TTMA IN THE NEWS
Gopee-Scoon leads trade mission to Dominica
Minister of Trade Paula Gopee-Scoon is leading Trinidad and Tobago’s trade mission to Dominica. The mission was scheduled to arrive yesterday and will be in Dominica until January 22. Organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and supported by the ministry, the trade mission aims to create business opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago exporters to conduct business with buyers from Dominica, the ministry said in a media release. Read more here
NEWS
GML’s Ryan Bachoo launches first novel
In his first book, which he dedicated to his parents, journalist Ryan Bachoo tells the poignant story of Tar, a teenager working in the cane fields alongside wise and influential Uncle Sundar as radio opens their ears to global events through the BBC World Service. As Uncle Sundar instils in Tar the determination to escape the grip of poverty and systemic racism, the novel takes readers on a powerful journey of hope, ambition, and identity, with Tar setting his sights on New York or London. Through Tar’s eyes, Bachoo masterfully confronts issues of racism, classism and societal divides, painting a vivid picture of life and struggles in 1970s Trinidad while exploring the universal themes of growth and self-discovery. Read more here
POLITICS
Another nominee in PNM race for Diego Martin West
The Diego Martin West candidacy is developing into a contest between media personality Han des Vignes and the constituency’s lady vice chairman Yokymma Bethelmy who has acted on several occasions as a temporary PNM senator. Another nominee, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne, dropped out last Friday. Bethelmy last Saturday received nominations from the Diego Martin West Women’s and Youth Leagues on Saturday and is among four in the race to be the PNM’s candidate after incumbent MP, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced his retirement on January 3. Read more here
BUSINESS
Remote work could reduce traffic, cut business costs
In 2020, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced that as part of the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, all non-essential workers would work from home for two weeks—from March 30 to April 15, 2020—transforming the work environment in Trinidad and Tobago. Read more here
REGIONAL
$104.6B for ‘agri’ sector to build confidence among farmers, stakeholders
The government has earmarked a record $104.6 billion for the agricultural sector in its latest national budget, with a clear focus on building confidence among farmers and industry stakeholders. Examining this massive allocation, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Sunday said the funding reflects a commitment to transforming the sector through innovative programmes, particularly aimed at engaging more youths and women. “We will continue to ensure that we use this sum effectively to enhance the lives of the fisher folks,[sic] the farmers, the stakeholders in the agriculture sector. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
'I want to fulfil my dead brother's dream' - rebuilding life in Gaza's ruins
Since the war started the job had become his life. Many of the people being bombed were his neighbours, people he'd grown up with. Hatem Al-Atar, 25, wasn't married. His bravery was not reckless, or born of ignorance. He knew he could die any second. "All days of war since 7 October until now were difficult. Every second in this war was hard. You could lose your life, of a beloved one any second," Hatem says. He is sitting in the civil defence office in Deir al-Balah with his comrades. They chat and check their phones. Each one is a survivor. Read more here
20th January 2025