Newsday editorial employees share their thoughts on their careers at the People’s Paper.

Stephon Nicholas, sport editor: Media must not die

I want to say a profound thank you to the people that made my 18-year journey at Newsday a truly memorable experience. I’m eternally grateful to have learned under the tutelage of so many sports and news titans, some now deceased.

Their work lives on through myself and so many others. Media cannot die.

From covering sports to protests to elections to a volcano eruption in St Vincent, the Newsday experience has been amazing, despite the ups and downs.

The challenge of proving yourself daily is not for the faint of heart. However, the duty to inform, educate and stimulate the public is one that cannot be shirked. We’ve all had to make tremendous sacrifices, but the dullest ink is better than the sharpest memory. The truth must always be documented.

Sean Douglas, specialist writer: More than releases, influencers

If “a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved”, one can’t help but be moved by the kindness of the many tributes to Newsday and personal well-wishes each of us has received.

For me, I leave after almost 30 years of service and I feel a great sense of having carried out “my mission” to serve.

Whether helping highlight the flooded-out residents of the Beetham Estate or scrambling to grab government and opposition MPs in the Red House Rotunda at Parliament openings, it has been a job of informing the public. I remember taking an experimental vaccine and then soldiering on through all the fear to get to work to join press conferences via Zoom to inform the house-bound public.

In the newsroom and on social media we would jokingly try to guess what PM Dr Rowley would be wearing to his covid briefing and see whether the formality of his attire did in fact reflect the seriousness of his day’s announcement, “as of midnight tonight.”

Sadly, despite Newsday’s excellent service down the years, the revenues and expenditures did not balance out, amid huge changes in how the public consumes its news. The general public perhaps needs to be informed of what goes into making a newspaper, including checking and double checking for factual correctness. Amid the shift to online content from a printed paper, I hope the public would in fact be willing to pay $5 daily for verified news say via subscription.

This is merely the price of a “doubles” or a short drop in a maxi taxi.

While we now appreciate all the sympathy, we hope it’s not going to be a case of society having to “cry for itself” if left unserved by a healthy media but just at the whims of press releases and influencers.

Thanks again for all the support and let’s see where we go from here.

Paula Lindo, reporter:
A part of the team

I came to Newsday six years ago, two years after sending in an application, at a time that turned out to be fortuitous, as it was almost literally one month before the covid19 pandemic began.

On my first day, February 10, 2020, I was greeted warmly by editor-in-chief Judy Raymond and editors Camille Moreno, Keino Swamber, Eeili Hackshaw, Ken Chee Hing, Debra Greaves, Carol Quash, Jada Loutoo and Melanie Waithe. My newsroom colleagues, including Julien Neaves, Kalifa Clyne, Carla Bridglal, Sean Douglas, Narissa Fraser, Rhianna McKenzie, Shane Superville, Jensen La Vende, Elizabeth Olive Gonzales, Ryan Hamilton-Davis, Andrew Gioannetti, Janelle De Souza, Veela Mungal, Rachael Espinet, Melissa Doughty and others, integrated me smoothly into the newsroom, answering any questions I had and making me feel part of the team.

I tell people I was hired as a features writer, but I quickly became a daily news writer, contributing to almost every section of the newspaper, including one sports story!

I also can’t forget the office and administrative workers like Vitra, Joanne, Kafi, Ayanna and Sasha Hosein, who kept the office running smoothly.

I enjoyed the rush of the covid19 media conferences, trying to elicit information from the authorities about what this thing was, to educate the public, and finding ways to tell people’s stories of how they were surviving the pandemic.

As time passed and TT reopened, I also enjoyed going back out and telling the people’s stories. I think this has always been my motivation in being a journalist, to help people tell their stories and tell them those of others, and Newsday gave me a platform to do so. The editors were usually open to angles I proposed and gave me a level of freedom to run with something, within legal boundaries of course. Some of the stories I most enjoyed working on were those that helped people get the help they needed, followed by highlighting people who were doing something positive, no matter how small.

I also enjoyed highlighting what people were doing to fight systemic issues such as discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia, opening up conversations that are sorely needed.

