NEWS
Autopsy shows Hannah was shot in the head
An autopsy result on the remains of 18-year-old Hannah Mathura has revealed she was shot in the head. A senior police official confirmed her cause of death to Newsday on March 14. Hannah’s remains were found buried in a shallow grave at her Butu Road, South Valsayn home on March 12 after a male relative reported her death to police. The parents of the murdered teenager, who police say was autistic, could now face multiple charges as details surrounding her death and the treatment of her siblings emerge. Read more here
After sickout by employees...Union says some working conditions at Port improving
President General of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) Michael Annisette says after a meeting with management on March 4, they have been seeing some improvements to the health and safety issues they raised regarding operations at the Port of Port-of-Spain. The trade union leader said management was unaware of some of their complaints, so the SWWTU sent a three-page document highlighting concerns and the work to solve the issues has begun. On March 2, the Port of Port-of-Spain (PPOS) issued a release advising customers of an interruption in operations due to the unavailability of the full complement of staff. Read more here
POLITICS
Ameen: WASA must provide enough truck-borne water
St Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen is calling on the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to provide adequate truck-borne water to residents affected by its burst pipeline near the Curepe interchange on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. In a statement sent on March 14, Ameen said, “It is crucial that WASA provide truck-borne water to residents and to the schools in the area while repairs are being conducted. The common practice seems to be that there is at least a one-week wait for delivery of truck-borne water after a customer makes a request; however, given the circumstances and the population density of the affected area, I am appealing for the necessary supplemental resources. Read more here
Imbert to lay bill for property tax law changes Hope for some ease
Hoping for lower property tax rates for homeowners. Collection of payment of the hated property tax was suspended by the Government from yesterday—and it’s raised hope that a proposed amendment to the Property Tax law being laid in Parliament this afternoon might lower the tax rate. The bill being laid in Parliament today is expected to make changes to some parts of the Property Tax Act, including on assessment and the three per cent rate of taxation involved in the tax, sources said. The bill will be debated in Parliament on Monday. This, after yesterday’s development—two weeks after the March 1 start date for payment of the tax—where signs were posted at Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) offices indicating that payments were suspended. Read more here
BUSINESS
Ansa Motors unveils new vehicles
ANSA Motors, a subsidiary of the Ansa McAl Group, unveiled two new cars, the Proton X50 and the X90, each with two variants: standard and flagship. The event took place at the company's Charles Street, Port of Spain branch on March 13, attracting many business professionals. Ansa sales executive Jamie Mackie told Newsday that the X50 model costs $269,000, while the X90 model is available in a six-seater version for $449,000 and a seven-seater version for $419,000. Read more here
Harford: We must hold the Govt accountable
Former chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL) Ronald Harford yesterday called on citizens to remember their crucial role in holding the Government accountable. He emphasised it was imperative to recognise that the Government serves the people—not the other way around. Harford made the comment yesterday as he was speaking at the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s (TTCIC) annual business meeting at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad), Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. Read more here
REGIONAL
China, Kuwait ready to build stronger ties with Guyana
In a letter penned to Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali, China’s President Xi Jinping has signalled plans to “promote the China-Guyana relations to achieve new development.” The letter dated February 22, 2024 was recently received by the Guyanese Head of State. “Guyana is China’s good partner and good friend. Based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China-Guyana traditional friendship has withstood the test of the changing international situation and delivered real benefits to the two peoples,” the letter read. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
James Crumbley: Father of Michigan school gunman convicted of manslaughter
The father of a 15-year-old Michigan school gunman who killed four students has been convicted of manslaughter. The trial heard that James Crumbley, 47, had ignored his son Ethan's mental health needs, buying him the handgun he used in the November 2021 attack. He and his wife - who was convicted on the same charges - now both face a maximum of 15 years in prison. The case is thought to mark the first time the parents of a mass shooter have been held criminally liable. Read more here
15th March 2024