BAHAMAS PM makes direct pitch to workers as unions plan nationwide strike
Prime Minister Phillip Davis has appealed to public sector workers to take into consideration the existing socio-economic conditions in The Bahamas as trade unions plan mass demonstrations across the country on Wednesday in support of their demands for the payment of salary increases to their members.
The Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) and Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) have called on workers to march in downtown Nassau, with the BUT urging teachers in Grand Bahama to gather outside the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Freeport, and for Family Island teachers to stay at home.
The BUT and other unions are demanding retroactive pay dating back to September 2024, and that all increases be applied and paid by the October payday, not December as previously stated by the government.
“Senior civil servants already received their retroactive pay — thousands of dollars — backdated to September of last year. We’re saying the small man deserves the same. This isn’t a gift. It’s money already earned,” said BUT President, Belinda Wilson.
But In a national broadcast on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Davis said that he was appealing directly to the workers saying that when he came into office in 2021, “we met a country still recovering from crises.
“The economy was fragile. Thousands of Bahamians were out of work. Public finances were under strain. And within the public service, morale was low. Salaries had been stagnant. Promotions were delayed. Contract workers were stuck in limbo. Pensioners were struggling to live on fixed incomes that hadn’t been adjusted in years.”
Davis said that over the past four years, the government has worked steadily to restore fairness, dignity, and opportunity for workers.
“We restored annual increments in the public service, those small but important step increases that reward years of service. For thousands of public officers, that meant more money in their pockets every year and an acknowledgment of their dedication.
“We raised the national minimum wage for the first time in seven years, from US$210 to US$260 a week. That single decision increased take-home pay by nearly a quarter for the lowest-paid workers in this country. For many families, it meant an extra bag of groceries, a school uniform, or a light bill paid on time.”
He said that the government has negotiated and signed over 59 labour agreements, providing new wage increases, better allowances, modernized benefits, and clear career paths.
“And still, with all of this progress, I was not satisfied. I knew we could do more for the men and women who serve this country every day. That’s why I initiated the national salary review, not the unions, not anyone else. I did it because I believed Bahamian workers deserved more. That is how we got to this moment.”
Prime Minister Davis said that he met with the leadership of the BUT and other public service unions, discussing the national salary review as well as the process the government initiated to ensure every public servant is paid fairly.
He said “we reviewed the findings, exchanged ideas” and agreed to meet for further discussions.
“But while we were still at the table, one of the union leaders made a public threat to call a national strike if I did not agree to the terms being demanded. Now, I understand emotions. I understand frustration. People want results. But when both sides are still talking, the respectful thing to do is to finish the conversation.”
Prime Minister Davis said that so instead of continuing under that kind of dynamic, he has decided to speak directly to the Bahamian people.
“Here’s where we are. The national salary review is complete, and it will be made public. While the review did not include every category of public servants, the same methodology will be applied to ensure increases are extended across the wider public service.”
He said that the findings show that since coming to office in 2021, public officers have received salary increases every year, and that entry-level workers, the ones earning the least, have benefited the most with the consistency and regularity of their reassessments, salary adjustments, and increments, ensuring that these officers received their due in a structured, timely way, after many years of delay.
“We did this because we made a decision to put workers first. Some have asked about the delay. The delay was not a cash flow problem. It was an administrative process, making sure the new salary adjustments for more than fifteen thousand public officers were accurate, fair, and done right the first time.
“I am satisfied we have resolved the issue, and I want to reassure every public servant that you will be paid before Christmas,” Davis said, adding “the union leaders have to do their jobs, to represent their members.
“But I have to do mine, to represent all Bahamians. My responsibility is not only to one group, but to every citizen who depends on a strong, stable country. Some have asked what the grievance really is. There is no grievance here.
“The grandstanding and public drama do not change the fact that this Government is paying workers as promised. So the question must be asked, is the objection to the fact that we are paying? Surely, no one can object to fairness being delivered.”
Prime Minister Davis said he will on Thursday meet with other trade union leaders to continue the national conversation about how “we keep moving forward together” adding “I have always respected the role of unions in our national story.
