NEWS
Certified Sampson opens ice cream store branch in Trincity
CERTIFIED Scoop now has an additional home at East Gates Mall in Trincity. Owned by social media influencer Jamel "Certified Sampson" Sampson, he hopes the business and the brand continue to thrive. The brand's first location was launched at South Park Mall in San Fernando in August 2024. He opened the Trincity location on January 3 supported by several members of the public, including government ministers. Sampson is popular for his online comedy sketches and skits. Read more here
Eight car theft suspects held during SoE raids
Assistant Commissioner of Police South/Central Wayne Mystar said yesterday that eight suspects linked to car thefts have been arrested during the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE). “We have been going after persons in terms of arrests linked to various criminal activities. We are seeing a major breakthrough in the car-stealing ring. Read more here
POLITICS
Rowley's last political wish: Pt Lisas must become gateway for Venezuela gas
The Prime Minister says if he succeeds in having Pt Lisas become the gateway into the world market for Venezuelan gas, it would be the highlight of his political career. Dr Rowley announced at a news conference in Tobago on January 3 that he intends to step down as prime minister after 45 years in public life. He also will not offer himself to contest the Diego Martin West seat, which he has represented in the Parliament since 1991. Read more here
Tobago MPs laud PM Rowley’s leadership
Tobago West MP Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis and Tobago East MP Ayanna Webster-Roy have lauded Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s leadership following his decision to bow out of politics ending his 45-year political career. Speaking after the People’s National Movement’s screening for candidates on Saturday night at the Calder Hall Multipurpose Facility, Cudjoe-Lewis, who got unanimous support from the 33 party groups in Tobago West, described Rowley’s service as remarkable. She spoke of his dedication to strengthening the country’s foundation and credited him for mentoring her political journey, starting at age 28. Read more here
BUSINESS
SoE could hurt foreign direct investment
Regional security consultant Garvin Heerah believes that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and tourism arrivals to T&T could be negatively affected given the bad press that T&T has received in recent days, since Monday’s announcement of the State of Emergency (SoE) to deal with T&T’s spiralling crime rate. The United States, United Kingdom (UK), and Canada are among countries that have issued travel advisories to their citizens after the declaration of the State of Emergency in T&T. In its advisory dated December 31, 2024, the US Embassy said American citizens in this country should expect an increased police and military presence. On the Gov.UK website, the government of the UK advised its citizens that during the State of Emergency in T&T, security forces can search people and property without a warrant, arrest and detain without a warrant. The UK government also advised its citizens to expect heightened police and military presence and to always carry their ID and comply with local authorities. Read more here
Long Circular Mall up for sale
THE search for a buyer for Long Circular Mall has officially begun. An advertisement in today’s newspaper highlighting the property has called for interested parties to take advantage of the investment opportunity. This development comes just over three months after the High Court approved the sale process on September 11 last year. Long Circular Mall is owned by CL Financial subsidiary Home Construction Ltd. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘I am asking for political responsibility, not political power’
POINTING to massive plans to accelerate investments and stimulate wealth, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Sunday morning, engaged a gathering at Victory Valley, Linden, Region Ten, where he shared his unity-based philosophy aimed at uplifting the lives of citizens. The Head of State had journeyed to the Mining Town to inspect the ongoing construction works for the new Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge. Shortly after the inspection, several citizens mustered nearby to engage with the President. And though the region is historically known as a stronghold of the Peoples National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), the leader of the People Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration was welcomed by a large crowd. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau may quit within days, say media reports
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could announce his resignation within days, according to media reports. He is considering stepping down as leader of the governing Liberal Party, which would also bring to an end his nine years as prime minister. Last month his finance minister quit, citing policy disagreements such as how to deal with Donald Trump's threat to levy US tariffs on Canadian goods. Trudeau's popularity has also plummeted among voters, with polls suggesting his party are on course for a general election defeat this year. Read more here
6th January 2025