As time went by, I enjoyed working with and helping to train new reporters and interns who came into the newsroom, like Mya Quamie, Cherisse Berkeley, Enrique Rupert, Tyrell Gittens, Tia-Marie Lander and others. There were new colleagues, like Joey Bartlett, Gregory McBurnie, Rishard Khan and new editors like Darren Bahaw, Sharlene Rampersad, Shweta Sharma and Kathy Ramdeen.

The digital team, Zainab Kamara, Shanice Hercules, Sydney Joseph, and Elexzine Bissoo took our (not always good) video and the complaining about writing captions like champs and built our digital and social media presence to where it is now.

The photographers hold a special place in my heart, as they tell half the story. People like Jeff Mayers, Ayanna Kinsale, Angelo Marcelle, Faith Ayoung, Lincoln Holder, Innis Francis, Roger Jacob and the late Sureash Cholai (bless him) made assignments fun and helped me see stories from angles I might not have considered.

The sports department, Stephon Nicholas, Yohance Simmonette, Jelani Beckles and Roneil Walcott always kept the newsroom lively and were always willing to take suggestions and provide help when needed.

I also want to thank the people I spoke to, who allowed me to tell your stories, and who reached out to me to say I did well. I want to thank the readers for engaging with and sharing my stories. I’m always pleasantly surprised when people say, “Oh yes, I know your name.”

Newsday family, if I left anyone out, forgive me. I know we will all be successful in our future efforts and we will keep in touch.

While I’m sad and angry that things have ended, especially the way they did, I want to thank Newsday for the lessons it has taught me, personally and professionally. For helping me build my craft to giving me a safe harbour during the covid19 pandemic to providing me with a second family, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sasha Gulston, administrative assistant: 28 years of growth, gratitude, and family

I began my journey as a permanent employee at Newsday on December 1, 1997. Recently, I proudly celebrated 28 years with the company — an achievement that fills my heart with gratitude, reflection, and joy.

I started my tenure as a receptionist and PBX operator, a role that introduced me to the fast-paced world of media and the many personalities that passed through Newsday’s doors. Over time, I transitioned into administrative duties, growing professionally as the company itself continued to evolve. Newsday was not just a workplace for me — it was a place of learning, development, and opportunity.

In many ways, I grew up at Newsday. During my years here, I became a woman, a wife, and a mother. I gained more than professional experience; I gained lifelong friendships and a sense of family that only a truly special workplace can provide. The bonds formed within these walls go far beyond job titles and departments.

I had the privilege of interacting with some of the greatest minds and personalities in media, including Therese Mills, John Babb, Horace Monsegue, and many others who helped shape Newsday’s legacy. I also witnessed firsthand how many well-known media professionals received their first opportunities at Newsday before moving on to other media houses. Knowing that Newsday played such a pivotal role in shaping careers makes me incredibly proud to be part of its story.

To my colleagues —past and present— I say take a bow. Each of you played a role in building something meaningful, and you did it well. We worked hard, supported each other, and still found time to share laughter and memorable moments. Those times when we came together will always be among my fondest memories.

Twenty-eight years later, I remain grateful for the journey, the people, and the experiences that Newsday has given me. It has truly been more than a job — it has been a home.

 

The TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) has called for a phased approach to any increase in natural gas prices to the business community, forewarning the risks could not only lead to increase in consumer prices but impact companies’ abilities to operate and the competitiveness of exports.

The chamber’s appeal to government comes as the National Gas Company has imposed a 77 per cent increase on gas prices for commercial and industrial customers.

Already, a leading stakeholder in the construction sector, Trinidad Cement Ltd has warned of looming increases in cement prices.

In a release on January 29, the TT Chamber said it is assessing how the gas price hike will impact the business costs of its members and possible “fallout effects.”

The TT Chamber said it knows manufacturers have benefitted from natural gas pricing arrangements to facilitate economic diversification. In anticipation of adjustments on other pricing arrangements, the TT Chamber said electricity and water subsidies remain “critical” to competitiveness in the local, regional and international landscape.

It advised that the subsidy arrangements is also critical to the government’s revitalisation plan for economic growth and further diversification “which calls on public-private partnership as part of the stimulus to make it a reality.”