“I believe discussions work best when there is mutual respect and trust. I have always been a respectful and patient listener, and I am open to any conversation held in good faith. But I will not take part in any process where dark clouds of threats hang over the table.
“That is not how I was raised, and that is not how I lead. I don’t believe in shouting matches or grandstanding,” Davis said, adding “ I will not sit in any room where respect is not mutual and shouting is the only tool on the table”.
Source-CMC
THREE DAYS WEATHER FROM WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15TH 2025
A dissipating frontal boundary will move swiftly across the Turks and Caicos Islands today. Widely scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are occurring along and ahead of the boundary.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy to cloudy with a medium (40 to 50 percent) chance of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms through tonight. New total rainfall accumulation of up to a half of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
WINDS: Variable at 10 knots or less, becoming northwesterly at 10 knots or less tonight.
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 90°F 32°C
HEAT INDEX 104°F 40°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 79°F 26°C
SUNSET: 06:24 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 04:32 PM (2.6 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 11:08 PM (1.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: Drier conditions will follow behind the frontal boundary. Over the weekend, high pressure will build across the area, bringing a dry air mass and breezy conditions across the islands.
THURSDAY: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 88°F (31°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 79°F (26°C).
WINDS: Northwesterly at 10 knots or less
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:45 AM
SUNSET: 06:23 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:45 AM (2.0 FT) 05:30 PM (3.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:55 AM (0.3 FT)
FRIDAY: Isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 88°F (31°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 77°F (25°C).
WINDS: Northwest to north at 10 knots or less, falling light and variable at times.
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 4 to 6 feet
SUNRISE: 06:45 AM
SUNSET: 06:22 PM
HIGH TIDE: 05:50 AM (2.7 FT) 06:24 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 12:01 AM (0.7 FT) 12:01 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: See the latest News Item issued by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology on newly formed Tropical Storm Lorenzo, located in the central Tropical Atlantic.
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOSTS INTRODUCTORY TRAINING ON WATER SAMPLING, ONSITE TESTING, AND VECTOR CONTROL
The Environmental Health Department conducted an introductory training session focused on water sampling, onsite water testing, and vector control for inmates and members of the maintenance management team of His Majesty’s Prison. The sessions were led by Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer - Crivanne Adams and Vector Control Officer - Narada Williams.
This collaborative initiative aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of essential public health practices that contribute to a safer and healthier environment within correctional facilities.
The vector control component of the training provided participants with the knowledge and skills to:
Identify common pests and vectors and understand their associated health risks.
Recognize early signs of infestation.
Apply safe, effective, and sustainable control measures.
Learn the basics of mosquito and rodent surveillance.
Properly use chemical control agents in a safe and responsible manner.
The water sampling and onsite testing segment covered hands-on training in essential water quality monitoring techniques, including how to:
Conduct basic field tests for water clarity, colour, and odour.
Measure free and total chlorine levels using colorimetric devices.
Test pH levels for potable water.
Safely handle and store chlorine used in water treatment.
Properly collect water samples for microbial testing such as E. coli and total coliforms.
Beyond improving facility operations, the training also provided inmates with transferable skills that can support future employment and personal development upon release. By introducing participants to environmental health practices, the program aims to inspire new interests and open pathways to careers in fields such as environmental services, maintenance and public health.
Superintendent Woodbine commented on the training:
“This training is a valuable step in improving our prison. This training will equip and enable us to continue to make important improvements to the living and working environment.
Improving the prison through a programme of Planned and Preventative Maintenance (PPM), which will now include this critical training, is another demonstration of the progress the prison is making.
Skilling prisoners and staff with valuable hands on training and vocational learning is at the center of what our prison is committed to do, rehabilitating prisoners, reducing reoffending, improving and promoting health and protecting our communities.
I am proud of the staff and prisoners who have completed this training. I would like to thank the Ministry of Health and Human Services, in particular the Department of Environmental Health, for their enthusiastic collaboration and ongoing support. We both agree this training represents the first steps in expanding training and learning which will benefit the prison and wider island communities”.
