TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA: Most manufacturing sectors did well during pandemic
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has said while there was an increase in growth in most non-energy sectors, there has been a reported decrease in the printing and packaging and textile and garment sectors. In a media release on Monday, the TTMA said despite this, it was pleased with the Central Bank’s economic outlook on the non-energy sector for the first three quarters of 2021, and was confident it can double local non-energy exports by 2025. Read more here
TTMA looks to mid-year boost
Buoyed by the recent Central Bank’s acknowledgement of increased productivity in the manufacturing sector, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is hoping the mid-year budget review for 2022 will provide the Manufacturing Sector with the means to continue its ongoing recovery and further expand its operations. In a release on Monday, the TTMA noted the recent Central Bank report which highlighted an increase in productivity in the non-energy sector for the first three quarters of 2021. President of the TTMA, Tricia Coosal said, “TTMA is pleased with this report as we continue to pursue our Export Manufacturing Strategy to double the local non-energy exports by 2025.” Read more here
NEWS
Massive search under way for Point Fortin toddler
A massive search, spanning over six hours, was under way on Monday for two-year-old Kimani Francis, who disappeared from his home at 10th Street, Techier Village, Point Fortin at 10 am. Newsday understands that ordinary citizens joined in the search alongside police officers with tracker dogs, a National Security helicopter, drones, and members of several hunters' and hikers' groups. Read more here
Mom of five stabbed to death, female suspect held
A mother of five was stabbed to death in what police believe was the outcome of a domestic dispute. Police said Stephanie Calbio, 32, of Abbe Poujade Street, Carenage, was on her way home around 11.15 am yesterday when she was attacked by another woman. Calbio was stabbed three times in her back and was rushed to the St James Medical Hospital where she died. Read more here
POLITICS
Amery Browne on Venezuela, Cuba exclusion – 'Caricom wants inclusive Summit of the Americas'
Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne said on Monday that both TT and Caricom’s preference would be for the Summit of the Americas, scheduled for the United States next month, to be one that is “inclusive rather than exclusionary.” His comment came as debate rages on whether or not Caricom countries should boycott the event over the non-inclusion of Venezuela and Cuba. “Caricom is of the position that we must continue to advocate at all levels for the inclusion of the governments of Cuba and Venezuela at the Summit of the Americas in Lost Angeles,” said Browne in a CMC story. Read more here
Kamla asks Cummings more questions on police report
United National Congress leader Kamala Persad-Bissessar last night raised fresh questions to People's National Movement forntliner Foster Cummings. Speaking during last night's UNC weekly Monday meeting, she called on Cumming to answer questions on alleged fresh information, including about certain questionable Couva characters. Citing the reported 2019 T&T Police Service Special Branch report into Cummings' activities, Persad-Bissessar repeated part of the Special Branch's allegation on two companies Cummings is allegedly linked with. She said it’s alleged a man named in the report - allegedly the head of the Railway Road gang – was employed as a sub-contractor by both companies for several sites in Couva. She said it’s also alleged the person is a reputed drug dealer. Read more here
BUSINESS
CAL introduces Jamaica to Orlando Service
Caribbean Airlines has continued its expansion of service through the introduction of flights from Kingston, Jamaica to Orlando, Florida. From July 1, 2022, the airline will offer non-stop, return flights between Norman Manley International (KIN) and Orlando International (MCO) airports. The service will operate twice weekly on Monday and Thursday. Read more here
Breeze launches dilutable detergent
An investment of $500,000 was spent to launch the new Breeze dilutable liquid laundry detergent, according to Unilever category manager Alanna Ramjattan. Ramjattan was speaking to the Express following the launch last week of the Breeze dilutable at the Brix Hotel. Unilever Caribbean Ltd manufactures the product. Ramjattan said the $500,000 was invested in the product to ensure the consumers know how to use it, what the savings are and, most importantly, what is the environmental impact. Read more here
REGIONAL
Over 300 investors, organisations registered for Agri-Investment Forum & Expo
The stage has been set for the inaugural Agri-Investment Forum & Expo, with over 300 investors and organisations already registered. The forum will be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on May 19 to 21, 2022. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who was accompanied by stakeholders on a site visit on Monday, said a large majority of the booths for the ‘expo’ are in place, and to date, of the investors already registered, most of them are foreigners. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Sri Lankan troops on streets after protesters torch leaders' homes in night of unrest
A curfew is in force across Sri Lanka after mobs burned down homes belonging to the ruling Rajapaksa family amid mounting anger at the economic crisis. The overnight violence capped a day of unrest that saw PM Mahinda Rajapaksa quit, but this failed to bring calm. Crowds besieged his residence and he was evacuated in a pre-dawn operation amid tear gas and warning shots. Protests are continuing despite the curfew. Seven people have died and 200 have been injured since Monday. The island-wide curfew has been extended to Wednesday morning as authorities seek to quell the violence. Read more here
10th May 2022