NEWS
DEADLY FALL - Schoolteacher falls 100 feet at San Fernando Hill fete
School teacher Renee Mitchell fell over 100 feet to her death at San Fernando Hill on Saturday night, where she had gone to the Carnival IlluSions fete with her boyfriend, Peter Ribero. Acting Chief Fire Officer Andy Hutchinson told Newsday on Sunday, “The initial fall would have been between 80-100 feet and then she would have rolled down a further 25 to 30 feet. She had a very bad fall.” San Fernando mayor Robert Parris appealed to people to be careful as he sent condolences to Mitchell’s family and friends. Read more here
Local coffee roaster looks to grow
Eight years ago, businessman Jose Franco bought into local coffee company Caribbean Roasters. He wanted to take the freshly brewed beverage not only to homes throughout the country, but also world-wide. Today, Caribbean Roasters-owned by Franco, Vanessa Moses and John Devaux-has become more than just a household name. Noting that the foundation of Caribbean Roasters was built on brands rich in Caribbean history for almost 90 years Franco said Devaux’s grandfather founded the company in 1931, following which John took it over in the 80’s. From duty free shops, to gourmet restaurants to cafés, the various blends can be sought at a growing number of places in T&T as well the products being available on the regional and international markets. As its portfolio continues to expand, Caribbean Roasters is now offering five new distinct blends. Read more here
POLITICS
Jack Warner wants info on fees paid by State in extradition
Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner wants to know how much money was spent to hire attorneys to extradite him to the United States where he faces 29 charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering when he was vice president of football’s world governing body. Warner is now challenging the permanent secretary of the Office of the Attorney General for failing to disclose all invoices, fee requisitions and payments to “all barristers, solicitors and attorneys” in ongoing proceedings against him. His claim was filed in December, last year, and was set for a first hearing on March 13 by Justice Karen Reid who also ordered his attorneys to serve the application on the PS. Read more here
Govt team in Washington for talks on diplomacy, cybersecurity
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley left for Washington, DC, yesterday to participate in a series of meetings with senior US Government representatives and officials. Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Dr Amery Browne and Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young accompanied the Prime Minister. A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday said discussions will focus on energy, commerce, cybersecurity, diplomacy, and other issues relevant to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. The delegation will also include the Minister of Digital Transformation, Hassel Bacchus, Minister in the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, Renuka Sagramsingh-Sooklal and Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryl Daniel. Read more here
BUSINESS
Brydens Group: Regional distribution centre to employee 500 people
The Brydens Group hopes to employ at least 500 people at their US$29 million regional distribution centre being constructed at the eTeck Park along Factory Road, Chaguanas. This is according to the Group's deputy chairman, Michael Conyers. He was speaking at the regional distribution centre's sod-turning ceremony on Friday. Conyers said celebrating over 100 years in Trinidad and Tobago, the Group has dedicated efforts to establishing a robust presence in the country. "An investment exceeding US$29 million underscores our commitment to the development of our nation, with substantial benefits flowing to local contractors and the creation of just over 500 jobs," he said. Read more here
Massy Wood CEO: Energy contracting companies struggling
Contracting companies are struggling to deliver the “whole pie” since margins are becoming tighter while inflation and salaries continue to increase, chief executive officer of Massy Wood, Mala Baliraj has said. “When I think about ‘race to the bottom’ my challenge becomes… I am happy as a contractor to come in commercially competitive, but we offer services in terms of people, so we sell skills and competencies. You know inflation and salaries go one way, you don’t get return salaries going downwards. For me, you want to attract the best talent because you want to deliver the best quality service, but you’re doing it at tighter margins so something gets sacrificed,” Baliraj said. Read more here
REGIONAL
Fiscal Enactments Bill to boost public investment, accelerate development – Senior Finance Minister
The Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was recently introduced in Guyana’s National Assembly by Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, represents a crucial advancement in accelerating development and enhancing the delivery of essential services to the Guyanese populace. This legislative move focuses on amending the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act 2021, which signals the government’s intent to effectively leverage the country’s oil revenues for swift and comprehensive public infrastructure and social services development. Central to the bill is the strategic modification of the NRF’s withdrawal rules and debt ceilings, aimed at boosting public investment funding. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
UNRWA: Gaza aid agency says it is 'extremely desperate' after funding halted
More countries have halted funding to the largest UN agency operating in Gaza, as the crisis deepens over the alleged role of some staff in the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel. Japan and Austria said they were suspending payments to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The US, UK, Germany and Italy are also among those who have suspended funding. UNRWA has told the BBC it is "extremely desperate" and that "the humanitarian needs in Gaza are growing by the hour". Read more here
29th January 2024