By|ANTONIO DEY| HGP Nightly News|
Trinidad & Tobago: Energy Services Sector Reports Q1 Decline
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD — The latest Energy Services Sector Survey (ESSS) has painted a sobering picture for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy contractors as 2026 begins. Conducted by the Energy Chamber, the data reveals a significant contraction in both the volume and value of business during the first quarter.
- The Numbers: 60% of service companies reported that the value of their business was “lower than normal,” while 56% saw a drop in the actual volume of work.
- The Causes: Companies identified several factors stifling growth:
- 72% cited reduced demand for services.
- 66% cited fewer market opportunities.
- 38% reported losing existing contracts.
- Sector Impact: This downturn indicates that the local contracting sector is completing fewer projects, leading to a visible dip in national energy service earnings.
Trinidad & Tobago: “Generous” Cricket Star Murdered After Family Gathering
CEDROS, TRINIDAD — A rural community in Trinidad is in mourning following the brutal killing of 28-year-old Rashme Deoajit. A rising cricket star known for her kindness and generosity, Deoajit was discovered dead in her home at Tat Trace, Grandville, Cedros, on Tuesday morning.
- The Incident: On Monday night, Deoajit had been “liming” (socializing) with her father, brother, and a male friend she had been trying to help financially.
- The Altercation: Reports indicate that around 8:00 PM, an altercation broke out between Deoajit and the male acquaintance. Neither was seen again until her body was discovered the following day.
- Possible Motive: Relatives noted that Deoajit had $5,000 in cash intended for car repairs. They believe the killer was someone she considered a friend—someone she had opened her home to assist. Police investigations are currently ongoing.
International: Global Energy Crisis as Iran Targets Gulf Facilities
THE MIDDLE EAST — The three-week-old conflict in the Middle East reached its most volatile stage on Thursday, March 19, sending global markets into a tailspin. Following Israeli strikes on its gas fields, Iran launched a massive retaliatory aerial campaign against Gulf energy infrastructure.
- Market Shock: European gas prices surged by 28%, while global oil gained 6% in a single day.
- Widespread Damage: The Iranian attacks caused “extensive damage” to the world’s largest gas plant in Qatar, hit a refinery in Saudi Arabia, and forced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to shut down key facilities.
- Hormuz Closure: The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery through which 20% of the world’s oil and LNG flows, has been effectively closed.
- European Response: European leaders are meeting in an emergency session today to discuss “quick fixes” to mitigate the surging prices and prevent a total energy collapse as the tit-for-tat warfare escalates.
