TTMA IN THE NEWS
Opposition Senator Damian Lyder: Where are VAT refunds for businesses?
If Government cannot fix three burning issues — paying outstanding value-added tax (VAT) refunds; the ease of doing business; and ensuring an equitable distribution of foreign exchange — then any other proposals in its budget would fall barren. There would be nothing for the people. UNC Senator Damian Lyder made this comment during the Opposition's weekly Sunday press briefing in Port of Spain. Lyder is the UNC's shadow minister for finance and trade. Lyder and Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally spoke about the "collapse of the criminal justice system and the economy." The event was streamed live on UNC's Facebook page and YouTube channel. Lyder cited newspaper articles that quoted Tricia Coosal, president of the TT Manufacturers' Association (TTMA), calling on the Government to pay VAT refunds to manufacturers. Read more here
NEWS
Vintage house destroyed by fire in San Fernando
A fire on Sunday afternoon in San Fernando has gutted the childhood home of Kiran Singh, president of the Greater San Fernando Chamber of Commerce. The fire started at around 1.45 pm at the corner of Penitence and Chacon streets. Fire was also seen next door in a bushy area. Mon Repos fire officers put out the fire at the wooden and concrete structure preventing it from spreading to the nearby private hospital – the Surgi-Med Clinic. Singh said the house was built about 100 years ago using materials from San Fernando Hill. His grandfather Ramnarayan Ramphal Maharaj, who died in 2006, owned the property. Read more here
Prominent athlete faces gun, ammo ganja charges
A prominent national athlete, who has represented the country in both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, is expected to appear in court this week to face charges of possession an illegal firearm, ammunition and marijuana. The 32-year-old athlete was held on Saturday afternoon during a road check operation conducted by police officers near the Debe Roundabout on the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway. Upon searching the athlete’s vehicle, officers allegedly found an illegal handgun loaded with four rounds of ammunition, along with 62.5 grammes of marijuana. While it is permissible to carry marijuana in public, the quantity must not exceed 30 grammes, and the athlete is now facing multiple charges for the possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. Read more here
POLITICS
Health Minister tests positive for covid19
Three years after being the political face in the fight against covid19, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has himself tested positive for the virus Sunday morning. A media release on Sunday afternoon from the Health Ministry said Deyalsingh who is also the St Joseph MP had tested positive and after exhibiting only mild flu-like symptoms, he will continue to perform his official duties from home. Last month, the Prime Minister tested positive for the virus for a fourth time. Dr Rowley first tested positive for covid19 in early April 2021, again on July 29 and November 4, 2022. He worked from home during his battles with the virus. Read more here
BUSINESS
Forex sales increase EXIMBank’s profits
There has been a significant increase in the earnings of the Export-Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (EXIMBank), driven by increased sales of foreign exchange to businesses. In its audited financial statement released today, the bank is reporting growth in its revenue of 75.8 per cent for the financial year ended December 31, 2022. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Ali donates $2.5M to GT Rotary Club to complete children’s home
While noting that government is willing to partner with the Rotary Club of Georgetown and utilise their skills for the development of the country, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Saturday donated $2.5 million which will be used to complete one of its projects. The Head of State made this remark as he delivered the feature address at the club’s World Understanding Day dinner held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston. During his address, Dr Ali recognised the work that the club has undertaken over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that organisations like the Rotary club are only alive because of the people who dedicate their time to the respective projects. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Jack Ma: Alibaba founder seen in China after long absence
Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who has rarely been seen in public in the past three years, has resurfaced at a school in Hangzhou, a report says. The 58-year-old has kept a low profile since criticising China's financial regulators in 2020. Mr Ma was the most high-profile Chinese billionaire to have disappeared amid a crackdown on tech entrepreneurs. He recently returned to China after more than a year overseas, according to the South China Morning Post. The Alibaba-owned newspaper said he had made a short stopover in Hong Kong, where he met friends and also briefly visited Art Basel, an international art fair. It added that Mr Ma has been travelling to different countries to learn about agricultural technology, but made no reference as to why he had disappeared from public view in recent years. Read more here
27th March 2023