WACK 90.1 FM

Prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. Emailed at 6:35 AM AST for a human reader. Audio generation was rejected by the provider’s credit quota. Required authentic speaker clip unavailable; no clip timings or transcript are claimed.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

The State has settled former Central Bank governor Doctor Alvin Hilaire's constitutional claim, but the cost to taxpayers has not been disclosed.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed the agreement on Monday. Hilaire's attorney, Stuart Young, says the parties are bound by a confidentiality agreement.

The settlement ends Hilaire's challenge to his removal in June last year. It was reached before trial, so there has been no court ruling on his constitutional claims.

Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers will represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Office of the Prime Minister confirmed on Monday that Persad-Bissessar will no longer attend and will return to her existing schedule.

And showers and possible thunderstorms are forecast for Tobago and northern Trinidad today, with other areas also at risk.

The Meteorological Service warns that heavy showers could bring gusty winds and street or flash flooding. Conditions are expected to become mostly settled by late afternoon or early evening.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 3 November 2026

State settles Hilaire claim; cost remains undisclosed: Guardian · Andrea Perez-Sobers · 2 November online / 3 November edition;

Sobers to represent T&T after PM withdraws from Commonwealth meeting: TTT News and 103.1 FM · 2 November 2026; TTT News and 103.1 FM · 2 November 2026;

Showers and thunderstorms forecast for Tobago and northern Trinidad: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service · issued 2 November 2026 at 3:45 PM;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. The 1 min 24 sec recording requires a complete human listening review before release. The script was emailed at 6:33 AM AST and review-required recording at 6:34 AM AST.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Emergency calls from Rio Claro are being covered from Mayaro after firefighters vacated the Rio Claro station over safety concerns. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lalchan Arjoon says a fire tender and officers are on standby in Mayaro. He acknowledges that responses to Rio Claro may take longer. Arjoon says a possible temporary building has been identified in Rio Claro, but its use still needs approval and modifications. The Fire Services Association says the existing station needs to be rebuilt.

About one hundred and fifty PowerGen workers are due outstanding payments by December fifteenth under a sixty-six-point-one-million-dollar wage settlement. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced the agreement with the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union in Parliament on Friday. It covers the bargaining periods from twenty-sixteen to twenty-seventeen, and twenty-eighteen to twenty-twenty. The deal provides a cumulative nine per cent wage increase over five years. Padarath says the settlement was reached through negotiations rather than a court ruling.

In Tobago, the Elections and Boundaries Commission's registration offices in Scarborough and Roxborough are closed today, Monday November second. The affected offices are at Caroline Building on Hamilton Street, and the Roxborough Administrative Complex on Windward Road. The Commission says normal operations resume tomorrow, Tuesday November third.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 2 November 2026; publication dates below

Rio Claro fire cover moves to Mayaro as station is vacated: Trinidad Guardian · Published 2026-11-01 21:48:53; edition date November2;

PowerGen settlement sets December 15 payment deadline: TTT News · Published 2026-10-30; TTT News · Published 2026-10-31; Caribbean Media Corporation / CANA · Published 2026-10-31;

Tobago EBC offices closed November 2: Elections and Boundaries Commission · Published 2026-10-30;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. No current recording is available: the provider rejected synthesis for exhausted quota. Use this script for a human reader.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Trade unions plan to march through Port of Spain this morning over outstanding negotiations and wider concerns about workers' living conditions.

Organisers say the march is due to start at Memorial Park at nine a.m. and end with a rally at Woodford Square.

National Trade Union Centre general secretary Michael Annisette says unions want outstanding government negotiations settled collectively. The announced route is a march plan, not a confirmed police traffic order.

Hosepipes supplied with WASA water must not be used to water private gardens or wash private cars in Tobago.

WASA says the restrictions took immediate effect on Thursday and remain in place until further notice. They also cover sprinklers and pressure washers used for those purposes.

The authority says Tobago faces the threat of a serious water shortage, with Carnival demand adding pressure on supplies. It is urging residents, visitors and businesses to avoid waste while maintaining proper hygiene.

Prison officers have intercepted a package delivered by drone to the Maximum Security Prison.

