NEWS
TTALPA gives CAL more time to settle negotiations
The Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) has extended its deadline for Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) to settle outstanding negotiations before the union takes the matter to the Industrial Court. TTALPA industrial relations consultant Timothy Bailey told Newsday the matter was before the Ministry of Labour and the initial deadline was March 7. However, the union accepted the ministry's request and extended the deadline to March 31, informing CAL via letter that day. "We hope that good sense would prevail and the negotiations would be settled." Read more here
Guaracara residents escape death after truck crashes into homes
Residents were yesterday thankful that no one was killed after a ten-wheeler truck crashed into two houses in Guaracara after the brakes reportedly failed. However, the 70-year-old driver, who works for a private contractor, got pinned in the truck and suffered a broken leg. Police said the incident occurred around 8.15 am along the Guaracara Tabaquite Road after the driver collected material from a quarry. The truck was heading down an incline when the driver is believed to have lost control, the truck slammed into the concrete porch area of a home, uprooted a utility pole, then crashed into a few balusters on the front stairs of another home before coming to a stop in the yard. Read more here
POLITICS
Kamla: Government will face UNC in court if Young is appointed PM
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar is advising the Prime Minister that the way in which he is attempting to anoint his successor Stuart Young is outside of the supreme law and the Constitution. She said Rowley has two options, one being to dissolve the Parliament and call the elections within three months and let the President appoint Young as desired, or where there is no undisputed leader, the President can then consult with PNM ministers and make an appointment. If Rowley, however, goes ahead with his plan to resign on March 16 as Prime Minister, but maintain his position as PNM political leader, she said he would have to face the ‘brilliant UNC’ lawyers in court, as that would a breach of the Constitution. Read more here
PM rejects Trump’s Cuba policy, says T&T will defend right to hire doctors
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has come out in defence of Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereignty following the recent threat of US visa restrictions announced by President Donald Trump administration against governments utilising Cuba’s overseas medical missions. The programme, which has been vital to healthcare systems across the region for decades, has been described in a report by the Trump administration as constituting “forced labour” and a form of “human trafficking”. However, while delivering the feature address at the ceremony to mark the practical completion of the $1.3 billion Port-of-Spain General Hospital Central Block yesterday, Rowley took aim at the Trump policy and reaffirmed this country’s relation with Cuba. “We rely heavily on healthcare specialists whom we have obtained from India, the Philippines, and mainly from Cuba over the decades. Read more here
BUSINESS
Caricom foreign minister to head OAS
Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Albert Ramdin was elected yesterday as the new secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) for a five-year term, urging multilateralism and calling on member states to be united in the fight against a changing global environment. Ramdin was elected by acclamation following the withdrawal of Rubén Ramírez, the Foreign Minister of Paraguay. He succeeds Luis Almagro, who was first elected as OAS Secretary General in 2015 and re-elected in 2020. Ramdin is the first Caribbean national to be elected to the top position at the OAS. “In a world that is quickly evolving, the foundation of a strong democracy continues to be the cornerstone of freedom, justice and human dignity,” Ramdin told the 56th special session of the OAS General Assembly. Read more here
Don’t fear China in region, says foreign minister
CHINA says there is no cause for concern over its growing engagement in this region. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave the assurance as he addressed a press conference in Beijing on Friday, attended by journalists from Latin America and the Caribbean. “China-LAC cooperation is South-South cooperation. There is only mutual support in this cooperation, no geopolitical calculations. In its engagement with LAC countries, China follows the principles of equality and mutual benefit, and never seeks sphere of influence or targets any party,” Wang Yi said. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Our dedication to improving your lives is undeniable’
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has emphasised the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s unwavering focus on providing vital support services, improving accessibility and maintaining its enduring “fighting” spirit for the nation’s welfare. During an impromptu meeting at Hague, West Coast Demerara, Region Three, President Ali stressed that unlike past PNCR/APNU/AFC administrations, his government is committed to fighting for the people. He took aim at the oppositions’ political tactics of preying on the vulnerabilities of citizens. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
European stocks steady after US markets plunge
A sell-off in global shares eased in Europe on Tuesday following a sharp fall in US stocks that came as investors raised concerns about the negative economic impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. It followed the president saying in a TV interview that the world's biggest economy was in a "period of transition", when asked about suggestions of a potential recession. Since those remarks were broadcast on Sunday, top Trump officials and advisers have sought to calm investor fears. Read more here
11th March 2025