NEWS
Shoppers buying mainly household items in Port of Spain
Charlotte Street in Port of Spain remained busy with people bustling about on December 22, as they came out to buy market goods, check for gifts and other necessities. One woman from a clothing store said sales were slow as most people were shopping for market goods. A market vendor said business had been slow that day but she hoped it would pick up over the next few days, and she was going with the flow. A woman, Miriam, said she came to finish her grocery shopping. Read more here
Worker missing after oil rig collapses in Gulf of Paria
An offshore worker who fell into the sea after a drilling rig in the East Soldado Field partially collapsed remained missing up to last evening. As the hours passed during the search for him yesterday, relatives of 47-year-old Pete Phillip prayed for a Christmas miracle. Phillip was among a crew aboard Rig 110 when it partially collapsed. Another worker was injured. In a statement yesterday, Well Services Limited, which operates the rig, stated that the incident occurred at approximately 3.09 am but gave no details about what happened. The report stated that an incident occurred aboard Well Services Rig 110 in the Heritage Offshore East Field. Seventy-five personnel were onboard the rig engaged in drilling activities at the time, it said. Read more here
POLITICS
Internal quarrel over Prakash’s return to COP helm
The outgoing leader and executive of the Congress of the People (COP) are now at odds with each other on the issue of whether Prakash Ramadhar has legitimately been appointed as the party’s interim leader. Last Thursday, COP interim chairman Lonsdale Williams announced that Ramadhar, its former head, had been returned to the helm. Ramadhar was said to have replaced Kirt Sinnette, who stepped down after initially naming Ramadhar a deputy leader before making him new interim leader. The COP also announced it was part of the Progressive Alliance (PA), which includes Gary Griffith’s National Transformation Alliance (NTA) and Timothy Hamel-Smith’s HOPE. Read more here
BUSINESS
Angostura ships $1 million in product to China
ANGOSTURA LTD has re-entered the Chinese market with a $1 million shipment to the country under a distribution agreement with Caribbean Commercial Management (Hangzhou) Company Ltd, a subsidiary of First Caribbean Marketing Company Ltd. (FCMC), signed in July 2024. In a release, the Trade and Industry Ministry said Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon marked the event on December 20 by placing the seal on the container, which held approximately $1 million worth of Angostura orange bitters, aromatic bitters and various Angostura premium rums. The statement said the shipment adds to a total of $3 million in Angostura goods which have entered the Chinese market under the agreement thus far. Read more here
Republic Bank training its staff for success
It has been a largely successful year for the Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL). In November, the bank announced it had recorded $2 billion in profits for its financial year ended September 30, 2024. Also, in November at the 3rd Annual Human Resource Legacy Awards, the group, after being nominated by a third party, won the Lisa James Award for Learning and Development. RFHL was also nominated for the Coreen Jones Award for Best Place to Work at the ceremony. According to RFHL vice president Karen Yip Chuck, the awards endorse the company’s desire to look inward as it has introduced programmes to enrich human development as part of the group’s strategic plan spanning 2023 to 2028.
“The most far-reaching was the Outward Mindset Leadership Programme that we implemented for our leadership,” said Yip Chuck, in an interview with the Sunday Business Guardian at Republic Bank’s Park Street office. She explained that staff were placed in a two-day, full-time programme followed by a six-month immersion, which was geared towards shifting focus. The programme was facilitated by the Arbinger Institute. Read more here
REGIONAL
My greatest aspiration is for a united and prosperous Guyana
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali signalling that his aspiration is for a united and prosperous Guyana, has noted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and reducing division in Guyana. The Head of State made these remarks during the most recent airing of “In the Seat”, where he indicated that Guyanese are seeing for themselves the tremendous growth and opportunities that abound and are reaping the benefits. Going back, President Ali said that when one looks at some of the communities across the country where historically there would be resistance for PPP/C leaders or a PPP government, this has been completely wiped out. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Guatemala police clash with Jewish sect over 160 at-risk children
Authorities in Guatemala have resisted efforts by members of a Jewish sect to recapture 160 children rescued from its premises. The children were taken into care on Friday when police raided a farm used by the Lev Tahor movement, which is under investigation in several countries for serious sexual offences. Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez said they were allegedly being abused by a member of the sect. But on Sunday, sect members broke into a care centre where they were being held in an attempt to get them back, leading to scuffles with police. Read more here
23rd December 2024