The Prison Service says Thursday morning's seizure included cigarettes, screen protectors and nine hundred and fifty-three grams of plant material resembling marijuana. Investigations continue with help from other law-enforcement agencies.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 30 October 2026; publication dates below

Unions plan Port of Spain march for Friday morning: CNC3 / Dareece Polo · Published 29 October 2026 online; Friday event; Trinidad Guardian / Gail Alexander · Published 28 October online / 29 October edition;

WASA restricts hosepipe use in Tobago amid shortage threat: TTT / WASA statement · Published 29 October 2026;

Prison officers intercept drone-delivered contraband: TTT / Prison Service statement · Published 29 October 2026;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. A previously emailed 7 AM recording does not match this revised script. It has not passed full listening quality control and is not cleared for broadcast or website publication.

This is WACK 90.1 FM News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has defended Trinidad and Tobago's vote against a United Nations call to end the American embargo on Cuba. Her United National Congress statement says the Government supports democratic freedoms for Cubans. Trinidad and Tobago was the only CARICOM member to oppose Wednesday's resolution. The measure nevertheless passed.

Police are investigating the killing of two women at a Couva spa on Wednesday. The victims were the owner and a customer. Police say the gunman remains unidentified. No motive has been established.

Trade unions say tomorrow's Port of Spain march will proceed despite promises to accelerate salary talks. National Trade Union Centre leader Michael Annisette says workers also want wider economic relief. The demonstration is scheduled to leave Memorial Park at nine.

The Meteorological Service warns of heavy showers and possible flash flooding today.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 29 October 2026; publication dates below

Prime Minister's post-vote explanation: Trinidad Guardian / Akash Samaroo, reporting UNC statement · Published 28 October online / 29 October edition. Labour march and route: Trinidad Guardian / Gail Alexander · Published 28 October online / 29 October edition. Weather: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service forecast · Issued 28 October at 4:16 PM for 29 October.

T&T votes against UN resolution calling for end to Cuba embargo: Trinidad Guardian / Kay-Marie Fletcher · Published 28 October online / 29 October edition; Imagen Poblana / Sputnik; embedded Noticias ONU vote tally · Published 28 October 2026;

Police investigate Couva double killing and Charlieville attorney’s death: TTT / Faith Cheruiyot, quoting TTPS briefing · Published 28 October 2026; Trinidad Guardian / Sascha Wilson · Published 28 October online / 29 October edition;

Six questioned in TSTT fire investigation; police seek information: TTT / Faith Cheruiyot, quoting TTPS briefing · Published 28 October 2026;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. An earlier review-only recording was emailed contrary to the 7 AM script-only rule; it has not passed complete listening QC and is not cleared for air.

This is WACK 90.1 FM News. I'm Jason McAllister.

The national spending bill for twenty twenty-seven has passed the Senate. Parliament confirms its final Senate vote took place Monday. The measure provides for government expenditure through September next year. Presidential assent has not yet been confirmed.

Attorney Taradath Singh was shot dead in Charlieville on Tuesday evening. The fifty-three-year-old former police officer survived a gun attack at his Cunupia home last month. Police are investigating his killing. No motive has been established.

Authorities initiated thirteen sex-trafficking prosecutions this year, according to United States official Rachel Poynter. She says that compares with eleven last year.

Passengers heading to Tobago Carnival are warned against unauthorised boat trips. Maritime Services Director Ronald Alfred says commercial passenger vessels require licences and safety certification. Police say they are working with maritime officials against unlicensed inter-island charters.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 28 October 2026; publication dates below

Human trafficking prosecutions: TTT / Faith Cheruiyot quoting U.S. official Rachel Poynter · Published 27 October 2026; checked 28 October 2026.

Budget spending bill passes Senate: Parliament · Published Live bill record checked 28 October; TTT / Faith Cheruiyot · Published 27 October 2026;

Attorney Taradath Singh shot dead in Charlieville: Trinidad Guardian / Anna-Lisa Paul · Published 27 October online / 28 October edition; Tringlobe Media · Published 27 October 2026;

Passengers warned against unauthorised Tobago boat trips: TTT / Maritime Director interview and TTPS statement · Published 27 October 2026;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. Today’s written bulletin is for script use only.

This is WACK 90.1 FM News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has directed a swift conclusion to public-service salary negotiations.

Planning Minister Doctor Kennedy Swaratsingh says the talks include a proposed ten per cent increase. No new agreement or payment date was announced.

Caribbean Airlines is adding one thousand more domestic seats for Tobago Carnival.

The airline says the new capacity supplements seven thousand seats already added.

The Central Statistical Office has begun a pilot census in selected communities.

