Trinidad Not A Normal Place

POLICE are trying to identify a man who was killed in a road traffic accident yesterday morning in Arima.

The incident took place at about 3.38 a.m. along the Priority Bus Route, just before the Licensing Office.

Police were told the pedestrian was trying to cross the road when a vehicle struck him. He was thrown to the ground with severe injuries. The driver of the vehicle pulled aside.

The police and paramedics were notified; however, the pedestrian died shortly after.

Police told the Express that up to late yesterday the identity of the deceased had yet to be positively confirmed.

The driver is said to be aiding with enquiries.

5 days ago | [YT] | 9

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has defended the Government’s position on the retrenchment of Nutrien workers, insisting that the National Gas Company (NGC) must act in the best interests of its own workforce.

Her comments came as hundreds of Nutrien employees were yesterday informed that the retrenchment process was set to begin, nearly a year after the Canadian fertiliser giant initiated a controlled shutdown of its Point Lisas operations.

Asked by Guardian Media about the impact of the layoffs, Persad-Bissessar distanced the Government from the decision.

“That is between them and Nutrien. It is Nutrien who made the decision to send them home,” Persad-Bissessar said.

The Prime Minister maintained that NGC has a duty to make decisions that safeguard its employees.

“NGC has to make decisions to ensure NGC doesn’t have to send its workers home and NGC has done so,” said.

“The Government respects the rights of both NGC and Nutrien to run their businesses as they see fit.”

Nutrien began a controlled shutdown of its Trinidad nitrogen operations on October 23, 2025, citing restricted access to port facilities and an unreliable and uneconomic natural gas supply. About 350 contract workers were sent home within days of that announcement, while permanent employees remained on the job.

By January 2026, NGC notified Nutrien that the gas meters serving its Point Lisas facility would be isolated after the company’s gas supply arrangement expired. At the time, roughly 400 permanent employees and 100 contractors remained attached to the operation.

Yesterday, approximately 350 workers were notified of impending retrenchment as Nutrien moved ahead with plans to shut down its Trinidad nitrogen operations indefinitely, bringing months of uncertainty over the future of the facility to a head.

The Prime Minister also dismissed suggestions that Nutrien’s departure reflected a failure by Government.

“Nutrien has to run their business how they see fit to satisfy their shareholders. I have no problem with their decision to shut down their plants. I wish them the best.”

She argued that NGC’s responsibility is to maximise returns from the country’s gas resources.

“NGC must run its business to ensure the citizens of this country get maximum return from gas sales.”

On the company’s pricing strategy, Persad-Bissessar declared: “NGC will no longer sell its gas at prices that are not beneficial to the company.”

She also rejected concerns that the closure would have a significant impact on foreign-exchange earnings.

“As for foreign exchange, that will not be affected. The gas will simply go to another plant or to ALNG to be processed at prices negotiated by NGC.”

Seeking to reassure the public, she added: “There is absolutely nothing for citizens to concern themselves about.”

The development has intensified a political dispute over responsibility for the closure.

Former energy minister Stuart Young, in a social media post, accused the Persad-Bissessar administration of mishandling the energy sector and warned that the Nutrien shutdown would lead to job losses and reduced foreign-exchange earnings.

Young argued that the previous People’s National Movement (PNM) administration had successfully balanced natural gas supply and demand while maintaining the viability of the energy sector. He also contended that none of the gas projects now expected to advance could be credited to the United National Congress (UNC) administration.

But Persad-Bissessar responded sharply to this.

“Stuarty had opportunities for ten years and failed at every one,” she said.

Turning to Young’s political future, she added: “He should relax and enjoy his stint until 2030 when Penny will kick him out of the Parliament.”

Moonilal: NGC offered to purchase idle plant

Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal meanwhile said Government and NGC had been working since October 2025 to keep the Nutrien facility operational.

Moonilal revealed that NGC had gone so far as to offer to purchase the PCS Nitrogen complex and said restarting the plant remains a priority, whether under Nutrien or another operator.

He also rejected claims that the shutdown resulted from a shortage of natural gas, arguing instead that Nutrien’s decision was driven by its efforts to secure margins acceptable to shareholders.