“The country is confronting a broader and unavoidable structural adjustment challenge in a historically subsidised economy, which should be managed carefully,” the chamber advised.

It said while reform is necessary “any recalibration of energy and utility pricing should be approached holistically, transparently, and through national dialogue, with the clear objective of ensuring that economic returns ultimately rebound to the benefit of all citizens, while safeguarding competitiveness, employment, and export-led growth.”

The chamber said it was understood that the manufacturing sector used 1.5 per cent of the total of gas production by NGC. It said more than 100 manufacturers employed thousands of people.

“We understand the government’s need to increase its revenue base but it must be taken into consideration the impact that a natural gas price increase will have on the end consumer in terms of increased pricing and the competitiveness of our products for export.”

The TT Chamber also it expected increased state revenues from measures such as the natural gas price increase would result in improved productivity and efficiency of local government and state enterprises.

It called for “a coordinated framework to policy options such as tiered pricing for natural gas based on consumption levels and industry classification, progressive metering for electricity and water that protects vulnerable households while discouraging excessive use, and a phased, rules-based approach to subsidy adjustment informed by market conditions, including fluctuations in global energy prices.”

Such policies would allow business to consider its future investment decisions.

The TT Chamber said it remained open to “continuous dialogue with all key stakeholders and is committed to working towards finding a measurable solution that will result in the least economic strain on the national economy and business community.

“We acknowledge that change is necessary, and we remain committed to ensuring that any measure adopted safeguards the best interests of our members, who are mainly SMEs and the wider national community. Measurable solutions that will result in the least economic strain on the population are what we hope can be achieved.

In a media statement on January 26, TCL general manager Gonzalo Rueda Castillo said natural gas is a critical input in cement manufacturing. He added that the company is awaiting the final determination of the NGC’s proposed gas hike expected on January 31.

“If the proposed gas price increase is confirmed, TCL will be required to adjust its cement price increase shortly after to account for this significant effect to ensure the continuity and sustainability of our business,” the statement said.

“Maintaining operational viability is essential to sustaining these contributions and ensuring uninterrupted supply to the market.”

The statement said over recent months, TCL experienced significant increases in manufacturing costs, including raw materials, packaging, and general inflationary pressures.

It added that these cost escalations have materially impacted the company’s production costs.

“TCL does not support the gas price increase and continues to actively engage with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of a more balanced outcome,” the statement said.

“However, based on the official information communicated to date, the expected increase represents a material and unavoidable cost impact that requires a corresponding revision to our pricing.”

THE Law Association of TT (LATT) has expressed its concern over the accusations made by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar against the Independent Senators who voted against the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026.

The UNC-led government was seeking to introduce zones of special operations to replace the July 18, 2025 state of emergency (SoE) which ends on January 31.

The bill was passed in the House of Representatives at 3.30 am on January 17 with a vote of 27 for and 11 against.

On January 27, the bill was defeated in the Senate after eight Independent Senators and six Opposition Senators voted against it. Independent Senator Courtney Mc Nish abstained.

In a Facebook post on January 28, Persad-Bissessar accused two independent senators of seeking personal favours in exchange for votes.

She stated, “I fully expected the President’s Senators to vote against the Law Reform (ZOSO) Bill, 2026. During the debate, two of the President’s Senators approached a senior Government Senator seeking personal favours in exchange for support and for securing the remaining votes needed for passage. Those requests were rejected. From that moment, it was clear the Bill would not pass.

“They know who they are. They must live with that shame.”

Persad-Bissessar did not stop at the Independent senators laying blame on the Opposition and its supporters.

“This is why I warn about the fake ‘eat-a-food’ elite. They do not care about decent, hardworking citizens – only self-interest and privilege.

“The PNM and its supporters also fail to grasp a basic fact: It is amazing and amusing that the PNM hierarchy and their supporters still do not yet understand that your UNC government has more powers under an SoE than it would have had under the ZOSO bill. Your UNC government was actually trying to dilute and limit the state’s SoE powers by introducing the ZOSO legislation to use instead of an SoE.”

In a news release on January 29, Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath said the government “stands firmly and unapologetically” with Persad-Bissessar.

Padarath said the defeat of the bill marks a dark and shameful moment in TT’s history.

