NEWS
Amcham weighs in on Trump arrest: No one above the law
Head of the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) Nirad Tewarie says the organisation looks forward to the outcome of court proceedings against former US President Donald Trump. Trump was the United States' 45th President between 2015 and 2020. He surrendered to authorities at a Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday afternoon. He pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of felony counts falsifying business records related to his alleged role in "hush money" payments toward the end of his 2016 presidential campaign. Read more here
New programme prepares residents for life after children’s homes
On Page 120 of the Judith Jones 2021 report into abuse at children’s homes, there is a subheading that states: “There are inadequate transitioning plans in place.” That section goes on to say that oftentimes, on becoming 18 years of age, residents who by law must leave the homes become either homeless or get pregnant soon after. In one eye-opening case, it was found that in the now defunct Margaret Kistow Home, “multiple male residents resided at the personal residence of the Assistant Chief Executive Officer upon attaining the age of 18 while others were placed on the staff listing at the Home without any formal training or experience.” The Division of Gender and Child Affairs said it was very aware of those challenges and for that reason has launched a Transition Support Programme. Read more here
POLITICS
THA 'independents' meet to discuss new political party – Farley: I'm not forming any party in my name
THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine made it clear on Tuesday that he will not be registering a party or symbol in his name, as moves are continuing towards the establishment of a new political party. A Facebook post on March 27 said Augustine and members of his executive were to launch a new political party at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on Tuesday from 5 pm. However, Newsday was told that what in fact took place on Tuesday were a series of discussions on the issue of a new party. The executive resigned en masse from the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) on December 5, and declared themselves "independents" in the THA. This came after a public fallout between Augustine and PDP political leader Watson Duke last August. Read more here
Minister responds to allegations of misconduct at VMCOTT
Reports alleging misappropriation of public funds, improper procurement practices, and gross misconduct at the Vehicle Management Company of Trinidad and Tobago (VMCOTT) have been sent to Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. The reports outlining corrupt practices were sent by two managers at the company. Guardian Media obtained copies of three reports. The last letter raising concerns was sent to the prime minister on March 31 and some of the allegations in the report dated back to 2018. The letters were also sent to the Integrity Commission and are expected to be sent to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. Read more here
BUSINESS
GraceKennedy acquires Scotia Insurance in 5 countries, except Trinidad and Tobago
GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) has completed its acquisition of Scotia Insurance Caribbean Ltd's (SICL) operations in five Caribbean countries, excluding TT. Scotiabank and GKFG reached an agreement in August 2022 for a segment of the bank's insurance portfolio to be purchased by the Jamaica-based conglomerate. In a statement, the bank announced the deal "has closed." Read more here
How Govt slow action could cost taxpayers almost $1 billion
Government’s delay of more than three years will lead to taxpayers forking out hundreds of millions of dollars in higher electricity rates from the BP/Shell solar power project, according to multiple sources familiar with the issue. The Express Business has been able to confirm that when the consortium of bpTT and Shell approached the Government with the renewable energy project, the cost to the administration would have been 4.02 US cents per kilowatt hour. However, by the time the deal was eventually inked late last year it had skyrocketed to 6.745 US cents per kilowatt hour. That is a massive 61 per cent increase in the price. Read more here
REGIONAL
More in store for Guyanese
Conversations on local content success stories by local businesses, and how local content has managed to foster economic growth during the inaugural Local Content Summit at the Pegasus Suites on Tuesday made for a vibrant start to discussions on the reform of Guyana’s Local Content Legislation. Held under the theme, “Sustaining Supplier Development through Local Content Partnership”, the summit was designed to facilitate knowledge exchange for Guyanese small enterprises interested in working in the energy sector. The summit was hosted by MBW Energy Support Services Inc., headed by Chief Executive Officer Abbigale Loncke-Watson. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Trump charged: One thing his day in court tells us
Donald Trump's day in court was dramatic and historic - but what we learned about the criminal charges he faces seems unlikely to change minds. Just over two weeks ago, the former US president predicted he was soon to be charged by prosecutors in New York City. Speculation abounded, as everyone, including Mr Trump, waited to find out what was in the indictment. It turned out, however, that the outlines of the case against him had already been widely discussed. The 34-count indictment targeted the hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. There were no charges of criminal conspiracy. There were no new crimes unearthed by the grand jury that remained hidden until the indictment was concealed. There was no expansive case. Read more here
5th April 2023