The Environmental Health Department remains committed to providing ongoing education and training opportunities that promote environmental stewardship, public health awareness, and sustainable facility management practices.
Heavy rains flood Mexico towns, leaves many dead or missing
Torrential rains that lashed Mexico last week killed at least 64 people and 65 more are missing, the government said on Monday, after a tropical depression triggered landslides and flooding in parts of the Gulf Coast and central states.
The unnamed depression came toward the end of the rainy season, battering land and bursting rivers that had already been soaked by months of rains, while forecasters were focused on tropical storms and two hurricanes on the Pacific coast.
"This intense rain was not expected to be of such magnitude," President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters.
Admiral Raymundo Morales, Mexico's Navy secretary, said the flooding was the result of the coming together of warm and cold air fronts over rivers that were already filled to the brink and mountains weakened by months of rain.
Around 100,000 homes were affected, Sheinbaum said. She is set to meet with the finance ministry later in the day to discuss rebuilding efforts, and visit some hard-hit states.
Laura Velazquez, national coordinator of civil protection, said Hidalgo and Veracruz were the states worst affected, with 29 deaths and 18 missing reported in Veracruz, and 21 deaths and 43 missing in Hidalgo.
The rain also destroyed infrastructure such as bridges and left streets filled with mud. Videos and images from last week showed emergency responders wading through deep waters to find stranded residents and get supplies to affected communities.
Source- The Star
Tron: Ares tops box office; Roofman in at #2
Tron: Ares, the third film in the Tron sci-fi franchise that started back in 1982, zoomed its way to #1 at the box office over the weekend.
According to Box Office Mojo, the movie, starring Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee and Evan Peters, took in $33.5 million over the weekend.
Tron: Ares, the third film in the Tron franchise, has arrived in theaters. Its star Jared Leto told ABC owned station WPVI he has been a huge fan of Tron going back to when he was 11 years old and seeing the original film at the movie theater.
"For me, Tron is like someone else's Star Wars," Leto said:
Leto also praised the 2010 sequel Tron: Legacy, saying, "It took us to a new place and I absolutely adore that film as well."
Now, with Tron: Ares, the original film's star Jeff Bridges returns to his role as Kevin Flynn while Leto stars as a highly sophisticated AI being that is brought to the real world for a dangerous mission.
Leto says it was surreal to act alongside Bridges in the film.
"He's incredible, one of my favorite actors of all time," Leto said. "When he walked on the set for the first time, everyone applauded because they were so excited to have him."
Leto still remembers going to see the original Tron in theaters and says it is a dream come true to become part of the franchise he loves so much.
However Variety notes that number is disappointing, given that the film was initially predicted to bring in as much as $50 million.
Channing Tatum's latest film Roofman debuted at #2 with $8 million. The only other top-10 debut was Soul on Fire, a faith-based film based on the true story of a man who survives being burned in a fire. It brought in $3 million, good enough for fifth place.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez's remake of Kiss of the Spider Woman failed to make the top 10, entering at #12 with a take of just under $919,000.
Here are the top 10 films at the box office:
1. Tron: Ares -- $33.5 million
2. Roofman -- $8 million
3. One Battle After Another -- $6.675 million
4. Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie -- $3.35 million
5. Soul on Fire -- $3 million
6. The Conjuring: Last Rites -- $2.9 million
7. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie - Infinity Castle -- $2.25 million
8. The Smashing Machine -- 1.796 million
9. The Strangers: Chapter 2 -- $1.55 million
10. Good Boy -- $1.36 million
Source-ABC
Trump, world leaders gather in Egypt for ceasefire deal signing with Netanyahu absent
President Donald Trump joined more than 20 world leaders in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday for talks on Gaza's future with the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement underway.
Among those gathered for the summit were Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former Prime Minister Tony Blair, as well as officials from Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.
The group posed for a family picture in front a sign that read "Peace 2025" before a signing ceremony on the agreement.
"This took 3,000 years to get to this point. Can you believe it? And it's going to hold up, too. It's going to hold up,” Trump said in the middle of signing the documents.
