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

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.