Alina Doodnath
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Articles by Alina Doodnath
Temporary status to be removed from roughly 80,000 Hondurans, Nicaraguans after 25 years in US
News 3 mins read WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is ending the temporary status for nearly 80,000 Hondurans and Nicaraguans that has allowed them to live and work in the US for a quarter of a century after a devastating hurricane hit Central America, according to federal government notices — a move that comes as the White House pushes to make more immigrants in the US eligible for deportation.
Fired CEPEP worker voted for UNC, says Gonzales
Former utilities minister and Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales has condemned what he said is the “most evil and most spiteful government” in the country’s history, during a meeting of the People’s National Movement (PNM) in Chaguanas regarding the termination of over 10,000 CEPEP workers. Gonzales read out a letter from a constituent in Five Rivers, Arouca, who was working as a supervisor and had recently been terminated.
BRICS group condemns increase of tariffs in summit overshadowed by Middle East tensions
News 7 mins read RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The BRICS bloc of developing nations on Sunday condemned the increase of tariffs and attacks on Iran, but refrained from naming US President Donald Trump. The group’s declaration, which also took aim at Israel’s military actions in the Middle East, also spared its member Russia from criticism and mentioned war-torn Ukraine just once. The two-day summit was marked by the absences of two of its most powerful members.
What to know about the flash floods in Texas that killed more than 80 people
News 5 mins read KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Flash floods in Texas killed at least 82 people over the Fourth of July holiday weekend and left others still missing, including girls attending a summer camp. The devastation along the Guadalupe River, outside of San Antonio, has drawn a massive search effort as officials face questions over their preparedness and the speed of their initial actions.
Watch: Whale shark spotted in Chaguaramas
Trinidad and Tobago’s rich and diverse wealth of marine life was in display on Saturday after a video was shared online showing a whale shark in Chaguaramas. The video, which quickly went viral, showed the whale shark splashing around in shallow waters near a marina in Chaguaramas. Conservationist Ricardo Meade shared some information about the animal, adding that it soon swam back out to sea. Whale sharks are gentle creatures and not known to be aggressive toward humans.
Minister offers condolences on passing of cultural and national icon Hansley “Hans” Hanoomansingh
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development said it joins the national community in mourning the passing of Hansley “Hans” Hanoomansingh, cultural and national icon, veteran broadcaster, mentor, and former Member of Parliament (MP) who passed away on Saturday July 5, 2025. His brother Gideon Hanoomansingh confirmed the news via social media earlier today.
Israeli airstrikes kill 14 Palestinians in Gaza; another 10 die seeking food
News 6 mins read DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes killed 14 Palestinians in Gaza and another 10 were killed while seeking food aid, hospital officials in the embattled enclave told The Associated Press on Saturday, as US-led ceasefire efforts appeared to gain momentum after nearly 21 months of war.
Watch: China's first Legoland opens to visitors in Shanghai
News 1 min read SHANGHAI (AP) — A giant 26-meter (85-foot) Lego figure named Dada welcomed visitors to the new Legoland resort in Shanghai. The resort, which opened Saturday, is the first in China. It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built with 85 million Lego bricks. Among the main attractions is Miniland, which replicates well-known sights from across the world using Lego bricks. It features landmarks across China like Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and Shanghai’s Bund waterfront.
CAF presents roadmap for national AI implementation at UWI Five Islands conference
News 5 mins read Trinidad & Tobago Jamaica Guyana St.Lucia Barbados More Caribbean The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) said the Caribbean must take a larger role in the global AI revolution. In a statement, the University of the West Indies (UWI) said the message was shared at day one of the second annual AI Conference in Antigua and Barbuda on June 23, 2025.
Sobers, Alexander to attend 49th CARICOM conference in Jamaica
Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers and a delegation from Trinidad and Tobago which includes Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, leaves today to attend the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in Jamaica. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said the event will take place in Montego Bay from July 6-8, 2025.
Trinidad & Tobago's weather: Chance of heavy showers in the west
Watch out for the chance of heavy showers or thunderstorms in western areas of Trinidad later today. Here’s a look at today’s weather courtesy the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service: Trinidad, Tobago & The Southern Windwards Hot and sunny conditions will be interrupted by partly cloudy spells accompanied by isolated showers. There is a 30-40% (low-medium) chance of isolated heavy showers/thunderstorms favouring western areas of Trinidad. Night: Mostly fair despite isolated showers.
Man shot in Princes Town
A 28-year-old man from White Trace, St Mary’s, Moruga, was wounded during an attack at Jagville Junction, Naparima Mayaro Road, Princes Town, on Thursday afternoon. Police reported that around 2:30 pm, the man was standing along the roadway when a silver Nissan Note travelling east stopped in front of him.
