No joking matter
Posted: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

No joking matter
SEVENTEEN years since the Manning administration agreed to a bailout of the tottering CL Financial empire, no one has been held accountable.

Throughout those years, taxpayers have borne a $28 billion burden, made heavier by staggering legal fees ­– $3 billion to $4 billion – in cases before the civil courts. It's time to count our losses and end civil suits that the government, once more under the prime ministership of Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is not willing to spend more resources on.

Govt negotiates sale of CL Financial shares to Proman, ends Privy Council appeal
IN what was described as a matter "that posed a serious threat to the country's economic well-being," the Office of the Attorney General announced a decision to end a Privy Council appeal involving Proman Holdings Barbados Ltd and CL Financial Ltd (CLF).

Social media erupts over south school's hair rules
A POST on social media on January 17 of a contract sent to parents of the Fyzabad Secondary School outlining what hairstyles are not allowed for female students, using pictures of black women, has ignited another controversy about racism in schools.

Rights group slams school hair rules as 'humiliating'
...ESCTT: Hair policy 'cultural disrespect'

GAS PRICE GOING UP
TTMA warns:

Gas squeeze: Manufacturers up in arms over pending hike by state-owned NGC

NGC, EOG sign gas supply agreement

PM's energy conference snub raises concerns for energy sector

Persad-Bissessar criticised for targeting independent institutions
Former independent senators and the Opposition are criticising Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over a series of remarks targeting independent institutions, raising fresh questions about the tone of political discourse and the role of unelected oversight bodies. A political analyst, however, has come to the prime minister's defence, arguing that she is reacting to sustained criticism and growing frustration early in her term.

Venezuelan ambassador: Region stands united for peace, sovereignty

Local civil groups support Venezuela, condemn US actions
The participants of the meeting, among other things, laid out an action plan to defend the Venezuelan cause.

Kamla calls Independent senators 'bootlickers and brown-nosers'
Kamla doubles down in criticising Independents on ZOSO bill...

Senator Lalite-Ettienne: Parts not easily sourced, timeframe too short for repairs
INDEPENDENT SENATOR Alicia Lalite-Ettienne has expressed her support for the government's Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill in the upper house on January 20, but urged that more time be given for motorists to effect repairs on their vehicles, as she said there are instances where parts cannot be quickly acquired locally and need to be imported, which could take months.

Amery warns of mechanic 'feeding frenzy'
...but Govt senator disputes Browne claims

35 training courses in agriculture in 2026 - Ratiram: 20,000 to participate

PM to consider social media ban for children under 12

PTSC bus victim's arm saved, family says she is in good spirits
According to her sister, 69-year-old Hassina Mathura currently remains hospitalized at the San Fernando General Hospital however she is expected to make a full recovery.

Mathura's sister, Ashmoon Lalchan, said yesterday that her sister's arm has not been amputated but that doctors had installed wires and screws to support the injured appendage.

Man dead, woman injured after high-speed chase
It is not yet known what triggered the chase, but police sources say a Glock handgun was found in the car.

The bodies of two men killed by cops have not been claimed
A third man who was shot and killed by police officers on Friday night has been identified as Kyle Harewood, 24, of Clara Street, Le Platte Village, Maraval.

Terror in Valsayn: Family assaulted, $60,000 stolen
On arrival, officers met a 59-year-old woman who told them that she and her handyman were outside her home when three men entered the yard and forced them into the house.


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