NEWS
12 new covid19 cases
The Ministry of Health’s 4pm update said there were 12 new covid19 cases on Tuesday. But the number of active cases is 254, the same as on Monday. Deaths also remain the same, at 134. The new cases reflect samples taken between January 31 and February 1. The update said none of the 12 new cases were repatriated nationals. Since last March TT has had a total of 7,578 cases. Read more here
$75,000 reward for info leading to Andrea’s freedom
Police have uncovered a potential clue in the kidnapping of 23-year-old Andrea Bharatt that may bring them closer to finding her while two organisations have offered cash incentives for information leading to the release of the Arima Magistrate’s Court clerk. Crime Stoppers has offered a $50,000 reward while Mode Alive’s Gary Aboud has pledged $25,000. Read more here
POLITICS
Khan: Natural gas key to clean fuel
Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Franklin Khan appealed to technocrats at Monday’s opening ceremony of the Energy Chamber’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Conference not to ignore the importance of natural gas as a clean and sustainable transition fuel, as the country moves toward re-balancing its energy mix. He said technocrats must not forget that Trinidad and Tobago is an oil-and-gas-based economy which heavily depends on hydrocarbons for major exports and foreign exchange. Read more here
Tracy: PNM will make no deal on presiding officer
The People’s National Movement (PNM) has said it will never vote for any presiding officer except one it nominates. The Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA) legislative arm continues in limbo because a presiding officer has not been selected. The 2017-2021 Executive Council, carded to vacate office after the elections, continues to govern the island as provided by the THA standing orders. Read more here
BUSINESS
Egg producers lobby for hold on feed price increase
Egg producers on Tuesday appealed to private feed importer, Mastermix, to suspend a price increase, saying they could not afford the additional cost. Mastermix general manager Hamant Mahabir has confirmed animal farmers, including the egg producers, will have pay the new price which came into effect on Monday. But, Association of TT Table Egg Producers vice president Dennis Ramsingh said the farmers were unable to meet the new cost. Read more here
Fisterra Energy to invest in NewGen’s hydrogen project
Fisterra Energy SLU has announced a partnership with Kenesjay Green Limited (KGL) to pursue a potential development of KGL’s first major hydrogen project, NewGen. The project is expected to produce carbon neutral and green hydrogen as feedstock for the Trinidad Nitrogen Company’s (Tringen) ammonia complex, which is co-owned by Yara Trinidad and is located at the Pt Lisas Industrial Estate in Trinidad. A statement from Fisterra Energy said plans are already underway for the NewGen project, which has the potential to be the first and largest standalone commercial hydrogen producing facility in the world. Read more here
REGIONAL
MACORP to construct US$25M mega complex at Covent Garden
One of Guyana’s leading suppliers of heavy-duty machinery and equipment, Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP), in positioning itself to service Guyana’s growing economy, will be constructing a US$25 million (approximately G$5.4 billion) mega complex at Covent Garden, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). During its almost 28 years of operation in Guyana, MACORP– the only authorised dealer of Caterpillar products in Guyana — has been very active in this country’s development, contributing directly to local advancement through technical support and the provision of equipment which is supplied to the most important productive sectors, namely mining, agriculture, construction, marine, forestry and electric power generation. Read more here
Hold off old - Elderly with frail health warned against taking vaccine
An international health expert has cautioned Jamaica against vaccinating already frail senior citizens following Tuesday’s disclosure by Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton that front-line workers and the elderly will be among the first estimated. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Myanmar coup: Detained Aung San Suu Kyi faces charges
Police in Myanmar have filed several charges against the elected civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi following Monday's military coup. She has been remanded in custody until 15 February, police documents show. The charges include breaching import and export laws, and possession of unlawful communication devices. Her whereabouts are still unclear, but it has been reported that she is being held at her residence in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. Deposed President Win Myint has also been charged, the documents show - in his case with violating rules banning gatherings during the Covid pandemic. He has also been remanded in custody for two weeks. Read more here
Trump powers GOP schism over Greene and Cheney
The Republican civil war hits a critical moment on Wednesday over the fate of two prominent lawmakers who represent rival visions for a party torn by the toxic but still powerful influence of Donald Trump. Real-time reckonings for third-ranked GOP House leader Liz Cheney and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a freshman congresswoman who has espoused outlandish and dangerous conspiracy theories, will help establish the extent to which a loyalty oath to the ex-President remains the party's dominant principle. Read more here
3rd February 2021