“Their actions in the Senate have spoken louder than any speech. When faced with a clear choice, to protect law-abiding citizens or to maintain the status quo that benefits criminals, they chose the latter,” he stated.

He said the Independent Senators, aided and abetted by the PNM, chose to side with paralysis, political gamesmanship, and criminal comfort, over the lives of safety, and law-abiding citizens.

LATT said making grave accusations against parliamentarians without providing sufficient particulars to permit identification, investigation, or response, is inimical to the proper functioning of our democratic institutions.

It said that, if true, these accusations would constitute serious misconduct.

“Such allegations place all nine Independent Senators under a cloud of suspicion while affording none the opportunity to clear their name. If there is substance to these claims, the appropriate course is to provide the relevant details to the proper authorities so that a fair inquiry may be conducted. If such particulars cannot be provided, the repetition of unverifiable accusations serves only to undermine public confidence in our Parliament.”

LATT said if particulars cannot be provided, the repetition of unverifiable accusations serves only to undermine public confidence in our Parliament “and ought to be publicly withdrawn.”

It added, “The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of our legal system. Public condemnation in the absence of proof is inconsistent with the values that ought to guide discourse in a society governed by the rule of law.

The release added, “Furthermore, the association notes with concern the tenor of recent public commentary directed at holders of constitutional office, including the Office of the President. Whatever political disagreements may arise, respect for our constitutional institutions and their officeholders is essential to the preservation of democratic governance. The Law Association calls upon all parties to conduct debate on matters of national importance with civility and due regard for the dignity of the offices concerned. The Independent Senators occupy a unique and vital role in our bicameral Parliament.”

It reminded TT that these politicians are appointed to bring independent judgment to bear on legislation and to represent the diverse interests of our society.

“Attacks upon Independent Senators for voting according to their conscience — particularly in circumstances where they have articulated reasoned objections to legislation and proposed amendments that were not entertained — risk chilling the very independence that their office demands,” it said.

As the pages turn for the final time, I find myself reflecting on a journey that spanned almost three decades—one defined by stories told, lessons learned, and bonds formed.

The criticisms came. I’d like to think I developed a thick skin, but instead, it was my stubbornness (from birth) that made me persevere. We were always told as journalists that if someone praises you, then you aren’t doing something right and that if they don’t, then you are doing it right. I’ve had my fair share over the last almost three decades. I thank each and everyone who supported me over the years, who trusted me to tell your stories.

I joined the newsroom towards the end of June 1996, just days shy of my birthday; still a teenager, stepping into a world I was only beginning to understand. I had always known I wanted to be a writer. I wrote stories in old copybooks; it was in my blood. My father was a journalist, and although he left the profession before I arrived, journalism never truly left him. I watched him cut and paste headlines, lay out pages for his advertorials, and hammer away at his trusty typewriter, crafting stories with care. I think I knew then, this was the direction I wanted my life to take. Even after I joined the newsroom, my dad remained my unofficial editor, always calling in the early days with advice.

I always shied away from the limelight, wanting my name and my work to earn your respect. I became a journalist to make a difference; to educate and inform. I hope I did that.

By the time I joined, the tools had changed. Computers replaced typewriters, but the heart of storytelling remained the same.

My first boss, Mr Clevon Raphael, then Sunday Editor, became a mentor, as did so many others. The late Mr Lennox Forde gave invaluable guidance, as did Mr Horace Monsegue. And although intimidating at first, the late Therese Mills was incomparable as Editor-in-Chief. She shared her stories not merely to reminisce, but so that we could learn from them. She encouraged, supported, and criticised us when it was warranted.

We were always a family. We spent more hours together in the newsroom than we did at home. I remember them all—Lara, who became my daughter’s godmother; Veela, Sam, Gyasi, Curtis, Lincoln, Rico, the Keiths, Renée and Erica, and countless others. Those in the pagination department, like Damian, a brother. Sasha who ran the administrative part of the office with precision. I also remember those who have left us—Nalinee, Rattan and Sureash—whose presence and contributions remain etched in history.

