TTMA IN THE NEWS
Christle expands horizons through strategic trade missions
The experience of Christle Ltd, shows how one small company can significantly enhance its market presence through taking part in trade missions facilitated by the Trade Ministry, the TT Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and exporTT. Established in 1989 by Christopher Garcia and based at the O’Meara Industrial Estate, Arima, Christle Ltd manufactures a range of chemical products for residential and commercial use. The company offers over 30 products, including battery water, disinfectant, dishwashing liquid, tile and grout cleaner, termite treatment, rust remover, degreaser, PVC/CPVC solvents and various cleaning agents and chemical products. Read more here
NEWS
Venezuela signs gas production deal with BP for Cocuina field
Venezuela has signed a 20-year natural gas production and exploration deal with bpTT and the National Gas Company of TT (NGCTT). A statement from oil minister Pedro Tellechea said the agreement allows for production from the Manakin-Cocuina field, one of three natural gas fields that straddle the eastern border between TT and Venezuela. Tellechea, in a statement said the agreement allows for production from the Manakin-Cocuina gas field. The ministry said 25 per cent of production will go to TT’s petrochemical sector while the rest will feed TT’s LNG industry. Read more here
Tobago think tank organising seminar on crime
The Tobago CivilNET group, which was supported by late nation builder Reginald Dumas, saw a violent crime wave approaching Tobago since February, and the group is now organising a seminar involving both US and T&T experts on gang violence and youth leadership to seek solutions. Rodney Piggott, the head of Tobago CivilNET, announced this yesterday. Piggott said the Tobago-based non-political think tank was among Dumas’s undertakings when he was alive, and it was part of his legacy. Dumas died in March. Piggott, who returned from a career in the US to live in T&T, said the group has been working on issues since 2017 but became fully active in 2021. Read more here
POLITICS
Sinanan: Manzanilla Rd rebuilt to international standard
Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan said the first phase of the Manzanilla Road has been rebuilt better than its state before it had been damaged by water in November 2022, speaking to reporters on a July 24 tour on the construction. The road was rebuilt to international standards by smoothing, widening and lighting, he said. The new construction will allow inflows and outflows of water between the sea and the swamp, via nine new culverts, to cater to the natural ecology, including the reality of climate change and environmental rules. He said the sea and swamp had imposed on the road since the 1960s. "It always washed the Manzanilla Rd away. It is about four times it has happened." Read more here
Employees unpaid amid shortfall at San Juan corporation
Employees of the San Juan Laventille Regional Corporation (SJLRC) are reportedly in dire financial straits due to outstanding salary payments. A significant shortfall of $2 million earlier this year has caused widespread distress among the workforce, who have been struggling to meet essential needs. One worker expressed frustration, stating, “We have not been paid what is rightfully due to us for months. They are holding back our payments to make up for the missing millions. Why should we suffer? We have bills, mortgages, and families to care for. How will we put food on the table?” Read more here
BUSINESS
Trinidad and Tobago, China relations booming amid 50-year celebrations
From Mayaro to Carenage, Chinese restaurants, supermarkets and casinos have lined rural and urban roads, long before TT and China established official bilateral trade ties 50 years ago. While they shared modest relations early on, the trade volume between the two countries has increased significantly in the past decade. TT became the first English-speaking Caribbean state to cross US$1 billion in trade with China for the first time in 2019, peaking at US$1.34 billion last year. Read more here
Magdalena goes back out to market
The request for proposal (RFP) for Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Tobago is being revised. This was confirmed by an official from Evolving TecKnologies and Enterprise Development Company (eTecK), who said the company is in the process of reissuing the RFP. Asked why this move and if it was because of a lack of interest from suitably qualified, internationally branded operators/investors/purchasers, the official said while there was interest, after internal discussions eTeck saw it necessary to take a different approach to achieve the desired results. In April 2022, the 178-room hotel in Lowlands was up for grabs again. Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyana taking scientific approach to agriculture
In Guyana, there is a need for a more scientific approach to agriculture to improve food security and economic growth, and, according to the country’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, engaging young people and women in the industry can help achieve this goal. “We’ll be working on a number of programmes to increase yield, increase productivity, diversify our cropping system, expand our production bases, introduce new forms of crops,” the Head of State said during a recent engagement with graduates of the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture. These initiatives, he explained, are all aimed at improving the sector’s competitiveness, increasing yield and expanding market share, whilst at the same time reducing imports. Dr. Ali is the lead Head of Government with responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification and food security in the region’s Quasi Cabinet. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine thrown into war's bleak future as drones open new battlefront
The black box sits on the army truck dashboard like a talisman, its tiny screen lighting up with warnings when Russian drones are above us. We are driving fast along a country road in the darkness near the front lines outside Kharkiv. Like many in this war, the soldiers inside have come to revere the little cube they call "sugar"; it warns of the unseen dangers above. On the vehicle’s roof are three mushroom-shaped antennas that make up separate drone-jamming equipment. The car emits an invisible aura of protection that will thwart some, but not all, of the Russian attack drones patrolling the skies above this battlefield. Read more here
25th July 2024