NEWS
TSTT allows retrenched workers to stay until July 15 as CWU continues to fight restructuring
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) has denied that it has made any agreement with the Telecommunications Services of TT Ltd (TSTT) that would pave the way for the restructuring process and retrenchment of over 400 workers to proceed without disruptions. In a release on Tuesday morning, TSTT said both parties had come to an agreement that would see the exercise move forward "without delay." Read more here
Fire officers: 4 per cent wage offer disrespectful
“Quite disrespectful.” That is how president of the Fire Officers Association Leo Ramkissoon has described the four per cent salary increase offered to police officers by Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Dr Daryl Dindial on Monday. The CPO proposed the four per cent increase for the years 2014 to 2019. But while they will get their new offer today, Ramkissoon is certain his members will not be happy with four per cent. “I don’t believe it will be accepted,” he said. Read more here
POLITICS
Opposition abstains on local government bill
The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill to empower municipal corporations to collect property tax, amid other changes to local government, the Miscellaneous Provisions (Local Government Reform) Bill 2020. Piloted by Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi, the bill was passed with the support of some 24 government and independent members but opposition senators abstained, while no-one voted against. This was all in line with its passage through the House of Representatives last month where 20 MPs voted for, none voted against, while 12 abstained. Read more here
70% of population to get 24/7 water supply with improvement plans
WASA customers in the North West districts of Trinidad can expect improved water levels over the next six months, while Penal and surrounding areas may see improvements in the next two to three months. There are also plans for a dramatic supply improvement in Tobago to begin in two weeks, along with an accelerated leak and road restoration programme which starts next week. Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales indicated this in the Senate yesterday, while replying to queries on the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the water supply from Opposition Senator Wade Mark. Read more here
BUSINESS
Young meets with Woodside Energy Group management
The merger between BHP Petroleum and Woodside Energy Group Ltd brings opportunities for both companies to maximise benefits together, said head of international operations at Woodside TT Shiva McMahon. In a media release on Tuesday, Energy Minister Stuart Young met with a team from Woodside TT for the first time after the merger on June 1. McMahon was previously general manager of Australia production unit at BHP Petroleum. Young said Woodside’s presence in TT was welcomed and expressed his willingness to continue relationships with the company. Read more here
Central Bank: Rising fertiliser prices will lead to high cost of imported food
The Central Bank says the supply-side stimulus to both food and core inflation in T&T is anticipated to persist to the end of 2022. According to its latest Monetary Policy Report it explained that rising fertiliser prices will also lead to higher costs of imported food. Additionally, it said the war in Ukraine has disrupted the supply of agricultural factor inputs such as potash fertiliser, adding that reduced fertiliser application may result in lower crop yields which can elicit export restrictions from major food-exporting nations. The report also noted that recent high international energy prices have boosted the public finances and external accounts, creating a welcome space for financing further adjustment to the lingering effects of the pandemic. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Restructuring, strengthening GuySuCo is no joke’
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has engaged the leadership of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on the company’s strategic direction with the intention of improving its efficiency and effectiveness. The President met with 180 senior officials and managers of the sugar corporation at State House in Georgetown, on Tuesday. There, the Head of State recommended on-the-spot solutions aimed at improving communication, management and direction of the corporation.“We are not investing all of these resources in GuySuCo for failure. The restructuring and strengthening of GuySuCo is not a joke. When we said we want to make this industry viable, it is not a mystery,” Dr. Ali said. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Tom Rice: South Carolina ousts Republican who voted to impeach Trump
A Republican congressman has lost his bid to cling on to his seat, after a furious backlash to his vote to impeach former US President Donald Trump. Tom Rice, a five-term South Carolina incumbent, was beaten in a primary election by Trump-backed challenger Russell Fry, a state legislator. But another Republican in the state who had criticised Mr Trump, Nancy Mace, comfortably won her vote. Ms Mace had later visited Trump Tower in a show of loyalty. Congressional votes were held on Tuesday in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina and Texas. Mr Rice had been a reliable supporter of Mr Trump until the US Capitol riot on 6 January 2021, when he became one of 10 Republicans who sided with Democrats days later to impeach the outgoing president for inciting insurrection. Read more here
15th June 2022