TTMA IN THE NEWS
Guyana eyes T&T’s fashion industry
Last week the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) executed its first physical trade mission in almost two years to Guyana. The South American country is enjoying an economic boom, as its burgeoning oil and gas industry has started coming into its own, making it an attractive market for new investment. However, there have been questions raised about the relationship between the countries, based on comments made by prominent figures in both countries. Despite the running commentary, president of the TTMA Tricia Coosal told the Business Guardian that the mission to Guyana was a success. Coosal said: “The was seen to be successful on numerous fronts. This mission took 27 companies (comprising over 40 delegates) and represented the food and beverage, printing and packaging, chemicals and construction sectors to Guyana for physical seminars, business to business meetings and site visits. Read more here
NEWS
Huge crowds at funeral parade – BLAXX WEDNESDAY
Trinis from all walks of life celebrated the memory of Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart as they best knew how – by taking to the streets, singing and dancing to his music. It was a Carnival-like atmosphere as hundreds danced, sang and walked along Frederick Street and onto Brian Lara Promenade as they followed the hearse carrying Stewart's body. The life of the popular soca artiste was celebrated by friends, family, fellow musicians and fans alike. Read more here
Local programme sharpens children’s dining etiquette, social graces
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).” This was the prayer in part, international certified events manager and founder and CEO of Royal-T (RT) Events, Tricia Mohan-Volney extended on social media and in person to the students who completed the SEA examination on March 31, before they did. “Some attended my dining etiquette classes, and I know the mind Timothy speaks of; they all can do well if we show them love.” Less than one year ago, Mohan-Volney engaged British etiquette expert and part of the Royal household, and former butler to His Royal Highness, Prince Charles and HRM Dutchess of Cornwall, Grant William Veitch Harrold, in a one-on-one online etiquette activity. Read more here
POLITICS
Attorney General meets Chief Parliamentary Counsel
Attorney General Reginald Armour, SC, has met with Chief Parliamentary Counsel Ian MacIntyre, SC, on Wednesday. A media release from the Office of the Attorney General said the two men engaged in a "cordial meeting and discussions" in the Attorney General's chambers at the invitation of Armour. Read more here
BUSINESS
Europe eyes local market, but cocoa company bogged down with challenges
There is a lucrative market for TT’s cocoa industry in Europe, says Netherlands ambassador Raphaël Varga van Kibéd. Business Day met with him last week at his residence in Goodwood Park to get an insight into trade and investment opportunities in his country and the rest of Europe. Varga van Kibéd explained that agriculture generally has a big space in Europe, but the local sector was not producing enough to make a significant dent in the international market. Read more here
Imbert: Data shows T&T not falling apart
The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by $5 billion in a three-month period, proving that Trinidad and Tobago is not falling apart, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said on Tuesday night. Addressing a People’s National Movement (PNM) public meeting in Diego Martin, Imbert said: “I want you to understand that the data does not support the ‘ole talk’ outside there. An increase in GDP from one quarter to another, in a three-month period, by $5 billion does not occur in a country that is falling apart. An increase in almost every economic sector does not occur in a country that is falling apart. This kind of economic performance exists in a country that is well managed by this PNM administration. And we are going to be very careful as a government to maintain the economic momentum that started in 2021. It will continue in 2022,” he said. Read more here
REGIONAL
Milestone wheat production trials to commence by month end
With global wheat prices at a record high, Guyana will soon commence its first wheat production trial, exploring 15 to 20 different varieties, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has said. The minister, speaking on the sidelines of an event at Lusignan, on Wednesday, told reporters that the government is currently in contact with stakeholders in Mexico and is expecting to start the first trial by the end of April. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine War: 'Russian soldiers held us as human shields'
Clear evidence of Russian troops rounding up Ukrainian civilians and using them as human shields has been found by the BBC. In multiple interviews in Obukhovychi, north of Kyiv, villagers say they were taken from their homes at gunpoint and held in a school gymnasium by Russians trying to stop advancing Ukrainian forces. Local people also gave accounts of Russian troops shooting civilians and holding others captive in and around Ivankiv, the neighbouring town. On the night of 14 March, Russian soldiers in Obukhovychi were under attack and losing men and armoured vehicles. The Ukrainians were regaining territory. As darkness fell, local people, sheltering in their cellars, heard explosions and the grinding sound of armoured vehicles manoeuvring. Read more here
7th April 2022