Trump is also set to deliver formal remarks in which he will tout the breakthrough as a turning point for the region.
"This is the day that people across this region and around the world have been working, striving, hoping, and praying for. With the historic agreement we have just signed, those prayers of millions have finally been answered. Together, we have achieved the impossible," Trump will say, according to excerpts of his speech released by the White House.
"All the momentum now is toward a great, glorious, and lasting peace," he is expected to say.
Noticeably absent from the signing ceremony and talks in Egypt, though, were representatives for Hamas and Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office cited the Jewish holiday as the reason for his absence, despite him having been directly invited by Trump.
Just hours before, Trump and Netanyahu heaped praise on one another as Trump addressed Israel's parliament. Trump hailed Netanyahu as “one of the greatest” wartime leaders and Netanyahu called Trump Israel's "greatest friend" ever in the White House.
At the Knesset, Trump also declared a "new dawn in the Middle East" and said the war was Gaza over — despite challenges ahead in ensuring a lasting peace.
Hamas released the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages on Monday and Israel freed Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire agreement, with emotional scenes playing out in Tel Aviv and Gaza as families reunited.
But many questions remain about what comes next, including to what extent Trump will be personally involved in shaping a post-war Gaza.
Trump said the second phase of his proposed peace plan is in progress, though he didn't provide much detail.
"Well, it started. I mean, it started as far as we’re concerned," Trump said as he sat with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. "Phase two has started. And, you know, the phases are all a little bit mixed in with each other. You’re gonna start cleaning up. You look at Gaza, it needs a lot of cleanup."
The U.S. president also appeared to set his sights next on Iran, urging the country to use this opportunity to work with the administration on a peace deal.
"We are ready when you are and it will be the best decision that Iran has ever made, and it's going to happen," Trump said during his speech at the Knesset.
Trump reiterated that point as he took reporter questions alongside Egypt's president.
"I think Iran will come along. They've been battered and bruised. You know, they need some help. They have big sanctions, as you know, tremendous sanctions. I'd love to take the sanctions off when they're ready to talk," Trump said.
Source- ABC
India on verge of series sweep despite centuries from Windies Campbell, Hope
Despite fighting centuries by John Campbell and Shai Hope, India are on the brink of a series winning victory over the West Indies at the end of day four in the second Test match here on Monday.
Campbell scored his maiden Test century, while Hope ended an eight-year wait for his third Test century, but their hard work was undone by a middle order collapse that saw them eventually being dismissed for 390.
Needing a paltry 121 for victory, India ended the day on 63 for one, requiring just 58 more runs on Tuesday’s fifth and final day to seal a 2-0 series win over the visitors.
However, India’s target could have been more sizeable had the West Indies not collapsed from a comfortable position of 271 for three to 311 for nine in the space of 11 overs.
Resuming the day on 173 for two, still trailing India by 97 runs with Campbell and Hope at the crease, there would have been high hopes for the Windies.
Campbell, who was on 87, didn’t take long to register his first-ever Test century in his 25th Test, doing so in emphatic fashion by clobbering left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja over long on for six.
He also became the first West Indian to score a Test century in India since Wavell Hinds in 2002.
Campbell then brought up the 200 for the Windies by cutting pacer Mohammed Siraj behind point for four.
However, Jadeja finally broke the 177-run partnership between the two when Campbell missed his reverse sweep and was trapped lbw for 115 to leave the score 212 for three.
In all, his innings lasted 199 balls and he struck 12 fours and three sixes in his almost four and a half hour stay at the crease.
Hope and skipper Roston Chase then carried the West Indies to lunch at 252 for three, with Hope unbeaten on 90 and eyeing his first Test century since 2017.
It didn’t take him long to reach the landmark after the resumption, guiding Siraj to third man for a boundary to reach three figures.
Together with Chase, they added 69 runs for the fourth wicket and looked well poised to carry their side to a mammoth total until spectacularly collapsing.
Siraj triggered the meltdown by bowling Hope off the inside edge for 103 from 214 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes.