Courier robbed while delivering mobile phone in Erin
A 32-year-old courier was robbed at gunpoint while attempting to deliver a mobile phone to a client at Carapal Junction, Erin, on Thursday night. Police said around 8pm, the victim was parked in his white Nissan AD Wagon, waiting to deliver a Samsung S22 Plus mobile phone purchased from NXT Mobile, when he was approached by two men. One suspect, described as a slim-built man of African descent, about 5’9″ tall, with a rasta hairstyle, wore a grey T-shirt and short pants.
Pensioner's car shot at in Chaguanas
Police are investigating a shooting incident in Chaguanas where gunmen opened fire on a pensioner’s car. A 69-year-old victim from Hummingbird Drive, Edinburgh 500, Chaguanas, reported that he had parked and secured his black Ford Ranger around 6pm on July 2 before going to bed. Around 12:40 am on July 3, he heard several loud explosions outside. Around 3:45 pm that day, he inspected the vehicle and discovered damage to the rear glass, front passenger window, and left side.
Man found dead at Princes Town home
The decomposing body of a man was found at a Princes Town home on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Ramkissoon Sookdeo of Naparima Mayaro Road, Iere Village. Police said around 10:20 am, a neighbour checked on the man, who lived alone, and found him lying on the floor in the toilet area. The neighbour then contacted the Princes Town Police. Officers arrived and observed the man lying on his back, dressed only in brown shorts.
Man killed in police-involved incident
A man identified as Stevenson Smith Velasquez Idrogo of Red Road, New Grant, was fatally shot by police during an operation at Torrib Tabaquite Road, New Grant, on Wednesday afternoon. According to police reports, around 2:30 pm, officers of the Southern Division Task Force (SDTF) responded to a report of several apparently Hispanic, armed men in the area. When officers arrived, they saw four men standing along the roadway. Upon seeing the police vehicle, the men ran in different directions.
Ste Madeleine man shot dead during altercation
A 23-year-old labourer and landscaper from Hope Street, Tarodale, Ste. Madeleine, was shot and killed during an altercation at Persistence Avenue, Tarodale, Ste. Madeleine, on Thursday afternoon. The deceased has been identified as Georgia Young.
UN report implicates Microsoft, Amazon as complicit in Gaza 'economy of genocide'
News 5 mins read A United Nations report has implicated companies such as Microsoft, Alphabet, parent company of Google, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Palantir, Hyundai, Volvo and others in their involvement and profit from contracts with Israel, which has killed over 59,600 Palestinians in Gaza.
Man killed, teen one of two injured in Belmont shooting
Police are on the scene of a homicide in Belmont where one man was shot dead and two others were injured. From initial reports, one of the injured victims included a 15-year-old boy. At about 11am today residents of Serraneau Road heard a series of loud explosions. Upon investigating they found three persons bleeding from multiple gunshot injuries. The police and emergency health services were notified. However, one of the victims soon succumbed to their injuries.
Caribbean voices put slavery reparations on the agenda in Europe
News 4 mins read Trinidad & Tobago Jamaica Guyana St.Lucia Barbados More Caribbean A number of activists and researchers in the reparations movement from across the Caribbean region have hailed two successful days of constructive engagements with EU and UK political representatives on the issue of slavery reparations. In a statement, The Repair Campaign said delegates visited from countries across the Caribbean, including Barbados, Jamaica, Haiti, Suriname, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia.
PM Kamla issues well-wishes to US on July 4 Independence Day
“On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Government and People of the United States of America on the occasion of your 249th Independence Day. “The Fourth of July stands as a powerful symbol of liberty, resilience, and democratic ideals.
Trinidad and Tobago's weather: Chance of showers
Here’s a look at today’s weather courtesy the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service: Trinidad, Tobago and the Southern Windwards Fair, but becomes partly cloudy at times with isolated light to moderate showers over most areas. There is a medium chance (40%) some of these showers could become heavy and or thundery. Nighttime: Mostly fair except for some isolated light to moderate showery interruptions. The remainder of the Lesser Antilles Mostly fair, hazy and at times breezy.
Inland Revenue Div. no longer accepting cheques for VAT, TAX clearance certificates
The Finance Ministry’s Inland Revenue Division says it will no longer be accepting personal cheques regarding the settling of oustanding liabilities for VAT and TAX Clearance Certificates. In an update shared today, The Finance Ministry said the measure took effect yesterday. “The Inland Revenue Division wishes to advise the public that effective July 1st, 2025, Personal Cheques will no longer be accepted to settle Outstanding Liabilities when applying for VAT and TAX Clearance Certificates.
