NEWS
Chinese businessman charged for San Fernando meth lab
A 32 year-old Chinese businessman is expected to appear before a San Fernando magistrate on Tuesday charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of an apparatus. He was arrested last Thursday, when Special Branch officers executed a search at The Residences, South Park, San Fernando. They discovered a clandestine laboratory, cash, precursor chemicals and packets of crystals of various sizes resembling methamphetamine. Police said it was the first methamphetamine laboratory in Trinidad and Tobago. Police said the discovery followed an extensive intelligence-led operation in partnership with US law enforcement agencies. Read more here
Facebook sale goes sour; woman pays but no car delivered
A 33-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly conning a woman out of $6,000 which was a downpayment on a vehicle. Despite repeated calls, the vehicle was never delivered. According to the police, around 1 pm on August 7, a 23-year-old woman met another woman close to Xtra Plaza, Turure, Sangre Grande. The victim told police that the woman, who was dressed in Muslim wear, collected $6,000 from her. The money represented a downpayment on a Nissan Tiida which was advertised on Facebook as a work-to-own deal. The victim reported to police officers that arrangements were made for the vehicle by the seller to be delivered to her on August, 9. However, all subsequent efforts to contact the seller were unsuccessful. When the victim checked on Facebook in a bid to reach out to the seller, the post advertising the vehicle for sale had also been deleted. As a result, a report was made to the Sangre Grande Police Station. Investigations were conducted. Read more here
POLITICS
Rowley after 7-7 LGE tie: Let us build a nation together
“Come let us build a nation together” was the call by the Prime Minister as the PNM on Monday night were able to retain its seven regional corporations, holding off the UNC/NTA alliance in the Local Government Elections. The PNM retained the Port of Spain, Diego Martin, Point Fortin,San Juan/Laventille, Arima Central, San Fernando and Tunapuna districts. It was able to make inroads in the Siparia District after wresting a seat in the Princes Town constituency from the UNC, but lost seats it previously held in San Fernando and in Sangre Grande. Read more here
BUSINESS
Business chambers happy with tax refund
In light of Finance Minister Colm Imbert’s announcement that tax refunds of $20,000 or less will be given to over 30,000 people during the week, business chambers are relieved. Imbert said on Saturday the decision was based on requests by the public. President of the San Juan Business Chamber Jason Roach said in an interview with Newsday on Monday, “The recent announcement of tax refunds is very much welcomed, though we are not comforted in the timing being so close to the local government election.” He said in a time of economic pinch for businesses he is happy for any initiative that will have positive impacts. “The business community is hurting and we also hope accelerated VAT (value added tax) returns are refocused." Read more here
Economist with Trini heritage added to Biden’s advisory council
C Kirabo Jackson, whose mother is said to be from Trinidad and Tobago, has been named as a member of the Council of Economic Advisers by United States President Joe Biden. Jackson’s mother, June, was a lecturer at the University of Technology in Jamaica. His father, Clement, was the first director of the Planning Institute of Jamaica. Jackson spent part of his childhood in Jamaica, where he attended Hillel Prep. In January he published a paper along with others titled “What is a Good School, and Can Parents Tell? Evidence on the Multidimensionality of School Output” in The Review of Economic Studies. Read more here
REGIONAL
New ecosystem being created to facilitate Guyana’s expansion
Opportunities for investment in Guyana are abundant, and officials here are creating an enabling environment through shared interest and collaborations with multinational states. This was according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during a recent visit to the Dominican Republic, where he sat down with Mercado Media Network following discussions and the signing of several collaborative memoranda of understanding (MoU) with President, Luis Abinader. “The work by President Luis and myself has been going on for a number of months, and we are setting the stage for massive collaboration between the two private sectors,” Dr. Ali said during his interview with the DR press. Last week, Dr. Ali led a high-level delegation of the private sector and government officials to meet with his counterpart, President Abinader at the DR’s National Palace, where agreements for the oil and gas industry, the establishment of an oil refinery, a petrochemical plant, and a study for participation in Guyana’s Oil Exploration Block were signed by the countries’ respective representatives. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Trump and 18 others charged in Georgia election inquiry
Former US President Donald Trump has been charged with attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat in the state of Georgia. It is the fourth criminal case brought against him in five months. Mr Trump, who is the leading Republican candidate for president in 2024, was indicted along with 18 other allies. He denies all 13 charges against him, which include racketeering and election meddling. He has said they are politically motivated. Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis first launched an investigation in February 2021 into allegations of election meddling against Mr Trump and his associates. In a 98-page indictment made public late on Monday, prosecutors listed 41 charges against the 19 defendants. Read more here
15th August 2023