Moonilal accused Young of hypocrisy, pointing to a series of industrial closures during the previous administration, including ArcelorMittal Point Lisas and Central Trinidad Steel in 2016, the Petrotrin refinery in 2018, Yara Trinidad’s ammonia plant in 2018, Atlantic LNG Train 1 in 2021 and the prolonged idling of Methanex Titan.

Commenting on the latest development, economist Dr Jamelia Harris yesterday warned that Nutrien’s exit will have consequences extending well beyond the loss of a single plant.

“The effects of Nutrien leaving on the economy are quite clear. GDP will be impacted, people will be sent home and lose their jobs, and we will have a lower capacity to earn foreign exchange,” she said.

Harris also highlighted the scale of Nutrien’s commitment to T&T, noting the company invested US$130 million in 2024 to improve the efficiency of its operations.

“A year later in 2025, they were idling their plants,” she noted.

She said the closure must also be viewed against the backdrop of wider challenges facing downstream energy producers, including Methanex, as concerns persist about gas supply and the long-term competitiveness of the sector.

5 days ago | [YT] | 11

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

THE MINISTER, THE STEPDAUGHTER & THE TT$3.8 MILLION DRUG BUST

On December 4, 2018, Trinidad and Tobago woke up to news of a major drug operation in the Westmoorings area.
Police carried out a raid at an apartment at Regents Gardens, Westmoorings, where they said they found approximately 191.66 kilograms of marijuana and 1.04 kilograms of cocaine, with a combined street value of about TT$3.8 million.
A firearm and ammunition were also allegedly found.
Among those arrested was Krystiana Sankar, who was publicly identified as the former stepdaughter of then National Security Minister Stuart Young.
WHY DID THE ARREST ATTRACT SO MUCH ATTENTION?
Sankar's connection to Stuart Young became part of the public discussion surrounding the case.
Young had previously been in a relationship with Maria Daniel, Sankar's mother. In December 2017, Young publicly confirmed that the relationship had ended. By the time of the December 2018 drug arrest, Daniel was being described in court reporting as Young's former partner.
Sankar was therefore described as Young's former stepdaughter.
In April 2018, months before the drug arrest, Sankar had also been kidnapped from a friend's home in Diego Martin. Young publicly referred to her at the time as his ex-stepdaughter.
WHO WAS CHARGED?
Four people were charged in connection with the drug bust:
Krystiana Sankar
Yannis Pebbles Augustine
Jervon Cole
Atiba Eligon
The four were jointly charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
Sankar also faced additional charges involving possession of a firearm and ammunition allegedly found in her apartment.
A fifth person, the driver of a BMW who was arrested away from the scene, was released after consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
THEN CAME THE BAIL HEARING
On December 10, 2018, Sankar and Yannis Pebbles Augustine were each granted TT$6 million bail.
However, they were initially unable to access the bail and remained in custody.
On December 17, 2018, Sankar was released after her family secured the required bail using property.
BUT THE CASE DID NOT DISAPPEAR.
It moved forward.
On September 5, 2019, Magistrate Rehanna Hosein committed the four accused to stand trial in the High Court.
At that stage, Sankar was granted TT$1.3 million bail.
Jervon Cole and Yannis Pebbles Augustine were each granted TT$1 million bail.
Atiba Eligon was denied bail because of his previous convictions on drug-related charges.
AS OF 2026 — WHERE DOES THE CASE STAND?
Six years after the TT$3.8 million Westmoorings drug bust, the case had moved to the High Court, where Sankar and the other accused were committed to stand trial in September 2019.
So here is the question:
Six years later, why does it appear that Krystiana Sankar has still not faced trial in the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago?
The case moved forward to the High Court, but as of 2026, I could not verify any public court record showing a final conviction or acquittal.
Why? What happened to the case?
Jason King

5 days ago | [YT] | 17

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

A traffic accident was reported on the eastbound lane near Central Market on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026.

A man was reportedly knocked down by a vehicle, causing concern in the area. Further details about the incident are still unclear.

Stay alert, drive safely, and watch out for pedestrians on the road.

1 week ago | [YT] | 0

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

*Age limits for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling to be raised*

On Wednesday, the UNC Government will bring a Bill entitled, “An Act to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act, Chap. 11:25, the Registration of Clubs Act, Chap. 21:01, the Tobacco Control Act, Chap. 30:04, the Children Act, Chap. 46:01, the Liquor Licences Act, Chap. 84:10, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2021 (Act No. 8 of 2021) and the Cannabis Control Act, 2022 (Act No. 10 of 2022).”

