Finance Minister, the Honourable Davendranath Tancoo joined leaders from around the globe for the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2026 in Vienna, Austria on June 23^rd 2026.  The event convened under the theme, “A Transition That Empowers Our Tomorrow”, primarily focused on discussions on advancing development impact and strengthening resilience, particularly in vulnerable nations. This year’s forum also marked a historic milestone, as the OPEC Fund celebrated its Golden Jubilee fifty (50) years of partnership-based international development cooperation.

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On Monday 22nd June, 2026, the Customs and Excise Division (C&ED) successfully intercepted a shipment containing marijuana and a firearm during an intelligence-led operation conducted at a Customs Bonded Area in Port of Spain. The detailed examination of cargo consigned to a retired Customs and Excise Guard resulted in the discovery of eleven (11 packages) containing a green plant like substance resembling that of the Dangerous Drug Marijuana with an estimated street value of $1.4 million TTD, as well as a separate package containing a black metallic object resembling that of a firearm concealed within a washer and dryer.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) wishes to alert the public to a fraudulent video currently circulating on social media platforms which falsely portrays the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, MP. The video in question utilises manipulated audio and video technology commonly known as a “deepfake” to mimic the Minister’s likeness and voice. In this fictitious footage, the Minister is falsely depicted as endorsing a specific individual, foreign exchange (Forex) trading platforms, and financial investment schemes (specifically referencing “Nadia Sanchez” and “Bullfield Holdings”).

Mr. Speaker, as we come to this House to amend the Appropriation Act 2026, we do so with a clear understanding that when resources are limited, every dollar must be used carefully and every dollar must serve the people.

We understand that responsible government is not only about careful budgeting; it is also about responsive and effective stewardship.

Throughout the fiscal year, circumstances evolve, priorities emerge, and the pace of implementation can create legitimate requirements for adjustments to previously approved allocations.

“Today, international rating agency Moody’s has raised Trinidad and Tobago’s rating outlook from “Negative” to “Stable”, while affirming the country’s Ba2 rating. This development follows closely on the IMF’s Article IV consultation and signals increasing international confidence in the policy direction pursued by the Government since taking office one year ago. Two of the world’s most respected international institutions have now independently reached similar conclusions, sending a clear message: the Government’s strategy is producing results, and Trinidad and Tobago is regaining economic momentum.

The rating agency highlighted the country’s improved external prospects and, notably, the proactive debt management strategy undertaken by the Government, including the international bond issuance in January that enabled a partial redemption of the US$1 billion August 2026 bond which significantly improved the country’s debt maturity profile. This is the direct result of deliberate, disciplined choices made by the new administration to strengthen the country’s financial footing and reduce external vulnerabilities.”

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The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, M.P., Minister of Finance, laid the Finance Bill, 2026 in the House of Representatives today, June 5th, 2026.

The Finance Bill, 2026 continues to address a number of significant areas of Government policy, inclusive but not limited to, tax exemptions for approved pension fund plans and approved deferred annuity plans, pension reform for the Protective Services, revisions to the gaming tax under the Liquor Licences Act and amendments to the Landlord Business Surcharge.

“It was a personal mission of the Prime Minister to secure our appointment to the UN Security Council,
one which she pursued with rigour and passion, beginning with her participation at the United Nations
(UN) General Assembly in New York in 2025; She deserves the applause of every Trinidadian and
Tobagonian at home and in the diaspora. The UNSC seat makes T&T an even more attractive destination
for international investment as this country undertakes its economic transformation”, Minister Tancoo
added.

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