NEWS
NP opens solar-powered service station in Couva
The long-awaited flagship NP (National Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd) service station near the Preysal flyover, which opened on Wednesday, has been dubbed another milestone by Energy and Energy Industries Minister Stuart Young. Young said the Government views the opening as a significant achievement in developing the compressed natural gas (CNG) industry since the Government approved the introduction of CNG as part of the transportation fuel mix in 1992. “From then to now, the government has attempted to place a substantial focus on the acceleration on the use of CNG,” Young said. Read more here
Man on the street: Delta Variant not a serious concern for some
The more infectious and deadlier Delta variant was found in two people from among the community within the St George West and St George East counties on Sunday. The Ministry of Health has been urging people to get vaccinated to protect themselves from COVID-19. But now that the Delta variant is believed to be within our communities, the call has been heightened. Professor of Molecular Genetics and Virology Christine Carrington told Guardian Media that while the Delta variant is feared to be more virulent, the vaccines are still effective and safe. Read more here
POLITICS
Abdul-Mohan: In world of turmoil, Trinidad and Tobago is blessed
As the country prepares to celebrate the 45th anniversary of republican status on Friday, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church the Rt Rev Joy Abdul-Mohan is acknowledging how blessed this nation is, as turmoil rage around the world. Especially in the field of education, she believes. which provides ample opportunities for growth and development of girls and women. “This is stewardship month for us in the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (PCTT). It also marks the 45th Republic Day of our beloved country. Read more here
Dennis suggests Tobago beaches can reopen if 70% are vaccinated
If 70 per cent of Tobagonians get vaccinated against COVID-19, the island’s beaches may be reopened, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis has said. Speaking on Tuesday at the Magdalena Grand Resort after an announcement that a 200-room Marriott hotel would be built on the island, Dennis said, “If we can get to a point of vaccinating maybe 70 per cent of the population, there might be some possibility for us to enjoy the reopening of the beaches and a return of more meaningful domestic tourism,” Dennis said. He said hoteliers were able to “breathe” in the midst of the pandemic when domestic tourism was allowed before this latest lockdown. Read more here
BUSINESS
Data, key to Trinidad and Tobago's economic growth
It took a pandemic for Trinidad and Tobago to realise the disparity in the number of children who needed to access online classes and children without access to digital devices. When covid19 hit and stay-at-home measures made it necessary for the education system to pivot to online classes, Government discovered that while there was a digital data device in most homes, for many there was more than one child who would need to use it. Read more here
Detailed selection process for Rocky Point project
Superior Hotels (T&T) Ltd, the company chosen to undertake the development of the $500 million hotel and property development at Rocky Point in Tobago, was selected after an extensive and detailed evaluation process, said Imtiaz Ahamad, the chairman of Evolving Tecknologies and Enterprise Development Company Ltd (eTecK). Speaking on Tuesday at the news conference held to announce the project, Ahamad said Superior Hotels has vast experience in large-scale hotel and property management and development both locally and regionally. Read more here
REGIONAL
Inherent vulnerabilities of developing nations to climate change underrecognised
In calling for a renewed global effort in the fight against climate change, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has contended that more attention needs to be placed on the inherent vulnerabilities of developing nations. The President made this call during his address at the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Leaders’ Summit, which was held amid the high-level segment of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In his address, President Ali reminded that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States remain the most vulnerable groups due to their smallness, limited resources, exposure to external economic shocks, ecological fragility and susceptibility to natural hazards. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Europe is paying record prices for energy. A winter crisis looms
Energy prices are skyrocketing, and as winter approaches, Europe is getting worried. The wholesale cost of natural gas has surged to record highs in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany and Italy. Bills for households and businesses are already soaring, and could go even higher as cold weather sets in and more fuel is needed for electricity generation and heating systems. "We've seen huge price increases," said Dimitri Vergne, head of the energy team at The European Consumer Organization. "It's worrying ahead of the winter, when gas consumption will necessarily increase." Read more here
Aukus pact: France and US seek to mend rift
France and the US have made efforts to end a row which started last week with the announcement of a defence pact between the US, UK and Australia. The Aukus pact cost France a submarine contract worth billions of dollars. In a 30-minute phone call on Wednesday, the French and US presidents agreed to try to find a way forward. The US acknowledged that the situation would have benefited from "open consultations", and France agreed to send its ambassador back to Washington. In a carefully worded joint statement, the two governments said US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron would "open a process of in-depth consultations, aimed at creating the conditions for ensuring confidence". The two leaders are set to meet in Europe at the end of next month. Read more here
23rd September 2021