Among all the memories, one stands out: the birth of my daughter. I worked right up to the day before she was born. We were in the office writing stories off the television because the wire services were down after the September 11 terror attacks in the United States. We pushed through to bring out an evening edition and our usual next-day publication. The next morning, I got up and dressed for work—but I never made it to the newsroom. Instead, I had to detour to the hospital. Ken and the late Mr Babb visited me there, and later at home.

Throughout the years, her sacrifice endured; waiting long hours in the office, missing birthdays and other events, even casual weekends and vacations. “Oh God, you always working eh,” she said, more often than not.

She remains my rock.

Mr Babb, another indomitable spirit, always said, there is always a story to tell. He often illustrated this with an example of a reporter assigned to cover an event, only to encounter a fire. The reporter left and returned to base with the excuse that there was no story, missing it entirely.

Mrs Mills, a staunch Roman Catholic, also taught us that perspective mattered. She once told us that, to her, the Bible was the first form of journalism; stories passed down to inform, to teach, and to bear witness.

It was that same spirit that carried us through ambitious ideas and long hours. Mrs Mills encouraged us when a group of young twenty-somethings pitched the idea of a magazine for young readers, Rave. We sat together, held strategy meetings, and brought it to life. Newsday even took a stand one year, boycotting the media awards.

Over time, the newsroom family grew smaller as some moved on to other media houses, and others pursued careers outside journalism. I, too, left for a short while, returning later as assignments editor—managing daily newsgathering operations by selecting, planning, and assigning stories to reporters and photographers; keeping track as the day progressed. As fate would have it, I was later thrust back into reporting as Court Editor, covering legal matters—an important but often neglected beat. I still “ran the desk” on weekends and public holidays to bring out the paper, working closely with staff across departments.

My most recent Editor-in-Chief, Camille—who celebrates her birthday seven days after mine—continued that tradition of leadership.

Though the family dynamic changed over the years, the camaraderie never truly disappeared. Newsday was never just a newspaper. It was a family. And as it closes, it leaves behind more than printed pages; it leaves a legacy of people, trust, and stories that mattered.

Thank you for trusting me to tell yours.

 

IN the never ending story that is our lives, the book contains many chapters.

Looking back, I would never have contemplated having spent 27 years in one place as I have at Newsday.

Nor would I have thought I would have experienced the things that I did.

Finishing my Bachelor’s of Arts degree at UWI’s St Augustine campus, it was September 1998 which found me at the doors of the old Newsday office on Chacon Street, Port of Spain.

The place had the aroma of newsprint and then chief news editor John Babb interviewed me for a reporter’s job and spelled out all it entailed. One could tell being in Mr Babb’s presence, the passion that came with being a journalist. That passion I soon came to see was reflected in everyone else who was there, all committed towards building something special.

Newsday’s South Bureau, in the Courts Building, High Street, San Fernando was my first office as a new member of the media. Small in size and windowless with no idea whether it was night or day outside.

It was here under the guidance of my former colleagues Richard Charan, Azard Ali, Azlan Mohammed, Sascha Wilson and Sunil Ramjitsingh that I learned how to be a reporter and love what I do.

Being in the presence of Mrs Therese Mills was both an honour and a privilege. She was forthright and wise. Her praise and her criticism were of equal measure. Mrs Mills never hesitated to praise me for the good work I did or deliver harsh but constructive criticism

Anil Goorahoo, one of Newsday’s former columnists/ editor/ manager of the South Bureau, helped me craft the story which I would have my first byline on. Keep it straight, simple and stupid, he would say.

When I transferred to the head office in Chacon Street, I would often be summoned to Mr Babb’s office where he would use a ruler to go through my articles line by line, to point out where the article was lacking.

The attention he and others in Newsday paid to intricate detail, I dare say is a skill which many people in the media have lost over the years, arguably becoming too reliant on social media and other technology.

You would see that in today’s media when reporters rattle questions off their cell phones which they never wrote and did not understand what they were asking.

Mrs Mills always insisted that reporters be knowledgeable about their news beat and how everything works. After all, one cannot find answers if one doesn’t understand the question.

Court and general news were some of my early beats, but it was politics which I eventually gravitated towards.

