NEWS
Community protests Ezekiel's killing: Gun violence 'psychotic,' 'sickening'
Calling gang warfare and gun violence "sickening" and "psychotic," Laventille residents protested the recent killing of 12-year-old Ezekiel Paria and called on gang members to end the bloodshed. Paria, a standard five student at Eastern Boys' Government Primary School, was struck by a stray bullet along Laventille Road, East Dry River, last Thursday. Gunmen ambushed a passing vehicle while Paria stood along the street. He was on his way home. His aunt, who asked not to be named, told Newsday that Paria was humble and his killing "mash (her) up. "That's a child!" she said as she held her head. Read more here
Postal workers deliver wage increase complaint letter to CPO
The Trinidad and Tobago Postal Workers Union (TTPWU) has given Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Dr Daryl Dindial one week to implement the final report of a job evaluation for 46 positions within TTPOST. The evaluation was completed in 2011 and includes recommendations for an 18.6 per cent increase in salaries for hundreds of TTPOST workers. The union also condemned Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales for remaining mum and ignoring their concerns. However, both Gonzales and a TTPOST executive said yesterday they aren’t the ones to blame or turn to, as salary negotiations are the sole domain of the CPO. Read more here
POLITICS
Minister Deyalsingh issues fast-food warning
Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh yesterday called out certain fast-food brands, as he once again lamented what he described as the scourge of hypertension and diabetes facing this country. Speaking at the launch of the U-Health and Wellness Expo at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Port-of-Spain, Deyalsingh maintained that the mega chains and companies had to take some blame for the health condition of some sectors of society, noting the focus had to be on prevention rather than cure. “There is not enough work going on there and even if there is enough work going on there, people are addicted to Coke (Coca-Cola) and Pepsi in the same way they are addicted to cocaine. They are addicted to the fats in KFC and Royal Castle, and I am calling brands for the first time in eight years because we need to face the truth,” Deyalsingh said. The minister confessed that it has been an uphill battle for his ministry. Read more here
BUSINESS
Prestige Holdings records 56% increase in profits
For the financial year 2023, Prestige Holdings Ltd (PHL) recorded a profit before tax of $84 million compared to $54 million in 2022, an increase of 56 per cent. According to its published consolidated audited financial results for the twelve months ended November 30, 2023, PHL's revenue increased by 20 per cent to $1.3 billion from $1.1 billion, in the previous year. "The financial year was one of investment and growth. There has been significant effort and success towards returning our business operation to pre-pandemic levels and achieving sustainable growth and profitability," PHL said. Read more here
Another change to Massy’s executive management team
ROGER Ramdwar has been promoted to Group Senior Vice President, Internal Audit at Massy Holdings Ltd. Ramdwar’s appointment takes effect on Friday. “Roger is a career internal auditor with over 30 years’ experience, of which in excess of 20 has been leading internal audit functions in publicly listed entities across the Caribbean region. He leads a team spread across six countries and has articulated a vision for internal audit that aligns with the group’s and portfolio’s strategic objectives and the expectations of its stakeholders,” Massy stated in its last annual report. Read more here
REGIONAL
Greater regional integration being pursued
The strengthening of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) was the subject of frank discussion when regional leaders met on Monday, an indication that this integrated development strategy remains high on their agenda. Leaders from all 15 CARICOM member states are currently in Georgetown, Guyana, for the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government. On the first day of official business, the inter-governmental organisation’s chairman and Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, disclosed that interventions will be discussed to strengthen the sub-committee to ensure that work is being done. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine war: Russian human rights campaigner Oleg Orlov sentenced to jail
Oleg Orlov looked calm as he sat waiting for the judge to deliver the verdict. Room 518 in the courthouse was packed with well-wishers, foreign ambassadors and journalists. The judge entered the courtroom and began reading out the verdict. She declared the veteran human rights campaigner guilty of "repeatedly discrediting" the Russian armed forces. Having named the crime, she announced the punishment: Oleg Orlov, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organisation "Memorial", was sent to prison for two and a half years. He was handcuffed and, minutes later, led out of the courtroom by police. This had been a re-trial. Read more here
27th February 2024