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.

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.