NEWS
Gunmen kill 1, injure 5 in Arima; 1 dead in D/Martin shootout with cops – BULLETS LIKE RAIN
Two communities in north Trinidad were rocked by heavy gunfire on Monday – the same day that Caricom leaders, including TT's Prime Minister, sat down and discussed the regional scourge of crime and lawlessness. In one case, a woman was shot dead and five others, including children, left wounded and bleeding from multiple gunshots after gunmen raided a birthday party in Temple Street, Arima, in east Trinidad. Read more here
CJ Archie willing to meet LATT, DPP for talks
Chief Justice Ivor Archie says he’s open to the proposal by the Law Association that it be the mediator in the impasse between his office and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Last month, outgoing LATT president Sophia Chote, SC, wrote separately to DPP Roger Gaspard and Attorney General Reginald Armour seeking meetings with them in an attempt to resolve the ongoing issues within the DPP’s Office. Gaspard has already indicated his willingness to be part of those talks as well. Speaking to reporters on day two of the Caricom Regional Crime Symposium, Archie said he’s open to discussions but made it clear he isn’t at odds with the DPP’s Office. Asked if he was dismissing any notion of a war between his office and the DPP’s office, the CJ said, “I’m not at war with anybody. And I don’t think the DPP has ever said that he’s at war with me.” Read more here
POLITICS
As two-day crime talks end – Caricom declares war on guns
CARICOM has declared war on guns, starting with a decision to ban automatic rifles in the entire region. This was the final development of the two-day symposium on crime as a public health issue at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, which ended on Tuesday. “Caricom heads have agreed today to take a decision to ban the use and presence of assault weapons in the civilian population of our nations. "We are undertaking and all of these undertakings would have serious budgetary consequences to provide greater support for those who need it and to do fundamental restructuring of our education system,” the Prime Minister said. Read more here
Mottley: Fisheries officials to look into flying fish complaint
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley have agreed that fisheries officials from both countries will meet and analyse whether there has been overfishing of flying fish in Tobago waters. This was revealed by Prime Minister Mottley in an exclusive interview with Guardian Media yesterday as the Regional Symposium: Violence as a Public Health Issue - The Crime Challenge concluded at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain. “There have been no tensions whatsoever. I find it amazing. I believe that one person has spoken and we have noted the allegations of over-exploitation. The only way to resolve that is not by me speaking or Prime Minister Rowley speaking but our two fisheries divisions meeting and reviewing the facts, and that’s what’s going to happen,” she said. Read more here
BUSINESS
T&T private sector hopes for implementation of crime measures
The two-day Caricom symposium on crime as a public health issue came to an end yesterday and leaders of the local business community say they are hopeful the discussions will lead to the implementation of an action plan targeting all aspects of crime in the region. President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Charles Pashley told Express Business that with the upsurge in crime, a multi-faceted response is needed as it is evident that there are also socio-economic issues to be addressed. The implementation will be key he noted, and said the private sector and other civil society entities must make recommendations that are realistic and can have a significant impact on mitigating crime. Read more here
REGIONAL
Guyana to experience further boost in international partnerships
Over the next few months, President, Dr Irfaan Ali is scheduled to make a number of state visits and be involved in bilateral discussions with several countries including the UK, Brazil, The Dominican Republic, China, the US, and Cuba, as the government continues to enhance bilateral partnerships across the world. In his remarks at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, President Ali related that the government is working hard on the international front to solidify Guyana’s position as a global leader. “Our leadership and vision of this country is no longer confined to our borders, it is inspiring others. We are strategically positioning our country to benefit from faster technology, transforming the country through these partnerships. I am convinced we will live in a much different world by 2030 here in Guyana,” the President related. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine war: The Russian ships accused of North Sea sabotage
Russia has a programme to sabotage wind farms and communication cables in the North Sea, according to new allegations. The details come from a joint investigation by public broadcasters in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. It says Russia has a fleet of vessels disguised as fishing trawlers and research vessels in the North Sea. They carry underwater surveillance equipment and are mapping key sites for possible sabotage. The BBC understands that UK officials are aware of Russian vessels moving around UK waters as part of the programme. The first of a series of reports is due to be broadcast on Wednesday by DR in Denmark, NRK in Norway, SVT in Sweden and Yle in Finland. Read more here
19th April 2023