NEWS
No charges yet for woman, 41, in death of Maritime exec John Smith
No charges have yet been laid against the 41-year-old woman assisting police in the investigation into the death of 74-year-old John Henry Smith, who was killed on Friday. Police told Newsday the woman remains in custody, while an autopsy is expected to be done on the Maritime General and Fidelity Finance chairman early this week. On Friday at about 4.30 pm, police responded to a report of a domestic dispute at Saddle Road, Maraval. Read more here
Closed business sector worried, but ready to reopen
While Government commits to reopening more sectors of the economy as vaccinations against COVID-19 increase, some business owners are unsure whether they can reopen and, if they do, sustain their businesses. Gyms, bars, casinos, cinemas, spas, salons and retail businesses have suffered significant losses. Nightclubs were closed for the past 15 months, while some others suffered three periods of shutdown due to Government-restrictions. While COVID-19 claimed over 1,000 deaths, Rumours Sports Bar in San Fernando was one of its business casualties, closing after 13 years. Read more here
POLITICS
Deyalsingh to leaders: Tell your flocks to get covid19 vaccine now
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has called on all politicians and anyone who holds leadership positions to encourage their followers to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. To people who "have influence" over people, Deyalsingh urged: "Tell your flocks, tell your followers to come and get vaccinated now. It is the right thing to do, and the time is now. How many more must die when we have a solution?" Read more here
BUSINESS
TCL refinances local debt
Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) last week announced that it had entered into loan agreements to refinance $266.75 million of its existing debt. TCL said the proceeds from the loans granted under the agreements will be used to repay the entirety of TCL’s debt under the Citibank original loan, with a principal amount of TT$110 million, and the entirety of TCL’s debt under its loan agreement dated July 24, 2018 with First Citizens Bank. In a notice published on July 22, TCL said it completed three loan agreements for a total principal amount of $270 million (US$39.94 million based on an exchange rate of TT$6.76 to US$1.00) to refinance TT$266.75 million (US$39.46 million based on an exchange rate of TT$6.76 to US$1.00). Read more here
REGIONAL
$14B being spent to make new housing schemes accessible
The Ministry of Housing and Water is currently executing a series of infrastructural works totalling $14 billion, according to subject minister, Collin Croal. In a brief interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, the minister explained that the works were mainly being executed as a means of enhancing about 18 to 22 new and existing housing schemes across the country. He said that the scope of works included the construction, and in some cases, the rehabilitation of roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure, as well as the installation of facilities to accommodate utility services such as water and electricity. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
US accused of demonising China in high-level talks
China has told the US to stop "demonising" Beijing, in their most high-level talks under President Biden. China's Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng said relations had reached a "stalemate" because the US saw China as an "imagined enemy". He is in talks with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the most senior US official to visit China in months. Mr Biden has taken a hard-line approach towards China, especially on issues like human rights and sanctions. Read more here
26th July 2021