NEWS
Caroni tour operators struggling to survive We need a change in hours
Almost nine months after rivers were reopened, allowing Kalpoo’s Ibis Tours to resume operations for a restricted period, co-owner Navin Kalpoo says early indicators have highlighted several challenges that could be detrimental to their business. During a telephone interview yesterday, Kalpoo said, “I had over 100 phone calls on Monday from persons who are excited but from the minute you tell them the change in hours, they are saying my kids are going to be in online classes or I am going to be at work.” Read more here
POLITICS
Senators argue against repeal of livestock board
Opposition and Independent Senators have agreed that the passage of The Livestock and Livestock Products Board (Repeal) Bill, 2021, would spell the death of the livestock industry in TT. The bill was piloted by Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries Minister Clarence Rambharat, who said the existing legislation creates the multi-sectoral board, gives it certain functions, and creates regulatory making functions. “No regulations have been created by this board in its 25 years in existence. The board does not create or administer policy, and does not issue permits or licences, unlike boards in larger countries after whom the legislation is modelled. Read more here
Abdulah not associated with Push Back ... but alarmed at police use of tear gas
Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) leader David Abdulah yesterday condemned the firing of tear gas on demonstrators during last Sunday’s Push Back march at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. He described the action as unnecessary and an abuse of power. Abdulah also expressed concern about statements made by senior officers of the T&T Police Service (TTPS), including Acting Commissioner McDonald Jacob, that the tear gas was used shortly after protesters started chanting “Rowley Must Go.” “Mr Jacob surmised that this chant could have been the precursor to some other kind of actions that were riotous. This assertion would be deemed totally absurd if it was made by a supporter of the ruling party, but coming from the hierarchy of the TTPS, it is downright dangerous!” Abdulah said. Read more here
BUSINESS
Republic Bank group announces executive changes
The managing director at Republic Bank Ltd will be identified as president and managing director, later this year, when the bank and its parent company – Republic Financial Holdings Ltd – implement title changes to their executive. The two companies issued a joint notice on Tuesday announcing changes pursuant to Section 64(1)(B) of the Securities Act, which will come into effect on November 15. Read more here
T&T Chuck E Cheese stands alone
It has been 480 days and counting that the Chuck E Cheese franchise in Trinidad has remained closed as children under 12 are still not allowed in safe zones. In October, the Government drafted a safe zone policy that does not allow children under 12 to enter restaurants and other places of leisure. But this decision did not sit well with various sectors in the country as they said it posed several challenges, especially for families with children who fall within the age bracket. Read more here
REGIONAL
Energy corridor, deep-water harbour talks to take centre stage
Come tomorrow, President Dr. Irfaan Ali is scheduled to make a working visit to Paramaribo, Suriname, to meet with Presidents Jair Bolsonaro of the Federative Republic Brazil, and Chandrikapersad Santokhi of the Republic of Suriname. A press statement from the Office of the President specified that the leaders will be discussing, among other things, the formation of an energy corridor, as well as mutual opportunities within the oil-and- gas sectors of all three countries. Guyana and Suriname have burgeoning petroleum sectors, while Brazil is one of the leading oil producers of the world. The energy corridor is expected to see the countries teaming up to share power, based on a collective understanding of their needs and ability to supply. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine: Blinken in Kyiv urges Russia to take peaceful path
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Russia to take a "diplomatic and peaceful path" as fears mount of a new invasion of Ukraine. An estimated 100,000 Russian troops have been deployed near Ukraine's borders and Mr Blinken, visiting Kyiv, said Russian plans were in plans to beef them up at short notice. Russia has repeatedly denied planning to invade neighbouring Ukraine. But senior US officials say Moscow could attack at "any point". Mr Blinken will meet his Russian counterpart in Geneva on Friday, after talks with European allies in Berlin. Read more here
19th January 2022