NEWS
First Citizens CEO urges Tobago to invest in APO
First Citizens Financial Holding Group Ltd CEO Karen Darbasie says staff from First Citizens Brokerage Advisory Services will be in Tobago from next week to open accounts for people interested in purchasing shares in the bank’s recently announced additional public offering (APO). In a release last Tuesday, First Citizens said it is offering a total of $10,869,585 in ordinary shares, at $50 per share. The offer is available up until 4pm on July 22. The bank said that potential investors must have a brokerage account and submit an application form. They must have a valid government identification card or driver’s permit, proof of address no more than two months old and a chequeing or saving accounts number. Read more here
Eight held for PoS protests, national security on high alert
Yesterday’s fiery protests around the nation’s capital ended with eight people behind bars. However, with the demonstrations sparked by police action over the weekend, it’s no far stretch to imagine this would not sit well with protestors. It’s why the acting Commissioner of Police McDonald Jacob said officers will remain on alert. Speaking at a Ministry of National Security media conference yesterday, hours after the protest action, Jacob thanked officers for their work in managing the situation. Read more here
POLITICS
Tobago Cepep worker on firing: 'This is politics'
Cepep workers on the island have received their termination letters from the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Division of Community Development, Youth Development and Sport. Last Friday, several workers were given letters signed by the administrator of the division, Earland Kent, which ended their contracts with immediate effect. Asked how many employees were terminated, Secretary of Community Development Terance Baynes on Monday told Newsday he was out of his office and did not want to guess. However, he promised to bring clarity on Tuesday. Read more here
Hinds calls on lifeguards to return to work
Lifeguards are being encouraged to return to work because when they walked off the job in 2020, they breached their collective agreement and weren’t paid for days on which they were absent. National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds noted this in the Senate on Monday while replying to UNC Senator Wade Mark’s queries on beachgoers’ safety after the lifeguards’ action recently. “Citizens must not be the rope in anybody’s tug-of-war,” Hinds added, encouraging lifeguards to return to work. Hinds pointed out that the Tourism Ministry is responsible for the beaches affected by lifeguards’ absence– Manzanilla, Vessigny, Las Cuevas and Maracas– but National Security was responsible for lifeguards. Read more here
BUSINESS
BpTT targets Cassia C’s first gas by year-end
BpTT said yesterday that its Cassia C development is progressing towards delivering first gas in the fourth quarter of this year. In a news release yesterday, the energy company said the platform is currently in its final commissioning phase which is the last phase before achieving first gas. Project general manager, Trinidad, Michael Daniel said: “It’s great to see Cassia C progressing through this last phase of delivery. Natural gas from the Cassia compression project is important to bpTT and Trinidad and Tobago and our business is working hard to bring the facility online. Read more here
REGIONAL
Buxton will not be left out – PM tells Buxtonians at packed outreach
Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Monday, emphasised that there is much on the cards for the development of Buxton as he delivered remarks at a Cabinet outreach in Buxton/Friendship, East Coast Demerara. Held at the Buxton Community Centre Ground, the packed-to-capacity outreach saw Cabinet Ministers interacting with the residents and making pledges to address issues raised, including repairs to roads, facilities, small business assistance, and work for contractors from the communities. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Brittney Griner: US basketball star detained in Russia asks Biden for help
Brittney Griner, the American basketball superstar, has written to US President Joe Biden pleading for help. Ms Griner has been detained in Russia for over four months on what Russia says are drug charges. In the letter, which arrived at the White House on Monday, she wrote about her fear that she might never return to US soil. Government officials confirmed they received communication from the Phoenix Mercury player. Read more here
5th July 2022