The exercise tests procedures ahead of the first full national census since twenty eleven, planned for twenty twenty-seven.

In sport, Trinidad and Tobago have qualified for next year's Netball World Cup. The Calypso Girls beat Barbados sixty to fifty-one last night, finishing the Americas qualifiers unbeaten.

The World Cup takes place in Sydney in twenty twenty-seven.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 27 October 2026; publication dates below

PM directs swift conclusion of public-service salary talks: TTT / Kevion John · Published 26 October 2026;

Caribbean Airlines adds 1,000 seats for Tobago Carnival: TTT / Kandace Jackson · Published 26 October 2026; 103.1 FM · Published 26 October 2026;

CSO pilot begins ahead of planned 2027 national census: TTT / Faith Cheruiyot · Published 26 October 2026;

Sport: World Netball official results · Match 26 October; checked 27 October 2026.

This is a prepared, written 7 AM script, not a spoken transcript. No audio is scheduled or authorised for this edition.

This is WACK 90.1 FM News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Police are investigating suspected arson after a major fire at TSTT's Laventille cable yard.

Police estimate losses above twenty million dollars, subject to confirmation. Three people are assisting investigators.

One firefighter suffered facial injuries and smoke inhalation while responding, according to emergency-service representatives.

A bedroom floor collapsed into the apartment below at an HDC building in San Fernando.

No injuries were reported. Residents say they had warned the HDC about deteriorating flooring for years. Housing Minister David Lee says repairs began and officials found no immediate threat to life.

The Prison Officers Association is alleging irregularities in overtime payments.

Secretary general Lester Logie says some claims lack adequate verification. He wants proper accounting and fair treatment of officers awaiting arrears. The allegations have not been independently established.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 26 October 2026; publication dates below

Police estimate over $20M in cable losses after Laventille fire: TTT News / TTPS statement · Published 25 October 2026; Trinidad Guardian / Shane Superville · Published 25 October 2026 19:02:30; 26 October edition;

San Fernando HDC apartment collapse: Trinidad Guardian / Sascha Wilson · Published 25 October 2026; HDC and Housing Ministry statements attributed in article;

Prison officers' union overtime allegations: Trinidad Guardian / Anna-Lisa Paul · Published 25 October 2026; attributed to POA general secretary Lester Logie; unverified allegations.

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. The 23 October 1 minute 20.81 second recording awaits complete listening review and is not cleared for air or website publication.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Criminal cases that have dragged on for fifteen to twenty years are being prioritised as the Judiciary tackles its backlog. Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh says closer case monitoring and improvements to court facilities are part of the effort. He wants criminal cases resolved within one to three years. That is a goal, not a deadline already achieved. Planned upgrades include courts in San Fernando and Tobago, and virtual access courtrooms at the Arouca prisons.

In Tobago, the Goodwood micro police post remains closed because of infrastructure problems. Senior Superintendent Rodhil Kirk says assessments have identified work needed before officers can return. He has given no reopening date. The post was officially opened on October thirteenth. The Signal Hill and Plymouth posts remain operational.

Health Minister Doctor Lackram Bodoe says supply and procurement problems affecting diabetes and some cancer medicines are being addressed. He says the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme will be strengthened. The minister has also promised to open the Port of Spain hospital's new Central Block this financial year. He says an inadequate link to the emergency department has delayed the project.

And today's forecast is sunny, hazy and at times breezy, with a few afternoon showers. The Meteorological Service gives a thirty per cent chance of a heavy shower or thunderstorm, mainly over western and hilly areas. Gusty winds and local flooding are possible during heavier showers.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 23 October 2026; publication dates below

Old criminal cases prioritised in court backlog effort: TTT News / Faith Cheruiyot · Published 22 October 2026; Trinidad Guardian / Derek Achong · Published 22 October 2026, 22:28:56; 23 October edition;

Goodwood police post remains closed; no reopening date: Trinidad Guardian / Stephon Nicholas · Published 22 October 2026, 22:32:52; 23 October edition; CCNTV6 / Elizabeth Williams · Published Original date uncertain; earlier background only;

Bodoe promises action on medicine supplies and hospital delays: TTT News / Kevion John · Published 22 October 2026;

Sunny, hazy Friday with a low thunderstorm chance: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service · Published 23 October 2026, 5:42 AM AST;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. The 22 October 1 minute 32.95 second recording awaits complete listening review and is not cleared for air or website publication.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

A proposed electricity surcharge would target high-use households, while the Government reviews the existing bill rebate programme. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says fewer than ten per cent of residential customers would be affected by the surcharge. The proposal is for five cents per kilowatt-hour on consumption above three thousand kilowatt-hours per billing period. The Budget sets January first, twenty twenty-seven, as the proposed start date.

