NEWS
Two workers injured in industrial incident at Point Lisas
While the probe is continuing into the incident at NiQuan which led to the death of Allan Lane Ramkissoon, there is a report of another industrial accident resulting in injury at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate (PLIPDECO). Details are sketchy, but information reaching the Newsday indicate that the incident which occurred shortly before midnight on Friday, has left two workers injured, one of whom is said to be critical. Reports say the workers were were struck by a loose object at the plant. An employee said the object struck one of the employees in his head, causing his skull to fracture. That employee is said to be in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a medical facility. Read more here
POLITICS
Regional media broadcaster to cover Caricom's 50th anniversary
Mediarogers Group, led by Caribbean broadcaster and journalist Julian Rogers, will provide multimedia coverage of the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) from July 3 to July 5. The three-day schedule of events includes comprehensive coverage of the opening ceremony of the 45th Conference of the Heads of Government meeting featuring the Prime Minister, as host, as well as incoming chairman of the community and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. On July 4, the group’s broadcast will begin at 8 am. with the flag-raising and tree ceremonies at Chaguaramas, followed by Caricom salutes from visiting heads of state and international institutions accredited to Caricom. Notable figures in attendance will include the President of Rwanda and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Read more here
Incoming chairman of Caricom: Critical matters to be discussed at summit
Some of the biggest names in Caribbean and geopolitics have begun arriving in T&T for the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) Heads of Government Meeting that takes place at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain from Monday through to Wednesday. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived after lunch yesterday. Guardian Media understands he was taken to the Asa Wright Nature Centre before being treated at Maracas Bay to some local cuisine. Among the other dignitaries to arrive at the Hyatt Regency yesterday were Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Hua Chunying, Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland, and St Lucia Prime Minister Philip J Pierre. Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, is due to arrive in T&T in the coming days while the President of Guyana will arrive on Monday ahead of the opening ceremony scheduled for 4.30pm. Read more here
BUSINESS
Central Bank report: inflation slowed to 5.7%
Central Bank in its latest Monetary Policy Report June 2023 noted a slow and steady domestic economic recovery for the first quarter of this year. According to the index of retail prices, headline inflation slowed to 5.7 per cent in May compared to 6.0 per cent the month prior and 8.7 per cent in December 2022. The declining international food prices, in tandem with easing local produce prices, resulted in a decline in food inflation to 9.7 per cent in May, from 11.2 per cent in April and 17.3 per cent in December 2022. The report said core inflation, which excludes food prices, remained unchanged at 4.8 per cent in May from the previous month but lower than the 6.7 per cent recorded in December 2022. The outlook noted that adverse weather could lead to some spikes in local food crop prices. Read more here
Region must collaborate to reduce food imports
President of the Supermarket Association of T&T (SATT) Rajiv Diptee is warning of dire consequences like hunger and malnutrition if T&T and the rest of the region do not achieve food security in the short term. “According to CEO of the Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) Dr Patrick Antoine, 52 per cent of the people in the Caricom population are food insecure,” he told the Sunday Business Guardian. “If that organisation is saying that, then this is alarming. People don’t understand the difference between food security, nutrition, food insecurity and vulnerable households. Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyana on course for world-class service sector transformation
GUYANA is on track to undergo a remarkable transformation as it aims to build a world-class service sector with a strong emphasis on creating a unique national brand and harnessing advanced technologies. This is according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who told a room full of Guyanese living in Canada, on Saturday night, that the country of their birth is charting its own path towards development and prosperity. The event was part of a three-day visit during which President Ali used the opportunity to engage the Guyanese diaspora. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
France riots ease as mayors hold anti-violence rally
Riots in France appear to be calming, after five days of violent protests in response to the shooting of teenager Nahel M during a police traffic stop. More than 150 people were arrested on Sunday night, compared with more than 700 the night before. Over the last few days, there have been numerous calls for the violence to stop, including from Nahel's family. Mayors have called for people to rally outside town halls on Monday to protest the violence and looting. In Nanterre, Nahel's hometown, mayor Patrick Jarry said he was pleased the violence had subsided, but added that "we shouldn't lose sight of the incident that sparked this situation and the continuing need for justice". The mayor of Reims told a crowd of several hundred people that the rioters had "looted the businesses that they visit every day" and urged the state to be "firm, so that the Republic can be preserved". Read more here
3rd July 2023