Melissa Doughty

Tobago

Senior Reporter at Newsday (Trinidad and Tobago)

Journalist and writer

Featured in: Favicon

newsday.co.tt

Articles

"ODPM: 2025 hurricane season has started"

6 days ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

News The public is being told to prepare itself for above-normal storm activity during this year's hurricane season has already started. On June 1, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) issued a statement saying that the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season had begun on that day and would run until November 30.
"Miss World Trinidad and Tobago: Pageant industry can boost local tourism"

6 days ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

News Miss World TT Anna-Lise Nanton thanked her supporters and well-wishers for their support during the pageant process on June 1. She made it to the top 40 in the Miss World 2025 held at HITEX Exhibition Centre, India, on May 31, but did not progress to the top 20. Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri was eventually crowned Miss World 2025. Nanton won in the fast-track, head-to-head challenge and also placed in the sport and talent categories.
"Kartel defends no-show at Trinidad concert"

1 week ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

News Jamaican dancehall artiste Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer provided a social media explanation for his last-minute cancellation as the featured act in the One Caribbean Music Festival held on May 31. In an Instagram post that evening, Kartel told fans and others concerned about issues with concert promoters JACHO Entertainment. In the post, he said, “Promoter for the Trinidad show, ‘Memba ah years me know yuh.
Police hope for 5% increase in public's trust, confidence

1 week ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

News THE police is on a mission to improve the public trust and confidence in the next 31 months by five per cent. Currently, public trust and confidence stands at eight per cent, according to the latest survey done by the Police Service Commission (PolSC) in 2022. Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin sees it as an important pillar in his 2025-2027 strategic plan.
Benjamin on pannist Regrello's Guinness World record: 'Joshua's win, a win for us all'

1 week ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

News Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin said pannist Joshua Regrello’s 31-hour playing feat being officially recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records was a win for us all. The ministry issued a release as the news of it was reported on several platforms. She said, “It shows what is possible when talent, hard work, and love for culture unify. “He played his heart out for Trinidad and Tobago, and the whole world watched on with awe and excitement.
"Scrap iron dealers make case for regulatory body"

1 week ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

News A regulatory body would be among recommendations made by the Scrap Iron Dealers Association to Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Kama Maharaj on May 28. This followed a meeting at Nicholas Towers, Port of Spain on May 27. The association’s president Allan Ferguson assured, however, that changes to the scrap metal legislation were imminent. The industry faced issues of private and public theft and was shut for about a year in 2022 because of this. It was reopened in 2023.
"Glasgow willing to be NCC chair if offered"

1 week ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

News Promoter Randy Glasgow said he was endorsed by some to serve as National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman, and, if asked, he would do so. In a phone interview on May 23, Glasgow spoke about serving as well as hopes that the commission would be “restructured” to become more efficient. One endorsement came from Congress of the People (COP) founding member and activist Wendell Eversley, he said.
AI and copyright...Should local creators worry?

1 week ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

Features Musician and former president of the Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) John Arnold believes that AI and copyright should be a priority for the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence. Arnold and executive president of the TT Copyright Collection Organisation (TTCCO) Asten Isaac spoke about the matter in separate phone interviews. The matter is not unique to TT as countries around the globe are grappling with the effects of AI on many sectors.
"Gypsy to incoming NCC chair: Do your best"

2 weeks ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

News Former National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters does not know who is going to be the next chairperson but hopes the individual would do the job to the best of their ability. Gypsy resigned as chairman on May 13, although it was initially reported that he wished to serve until the end of his term in November 2025. He was appointed as NCC chair in 2018.
"Culture minister meets Pan Trinbago president"

2 weeks ago | newsday.co.tt | Melissa Doughty

News Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore met with Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin on May 19, and the meeting has been described as constructive and amicable. A statement posted on the pan body’s Facebook page on May 19, said the president met Benjamin along with members of Pan Trinbago’s central executive committee at the ministry’s headquarters, Tower C, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.