Padarath told the Standing Finance Committee that the rebate programme needs a value-for-money review. He says no decision has been taken to discontinue it. He also says discussions with the National Gas Company are continuing over T-and-TEC's debt. No new general rate increase has been announced in those remarks.

Seven schools are to receive repairs financed by a seventy-million-dollar loan from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Education Minister Doctor Michael Dowlath says the final list has not yet been settled. Priority will go to schools whose occupants have had to move out, or which face risks from structural problems and deteriorating buildings. The minister made the announcement during Tuesday evening's Standing Finance Committee session.

And today's weather is expected to be generally hot and sunny across Trinidad and Tobago, with a chance of one or two brief showers. The Meteorological Service expects mild Saharan dust later today and advises sensitive people to take precautions. Tonight should be generally fair.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 22 October 2026; publication dates below

High-use electricity surcharge proposed; rebate under review: TTT News / Melissa Wong · Published 2026-10-21; Trinidad Guardian / Kay-Marie Fletcher · Published 2026-10-21T20:51:21 /22October edition; Ministry of Finance · Published 2026-10-12;

Seven-school repair plan awaits final selection: TTT News / Kevion John · Published 2026-10-21;

Hot, mostly sunny Thursday; mild dust expected: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service · Published 2026-10-22T06:08:00-04:00;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. The 21 October 1 minute 19.47 second recording awaits complete listening review and is not cleared for air or website publication.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Public servants attached to the Unemployment Relief Programme are being moved into other parts of the Local Government Ministry as the programme winds down. Minister Khadijah Ameen says they have been assigned to technical sections and will be absorbed into other ministry units and corporations. She says staff are also organising employment records used by former URP workers seeking National Insurance pensions. The ministry plans to digitise those records. It is still paying two hundred and thirteen thousand dollars a month to lease the programme's El Socorro headquarters.

Forty-six jobs in Nestlé's local sales and warehousing operations are affected by a switch to third-party distribution. The company says thirty employees have accepted voluntary separation, while sixteen have received retrenchment notices. The employment changes take effect between November and December. The Oilfields Workers' Trade Union says discussions are continuing to try to reduce compulsory separations. The possible sale of the Valsayn factory is a separate issue.

Today's forecast brings a thirty to forty per cent chance of isolated thunderstorms. The Meteorological Service expects sunny periods interrupted by showers. Gusty winds and street or flash flooding are possible in vulnerable areas during heavy downpours. Fairer conditions are expected tonight, apart from isolated showers.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 21 October 2026; publication dates below

URP public servants reassigned as programme winds down: TTT News · Published 2026-10-20

Nestlé distribution changes affect 46 local jobs: Trinidad Guardian / Otto Carrington · Published 2026-10-20T21:12:55

Showers and isolated thunderstorms possible on Wednesday: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service · Published 2026-10-21T06:15:00-04:00

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. The 20 October 1 minute 16.48 second recording awaits complete listening review and is not cleared for air or website publication.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Almost forty per cent of the Works Ministry's recurrent allocation will go towards loan repayments. Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John says nine hundred and forty million dollars of the ministry's two-point-three-seven-eight billion-dollar allocation is committed to debt. Speaking in Monday's budget debate, she said the ministry is servicing eighteen loans, with an outstanding balance of about six-point-six billion dollars at the end of September. Repayments extend to twenty thirty-two, limiting the money available for roads and drains.

The chairman and medical director of the South-West Regional Health Authority say they have submitted their resignations. Chairman Anil Gosine says he resigned last week for personal reasons. He requested an immediate departure but was awaiting an official response. Medical director Doctor Anand Chatoorgoon says he wants to help develop a national system for patients seeking assistance with access to healthcare, including appointments, tests and medication.

