NEWS
Private sector, labour develop workplace GBV policy
The creation of a regional joint policy by the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) and the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) to address gender-based violence (GBV) in the workplace is just the beginning. Implementation will require the changing of deeply ingrained cultural values across the Caribbean. Organisation presidents Wayne Chen and Andre Lewis, respectively, made similar statements at the virtual signing of the policy, facilitated by the Cipriani College of Labour & Co-Operative Studies. The positions are an expansion of the UNFPA’s Spotlight Initiative, where Caribbean employers and labour unions will collaborate to address gender-based violence at the workplace level. Read more here
Major Rivers Near Threshold Levels, Localized Flood Alert Issued For Trinidad
Trinidad has been placed under a Localised Flood Alert (Yellow Level) by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service from 8:00 PM Thursday through 8:00 PM Friday. According to the Met Office, high rainfall accumulations over the last two days have led to smaller watercourses becoming overwhelmed, while major rivers, like the Caroni River, are near threshold levels. “With extended periods of rainfall forecasted for tonight and tomorrow and 60% chance of heavy showers and/or thunderstorms expected, localized ponding can occur and flooding in some areas due to filled drains and smaller water courses.” Read more here
POLITICS
OWTU seeks settlement for Yara workers' wage talks
Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) president general Ancel Roget said the union believes now is the time for Yara Trinidad Ltd to reach an agreement with the union on outstanding wage negotiations with its workers. He said this before delivering a letter to the company 's management at Yara's offices in Point Lisas on Thursday. Read more here
Minister Browne meets with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires
Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Amery Browne met with Mr. Shante Moore, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. this morning at the Ministry’s headquarters. According to a press release from the Ministry, among the matters discussed during the meeting were the 21st July release of the United States Department of State 2022 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report and the ongoing negotiations toward the renewal of a long-standing bilateral security agreement between this country and the United States of America. Read more here
BUSINESS
Angostura reports $67.6 million profit
Rum and bitters manufacturer, Angostura Holdings Ltd, yesterday declared an after-tax profit of $67.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, a 21.7 per cent improvement over the $55.56 million the company earned in the same period in 2021. For the period January 1 to June 30, 2022, the company recorded revenue of $459.99 million, which was 24.2 per cent more than the $370.35 million for the same period in 2021. Read more here
REGIONAL
US$11B needed in 10 years for CARICOM renewable energy
It is no secret that Guyana and the Caribbean have vast potential for renewable energy development. With that in mind, there has been significant progress, locally and regionally, towards transforming the solar-energy capacity, and promoting sustainable energy access, energy security and effective energy management. This has happened despite the challenges of affordability, lack of technological infrastructure and framework viability to facilitate large-scale projects. During the 4th regional committee meeting of the Latin America and Caribbean arm of the International Solar Alliance at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on Thursday, President, Dr Irfaan Ali underscored the value of discussions on renewable energy to answer critical questions relating to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s transition to cleaner energy. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine war: Russia undermining safety of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant – UK
Russian forces at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant have likely undermined the security and safety of the plant's operations, the UK's defence ministry says. Europe's largest nuclear plant has been under Russian control since March but is still operational. The UK defence ministry says Russian troops are probably using the plant as a shield to deter Ukrainian attacks. The UN nuclear watchdog has warned the plant is "completely out of control". The nuclear plant lies in the south-east of Ukraine along the eastern bank of the Dnipro river. It is currently still being operated by Ukrainian employees, though Russia is occupying the plant and the region around it. Read more here
5th August 2022