Tevin Imlach was undone by a ball from Kuldeep Yadav that kept extremely low and trapped him plumb in front for 12, Chase was caught off the bowling of Yadav for 40, and two balls later he had Khary Pierre caught at cover for a duck as he attempted a slog sweep, to see the Windies slip to 298 for seven.
Jomel Warrican then inside edged Jasprit Bumrah onto his stumps, with the pacer also accounting for the wicket of Anderson Phillip, whose thin edge was taken by the wicketkeeper.
Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales then combined for 79 runs, the second highest West Indies partnership for the 10th wicket in a Test against India.
It helped to add some respectability to the final total, with Greaves finishing unbeaten on an even 50, before Bumrah returned to dismiss Seales for a well-played 32.
Bumrah was India’s best bowler with 3-44, Yadav took 3-104 and Siraj 2-43.
In their run chase, India’s first innings centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught on the long on boundary off the bowling of Warrican as he tried to pick up quick runs and possibly end the contest in the final session.
However, following his dismissal, Sai Sudharson, who is unbeaten on 30 and KL Rahul, who is 25 not out, navigated the final few overs to put them in prime position to complete the win early on the last day.
CMC
Trinidad and Tobago government Monday presented a budget of TT$59.2 billion
The Trinidad and Tobago government Monday presented a budget of TT$59.2 billion (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) to Parliament acknowledging a fiscal deficit of TT$3.8 billion and announcing a series of tax measures to finance the fiscal package.
The debate on the budget will begin on Friday.
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, delivering his first ever budget to Parliament, said that the fiscal package is “more than just an accounting of revenues and expenditures, plans and policies,” adding it represents a shift towards fairness”.
In his three hours and 15 minute presentation, Tancoo said that for too long, the government’s fiscal policy has been seen as a technical exercise and today ‘we redefine it as a human one”.
According to Tancoo, the Kamla Persad Bissessar administration on assuming offence in April found an economy in trouble and that the preliminary outturn for fiscal 2025 is for a deficit of TT$8.7 billion with revenue of TT$50.6 billion and expenditure of TT$59.3 billion.
“This shortfall could have been far greater had we not acted swiftly and decisively to continue spending and strengthen revenue streams,” he told legislators, adding that the budget is based on our oil price assumption for 2026 of US$73.25 per barrel, natural gas price assumption of US$4.25 per million British thermal units (MMBtu).
“As a result of these commodity price estimates, we expect total revenue TT$55.367 billion, total expenditure of TT$59.232 billion (and) a fiscal deficit of TT$3.865 billion.
Tancoo said that the total estimated revenue comprises oil revenue of TT$11.254 billion, non-oil revenue TT$43.402 billion and capital revenue of TT$0.711 billion, adding that the fiscal deficit is 2.17 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), which is within the international benchmark of three per cent.
Tancoo said that the government in this fiscal year is allocating TT$2.96 billion to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA, which represents the full five per cent of the national budget. In addition, a further TT$763 million will be spent by various ministries on Tobago.
Tancoo said that in total, then, the allocation to Tobago for the fiscal year 2026 will be TT$3.724 billion, which equates to 6.3 per cent of the national budget.
The finance minister said that the government had also agreed on a several tax measures, noting fr instance that commercial banks and insurance companies, due to their large size, profitability and capitalisation, have reported sustained earnings, high liquidity ratios and strong asset base growth.
He said conservative lending practices and favourable monetary conditions have driven these outcomes.
“Despite this, the average citizen continues to be subjected to unreasonably high fees and near-zero returns on their savings and investments. Against this backdrop, I proposed to introduce an Asset Levy of 0.25 per cent, which is to be charged against the assets of commercial banks and insurance companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Tancoo said that importantly, the Asset Levy will not be applied to financial institutions and insurance companies operating under the provisions of the Special Economic Zones Act and that this measure, which is expected to contribute TT$575 million in revenues, will become effective January 1 2026.
Tancoo also told legislators that in recent times, there has been an explosion of unregistered commercial and residential rental properties with many of these landlords avoiding paying their fair share of taxes.
