pirogue carrying Venezuelan nationals left Venezuela and entered Trinidad and Tobago waters on Friday ...

For the safety of all customers and crew, Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) is advising passengers of the following guidelines when travelling with lithium batteries, electronic devices and power banks: Power banks are NOT permitted in checked baggage. They must be carried in your carry-on baggage only and must not be used or recharged onboard the aircraft. Electronic devices such as phones, tablets, laptops and cameras should be carried in your carry-on baggage. Spare lithium batteries must: Be individually protected to prevent short circuits. Be kept in carry-on baggage only. Not be loose inside bags. E-cigarettes and vapes are permitted in carry-on baggage only and must not be used or charged onboard. Customers are reminded that lithium batteries and power banks must not exceed 100Wh unless otherwise approved by the airline. All passengers are encouraged to check battery ratings before travel and ensure devices are packed safely and securely. If you require further guidance, pl...

UPDATE (30/07/26):  Relatives of missing female Venezuelan national, Nikol Landaeta, are urging authorities not to end search efforts, insisting she has not been found, despite reports circulating on social media. Landaeta, a mother of two (2) children, reportedly worked at a hotel in Trinidad prior to her disappearance at sea. Her uncle, Carlos Lanzu, said she had chosen the sea journey as the most affordable way to reunite with her children, who remain in Venezuela. In a social media post, Lanzu denied reports that his niece had been rescued, saying the family has received no official confirmation of her whereabouts or any photographic evidence to support the claims. He added that relatives have checked local Hospitals and with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), but have found no trace of her. Lanzu also appealed to the public not to spread false information, warning that it could hamper ongoing search efforts. He also stressed that Landaeta had no links to criminal ...

UPDATE 2:  Reports state that little Brithanny boarded a migrant pirogue off Erin en route to the place she called home in San Rafael, Tucupita, Venezuela, hoping to reunite with her grandparents and celebrate her first schooling milestone — graduating from kindergarten. Instead, she died while desperately trying to reach for her mother as she and at least twenty-eight (28) others were plunged into the ocean by the sinking vessel. Her final rites were performed at the Boysie Boodoo Crematorium in Penal. Speaking with the Trinidad Express, Brithanny’s Trinidadian stepfather, Sharzam Hosein, said: “The guy who died [Edwin Parra], he had grabbed Brithanny and they all swam out to the shore. When they reached out to the shore, they couldn’t find the man and the child.” He added, “I don’t know what happened. The cause of death was drowning but it looked like they were mashed up real bad when they were found. It looked like her head was swollen. Her mom did not want to leave the shore th...

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...

UPDATE (7:00 PM): The Prime Minister has arrived in Saint Lucia to participate in the 51st Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. I arrived in Saint Lucia to participate in the 51st Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. I look forward to joining my fellow regional leaders as we discuss the issues that matter most to our people and continue working together to strengthen Caribbean… pic.twitter.com/hhM3zYUOsp — Kamla Persad-Bissessar (@PM_Kamla) July 5, 2026 In a social media post following her arrival, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said, “I look forward to joining my fellow regional leaders as we discuss the issues that matter most to our people and continue working together to strengthen Caribbean co-operation, advance our shared priorities, and deepen the partnerships that unite our Community.” Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, will depart Trinidad and Tobago today (Sunday 5th July, 2026) to attend the 51st Regular M...

Northern Venezuela continues to be rattled by aftershocks, with seismologists recording two (2) light earthquakes in the area this morning (Sunday 28th June, 2026), one of 4.5 magnitude at 4:30 AM, and another of 4.3 magnitude, approximately forty-five (45) minutes later, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). As more aftershocks on Sunday rattled nerves, fears are mounting that the window for finding survivors is closing. More than three (3) days have passed since the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck Venezuela , cutting a path of destruction through its Northern States. That exceeds the 72-hour window in which many experts and aid groups say the most people can be saved. Venezuelan officials on Saturday (27th June, 2026) said there had been more than 430 aftershocks since the pair of powerful quakes struck on Wednesday (24th June, 2026), devastating many parts of the country. Officials have confirmed at least 1,430 deaths, with 3,238 reported injures and app...

UPDATE 3:  United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, provided an update this morning (Thursday 25th June, 2026) on America’s recovery efforts to help the Venezuelan people after the country was hit by a pair of historic and deadly earthquakes. “We're already deploying search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles. There will be some others we'll add. That's their most immediate need right now, is search and rescue efforts — they have much of collapsed buildings. And so they'll need a lot of help in terms of digging through that.” BREAKING: Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives an update on America’s recovery efforts to help the Venezuelan people after the country was hit by a pair of historic and deadly earthquakes. “We're already deploying search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los… pic.twitter.com/h8SLnQea7F — Fox News (@FoxNews) June 25, 2026 Rubio added, “We've already stood up our disaster response teams at...

The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) is advising that Heritage Petroleum Company Limited (Heritage) detected an oil spill in the Main Field at 7:25 AM on 1st May, 2026, and immediately activated its oil spill response protocols. Trinidad and Tobago’s Government and Heritage, the State oil company that detected the spill, allegedly did not disclose it until after Venezuelan authorities complained to the international community. In a Media Release today (Sunday 10th May, 2026), the MEEI said Heritage “instantly informed relevant regulatory authorities,” including the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI), the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG), and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). Approval was granted by MEEI to use chemical dispersants at 9:50 AM on the same day. According to the Ministry, “An oil spill trajectory modeling was immediately conducted, which indicated that if left untreated, the hydrocarbon material could cross the Trinidad/Venezue...

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...

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...

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 ...

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.

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.

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.”

UPDATE:  In a statement following the launch, Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, said, “Trinidad and Tobago is moving forward and keeping pace with the digital age. An Online Arrival and Departure Card Platform will be implemented, making travel into and out of our country faster and more efficient. Additionally, the laws of Trinidad and Tobago will be available online, giving citizens, businesses and the wider public easier access to important legal information.” The Prime Minister added, “These initiatives mark another step in modernizing our systems, improving access to information and delivering more efficient public services.” EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated with additional details.   The Ministry of Homeland Security officially launched Trinidad and Tobago's Online Arrival/Departure Card (ADC) Platform at a media event held at 11:00 AM this morning (Wednesday 11th March, 2026) at its Headquarters at Tower C, International Water...

Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, departs today (Friday 6th March, 2026) for the “Shield of the Americas” summit meeting in the United States, hosted by President Donald Trump. Trinidad and Tobago is one (1) of only two (2) CARICOM nations invited to participate in the high-level gathering. During the summit meeting, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar is expected to engage directly with the President of the United States, as well as other senior officials, including Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, and Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright. The T&T delegation will include the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers, Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Barry Padarath, and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Nicholas Morris. In a Media Release this morning (Friday 6th March, 2026), the United National Congress (UNC) said, “During her absenc...