TTMA IN THE NEWS
Joint Chambers call for ‘reset’ of industrial relations in T&T
The Joint Chambers said yesterday the change in leadership of the Industrial Court offers an opportunity for a much-needed, holistic reset and review of the legislation and institutions that impact the industrial relations climate. Former Industrial Court president Deborah Thomas-Felix’s contract was not renewed last week, and Heather Seale was appointed as the new President of the Industrial Court, on December 13. This did not sit well with the unions. The Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) delivered a letter to President Christine Kangaloo calling for her to rethink her position. JTUM had alleged then that the non-renewal of the contract was being interpreted as a way for the Government to get an upper hand in industrial disputes by selecting someone who may be beholden to the President and the party she once represented. Read more here
Joint Chambers: Time for comprehensive reform of the Industrial Relations system
The Joint Chambers, comprising the American Chamber of Commerce of T&T, the Energy Chamber of T&T, the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and the T&T Manufacturers Association, has called for a “fair, balanced, and unbiased Industrial Court that dispenses justice consistently for all”. In a statement issued yesterday, the Joint Chambers said that it has consistently advocated for a complete reform of the country’s Industrial Relations system. Fair and transparent. Read more here
NEWS
Central Statistical Office: Food, non-alcoholic drinks prices down in Nov
The Central Statistical Office (CSO) has reported decreases in the index of retail prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages. This information was contained in the CSO's retailed price index that was released on Monday. The index for food and non-alcoholic beverages decreased from 147.2 in October to 147.0 in November, reflecting a decrease of 0.1 per cent. Contributing to this decrease was the general downward movement in the prices of Irish potatoes, white flour, onions, soya bean oil, celery, parboiled rice, table margarine, chive, ochroes and cucumber. Read more here
POLITICS
New dress code for govt offices in 2024
A new dress code will be in effect for people coming to do business at various government offices next year. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Public Administration Ministry on Monday. The statement said, "A new inclusive client/visitor dress code policy for government offices in Trinidad and Tobago will be instituted nationwide from January 15, 2024." After extensive research, the ministry continued, the policy was approved by Cabinet. Read more here
BUSINESS
Central Bank warns: Potential inflation uptick next year
The Central Bank has warned that there is a possibility of an uptick in inflation next year, contingent on the evolution of global prices and the timing and magnitude of utility rate changes, according to its latest monetary policy report. “Domestic inflation is expected to remain low in the final months of 2023, with a possible uptick in 2024, based on how global prices evolve and the timing and magnitude of utility rate changes. Some demand pressures could also materialise depending on the extent of wage settlements and payments of salary arrears,” the Central Bank stated in its November Monetary Policy which was published yesterday. Read more here
REGIONAL
UK working with partners to uphold Guyana’s territorial integrity
The United Kingdom (UK) reiterated its support for Guyana’s “territorial integrity” during a meeting on Monday. David Rutley, the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Americas and Caribbean, and President Dr. Irfaan Ali, met at State House. In a press statement, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) quoted the parliamentarian as saying that the UK will continue to work with partners in the region, as well as through international bodies, to ensure the territorial integrity of Guyana is upheld. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Fears of higher oil prices after Red Sea attacks
Attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea risk pushing up the price of oil and other goods, analysts have warned. Several firms have paused shipments through the route after vessels were attacked by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The world's second largest shipping line, Maersk, said on Tuesday that it would reroute some of its vessels around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. The disruption has led the US to launch an international naval operation to protect ships in the Red Sea route. Countries joining the security action - named Operation Prosperity Guardian - include the UK, Canada, France, Bahrain, Norway and Spain. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin held a virtual meeting with ministers from more than 40 countries on Tuesday, and called on more nations to contribute to the security efforts. "These reckless Houthi attacks are a serious international problem and they demand a firm international response," he said. The UK's Ministry of Defence said the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond would join the new task force, with the security situation "deteriorating". The Red Sea is one of the world's most important routes for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, as well as for consumer goods. It is bookended by the Bab al-Mandab Strait - also known as the Gate of Tears - in the south near the coast of Yemen and the Suez Canal in the north. Read more here
19th December 2023