“This contributes to significant revenue loss and a lack of reliable data to support policy development. The introduction of this Landlord Business Surcharge, based on actual rental income, will broaden the tax revenue base, promoting fairness, transparency and accountability. “
He said that the measure requires all landlords to register with the Board of Inland Revenue and pay a one-time registration fee of TT$2,500 and that the surcharge will be 2.5 per cent of the gross annual rental income of TT$20,000.00 or less and 3.5 per cent of the gross annual rental income exceeding TT$20,000.
The measure takes effect on January 1 next year and is expected to yield a minimum of TT$70 million from the one-time registration fee.
Tancoo said that the government is also proposing the introduction of an electricity surcharge as a targeted fiscal measure to address the growing cost of electricity subsidies and promote efficiency in energy use.
The surcharge will take the form of a fixed, bill-level charge of $0.05 cents per kWh for commercial customers and industrial customers.
“The policy is designed to encourage energy conservation, reduce the government’s subsidy burden and generate a predictable revenue stream. It must be noted that our electricity rates will remain substantially below those of our trading partners.
“Essential public services such as schools, hospitals and street lighting will be exempted.
At current consumption levels, this initiative is estimated to contribute an additional TT$269 million to revenues,” Tancoo said, adding that the measure takes effect on January 1 next year.
In his presentation, Tancoo said that the cost of administering and offering public services in Trinidad and Tobago has risen significantly and notwithstanding, many administrative charges, including licence and permit fees and processing charges, have remained unchanged, in some instances, for as long as 30 years.
He said this places additional pressure on the Consolidated Fund and that updating the fee structures in line with the current cost of doing business is therefore necessary to ensure cost-reflectivity, fairness and sustainability, while also safeguarding service quality and enabling modernisation.
Tancoo said that 80 per cent of the projected revenue increases are attributable to Customs Duties on rum and spirits, beer and tobacco products and that the new measures will contribute an additional one billion dollars to revenues, adding that the increase in Customs Duties on rum and spirits, beer and cigarettes will take immediate effect.
Tancoo said that the concession for electric vehicles has been abused with the data showing that significant foreign exchange has been used to import high-end electric vehicles, which attract no Customs Duty, Motor Vehicle Tax and Value-Added Tax.
“We recognise the importance of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions and propose adjusting the applicable taxation regime to preserve relief levels for mid to lower-priced vehicles. Accordingly, I propose the following on vehicles whose CIF value exceeds $400,000, a rate of duty of 10 per cent; VAT of 12.5 per cent; and a tiered rate of Motor Vehicle Tax applicable to the Electric Motor Size will be applied on vehicles whose CIF value exceeds $400,000.
Tancoo said that at current demand, this initiative will contribute an additional TT$40 million to revenues and goes into effect from January1 next year.
The finance minister said that the government is committed to protecting the environment and that single-use plastics contribute heavily to clogged waterways, land and marine pollution, and overburdened waste management systems; ultimately harming public health, biodiversity and the economy.
He said he will introduce a five per cent tax on the CIF value of these products at the point of importation and that the proceeds will be earmarked to support national recycling programmes, waste management initiatives and public environmental education.
Tancoo said in the upcoming fiscal year, the government will establish a state-sponsored Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), a landmark initiative to democratise state-owned assets, strengthen and diversify our capital market and broaden public participation in national wealth creation.
“This is another bold step to unlock new avenues of non-debt financing. Through this vehicle, high-value income-generating properties such as land, office buildings and commercial infrastructure will be transferred into a professionally managed REIT” he said, adding that shares will be listed on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange, allowing both ordinary and institutional investors to earn regular dividends from real estate.
He said at the same time, the state retains a strategic stake in these assets and that a high-level technical committee will be appointed to guide this process for greater transparency and accountability.
Tancoo said that this position puts Trinidad and Tobago as a regional pioneer in innovative financing and empowers citizens to share directly in the prosperity of the nation.
“Given the healthy domestic investor appetite, this measure is expected to contribute significantly to the government’s revenue stream,” he said, noting that in the new fiscal year, the National Investment Fund Holding Company Limited (NIF) will launch a one billion dollar NIF bond.