And showers could bring gusty winds and street flooding today. The Meteorological Service forecasts a forty to sixty per cent chance of isolated thunderstorms from this morning into the early afternoon. Fairer conditions are expected later in the day.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 20 October 2026; publication dates below

Debt repayments take almost 40% of Works recurrent allocation: TTT / Kevion John · Published 2026-10-19

SWRHA chairman and medical director submit resignations: Trinidad Guardian / Radhica De Silva · Published 2026-10-19T20:45:39

Showers and possible thunderstorms forecast for Tuesday: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service · Published 2026-10-20T06:11:00-04:00

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. The 16 October 1 minute 6.87 second recording awaits complete listening review and is not cleared for air or website publication.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

WASA’s budgeted spending is set to fall by about two hundred and eighty-seven million dollars in fiscal twenty twenty-seven. The draft estimates put spending at roughly three billion dollars, down from the revised figure for twenty twenty-six. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says there are no plans to reduce WASA’s established workforce. He says additional personnel funding is expected during the year.

Trinidad and Tobago says farewell to the Mighty Sparrow today. The public procession begins at ten this morning at the Treasury Building on Independence Square, then moves along Frederick Street to the National Academy for the Performing Arts. The tribute programme at NAPA starts at one-thirty this afternoon. The Ministry of Culture and Community Development is organising the celebration with Sparrow’s family.

In Tobago, Studley Park has received mining and processing licences for its quarry operations. The Energy Ministry says the licences were issued on Tuesday. The company is wholly owned by the Tobago House of Assembly. The ministry says the permits are intended to support production, jobs and construction supplies, with controls on dust, noise and blasting.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — checked 16 October at 6:36 AM AST; publication dates in linked articles

WASA budget falls; minister rules out cuts to established workforce: Trinidad Guardian / Akash Samaroo; Ministry of Finance draft statutory-board estimates — source 1; Trinidad Guardian / Akash Samaroo; Ministry of Finance draft statutory-board estimates — source 2;

Sparrow farewell procession begins at 10 AM: Trinidad Guardian; IzzSo; CMC via CBC — source 1; Trinidad Guardian; IzzSo; CMC via CBC — source 2; Trinidad Guardian; IzzSo; CMC via CBC — source 3;

Studley Park receives mining and processing licences: Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries statement reproduced by TTT; TTT / Kandace Jackson — source 1; Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries statement reproduced by TTT; TTT / Kandace Jackson — source 2;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. The 15 October 1 minute 15.28 second recording awaits complete listening review and is not cleared for air or website publication.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Four state-owned businesses are in the Government’s divestment plans: the Trinidad Hilton, Magdalena Grand, National Quarries and the La Brea Industrial Development Company. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says expressions of interest for the hotels will be invited soon. She announced the plans in Tobago on Tuesday, arguing that the State should get out of hotel management. These are planned sales, not completed transactions.

Parents at Sangre Grande Hospital can now register their baby’s birth and collect the printed birth certificate before leaving. The bedside registration service was launched there on Wednesday. Registrar General Karen Bridgewater says more than six thousand five hundred babies born nationwide over the past five years were not registered by their parents. The new service aims to close that gap.

The Claxton Bay correctional holding facility has closed. The Prison Service says operations ended on Wednesday. Vision on Mission made the facility available during the COVID-nineteen pandemic, when extra accommodation was needed for inmates and officers.

And promoter Randy Glasgow is asking the country to observe a minute of silence for the Mighty Sparrow at twelve-fifty tomorrow afternoon, Friday, October sixteenth. The proposed tribute takes its timing from Sparrow’s song, Ten to One.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — published 14 October, checked 15 October at 6:34 AM AST

Four state-owned businesses included in divestment plans: TTT / Kandace Jackson; Trinidad Guardian / Stephon Nicholas — source 1; TTT / Kandace Jackson; Trinidad Guardian / Stephon Nicholas — source 2;

Bedside birth registration expands to Sangre Grande: TTT / Melissa Wong; named minister and Registrar General launch statements — source 1;

Claxton Bay correctional holding facility closes: Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service statement reproduced by TTT — source 1;

One-minute Sparrow tribute proposed for Friday: TTT; Randy Glasgow recorded appeal — source 1;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. The 14 October 1 minute 4.74 second recording awaits complete listening review and is not cleared for air or website publication.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Tobago would be guaranteed two seats in the Senate under a proposed constitutional change. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Government plans to bring legislation to Parliament. The two seats would come from the nine Independent Senators appointed at the President’s discretion. The proposal would add guaranteed Senate representation alongside Tobago’s two elected members of the House of Representatives. Persad-Bissessar announced the plan at yesterday’s opening of the new airport terminal in Tobago. It is a proposal, not a change already in force.

