The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago recently met with the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT). The discussions focused on current market conditions, the state of the economy, and fostering continued collaboration between the Government, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) and the banking sector.

The meeting was convened by the Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, Minister of Finance. In addition to the Minister of Finance, in attendance were:  Senator Dr. the Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Larry Howai, Governor of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT), Mrs. Suzette Taylor-Lee Chee, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Technical staff from the Ministry of Finance, Executive of the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) and Senior banking officials

The Ministry of Finance advises landlords and rent-collecting agents that the deadline for mandatory registration under the Landlord Business Surcharge has been extended to June 30th, 2026.

The extension follows public engagement undertaken by the Minister of Finance, The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, MP, and is intended to give citizens additional time to complete the registration process, organise the required documents and avoid penalties.

Key macroeconomic highlights from the report include:

• Inflation: Returned to low levels.
• External Position: The current account remains firmly in surplus.
• Financial Sector: The banking system remains well-capitalised and sound, with steady credit growth.
• National Buffers: International reserves are projected to remain adequate at approximately 5.5 months of import cover. This is backed by substantial liquid assets in the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF), equivalent to roughly 25% of GDP.”

During routine passenger clearance operations, Customs Officers at the airport referred a 22-year-old British national to the Red Line for further examination of their luggage. During the examination, officers discovered a quantity of plant-like material concealed within the passenger’s baggage. Officers attached to the Preventive Branch were subsequently contacted and responded to the scene, where field testing confirmed the substance to be Marijuana. The estimated street value of the seizure is TT$5,996,295.80.

The Ministry of Finance has advised of an extension by the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) in the timeframe for the payment of gaming taxes.

During routine operations, Customs Officers conducted examination of cargo which led to the discovery of eighteen (18) packages containing a green plant-like material concealed within a household appliance. Officers from the Preventive Branch were subsequently contacted and responded to the location, where field testing confirmed the substance to be cannabis. The estimated street value of the seizure is $1,413,302.00.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is proud to highlight the significant milestones and benefits derived from its enduring partnership with CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.
This relationship, rooted in visionary leadership and a commitment to sustainable development, has reached new heights, positioning Trinidad and Tobago as a central pillar of CAF’s regional strategy.” These sentiments were echoed by the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors of CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, Minister of Finance in delivering the feature address at the Bank’s CLXXXVIII Board of Directors Meeting which took place on March 3^rd 2026 in Lima, Peru.

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