I am resolute in my duty to protect and safeguard the young people of Trinidad and Tobago, the future custodians of our beloved nation, from the pernicious consequences that result from the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other dangerous drugs.

It is well documented that the indiscriminate use of these substances, particularly at an early age, can have grave and far-reaching effects not only on the individual, but also on their families and the wider society. There is also a pressing and undeniable need to shield our young people from the perils inherent in gambling, which threatens not only their financial security but also their moral and social well-being.

It is incumbent upon me, as your Prime Minister, to bring measures that will safeguard the health, welfare and future of our young people, and to enact provisions that will decisively curtail the scourge of substance abuse and the hazards of gambling among them.

In pursuit of this solemn responsibility, it is my clear intention to strengthen the framework of protection afforded to our young people.

To this end, the UNC will propose to raise the minimum legal age for the sale, purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol and tobacco from 18 years to 21 years.

Further, we will propose to raise the minimum legal age for the sale, purchase, possession or consumption of cannabis from 18 years to 25 years.

Additionally, the minimum permissible age with respect to gambling will be raised from 18 years to 25 years.

These measures are not arbitrary. They are deliberate and rooted in our unwavering commitment to the health, safety and moral well-being of the young people of our nation.

By acting decisively, my Government seeks to ensure that the next generation is afforded every opportunity to grow, learn and succeed without being harmed by early exposure to dangerous substances or risky behaviours.

This is the binding oath of a Prime Minister who is steadfast in my love for our young people. We are unwavering in our commitment to enact and enforce measures designed to shield our young people from these self-destructive influences.

This will help ensure that they may thrive and contribute to national life, free from the harms that these substances and negative behaviours can inflict upon individuals, families and communities.

May God bless our young people, and may they always be protected and loved. 💛

#PromisesMadePromisesKept

1 week ago | [YT] | 0

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, September 21st, 2026

Women’s Prison Inmates Celebrate Completion of Bible Study and Life Skills Programmes

The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, in collaboration with Prison Fellowship Trinidad and Tobago (PFTT), celebrated the successful completion of the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) Level II and Level III programmes and the Women of Integrity programme at a combined graduation ceremony held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Women’s Prison Multi-Cultural Hall.

A total of 42 inmates participated in the graduation, comprising four (4) convicted inmates and 38 remanded inmates.

The programmes provided participants with structured biblical education and life skills, supporting personal development and positive transformation during their period of incarceration.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 12

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Sunday, September 20th, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Two Men Arrested, Ammunition and Police-Issued Items Seized

Police arrested two men, seized ammunition and several items of interest, and recovered a quantity of narcotics during operations conducted over the past 24 hours.

At approximately 1am on September 20th, 2026, a party of officers, including members of the South Western Division Task Force, responded to reports of gunshots in the vicinity of Penal Rock Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, the officers gathered certain information which led them to search a suspect at the said address. Two rounds of 9mm ammunition were discovered in the left front pocket of the 42-year-old man.

The officers subsequently confirmed that the man was not the holder of a Firearm User’s Licence and placed him under arrest. A further search of the area was conducted; however, nothing illegal was found.

The officers also observed blood on the right palm of the suspect and conveyed him to hospital for treatment.

Additionally, between 4pm and 8pm on September 19th, 2026, an anti-crime operation was conducted in Area West of the Southern Division by officers of the Southern Division Task Force.

Based on information received, the party of officers proceeded to Sooknanan Street, Marabella, where they searched a bushy area.

During the search, the officers found one black bag containing, two magazines, 28 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a black police-issued hat, a blue tactical jacket bearing a police patch and a black ski mask. The items were seized pending further investigations.

Meanwhile, in the Western Division, at approximately 12:05pm, officers of the Western Division Task Force were on mobile patrol along Cameron Road, Petit Valley, when they had cause to stop and search a man from the same address.

During the search, the officers found 118 grammes of cannabis in his side bag.

The man was subsequently arrested and charged with the offence.

