NEWS
Cops against ad-hoc policy on FUL renewals for service members
The Police Social and Welfare Association says it rejects any policy “constructed in an ad-hoc response to incidents capturing national attention that can be otherwise remedied or mitigated against.” This was the association’s latest position in response to a change in firearm user's licences (FUL) rules for service members. In a January 9 departmental order, Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher rescinded a 2007 order that exempted serving members of the protective service, Defence Force, Customs and Cadets from providing a certificate of competence, certificate of character and a medical certificate for renewals. Read more here
Mitchell highlights importance of ecotourism
Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell says ecotourism is becoming increasingly important, as more tourists are looking for things beyond sun, sea and sand. The minister made the comments following a tour of the newly-renovated Mt Plaisir Hotel in Grande Riviere, Toco, on Friday. Noting that ecotourism is a growing niche worldwide, Mitchell said, “The tourists, they are moving away from that mass type, the concrete type tourism with these massive 400-room hotels and they want a space like this that is in fine balance to nature, not harmful to nature.” The hotel, which opened about 30 years ago, initially had 13 rooms but has expanded to 21 rooms and 53 beds, which can accommodate up to 100 people. Read more here
POLITICS
Gary goes after Bliss - Lawsuit filed over suspension, after top cop merit list withdrawn
Former police commissioner Gary Griffith has trained his guns once again on former Police Service Commission (PSC) chairman Bliss Seepersad over the withdrawal of the merit list. Griffith has filed a misfeasance in public office claim against Seepersad. Newsday understands the matter has not yet been assigned to a judge but the State has entered an appearance for her despite her being sued in a personal capacity. In his lawsuit, Griffith contends Seepersad’s actions prevented him from returning as top cop in 2021. Read more here
Dragon Gas a critical achievement for T&T, US
US Ambassador to T&T Candace Bond has affirmed the strong ties between the two countries and has assured that those good relations will continue in 2024. She made the comments at AmChamTT’s annual ambassador’s reception at the official residence of the US Ambassador in Port-of-Spain on Thursday night. “I was just in Washington last month and can confirm that congressional support for a strong bilateral relationship is a top concern for many of our legislators. I also had the opportunity to speak with the EximBank, interagency partners, and the vice-president. “Without going too far into details yet, I do know that 2024 should propel our engagement on shared priorities such as citizen security, addressing the climate crisis, and economic partnership further than ever,” Bond said. Read more here
BUSINESS
OECS leaders discuss new regional airline
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says countries within the sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are discussing efforts to establish a new regional airline, even as he insisted that governments should not play a significant role in the management of any airline. Dominica, along with Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines, were the major shareholders of the regional airline, LIAT (1974) Ltd that went bankrupt and is expected to wind up its operations in its current form on January 24. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘We are building a new Guyana’
As Guyanese itch in anticipation for Budget 2024, which will be revealed today, Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, has given all the assurance that it will serve as the vehicle in bettering the lives of Guyanese. As the face of the country changes for the better, the well-being of the citizens is at the focal point for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government. During the Pre-Budget 2024 interview on Friday, the minister, though teasing at the massive fiscal plans in store for 2024, stated that the government is not a stranger to ensuring that development reaches every inch of Guyana. Therefore, this budget will be a continuation of that work. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
How Iowa became a chaotic curtain-raiser for a fateful political year
The storied history of the Iowa caucuses has never seen anything like this. A fateful election year likely to put the country’s institutions to an extreme test opens Monday as the first-in-the-nation state shivers under a blast of perishing polar weather. But it’s not stopping Donald Trump from telling his voters to go out and caucus even if they’re “sick as a dog,” while urging them to punish enemies he branded “cheaters” and “liars.” The former president, who left office in disgrace in January 2021, is seeking a bumper win to set him on the road to a third straight GOP nomination — and a possible return to the White House. Read more here
15th January 2024