I trace this beginning to an afternoon sitting of the House of Representatives in 1999 where I accompanied my former colleague Aneela Maraj on her stint at covering the House. Watching Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and Patrick Manning having a friendly chat before the sitting before transforming into mortal political adversaries was priceless.

The processes of government, Parliament and politics were both daunting and rewarding to know. I learned parliamentary procedures at sittings of the House and Senate, learning to read mannerisms of MPs and Senators, how to study complex pieces of legislation which would have ordinary people confused.

The forum of elections, outside of the decorum of Parliament, was both exciting and challenging. Late nights, distant locations, sun or rain, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

From 1999 to 2026, I have covered every general, local government, Tobago House of Assembly elections, and by-elections.

Leading political figures such as Patrick Manning, Basdeo Panday, Arthur NR Robinson, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Jack Warner, Orville London and so many others, who I once only saw on television or read about, I was able to interact with them up close and personal and engage them on issues which were topical for Trinidad and Tobago.

From beginning to end, elections are dramas where the pendulum swings with such uncertainty no one knows what’s going to happen.

Witnessing the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat and history in the making on some occasions.

One of which being Mrs Persad-Bissessar being elected on May 24, 2010 as this country’s first female prime minister. A feat she would later repeat 15 years later on April 28, 2025.

I’m privileged to have covered several Caricom Heads of Government conferences in Trinidad and in other parts of the region, getting a flavour of regional politics outside of the local confines.

Without a doubt in 2009, this country’s hosting of the Fifth Summit of the Americas – introducing the regional political debut of the newly minted US President Barack Obama – and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting – with the opportunity to literally be in the presence of royalty, and hear Queen Elizabeth II speak with grace and gravitas, is something I will always treasure.

My Newsday colleagues and I literally lived in the International Waterfront Centre for days, going back and forth from news conferences to file stories, and participating in political and business fora ­– a regular feature of these international summits on cruise ships docked in Port of Spain for that purpose.

Covering the budget was one of my favourite assignments during the parliamentary cycle. I’m honoured my colleagues trusted me enough to let me lead the charge on the presentations of the budget in the Parliament by different finance ministers such as Winston Dookeran, Larry Howai, Karen Nunez-Tesheira, Colm Imbert and Davendranath Tancoo.

My brief stint as editor of Newsday’s Business Day magazine was also interesting, especially learning from the magazine’s creator, Rory Rostant, who’s work ethic was unmatched.

Who could forget Chief Photographer Rattan Jadoo’s trained eye for seeing the picture that no one else would and his brutal honesty to call things as the saw them. Rattan never belittled anyone or expected them to be like him. Rather he, and many others in Newsday, wanted people to live up to their own individual potential and be the best they could be.

There certainly were many people who fit that category who I was proud to serve alongside.

Therese Mills, Suzanne Mills, Michele Mills, Vashty Maharaj, Suzanne Sheppard, Horace Monsegue, Nalinee Seelal, Francis Joseph, Ian Gooding, Rory Rostant, Charleen Thomas, Lara Pickford-Gordon, Jada Loutoo, Rattan Jadoo, Azlan Mohammed, Sureash Cholai, Roger Jacob, Sasha Harrinanan, Miranda La Rose, Andre Bagoo, Sean Douglas, Enrico Matthews, Aneela Maraj, Richard Charan, Sascha Wilson, Azard Ali, Anil Rampersad, Richardson Dhalai, Laurel V Williams, Lincoln Holder, Stacy Moore, Karl Cupid, Marissa Williams, Munir Hosein, Corey Connelly, Angelo Marcelle, Anil Goorahoo, Susan Mohammed, Carolyn Kissoon and too many others to mention, will, for me, forever remain some of the brightest stars in Newsday’s constellation which will continue to grace the journalistic heavens with their auras, long after Newsday fades into history.

History, as I mentioned earlier, was what I studied in UWI before joining Newsday and I completed my degree while I began my journey with what would be my first permanent job and commitment for the last 27 years.

History tells us that eras come and go­ – empires rise and fall – and everything runs its natural course, without exception.

This week, I bid goodbye to my workspace in Newsday’s South Bureau in Carlton Centre and the office itself. The space in which I spent many days and nights, writing stories for the newspaper I dedicated the majority of my adult working life to.