Enquiries are ongoing into these matters.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 8

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Two people were robbed of a combined $37,000 in cash in separate incidents in Trincity and Port of Spain on Friday.

In the first incident, a 24-year-old woman was walking into East Gates Mall from the Republic Bank Trincity branch shortly after noon when she was approached by two men.

Police said the men announced a robbery and, after the woman became fearful, beat her about the body before taking her black Coach handbag.

The handbag contained $30,000 in cash and other personal items.

The men then ran from the area and entered a waiting vehicle, the registration number of which was not known.

Two men have been identified as suspects in connection with the robbery.

In the second incident, a 47-year-old man took a PH taxi from Maraval to Port of Spain at about 4 p.m.

He told police that three men were passengers in the vehicle.

When the taxi reached the vicinity of the Queen's Park Savannah, as it was travelling east, one of the men sitting in the back seat grabbed the victim's blue JanSport backpack.The bag contained $7,000 in cash, a Samsung Galaxy A12 cellphone and the victim's Trinidad and Tobago national identification card.

The victim said the men then beat him and kicked him out of the taxi.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 10

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

A TOBAGO mother is calling for justice for her son, 23-year-old Jalon “Lolo” Graham, of Union Village, who was murdered more than three months ago.

According to police, on May 29, around 10 p.m., the victim and a friend were walking along Old Whim Road, near the community centre, after purchasing food when a gunman approached from behind and shot him.

Emergency Health Services personnel responded, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The next day, the aspiring footballer and former student of Whim Anglican and Mason Hall secondary schools was due to start a new job.

His mother, Quisianna Graham, told the Express in an inter­view earlier this week that something is not adding up in the killing of her son.

“His pockets were inside out and his cellular phone was taken; his food that was in his hands as placed neatly on the benches that you were seeing there now. If I am walking and I get shot in the back, would not my food be thrown on the ground and scattered away. But no, his food was neatly packed on the bench,” she said.

The grieving mother said when she received the news that her son had been shot that fateful night, she rushed to the scene and attempted to perform CPR.

“I would not stay silent about it and I am pushing; it is a very hurtful experience to come around here to see my child on the ground, and I try to resuscitate him and I could not help him...it’s very hurtful to go in the morgue and see your child sew up, it’s a hurtful experience.”

She said her son was never arrested by police, never faced the court and, to her knowledge, was not involved in any gang.

“No, he was not no bad boy, Lolo. Children does be children, you understand, they have all kind of picture pose up with gun and ting of him.

“But let me tell you something, how much of we children does be pose up with gun and we turning a blind eye or have gun right in the house, and we turning a blind eye or going and thief and rob and come home and say, ‘Mammy, hold that,’ and we as the parents is taking it and hiding.

“It is the same way allyuh know allyuh child commit murder and hush allyuh mouth because allyuh don’t want allyuh child to go in jail,” she said.

Graham said she believes something occurred on the Friday before the murder of her son who is now buried at Plymouth Cemetery. She is calling on those who know what happened to speak up.

“Allyuh need to come out and tell the truth on what happened to my son on May the 29th because, again, people, I would tell allyuh I putting my head on a block—Lolo was not no bad boy, he was not a thief, he was not a pest in his community.

“He was well-mannered and coming into a good young man, now looking to buy sheep and prosper a bit. And allyuh just come and take this boy life with no explanation,” she said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Rishi Singh told the Saturday Express that police are still investigating the matter.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 14

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

A 45-year-old woman died at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex on Friday night after she reportedly became ill while preparing to undergo a cellulite procedure at a Curepe business.

Police said Abigail Andrews went to an apartment on McClean Street, Curepe, around 5:57 p.m. to have the procedure done at a business called Living Lovelly.

Around 6:58 p.m., while she was lying on a massage bed as preparations were being made, the business owner reportedly observed her body stiffen before she began shaking violently.

Shortly afterwards, fluid was seen coming from the woman’s mouth.

Emergency services were contacted and medics arrived at about 7:22 p.m.

The woman was given medical attention and taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope.

She was treated by a doctor but was pronounced dead at 7:56 p.m.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted at a later date to determine the cause of death.

Cellulite treatments vary widely, ranging from non-invasive therapies such as acoustic wave treatment to minimally invasive procedures designed to release the fibrous bands beneath the skin.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 7