Former PM Stuart Young SC confirms removal of security detail: ‘I will continue to serve’
Former prime minister and MP for Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West, Stuart Young SC, says he will continue to serve his constituents to the best of his abilities, following reports of the removal of his personal security detail. Speaking to Loop News, Young said he remains fully committed to representing his constituency.
UNC PRO Dr Kirk Meighoo responds to Senator Vieira: 'Absurdly dictatorial'
In the latest round of verbal exchanges, United National Congress (UNC) Public Relations Officer Dr Kirk Meighoo has called reports that Independent Senator Anthony Vieira was considering legal options over his comments as “absurdly dictatorial”.
Energy Minister meets with Shell’s country senior leadership team
Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal met with Shell’s Country Senior Leadership Team to discuss various critical initiatives. In a statement, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries said Dr Moonilal met with the team during their mid-year review to sharpen focus on future growth and sustainable energy transition on June 30, 2025, at the Coral Cove Marina Hotel Restaurant, Chaguaramas.
AGLA designates Tren De Aragua as terrorist entity
The Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs (AGLA) said Trinidad and Tobago’s High Court has approved an application made to declare Venezuelan crime organisation Tren de Aragua as a terrorist entity. In a statement Tuesday, the AGLA said the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago granted an application by the Attorney General to have the entity known as Tren de Aragua designated a terrorist entity under Section 22B of the Anti-Terrorism Act, Chap.
Padarath meets with bpTT
Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath met with bpTT executives to discuss ongoing and upcoming initiatives in the energy sector. In a statement, the Ministry said Padarath met with David Campbell, President of bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT), and Ryan Chaitram, Vice President of Communications and External Affairs, on June 26, 2025, at the Ministry’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain.
Padarath meets with SWMCOL
Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath met with the management of the Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company Limited (SWMCOL) this week where discussions were held to address upholding sustainability within the national waste management sector. In a statement, the Ministry said Padarath met with SWMCOL’s executive management at the Ministry’s head office in St Clair.
Turtle conservation group Nature Seekers warns against unauthorised tour guides
Turtle conservation group Nature Seekers is warning the public against unauthorised tour guides after a “serious breach of protocol” at the Matura Beach Turtle Nesting Site over the weekend. In a statement, the group is warning that all visitors must be accompanied by a certified tour guide authorised by the Forestry Division and permitted by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).
Starving Sudanese people forced to eat weeds as war rages
News 5 mins read With Sudan in the grips of war and millions struggling to find enough to eat, many are turning to weeds and wild plants to quiet their pangs of hunger. They boil the plants in water with salt because, simply, there is nothing else.
NALIS library in Port of Spain temporarily closed due to air conditioning issues
Former Minister in the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, Renuka Sagramsingh-Sooklal, says she is leaving office with her h... April 29, 2025 5:30 PM ET Terrence Deyalsingh has extended gratitude to everyone who supported him over the past 12 years as Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Arangu...
Ratiram in Rome; Tancoo travels to Spain
Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram and Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo were both in Europe over the weekend; Ratiram for an event hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Tancoo for a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).
Debate continues over TTRA Repeal Bill
Debate over the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (Repeal) Bill, 2025, continued in the Upper House on Friday, with challenges by some that Finance Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh failed to completely rationalise the need for the repeal of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA). Independent Senator Anthony Vieira SC said the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) has long been plagued by inefficiencies. “We should avoid idolising the Board of Inland Revenue.
Port of Spain man in court for Petit Valley murder
A 21-year-old Port of Spain man has appeared before a Master of the High Court, charged with the murder of Michael Mervyn Johnson, which occurred on June 7, 2025. In a statement, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said Ismiel Al-Jihad James, of One Woodbrook Place, was also charged with the Possession of Firearm and Possession of Ammunition, when he appeared before Master Simone Hosein, in the Port of Spain Criminal High Court ‘North’, on June 26, 2025.
13 new litter wardens appointed at Tunapuna Regional Corporation
The Tunapuna Regional Corporation is ramping up its mandate to keep the Corporation clean and safe with the appointment of 13 new litter wardens. In an update, the TPRC said the appointments took place at Thursday’s Council Statutory Meeting. “At today’s Council Statutory Meeting, 13 Litter Wardens were officially precepted and presented with their Warrants of Appointment under the Office of Litter Prevention Warden.
Truck driver damages overhead barrier at Boodoo Trace Branch 3
Councillor for Barrackpore West, Nicholas Kanhai, said he’s working with the Penal Debe Regional Corporation to repair the height barrier at the Bailey Bridge on Boodoo Trace Branch 3, Debe, after a truck driver damaged it while crossing the bridge. In an update, Kanhai said the truck driver was carrying planks and the cross beam for the barrier was pinned between the planks and the truck’s hood.
