NEWS
Augustine: Let's work out the airbridge arithmetic
THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has called for discussions with Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to "work out the arithmetic" as he described the domestic airbridge as an essential service. One week ago, CAL in a media release said its operations between the two islands over the years have been characterised by heavy and consistent losses, amounting to millions of dollars. In a statement on Monday, retired director general of Civil Aviation Ramesh Lutchmedial agreed that the airline continues to lose millions of dollars on the airbridge. Lutchmedial called for a new model of flight operations, claiming each flight between Trinidad and Tobago loses at least $40,800, even if it is filled. Read more here
Cricketer left paralysed after accident seeks help
In the face of an insurmountable challenge, Rickson Pancham has maintained that his mindset will help him achieve the impossible. After an accident left him paralysed, he’s been to the brink and back. Speaking to Guardian Media at his Balmain, Couva home yesterday, Pancham explained the horrific accident that changed his life forever. He said, “I just went with some friends to buy food, I didn’t know it would have been the last time I would have walked again. Coming back home after we bought food, the car run off the road and ended up turning over on me. I was pinned and unconscious.” Read more here
POLITICS
Chief Secretary: $25k for THA budget editing 'normal'
THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has confirmed the payment of $25,000 to political commentator Dr Winford James for editing the fiscal 2022/2023 THA budget statement. On Tuesday, the invoice began circulating on social media, with many questioning whether the editing of the annual statement is a normal practice, along with the attached fee. Speaking on Tobago Channel Five’s Rise and Shine programme on Wednesday, Augustine confirmed the invoice in circulation. Read more here
Deyalsingh defends process used to order monkeypox vaccines
Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh is defending the ministry’s strategy for acquiring monkeypox vaccines, after opposition MP Dr Rishad Seecharan said other non-World Health Organisation (WHO) avenues should be explored. Speaking at the ministry’s COVID-19 virtual press conference yesterday, Deyalsingh said such a move is not possible. “There is one manufacturer in the world (of monkeypox vaccines) called Bavarian Nordic. PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation) has been appointed, these are my words, the agent for the PAHO region and PAHO, by resolution, has indicated that they will be dealing with this lone manufacturer,” he said. Read more here
BUSINESS
Cascade entrepreneur grows Crisp organic herbs with hydroponics
The Young Sing family is known for the mass manufacturing of fixtures for every room of people's homes and have been in that business since 1973. Christian Young Sing – the grandson of Patrick Young Sing, owner and founder of Beta Homes and Patrick Young Sing and Co Ltd – has taken another route. He has college diplomas in fisheries and aquaculture as well as business management completed at the Vancouver Island University, British Columbia and Conestoga College, Ontario, Canada, respectively. Read more here
GML records revenues for quarter ending June at $24.5M
Guardian Media has recorded revenues for the quarter ending June 30, 2022 at $24.5 million, an increase of $3.1 million or 14.5 per cent over the corresponding period in 2021. A loss before taxation of $4.3million was incurred versus a loss before tax of $2.8 million in the prior year. Chairman Peter Clarke in his statement said, “This quarter’s financial performance was negatively impacted by the winding up of a key agency partner as well as non-recurrent operating costs. Management remains focused on driving efficiencies and the continuous reduction of controllable expenses.” He said as the nation’s leading media group, GML, has strategically invested in providing the market with the world’s largest media property, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Read more here
REGIONAL
British Airways coming in 2023; tickets already on sale
The official flag carrier of the United Kingdom, British Airways, will commence scheduled flights to Guyana in the first quarter of 2023. It is expected that the world-renowned airline’s operations will commence by March 27, 2023, plying the Guyana route twice weekly while making stops in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) sister country, St. Lucia. A 777 200ER aircraft with the capacity for 332 passengers will be used for those flights. This was announced, on Wednesday, by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, during a media conference held at his ministry’s Wight’s Lane, Kingston, Georgetown office. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Alleged fourth 'IS Beatle' charged with terrorism offences
A man who was alleged to be a member of an IS terror cell nicknamed the Beatles has been remanded in custody. Aine Davis, 38, who denied being part of the cell, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London on Thursday. He is charged with offences including possession of a firearm for a purpose connected with terrorism and two charges relating to funding terrorism. He was arrested at Luton Airport, Bedfordshire, after being deported to England by Turkey on Wednesday. Read more here
11th August 2022