Passengers flying out of Tobago are being directed to the new A. N. R. Robinson East Terminal on Store Bay Local Road. Caribbean Airlines says all its Tobago flights use that terminal from five-forty-five this morning, Wednesday, October fourteenth. The move follows yesterday’s formal opening. The airline says the hand-luggage liquids rule applies to domestic passengers too. Each container must hold no more than one hundred millilitres. All containers must fit inside one clear, resealable, one-litre bag, with one bag allowed per passenger. Reservations and ticketing services are available at the new terminal daily, from five in the morning until eleven-thirty at night.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — published 12–13 October, checked 14 October at 6:36 AM AST

Government proposes two guaranteed Senate seats for Tobago: TTT, Melissa Wong; 103.1FM — source 1; TTT, Melissa Wong; 103.1FM — source 2;

Tobago passengers directed to new East Terminal from today: TTT, Caribbean Airlines advisory and Melissa Wong opening report — source 1; TTT, Caribbean Airlines advisory and Melissa Wong opening report — source 2;

This is the prepared script, not a verified spoken transcript. The 13 October 1 minute 20.86 second recording awaits complete listening review and is not cleared for air or website publication.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

Foreign digital services would attract twelve-point-five per cent VAT under the new Budget, while high-use households face an electricity surcharge. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo presented the proposals in Parliament yesterday. The digital-services tax is planned for March first, twenty-twenty-seven. From January first, the proposed electricity surcharge would add five cents per kilowatt-hour on residential use above three thousand kilowatt-hours per billing period. The minister says the threshold would leave ninety per cent of households unaffected.

Senior citizens and people receiving public or disability assistance are also in line for higher monthly payments. The Budget proposes an extra two hundred and fifty dollars a month from January first, twenty-twenty-seven. Tancoo says each tier of Public Assistance will rise by that amount, alongside the Senior Citizens’ Grant and Disability Assistance for adults and eligible children.

Caribbean Airlines will move all Tobago flights to the new A. N. R. Robinson East Terminal from five-forty-five tomorrow morning, Wednesday, October fourteenth. The airline says departing passengers should go directly to the terminal on Store Bay Local Road. The hand-luggage liquids rule will also apply to domestic flights: containers of no more than one hundred millilitres, inside one clear, resealable, one-litre bag per passenger.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources — published 12 October, checked 13 October at 6:35 AM AST

Budget proposes digital-services VAT and high-use electricity surcharge: Ministry of Finance Budget Statement pp164–165,171–172; Trinidad Guardian — source 1; Ministry of Finance Budget Statement pp164–165,171–172; Trinidad Guardian — source 2;

Pension and assistance grants set for $250 monthly increase: Ministry of Finance Budget Statement pp36–37; Trinidad Guardian — source 1; Ministry of Finance Budget Statement pp36–37; Trinidad Guardian — source 2;

Caribbean Airlines moves Tobago flights to new terminal Wednesday: TTT reproducing Caribbean Airlines advisory — source 1;

This is the prepared script, not a verified transcript of the recording. The 12 October 1 minute 12 second recording awaits complete listening review and is not cleared for air or website publication.

This is WACK News. I'm Jason McAllister.

The national Budget for twenty-twenty-seven will be presented in Parliament at one-thirty this afternoon. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo is due to outline the government's spending and revenue plans. Ahead of the presentation, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says public revenue should support economic growth and reward productive work. Her statement sets out the government's priorities; the Budget's detailed measures are still to be presented.

Tobago's new A. N. R. Robinson International Airport terminal is scheduled to open tomorrow, October thirteenth. The Office of the Prime Minister has confirmed the opening is planned for this week. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine are expected at Tuesday's ceremony.

Public viewings for the Mighty Sparrow begin tomorrow at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts. The Ministry of Culture says mourners can pay their respects from ten in the morning until six in the evening. A second viewing takes place at NAPA on Wednesday, during the same hours. The Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, October sixteenth, at NAPA, from one-thirty to three-thirty in the afternoon.

That's a look at WACK Headline News.

Sources, checked 12 October 2026: Parliament — sitting 12 October; Ministry of Finance — Budget date; TTT — PM statement, 11 October; Guardian — Tobago opening, 10 October / 11 October edition; 103FM — OPM confirmation, 9 October; TTT — Ministry farewell arrangements, 10 October.

Archived 11 October script & sources