NEWS
PM: Emancipation is a long process
True emancipation is an ongoing process, says Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. “Emancipation is a long process. We must take note of the fact that this process of emancipation is one that will have to continue on a daily basis,” Rowley said yesterday during his address at the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) Kambule observance, which preceded the Emancipation Day walk, in front of the Treasury Building, on Independence Square, Port of Spain. Read more here…
485 murders recorded under Gary’s watch
Under Gary Griffith’s tenure as Police Commissioner so far, an estimated 485 people have been murdered. In this country’s history, the murder toll in a calendar year has only ever crossed the 475 mark on four occasions.
And there are still more than two weeks left until Griffith celebrates his first anniversary as Police Commissioner. With the current rate of bloodletting taking place in the country, it is not improbable that 500 murders can be recorded under Griffith’s first year in office. Read more here…
POLITICAL
Back it up with quick justice
The Bail (Amendment) Bill is a step in the right direction but legislation is not the only remedy in the fight against crime, says political analyst Derek Ramsamooj. The Bill was passed in the House of Representatives in Port of Spain on Wednesday night with a total of 32 votes inclusive of that of the Opposition United National Congress (UNC). Read more here…
Tobago PNM looks to 'close ranks'
NOT for the first time, the PNM Tobago Council has stressed the need for the party to be unified. The theme has been a recurring one recently as there have been rumors of dissatisfaction among the ranks. With general elections due next year and THA elections in 2021, there seems to be a concerted effort to smooth the cracks in time for battle. Read more here….
BUSINESS
T&T returns to positive growth
THE Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said economic growth across the Caribbean region is expected to increase slightly to 2.1 per cent this year. ECLAC launched its “Economic Survey of the Caribbean 2019” on Wednesday and according to Trinidad-based ECLAC deputy director Dillon Alleyne, economic growth strengthened across the Latin America and Caribbean region in 2018. Read more here…
$31m Scarborough market remodelling project near completion
Vendors at the Orange Hill, Shaw Park temporary market can move into the remodelled $31 million Scarborough market in just over one month.
The remodelled facility is 95 per cent complete, on time and within budget.
So says secretary of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries Hayden Spencer at this week’s post-Executive Council media briefing held at the Tourism Division’s Scarborough headquarters on Wednesday. Read more here…
Hello Africa
SPACE may be the final frontier. But for TT, Africa is "the new frontier," as this country seeks to diversify its economy and find new trade opportunities. Public Utilities Minister Robert Le Hunte, should know, since before his appointment two years ago to the government, he was local financial giant Republic Financial Holdings Ltd’s man on the ground in Ghana for several years. Read more here…
REGIONAL
Oil $$ to ensure free education
PRESIDENT David Granger has underscored that education is an integral component of emancipation and independence, while pointing out that greater access must continue to be facilitated as it is a key component of national development. Read more here…
FTC Launches Fair Competition Probe Of Post To Post Deal
The Fair Trading Commission, FTC, has initiated an investigation into whether the acquisition of Post to Post Betting Limited by Supreme Ventures Limited, SVL, is likely to adversely affect competition in the bookmaking market. Read more here…\
INTERNATIONAL
INF nuclear treaty: Nato 'to avoid arms race' after US-Russia pact ends
Both Jens Stoltenberg and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have blamed Russia for the Cold War treaty's collapse.
Nato and the US accuse Russia of violating the pact by deploying a new type of missile, which Russia denies. Read more here…
Japan to strike South Korea off trusted export list as rift deepens
The decision to strike South Korea off its so-called "white list" puts fresh trading restrictions on the country.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday condemned Tokyo's "selfish" act and threatened possible retaliation. Read more here…
2nd August 2019