NEWS
Mother loses fourth child in Cocorite murder
The pain a mother feels on losing a losing a child is indescribable. Dianne Hernandez has had to go through that four times, most recently on Thursday morning. Hernandez’s son 41-year-old Dillon “Toe-Toe” De Silva was gunned down while leaving the home of a neighbour at Western Main Road, Cocorite near John Street. De Silva also lived at John Street. He mother said he was “a bit slow.” Police said around 11.30 am, a man got out of a black car and shot De Silva dead. About half an hour later, two suspects, 25 and 35, from Waterhole Cocorite, were held. They were heading east along Independence Square South in a black Toyota Yaris when Port of Spain Task Force officers stopped them. Read more here
Re-United Farmers Alliance calls on EBC to reopen nominations
Political Leader of the Re-United Farmers Alliance (RFA) Davica Thomas is calling on the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) to reopen nominations so their candidates can file before the August 14 Local Government Elections. “This Local Government (Elections) will not take place without our candidates whose rights have been infringed. Our candidates were denied their constitutional right as a citizen of T&T to contest a national election because of the incompetence of the EBC no, no, no,” she said. According to Thomas, some of their candidates were told to either file nomination as an independent or were turned away by Returning Officers on June 26, even though the party’s symbol was gazetted in November 2022. She said only 11 of their candidates were successful. Read more here
POLITICS
Rowley: Government to amend Procurement Act next week
The Prime Minister said the House of Representatives will sit next Wednesday to make urgent changes to the Procurement Act. He was addressing a PNM rally at Hillview College, Tunapuna, on Thursday night. Dr Rowley referred to the fact of Finance Minister Colm Imbert having to issue an order to retroactively approve spending on goods and services for last week's Caricom leaders meeting in TT. He said the present law meant no one could do business in a period of under two months, the time to facilitate tenders, responses and the input of an advisory committee on procurement. Read more here
BUSINESS
Five regional countries, telecom firm unveil subsidised internet
A plan to deliver internet connections to low-income Caribbean households has been unveiled as part of a private-public partnership between leading telecoms operator C&W Communications and some Caribbean countries. Called JUMP, the initiative aims to help bridge the digital divide and foster greater digital inclusion in a region that still has less than 65 per cent broadband penetration with 27 million users from a total combined population of 44 million, C&W Communications said in a statement. In partnership with local governments, the company, which is the operator of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business and BTC, will provide qualifying households with a subsidised high-speed internet connection, a free laptop computer and relevant training for individuals and families. Read more here
REGIONAL
A higher degree, level of service necessary amidst growing economy
The newly-appointed members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) were sworn in on Thursday, marking the beginning of a new era aimed at promoting efficiency and accountability within the country’s public sector. The persons who were appointed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali are: Manniram Prashad, Maurice Rudranauth Gajadhar, Melcita Agatha Bovell, Chandrawati Leila Ramson, Mohandatt Goolsarran, and Janice Isabella Bowen. In a subsequent meeting among the commisioners, Mr. Prashad was elected Chairman, and Ms. Bovell Deputy Chairman. The President, during a simple swearing-in ceremony at the Office of the President, said that efficiency and accountability are crucial pillars for the successful functioning of any public sector, and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)-led government has recognised the importance of these factors in driving the country’s development forward. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Chandrayaan-3: India's historic Moon mission lifts off successfully
India has launched its third Moon mission, aiming to be the first to land near its little-explored south pole. The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft with an orbiter, lander and a rover lifted off at 14:35 on Friday (09:05 GMT) from Sriharikota space centre. The lander is due to reach the Moon on 23-24 August. If successful, India will be only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, after the US, the former Soviet Union and China. Thousands of people watched the launch from the viewer's gallery and commentators described the sight of the rocket "soaring in the sky" as "majestic". The lift off was greeted with cheers and loud applause from the crowds and the scientists. The BBC's Arunoday Mukharji, who was at the launch site, said there were roars of "Bharat Mata ki jai [Victory to mother India]" from every corner of the hall. Read more here
14th July 2023