TTMA IN THE NEWS
Joint chambers back Sewa TT flood relief efforts
The Joint Chambers, comprising four of the country's largest business lobby groups, has partnered with Sewa TT to help provide water to flood-affected communities. This response comes in the aftermath of heavy rains that caused significant flooding across various parts of the country, leaving many communities without access to clean water. The Joint Chambers, comprising the TT Chamber of Commerce, the Energy Chamber of TT, the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association, said money donated by members to the Joint Chambers’ Relief Fund will be used for these efforts. Read more here
NEWS
Court rules in favour of transparency in case against WASA: 'Reasonable evidence of misconduct'
A High Court judge has ruled in a lawsuit brought by a senior manager of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) for access to sensitive documents in the public’s interest. In a freedom of information request, Lancelot Lezama requested from WASA the minutes of a meeting he allegedly had with a senior executive, the executive’s resignation letter and the employment contract; and information on allegations against two managers accused of interfering in his investigation into alleged misuse of a company vehicle. WASA denied the request, citing confidentiality and potential harm from disclosing sensitive information. Read more here
Economist on proposed salary hikes for PM, others: It can be afforded
A former deputy Central Bank governor is voicing the unpopular opinion that the salaries of the President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and others should be increased. Economist Dr Terrence Farrell says while there’s much criticism of the proposed figures in the Salaries Review Commission’s (SRC) report laid in Parliament on Friday, the wage hike is long overdue. “Your top echelon of your people, the people who are the best qualified, most competent people. Your permanent secretaries are running a ministry with thousands of people inside of it responsible for budgets of hundreds of millions of dollars and you want to pay them $35,000 a month? It’s ridiculous. Quite frankly, it is ridiculous!” he stressed. Read more here
POLITICS
Fire at Tortuga Post Office, MP Haynes-Alleyne claims arson
MP for Tabaquite, Anita Haynes-Alleyne, is calling on authorities to address what she describes as serial arson attacks on the Tortuga community. The latest attack, which she says occurred on November 14, resulted in the destruction of the Tortuga post office, a historical landmark. “The loss of the Tortuga Post Office is a blow to our national efforts to preserve historic architecture. It was a main feature of the nature walks hosted by the Tortuga Village Council, and we all looked forward to its future restoration.” In a media statement on November 16, Haynes-Alleyne called on authorities to intervene urgently, as she said recent events suggest the fires are not accidental and she expressed concern residents fear they may become the next target. Read more here
BUSINESS
Thriving forex ‘black’ market in downtown Port-of-Spain
The foreign exchange crunch is getting worse by the week and many businesses have had to turn to the black market. While commercial banks in downtown Port-of-Spain are selling members of the public and some business owners US$200 on a good day, at stores a stone’s throw away, one can purchase up to US$3,000 for either at a price of between $7.50 and $9 for US$1. The Sunday Business Guardian visited a few stores last week to inquire how much US can be obtained. While there are no signs indicating, who is selling US dollars, as the black market is illegal, it was through luck and chance finding the retail outlets that are selling. Read more here
REGIONAL
Facilitating wealth creation requires robust investments- President Ali
President, Dr Irfaan Ali has recently highlighted that there is a critical link between robust investments being made in the country and wealth creation. The Head of State touched on this late last week while addressing the opening ceremony of GuyExpo 2024, where he noted that by focusing on human-resource development, people are enabled to achieve and contribute to the economy. Outlining his government’s vision for empowering citizens, President Ali stated that wealth creation begins with, “investing in people; equipping them with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to thrive in a growing, modern economy.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
How long-range missiles striking Russia could affect Ukraine war
US officials say President Biden has given the green light for Ukraine to use long range missiles supplied by Washington to strike deep inside Russia. Washington had previously refused to allow such strikes with US-made ATACMS missiles because it feared they would escalate the war. The major policy reversal comes two months before President Joe Biden hands over power to Donald Trump, whose election has raised fears over the future of US support for Kyiv. Read more here
18th November 2024