Higher customs fees
Posted: Sunday, December 28, 2025

Higher customs fees
Bid to raise $1b in revenue...

Govt tightens export rules on construction materials
The Government has removed several construction-related materials from the Open General Licence for exports, tightening controls beginning from January 1, 2026.

You now pay $2,000 for these traffic offences
Motorists across Trinidad and Tobago are now facing stiffer penalties for a range of traffic offences following the implementation of Legal Notice No. 471 of 2025, which doubles fines previously set at $1,000 to $2,000.

PM, ministers defend doubling fines for several traffic offences from January 1
..says hike targets lawbreakers, not law-abiding citizens

Traffic penalties to double in January – Arrive Alive: Fines alone won't save lives

Maxi-taxi operators to pay double to use PBR
From January 1, 2026, the cost of a permit to operate on the Priority Bus Route will rise from $300 to $600 a quarter, according to Legal Notice No 475.

RTMTA Claims It Was Not Consulted On PBR Toll Increase

Hitting a sour note
THE GOVERNMENT'S communication strategy continues to leave a lot to be desired. A good example is this month's decision to extend the use of the former coat of arms by five years.

Economic reality sets in
But economics does not pause for applause. It demands a second, more difficult conversation—one about constraints, trade-offs and consequences. That conversation is not ideological. It is arithmetic.

MSJ: What would the Prince of Peace say about today's world—and another imperial power grab?

After Trinidad shutdown, Nutrien pivots to asset sales and potash expansion

S&P downgrades major methanol, nitrogen producer CEL
Global rating agency S&P has downgraded its long-term issuer credit and issue-level ratings on Consolidated Energy Ltd (CEL), a subsidiary of the largest operator on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, from B to 'CCC+', placing the company deeper into junk-bond status.

Pan Trinbago Responds To State Sponsorship Withdrawal
Pan Trinbago says steel bands function far beyond musical performance, describing pan yards as classrooms, safe spaces and extended families that nurture discipline, creativity and resilience among young people.

From Junior Panorama programs to large conventional bands, Pan Trinbago notes sponsorship supports a wide cultural ecosystem, benefiting instrument makers, uniform tailors, transport providers, food vendors and local artisans.

Couva Joylanders decry NGC steelband sponsorship cuts
“By saying 'NGC is not a charity,' Mr Ramdeen reduces CSR (corporate social responsibility) to mere financial prudence. But CSR is about balancing profit with social good.

"Supporting culture doesn't mean fiscal indiscipline. Responsible sponsorship can coexist with financial accountability," the Joylanders wrote in a Facebook post.

Plea to Health Minister – Drop appeal in Zika child case
Ragoo is one of 17 babies born with birth defects (congenital syndrome) in TT during the 2017 outbreak of the virus, according to Pan American Health Organisation data.

Divers unable to find any sign of missing rig worker
Divers began searching for the remains of Pete Phillip in the waters surrounding the partially collapsed rig 110 last week, but four attempts have since come up empty-handed.

PM blames 'lawlessness' for new penalties: threatens fireworks ban

Deputy commissioners: Police ratings up as crime drops, public outreach improves

Ex-T&T youth player and National Intercol star, Tekay Hoyce, murdered at 28
Up to the time of publication, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) had not issued a statement on the murder. However, Crime Wave TT said its sources claimed Hoyce had been dodging death for the past two weeks—after his alleged friend, Jalani George, was gunned down on Ariapita Avenue on Sunday 14 December.


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