By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Trinidad & Tobago: National Health Crisis Looms Over Organ Transplant Drug Shortage
A severe shortage of a vital anti-rejection drug used by organ transplant patients has sparked what many are now calling a national health crisis in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Kidney Recipient Support Group of Trinidad and Tobago (KRSGOTT) reports that some patients are already relapsing into renal failure. At the same time, others have resorted to unauthorized channels to obtain the life-saving drug Tacrolimus (also called “Trimus”).
In a letter dated June 30, addressed to Health Minister Dr. Lelay Rambharat, the organization pleaded for urgent intervention, warning that the shortfall could undo decades of progress in transplant care.
Health Minister Rambharat has since assured the public that the issue will be resolved by Tuesday, but concerns remain high.
Haiti: UN Reports Nearly 5,000 Dead Since October Amid Escalating Gang Violence
In Haiti, a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights report has confirmed that 4,864 people have been killed since October 2024, as gang violence continues to spiral out of control, particularly in and around Port-au-Prince.
The violence has displaced hundreds of thousands, forced aid organizations to pull back, and overwhelmed local law enforcement. The UN has warned that the worsening situation could destabilize not only Haiti, but the wider Caribbean region as well.
Trinidad & Tobago: Murders Climb to 208 Since Start of 2025
Despite forming a new government after the April 28 general election, the United National Congress (UNC) administration in Trinidad and Tobago is struggling to address ongoing violence.
As of Sunday, the country has recorded 208 homicides for 2025, including 81 murders in the last 2.5 months. While this is down from 307 killings during the same period the previous year, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Minister Roger Alexander are under pressure to act swiftly.
Minister Alexander has asked citizens for patience, assuring them that the government will soon implement new crime reduction measures.
