NEWS
New policy for food card distribution in Tobago
THA Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Production Dr Faith BYisrael says new plans for the distribution of food cards within Tobago are in the works. During Friday’s virtual post-Executive Council media briefing, BYisrael said there is a new policy on the distribution of food cards issued by the assembly. She recalled that previously, temporary food cards were given as a one-month supply preloaded with $500. She noted that if one needed additional support, they had to reapply and then go through the process again to see if they could get an additional one-month support. Read more here
Weather Forecast – Monday 11 July 2022
Partly cloudy, hazy and breezy conditions today, with periods of brief light or moderate showers over a few areas. There is a low (30%) chance of the odd heavy shower or isolated thunderstorm. Gusty winds and street flooding can occur in the event of heavy showers or thunderstorms. Tonight will be partly cloudy and hazy with occasional showers and a light breeze. There is a high concentration of Saharan Dust over the area. People sensitive to this change in air quality should take the necessary precautions. Read more here
POLITICS
Trade unions’ motorcade against PM, govt rolls on despite rain
Despite heavy rain throughout the country, dozens of people turned out on Sunday for a motorcade by trade unions, which began in Sangre Grande and ended in Port of Spain. Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) president Ancel Roget, at the meeting point at North Eastern College in Sangre Grande, said the motorcade was organised to gather support for and draw attention to the symbolic no-confidence motion passed by the trade union movement against the Prime Minister and his government on Labour Day. “We did not come to that decision lightly. It is after all the problems and issues experienced and, of course, the most ridiculous offer by the government for the settlement of negotiations which are nine and, in some cases, 12 years outstanding. Read more here
Gopee-Scoon: Trade Ministry continues to be advocate of local fashion industry
Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon says the ministry continues to be an advocate of the local fashion industry which is a catalyst for economic diversification, employment creation and foreign exchange generation. In citing the value of the local and global garment manufacturing sector Gopee-Scoon said during 2016 to 2021 T&T exported over TT$121 million in garments to various destinations. The minister made the remarks while touring the MADE868 Local Production Facility the at University of T&T (UTT) at the John S Donaldson Campus Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, last Friday. Gopee-Scoon also noted that the global apparel market was estimated to be more than US$1.5 trillion in 2021 and is forecast to expand to approximately US$2 trillion by 2026. Read more here
REGIONAL
China Railway rebuffs VICE News reports, hints at legal action
The China Railway First Group Company Limited (CRFG) on Saturday called out U.S.-based media entity, VICE Media, for its recent reports which they denounced as an attempt to defame Chinese enterprises. In a press statement, the CRFG recognized that in the contentious report, VICE attempted to connect the company with Guyanese citizen Su Zhirong. “CRFG hereby solemnly states that CRFG has never signed any agreement with Su Zhirong, nor has it conduct [sic] any actions that were shown in the footage,” the statement said. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine aims to amass 'million-strong army' to recapture south, says defence minister
Ukraine plans a "million-strong army" equipped with Nato weapons to retake the south of the country from occupying Russians, the defence minister says. Retaking the areas around the Black Sea coast was vital to the country's economy, Oleksii Reznikov said. However, the comments are more of a rallying cry than a concrete plan, analysts say. The defence minister's remarks come as Russia makes progress in taking territory in the eastern Donbas region. An attack on a block of flats on Sunday killed at least 24 people - with nine people rescued from under the rubble, Ukraine's state emergency services said. Read more here
11th July 2022