NEWS
17 new covid19 cases, no new deaths reported
Seventeen new cases of covid19 have been reported from samples taken between January 22 and 25. There have been no new deaths, so the death toll remains at 134. The Health Ministry’s release on Monday said the number of active cases was 323, one less than Sunday’s figure of 324. Since March, there had been 7,490 positive cases, of which 7,033 have recovered. Read more here
T&T brokers Venezuela-Guyana talks on detained crew
This country has brokered an agreement for the foreign affairs ministers of Venezuela and Guyana to meet and swiftly resolve a dispute over the recent detention of two Guyanese fishing vessels and their crews. T&T stepped in on Caricom’s behalf yesterday when Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Amery Browne held frank discussions with Venezuelan Ambassador the this country, Carlos Pérez Silva, on the incident, the latest display of heightening border tensions between Venezuela and Guyana. Read more here
POLITICS
Few young voters at Cunupia polling stations
There was a slow but steady trickle of voters at polling stations in Cunupia for the local government by-elections on Monday. Newsday visited the Jerningham Secondary School, Ince Drive, Cunupia , where most voters from 7 am-10 am were retirees. Read more here
Parties pleased with smooth voting process
The People’s National Movement (PNM), Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP), and independent candidate Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus said they were all happy with the smooth voting process in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections and were glad COVID-19 protocols were followed. PNM Tobago Council political leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine, the party’s candidate for the Lambeau/Signal Hill, who voted at the Delaford RC School, said as far as she heard voting was smooth. She said the only irregularity she heard of was at the Lambeau polling station where a voter allegedly took a ballot away from the polling station. Read more here
BUSINESS
Duo set up business to teach life-saving skills
Saving lives is one of the noblest things you can do. For best friends Denise King and Milissa Peertamsingh, they have made it into a business. Read more here
REGIONAL
Homeless Horror - Streets Filled With Trembling As Four Chopped To Death In Kingston
The cold, haunting streets of Kingston were frozen with fear on Monday night as the capital’s nomads snuggled in corners or retreated to shelters in the aftermath of the grisly murders of four homeless men and the wounding of two others. The macabre scenes spanned an arc of 9.5km (6.0 miles), stretching from the shopping strip of Half-Way Tree to downtown and further west near Bumper Hall. Read more here
Guyanese fishermen charged in Venezuela
Manoeuvring “rough tides” is second nature for fishermen, but a 12-member Guyanese crew being held captive in Venezuela, is possibly in for the challenge of their lives, as they have been charged and imprisoned, pending a 45-day investigation. The fishermen, who were operating their trade along the Waini River in two groups of six on the Lady Nayera and Sea Wolf vessels, were apprehended by Venezuelan naval troops. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Biden tells CNN Trump's impeachment trial 'has to happen'
President Joe Biden on Monday offered his most extensive comments since taking office on former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, telling CNN, "I think it has to happen." Biden made the comment during a brief one-on-one interview with CNN in the halls of the West Wing. He acknowledged the effect it could have on his legislative agenda and Cabinet nominees but said there would be "a worse effect if it didn't happen." Read more here
Tractor rally: Indian farmers breach Delhi's Red Fort in huge protest
Thousands of farmers protesting at agriculture reforms have fought through police barricades and tear gas to enter Delhi's historic Red Fort complex. They were on foot and in tractors - part of a huge rally that was planned to coincide with India's Republic Day.
Many protesters diverted from agreed routes and clashes broke out with police. One protester has died. Mobile internet services have been suspended in parts of Delhi as security forces scramble to restore order. Read more here
26th January 2021