Beckles questions
Posted: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Beckles questions what T&T actually gained from Venezuela trip?
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is questioning what Trinidad and Tobago actually achieved from Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers' trip to Venezuela and why Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has still not met directly with Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez.

Caribbean Airlines to resume Venezuela flights
One year after Caribbean Airlines (CAL) temporarily suspended flights between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, the airline is preparing to resume service to the South American nation.

Business community welcomes T&T-Venezuela reset
... calls for action on energy projects

Ex-diplomat says Venezuela insulted T&T
A former Trinidad and Tobago diplomat believes this country was "diplomatically insulted" during Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers' visit to Caracas, arguing that Venezuela's actions, rather than the cordial language contained in a joint statement, show relations remain far from repaired.

Energy experts welcome thawing of T&T/Venezuela relations
Trinidad and Tobago's latest engagement with Venezuela could signal the beginning of a thaw in relations between the two countries following a period of heightened diplomatic tensions that disrupted energy cooperation.

Gonzales urges PM to watch her language
...as T&T/Venezuela move to calm diplomatic tensions

Bodoe: Only a few CDAP drugs affected by shortages
Audit finds expired goods totalling over $300m

Dowlath defends late distribution of book grants
Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath is defending the late distribution of the School Supplies and Book Grant, saying the Ministry of Education had just six weeks to verify 20,744 applications.

All schools will open
Education Minister: Repair works to continue into new term, but...

Two weeks' grace for parents
With delay in school grant distribution...

Tobago parents question late book grant payments
"This is poor management. Some have no help; it's just wait and see. Everybody now have to rush in the store and might not get the books they want. Government has to be prompt," the parent said.

He compared the situation to the late start to school repairs by the Division of Education, speculating it is a sign of a wider national issue.

PSA signals flexibility on $3.8B wage arrears settlement
The PSA and Government agreed to a ten per cent wage increase in December 2025, covering the 2014–2016 and 2017–2019 bargaining periods.

The outstanding issue is how the arrears arising from those agreements will be settled.

The Government has proposed that 40 per cent be paid in cash, with the remaining 60 per cent dealt with through non-cash measures. The PSA rejected that arrangement and has instead proposed 60 per cent in cash, with 40 per cent as deferred cash.

Tobago goes digital with launch of new ID system
A trip to a Tobago House of Assembly (THA) office could soon become a thing of the past for residents seeking access to a range of public services.

HILTON LIFELINE
Over 300 workers can breathe easier as Govt signs six-month extension
with international hotel chain

Dear Editor: Neglect under PNM, betrayal under UNC—workers still on 2010 and 2013 salaries
Thirteen years have passed since health care workers, Lake Asphalt employees and other workers last received a salary adjustment. In 2026, they remain stuck on 2013 wages while the cost-of-living climbs higher every day.

Police seize $193.5M in cocaine hidden inside backhoe tyres
The seizure, described by senior police officials as a major blow to the illegal drug trade, formed part of continuing efforts by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to dismantle the domestic and international drug trade. The 24-hour raid, which began on Wednesday and ended yesterday, resulted in the arrest of a 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands and two Saint Lucian nationals, aged 38 and 37.

'Medz Boss' seeks urgent bail after PDO revoked
Two days after Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked the Preventive Detention Order (PDO) issued against dancehall artiste Joseph "Medz Boss" Olliviere on August 24, his attorneys filed an urgent bail application in the Port-of-Spain High Court, along with a request for an expedited hearing.


Send page by E-Mail

• Let's talk Sex and Relationships
  Thinking Africans Allowed invites you to an open discussion about Sex, Sexuality and Relationships
  
• Dr Tye Salandy: T&T's Political Culture Affects COVID-19 Response
  
• Aileen Alexis: Candles, tears and selected outrage
  
• A. Hotep: Sorry, Not Sorry: The Business of Racism in T&T
  
• A. Hotep: Brute Force, Blame and Bigotry: Police Killings in Morvant
  
• Dr Tye Salandy: Protests and State Violence: Leaders Must Stop Dodging Responsibility
  
• A. Hotep: Road Map To Recovery Team Needs Rethinking
  
• Dr Tye Salandy: Public Enquiry needed into the Education System
  
• Dr Tye Salandy: Sedition and other Nonsensical Colonial Laws
  
• Professor Sir Hilary Beckles: Britain's Perfect Caribbean Crime: Ignored Genocide, Faked Emancipation, Insincere Independence, and No Reparations