NEWS
PM: We will overcome the violent few
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley last night called on the nation to “spare a thought or prayer for individuals and families who have become victims of crime,” stating that the criminals elements having been making T&T into a living hell, as the country faces record killings. Read more here
Singh: It’s no publicity stunt
Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) promoter George Singh yesterday denied that the cancellation and then abrupt about turn regarding staging the competition this year, was no publicity stunt. Responding to claims by Chutney singer Nermal “Massive” Gosein that this was all a public relations stunt, Singh told Newsday, “It was the most difficult decision I had to make in my life, but I could not go forward with little or no sponsorship since government had moved to stop NLCB from supporting the CSM.” Read more here
PM: Relief for seabridge woes*
Government is in the process of purchasing a new passenger ferry, which should arrive here from a port in Asia within weeks, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has announced. Read more here
POLITICS
Demming hails Weekes’ nomination
Senior dpublic relations expert Dennise Demming yesterday hailed the proposed nomination of retired Appeal Court judge Paula Mae Weekes, including the fact of her being a woman. Demming said, “She represents the spirit of a Trinidadian. She is honest and full of integrity. I pray with this appointment she will continue to be. Her history speaks well of her. She’s just a fantastic Trinidadian. Read more here.
Ameen: People afraid to serve
Manya people whom the Opposition had in mind to propose as their candidate to be next President, are afraid to consent to nomination because of potential personal attacks, United National Congress (UNC) deputy political leader Khadijah Ameen told Newsday yesterday.“Unless the Government agrees, then any person who the UNC nominates will not win, so the potential candidate is fearful of ‘putting themselves out there unnecessarily’,” Ameen said, adding that the UNC has several worthy people in mind, but when approached, all of them thought it would be in vain and simply not worth the trouble. Read more here
BUSINESS
ANSA McAL: Berger acquisition will benefit customers
The ANSA McAL Group of Companies (ANSA McAL) says the take-over of Berger Paints Trinidad Limited (Berger) by ANSA Coatings International Limited (ACIL) will mean “added value” for customers.“ACIL has long recognised the Berger brand as a world class brand and looks forward to its continued growth.Our highly complementary business models will create the impetus for all involved and will offer compelling benefits to Berger customers and employees. Customers will see added value along our chain of distributors and marketing partners,” ANSA McAL told Newsday. Read more here
Business leaders applaud Weekes as President
President of the Point Lisas Business Chamber Ramchand Rajbal Maraj is confident that if Justice Paula-Mae Weekes assumes the position at the next Head of State, she will make an effective President. On Friday, the Government announced that Weekes is their official nominee for position of Head of State. Read more here.
REGIONAL
USVI governor extends state of emergency until February 2, 2018
In order to continue protecting the lives and property of residents of the US Virgin Islands, Governor Kenneth Mapp has extended the state of emergency until next month. The state of emergency, declared effective on September 5, 2017 at 12:01 am, due to the projected path of Hurricane Irma, has been renewed. Read more here
Honduras president promotes economic benefits of new cross-country “Dry Canal”
Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández has applauded the progress of a new 396-kilometer national highway, known as the “Dry Canal,” connecting the Atlantic port of Puerto Cortés with the Pacific ports of Amapala and Henecán on the Gulf of Fonseca. “International trade is vital to growing Honduras’s economy,” Hernández said. “This new highway is expanding opportunities for Honduran businesses and creating jobs for our citizens.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Senior BBC editor steps down to protest 'illegal' unequal pay
One of the BBC's most senior international journalists has resigned her post, slamming the news organization's "secretive and illegal pay structure."The BBC "is breaking equality law and resisting pressure for a fair and transparent pay structure," Carrie Gracie, who quit as the news organization's China editor last week, wrote in an open letter addressed to BBC viewers on Sunday. Read more here
Tens of thousands flee as Syrian regime makes Idlib push
The number of civilians fleeing their makeshift homes in northern Syria is likely to be in the tens of thousands, UN officials have told CNN, as the Syrian government steps up its offensive on key rebel-held areas.The Syrian regime, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has resumed airstrikes on rebel-held areas, such as Idlib province, where medical organizations say several hospitals and medical facilities have been hit over the past two weeks. Read more here
8th January 2018