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.

This requires mobilizing private capital and deploying innovative, structured, and transparent financial instruments, which would allow us to direct investment toward sustainable development.

That is precisely why we are here today.

Green, Social and Sustainability Bonds have emerged as some of the most important tools available for mobilising capital towards environmental and social objectives.

These Bonds provide a mechanism through which climate ambitions can be transformed into renewable energy projects, resilient infrastructure, sustainable water systems and climate adaptation investments. Additionally, such Bonds unlock opportunities in affordable housing, healthcare access, education and other social priorities.“

The Honourable Davendranath Tancoo, Minister of Finance

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.

This observation was made by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai who observed, “The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the environment, we cannot sustain ourselves.”

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Applicants must submit their applications online ONLY to https://employtt.gov.tt/

The Deadline Date for the Submission of Applications is on Friday 3rd July, 2026.

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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.