It was like many occasions in the past. Being the last person in the office to bid it good night and look forward to returning the next day.

But this time, leaving felt bittersweet. Remembering the memories made there and at Newsday while knowing this was the last time I would be in this space.

The walk out of the office, down the corridor, further and further away, with one last look at the sign that still hangs over the door – “Newsday…The People’s Newspaper”– seemed just a little bit longer.

Like Thomas the Train Engine – Newsday was the little paper that could and it did for many years.

A journalistic “David” taking on the “Goliaths” of the media landscape and prevailing against the odds.

What the future holds? Who knows?

I know have stayed the course and was there at the end, to say farewell to a cherished friend and partner.

Goodbye Newsday.

You will never be forgotten and have earned your rightful place in journalistic immortality.

May your legend stand apart from the rest and remind everyone in the ever changing world of the media – trust, integrity and character are timeless values which advances in technology cannot replace.

May others keep your core values alive, give a voice to those who others consider voiceless, and continue to keep telling the story as it is.

 

As we publish this final edition of the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, it is with a deep sense of respect for the employees, the readers, the advertisers, and the nation that I share this message. Whilst the process is not new to me as a liquidator, with every liquidation there are unique challenges and responsibilities which I take very seriously. The domino effect in our small country is always of concern as many businesses rely on each other in our small society.

The decision to place Newsday into liquidation was not taken lightly. Like many legacy media institutions around the world, Newsday faced the combined challenges of rising operational costs, a rapidly shifting digital landscape, and the structural decline of traditional advertising markets. My role as liquidator is to ensure an orderly and transparent wind-down of the business while acting in the best interests of all stakeholders.

The largest creditor in this process is however, the employees of the Newsday. Their severance obligations represent both a financial liability and a reflection of decades of service, sacrifice, and commitment. Their work told the nation’s stories, safeguarded its democracy, and built a newspaper that became part of everyday life in TT. Ensuring that they are treated with fairness and dignity remains the foremost priority of this liquidation. It is therefore important for all parties owing sums to the Newsday to recognise that collections will be key to enable these employees to get the financial reward that are as much 30-plus years (in some instances) to the organisation.

While this marks the end of publication under the Newsday banner, it is not the end of the value that has been created over the past 32 years. Newsday’s digital footprint remains significant with millions of annual website hits, strong and engaged social media followings, and one of the most extensive journalistic archives chronicling TT’s modern history. These assets and digital reach, brand equity, and an irreplaceable historical archive represent meaningful commercial value and form a key component of the liquidation process.

To support continuity during this transition, and until the assets are fully sold, businesses and organisations will have the opportunity to benefit from greatly reduced advertising rates, free digital subscriptions, and access to Newsday’s established national audience at costs well below prevailing market rates. These measures are designed both to support the business community and to maintain engagement with the platform during this period and provide funding for the operational expenses.

A call to prospective buyers and partners

The Newsday platform remains a uniquely positioned media asset: nationally recognised, digitally active, culturally embedded, and historically significant. Parties interested in acquiring or partnering to leverage Newsday’s brand, printing assets, digital channels, archives, or advertising reach are invited to formally express their interest.

Whether you are a media operator seeking expansion, an investor looking for a strong digital foothold, an academic institution valuing historical archives, or a corporate entity seeking a trusted communications platform, the opportunity now exists to secure a well‑established foundation with substantial growth potential.

So if you ever wanted to have the opportunity to reach the minds of many, here is your chance!

Enquiries regarding the sale of assets, advertising opportunities or expressions of interest can be directed to the Office of the Liquidator to the following contacts:

Maria.daniel@parthenon.ey.com

Wanda.alexander@parthenon.ey,com

kristien.c.jebodsingh@ey.com

All discussions will be held in confidence and in accordance with statutory requirements.

To our readers, thank you for welcoming Newsday into your homes, your workplaces, and your conversations for more than three decades.

To the staff, your work built this institution. Your contributions will not be forgotten.

To Trinidad and Tobago: the stories captured in these pages; your stories remain part of our national memory.

With respect to all stakeholders,

Maria Daniel

Liquidator, Trinidad and Tobago Newsday