“This is yet another opportunity provided by this government to afford ordinary citizens, small businesses and institutions the opportunity to invest and build personal wealth, in a safe, tax-free environment without increasing public debt.”
Tancoo said that the bond will be backed by 21 per cent of the shareholding of First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Limited (FCGFH) valued at approximately two billion dollars, while the government retains indirect and beneficial ownership of the majority of FCGFH at 60.11 per cent.
He said that the bond will be issued in the second quarter of Fiscal 2026.
The government has also announced increased fines for persons not adhering to the laws.
For example, the environment tyre tax moves from three to five thousand dollars, application for registration of pesticides from two to four thousand, driving while disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving permit from zero dollars to five thousand, while careless driving and driving or being in charge of a vehicle while blood alcohol levels exceed prescribed limit will result in an introductory fine of TT$15, 000
“These increases in penalties will contribute an additional TT$180 million to revenues,” he said, adding that the government is also removing the motor-vehicle tax concessions for returning nationals.
Tancoo said that in January, 2023, the Financial Intelligence Unit issued to the Ministry of Finance its Strategic Analysis Report on the Abuse of the Duty Relief Concession Granted for personal vehicles imported by returning nationals and found that fraud and abuse of duty relief by persons claiming Returning National Exemptions October 2016 – September 2018.
“To this end, I propose that Customs duty relief and related tax concessions (Valued Added Tax and Motor Vehicle Tax) on motor vehicles imported by returning nationals be removed.
This measure will take effect on January 1 2026,” he said.
The government has also announced a reduction in the price petrol, liquified natural gas (LNG), the removal of VAT from all machinery and equipment intended explicitly for agricultural use as well as the removal of VAT from a multiplicity of basic food items among other relief measures.
Source- CMC
TCI Border Force Strengthens Border Security with K9 Unit Recertification Training
The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force continues to raise operational standards with the successful completion of its K-9 Unit Recertification Training. The week-long exercise, led by UK-based K-9 instructor Mr. Steven Hancox, was held from September 29th to October 3rd and focused on maintaining top-tier readiness within the Force’s specialist canine teams.
K-9 handlers and their partners conducted intensive search exercises across real-world environments - including commercial vessels, aircraft, pleasure crafts, transit sheds, and airport facilities. The training tested detection capabilities for illicit goods ensuring the teams remain sharp, disciplined, and ready for operational deployment.
Senior Border Force Officer Andrex Handfield and Border Force Officer Trevor Garland both achieved full recertification, meeting the high-performance benchmarks set for K-9 operations.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Immigration and Border Services Hon. Jamell Robinson, commended the Border Force team, stating: “The recertification and continued success of our K-9 Unit reflects our firm commitment to ensuring that our borders remain secure and resilient. Our officers tirelessly serve on the front lines with dedication and excellence, strengthening our National Security and safeguarding the wellbeing of every resident and visitor to our Turks and Caicos Islands. The Ministry remains steadfast in providing the resources and support necessary to maintain these high operational standards.”
Director General Emilio Seymour stated, “The recertification of our K-9 Unit represents the Border Force’s unwavering commitment to excellence. These teams are an essential part of our front line protecting our borders, intercepting illicit goods, and keeping our islands safe.”
The Border Force’s K-9 Unit plays a vital role in detection and deterrence, serving as a force multiplier in the ongoing fight against illicit activities.
The TCI Border Force remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the security and prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Continuous training and investment in specialized capabilities like the K-9 Unit reflect the Force’s determination to stay ahead of evolving border threats.
Male Charged Following Series of Armed Robberies
Officers of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have formally charged 21-year-old WATSON LOUIDOR, in connection with a series of armed robberies that occurred on October 3 and 4, 2025.
Louidor, a Dock Yard resident, has been charged with the following offences:
One (1) count of Robbery
One (1) count of Possession of Firearm with Intent to Cause Fear
One (1) count of Handling Stolen Goods
One (1) count of Possession of Firearm
One (1) count of Possession of Ammunition
One (1) count of Discharging Firearm
The accused is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week.
This investigation remains ongoing.