NEWS
Bounty Killer calls for peace in Trinidad and Tobago
Jamaican dancehall superstar, Rodney "Bounty Killer" Pryce delivered an anti-crime and violence sermon, of sorts, to the massive audience assembled at The Paddock, Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, in the midst of his electrifying performance at the Magnum Xplosion SummerStageTT concert event, on August 10. Pryce called on communities, concerned citizens and the government of TT to work together to alleviate the scourge of crime and violence escalating in the country, and shared several poignant and powerful anti-crime messages during his hour-long headlining performance, which began just around 2 am. Read more here
Woodland residents get training to combat flooding
In response to the growing threat of flooding in Woodland, the T&T Red Cross Society and the South Oropouche Riverine Flood Action Group have provided training to residents so they can act as first responders in emergencies. The session at the Long Stretch Conference Centre, Pluck Road, Woodland, was attended by children as young as 11 who were taught important disaster response skills. Disaster management coordinator at the T&T Red Cross Society, Stephan Kishore, said it was important to equip citizens with knowledge and skills to act swiftly in the face of disaster, particularly in isolated communities like Woodland where floods frequently cut off access and leave residents stranded. “Woodland is one of the most flood-prone areas in the country. It’s essential that residents know what to do when disaster strikes, especially since they are often left on their own when floods hit,” he said. Read more here
POLITICS
Activist takes Speaker to court over refusing reply in the House
UNC activist Ravi Balgobin Maharaj has made good on his threat to take Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George to court for refusing to allow him to respond to alleged defamatory comments made against him in Parliament. Maharaj’s lawsuit was filed on August 8, by his attorneys. Newsday understands the matter has been assigned to Justice Joan Charles. He is represented by a team of attorneys led by Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, of Freedom Law Chambers. Read more here
BUSINESS
Scotiabank receives two awards
Scotiabank has been named the best bank and best bank for corporates by Global Finance. In a media release, Scotia announced it had won two awards at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence, 2024. Senior VP and managing director at Scotiabank TT Gayle Pazos said, "These awards demonstrated that we are on the right track, as we continue to invest in our people, processes, and technology, while keeping our clients firmly at the centre of everything we do. Thanks to our winning teams across the bank for their strong partnership and dedication, as well as our clients, for the deep trust they continue to place in us." Read more here
Expert reassures public on safety of CAL’s ATR fleet
Even though the plane involved in the fatal crash in Brazil was manufactured by the same company that produces the majority of Caribbean Airlines’ fleet, aviation expert Ramesh Lutchmedial has reassured the public these aircraft are “very safe”. Lutchmedial said since investigation into the incident is still ongoing, any conclusions about the cause of the crash are purely speculative. On Friday, an ATR 72-500 crashed in the town of Vinhedo, killing all 62 people on board. Read more here
REGIONAL
Gov’t to deliver 500 homes to single mothers in six months
The Government of Guyana continues its unwavering commitment to the development of the nation’s housing sector, with a signsificant project which would benefit single mothers on the cards for completion in six months. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, addressing the recent opening of Building Expo 20204, unveiled a series of plans for the housing sector that left attendees both impressed and optimistic. Among these initiatives, the new Homestead Programme stood out for its innovation. This groundbreaking project, long on the government’s agenda, is not merely a pipe dream but a concrete plan with an ambitious goal – 500 homes to be built in just six months. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
US sends submarine to Middle East as tensions grow
The US has sent a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, as tensions grow in the region. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin also said an aircraft carrier which was already heading to the area would sail there more quickly. The move comes in response to fears of a wider regional conflict, after the recent assassination of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. It signals the US's determination to help defend Israel from any attack by Iran - with Mr Austin saying US would "take every possible step" to defend its ally. Read more here
12th August 2024