Trinidad and Tobago's weather: Dusty, chance of showers
Watch out for the chance of showers later today as well as Saharan dust. Here’s a look at today’s weather courtesy the Trinidad and Tobago and Meteorological Service: Trinidad and Tobago A sunny, hazy and breezy morning will give way to partly cloudy skies by midday, accompanied by a few light to moderate showers. There is also a 40% (medium) chance of isolated heavy showers or thunderstorms. Tonight will be fair apart from a few brief showers.
Goats 'baaaah-nned' from Hardial Park after gov’t wins court case
The Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation (TPRC) said it’s been victorious in a court matter to prevent a farmer from having his goats grazing at Hardial Park in Macoya. In a statement, the Corporation said it is pleased to announce a “significant legal victory in the matter of CV2025-00694, which marks a major step toward restoring Hardial Park for safe, community-centered use”.
Solar panels installed at Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust
In an update, the EU in Trinidad and Tobago said the community project was possible thanks to the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus initiative. The Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust, known as the second-oldest nature reserve of its kind in the world, has received support via the European Union in Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with UNDP Trinidad and Tobago for the installation of solar panels.
US gov't mandates Trinidad and Tobago student visa applicants must set social media profiles to public
Trinidad and Tobago students applying for student visas in the US must keep their social media profiles set to public, or risk having their applications denied. In an update today via social media, the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago said the measure is effective immediately: “Effective immediately, if you are applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa, you are requested to adjust the privacy settings to ‘public’ on your personal social media accounts.
Fortune to miss 2025 MLS season after injury in T&T-Saudi Concacaf match
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) said Atlanta United midfielder Anjani “Jay” Fortune will miss the remainder of the 2025 MLS season, and will require surgery, after being injured during Trinidad and Tobago’s final group match against Saudi Arabia in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. In an update via social media, the TTFA said it stands with Fortune during this difficult time.
Traffic alert: Road works on Chaguanas Main Road
Commuters heading in and out of Chaguanas are advised of a traffic disruption along the eastbound and westbound lanes of the Chaguanas Main Road as well as the temporary closure of the northbound deceleration and acceleration lanes in and out of Chaguanas, starting from tonight. In a statement, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure said part pf the Chaguanas Main Road, between Scotiabank and De Verteuil Street, will be affected by the road work.
International Space Station welcomes first astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary
News 3 mins read CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first astronauts in more than 40 years from India, Poland and Hungary arrived at the International Space Station on Thursday, ferried there by SpaceX on a private flight. The crew of four will spend two weeks at the orbiting lab, performing dozens of experiments. They launched Wednesday from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. America’s most experienced astronaut, Peggy Whitson, is the commander of the visiting crew.
Trucks carrying aid make their way into Gaza City for the first time in months
News 2 mins read People cheered as a convoy of trucks carrying aid made its way into Gaza City for the first time in months on Wednesday. Masked men fired shots into the air to disperse large crowds from the dozens of crates marked with the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent and UAE Aid logos. The clans of northern Gaza say they helped facilitate the delivery.
Ministry holds stakeholder meeting to discuss virtual court hearings
Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Minister in the Office of the Attorney General, Devesh Maharaj, held the first of several meetings with stakeholders to review the use of police stations for court hearings, as well as the “wider issue of the conduct of virtual hearings” within the court system on Wednesday.
Mode Alive commends POS mayor on commitment to help city's homeless
Mode Alive said it proudly commends Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne for his “powerful and heartfelt City Day address calling for compassion, dignity, and coordinated action to address homelessness in our capital city”.
PAHO launches Birth Defects Repository in the Americas
News 3 mins read More Caribbean Jamaica Trinidad & Tobago Guyana St.Lucia Barbados The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the Birth Defects Repository in the Americas, an interactive platform that consolidates real-time data on congenital anomalies reported by national epidemiological surveillance systems in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Penny, Foster unfazed by lower turnout in PNM internal election
Political Leader-elect of the People’s National Movement (PNM), Pennelope Beckles, and newly elected General Secretary of the party, Foster Cummings, appeared unfazed by reports of a lower turnout at the party’s recent internal election. Speaking at a media briefing earlier today at PNM’s headquarters in Port of Spain, Beckles said the reduced turnout, with 7,000 people participating this year, compared to 9,000 in 2022, isn’t necessarily indicative of less interest or support for the party.
New PSAEL Board Set to Drive Agricultural and Land Development
On June 24, 2025, Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, distributed Letters of Appointment to members of the Board of Directors of the Palo Seco Agricultural Enterprises Limited (PSAEL) during a brief ceremony held at the Ministry’s Head Office in Chaguanas.
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