As new taxes, fees, and penalties take effect from January 1, 2026, many citizens are feeling the strain of a higher cost of living. This piece examines why these measures are being introduced, the pressure they place on ordinary households, and why transparency, fairness, and visible improvements in public services will determine whether the public can accept the price of fiscal stability.
Tag: Politics
Big Drug Busts, Bigger Questions About Real Progress
Recent large scale drug seizures show that law enforcement in Trinidad and Tobago has the capacity to disrupt criminal activity when intelligence and coordination come together. But seizures alone are not enough. Without arrests, prosecutions, and follow through, these operations risk becoming headlines rather than lasting solutions. True success will be measured by safer communities, reduced violence, and criminal networks that are genuinely dismantled, not just temporarily disrupted.
Stronger Home Defence Laws Are Welcome but Still Need Work
The new Home Invasion Bill gives homeowners clearer legal protection during violent break ins, and many citizens see it as long overdue. It recognises the reality of fear and split-second decision making when someone forces their way into a home. Still, the law leaves questions about terms like reasonable force and honest belief, and it does not fully address deceptive entry or threats just outside the doorway. The Bill is a good start, but it needs ongoing review so it protects the innocent without creating room for misuse.
Trinidad and Tobago Deserves Clarity on Claims About Our Seas
Nicolás Maduro’s recent claim that Trinidad and Tobago has “mortgaged” its maritime space to the United States has raised questions that the public can’t ignore. Whether his statement is political posturing or based on real activity, citizens deserve clear answers. If there is deeper cooperation with the United States, then the country should be seeing real benefits in crime reduction, border security and economic support. The government should address these concerns directly so people understand how our resources and national interests are being protected.
Crime Is Shaking the Country and People Need Real Leadership
Violence in Trinidad and Tobago has reached a level where many people no longer feel safe at home or in their own neighbourhoods. While citizens look for stronger plans to deal with crime, the national conversation has been focused on noise control and fireworks. People want to hear how the government intends to confront robberies, shootings and the growing risks in both physical and digital spaces. Safety has to come first, and the public is waiting for clear direction and real solutions.
A Necessary Tax Increase That Could Strengthen Public Safety
The Finance Minister’s decision to raise excise duties on alcohol and tobacco has the potential to improve public health, reduce dangerous behaviour and generate meaningful revenue for national development. Higher prices often lead to more responsible consumption, fewer drunk driving incidents and less alcohol-related violence. The move could also deliver about one billion dollars in new funds for services that directly support communities. Still, its success depends on strong enforcement, protection for small businesses and clear public education so the benefits are felt across the country.
Couva Tragedy Highlights Urgent Need for Truck Safety Enforcement
The recent fatal accident in Couva, where a trailer container broke loose, underscores the dangers of inadequate enforcement of existing truck safety regulations. While laws exist to govern inspections and roadworthiness, gaps in oversight put every road user at risk. Stronger enforcement, stricter insurance accountability, and regular roadside checks are essential to prevent such avoidable tragedies. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation must act decisively to ensure that trucks on our roads are safe, protecting both lives and property.
New Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs Signals Reform and Efficiency
The creation of the Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs, which brings together state land, mapping, surveying, and leasing functions, promises a more efficient and transparent system for Trinidad and Tobago. Under Minister Saddam Hosein, long-standing delays in land distribution, such as the issuance of Caroni leases, are being addressed, benefiting both citizens and legal professionals. With coordinated departments, better recordkeeping, and potential digital modernization, the reform aims to streamline approvals, reduce backlogs, and restore public confidence in land administration.
