TTMA IN THE NEWS
Manufacturers Association worries about crime in special economic zones
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) has commended the Government for new legislation put in place to govern special economic zones (SEZ), but expressed concern that if the legislation is not enforced the zones could be a safe haven for criminal activity. “We are extremely pleased that the Government has included special clauses to ensure transparency and ultimately decrease the amount of illegal goods entering the country,” said TTMA president Tricia Coosal in a release Tuesday. “However, we are also mindful that enforcement of the law is not always carried through, and we want to ensure that persons are held accountable for their actions when they are in breach of the existing laws and regulations.” Read more here
TTMA concerned about enforcement of laws in Special Economic Zones
The T&T Manufacturers Association (TTMA) has commended the government for the new legislation governing Special Economic Zones. Last month, Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis announced that the Special Economic Zones will contain special clauses to ensure the highest levels of transparency and the minimisation of corruption. “Special Economic Zones are areas used by governments to diversify exports, generate foreign exchange, create jobs, plot new policies and approaches and allow more efficient government supervision of infrastructural development, environmental controls and labour standards,” according to the Special Economic Zones policy for T&T by the Trade Ministry. Read more here
NEWS
NUGFW leaders barred from attending WASA meeting
Senior members of the representing union for WASA daily-rated workers are accusing senior management of debarring them from a meeting with the organisation’s executive on Tuesday regarding issues raised by workers. The men are first vice president NUGFW national executive and president WASA Workers section, Andy Crichlow; secretary WASA Workers section Russell Mohammed, and WASA South general branch head Gregory Ash. Read more here
Keithisha’s family, friends hold vigil in her memory
On the eve of her funeral and during a candlelight vigil held in memory of her, Keithisha Cudjoe’s aunt, yesterday, questioned how someone could be so heartless to take the life of someone so kind. The vigil was held at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain from 6 pm to 8 pm with a handful of friends and family. Cudjoe’s family has been calling for justice since her death although some have said that they are doubtful they will get it. Read more here
POLITICS
Cox: 31 suspicious rental assistance applications sent to police
As part of efforts to clamp down on fraudsters trying to take advantage of income and rental support grants Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox says 31 suspicious rental applications were sent to the police for further enquiries. Responding to questions from Opposition Senator Damian Lyder during a Senate sitting on Tuesday, Cox said the introduction of different relief grants for people affected by the covid19 pandemic in 2020 gave rise to incidents where people have tried to defraud the government. Read more here
BUSINESS
Entrepreneurs graduate from Nedco Business Accelerator Programme
The National Entrepreneurship Development Company Ltd (NEDCO) has awarded completion certificates to the first cohort of graduates of its business accelerator programme. The 12-month programme was launched to help drive the growth of the local micro and small enterprise (MSE) sector by facilitating the successful start-up and commercialisation of MSEs. In a statement Nedco said the innovative and nurturing programme is the only local business accelerator that offers a comprehensive suite of business development services of small business financing, entrepreneurial training, coaching, mentorship, networking, product development, research analytics and prototyping services. Read more here
Faria planning to continue advocacy
Following his retirement as the chief executive officer of Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce last month, championing the causes of the voiceless within the business community is still at the forefront of Gabriel Faria’s thinking. That is why he has formed a group called Caribbean Advocacy, to help navigate some of the issues experienced by small and medium size enterprises, across the region. Faria’s last day as CEO of the T&T Chamber, where he spent more than five years, was January 31. He has since been replaced by Ian De Souza. Read more here
REGIONAL
800 small businesses to benefit from $300M in grants
In a bid to stimulate the growth of small businesses and budding entrepreneurs, the National Assembly has approved government’s proposed $300 million for the Small Business Bureau’s (SBB’s) Development Fund. Speaking on the floor of the Assembly’s Committee of Supply, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, assured the body that the budgetary allocation will be spent in a transparent and accountable manner. Minster Walrond said, “We have a very robust application process, as well as follow-up with the small business applicants, and when they are given their grants, we also continue to do training and developmental training.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Karnataka hijab row: Judge refers issue to larger bench
An Indian state has shut high schools and colleges for three days after a row over the hijab that has gained international attention after Nobel Prize-winner Malala Yousafzai weighed in. The government of Karnataka state in southern India took the decision after protests by students over Muslim women wearing headscarves in the classroom escalated into violence. On Wednesday, the state's high court, which was hearing two petitions filed on behalf of some of the Muslim women, requested the chief justice to set up a larger bench to deliberate the matter. Read more here
9th February 2022