NEWS
Ramps, Angostura awarded at Energy Conference
Ramps Logistics and Angostura were among those recognised at an award ceremony during the three-day Energy Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain on February 11. Ramps Logistics won the innovation in technology challenge for the development of Mawi, a generative AI solution for customs brokerage. Ramps was among five finalists which included Rum and Sargassum which used sargassum-based biofuel for sustainable low-carbon transportation in the Caribbean; Neptune Biosystems which looked at artificial hydroelectric power generation; TOSL Engineering which used low carbon cooling systems to promote energy efficiency; and 3BA Allmanda Enterprise which utilised a solar-thermal-powered dirt battery for power generation and storage. Read more here
Suspect arrested for abuse of Moruga boy
Police arrested a 43-year-old suspect hours after a video was posted on social media of a man beating and abusing a nine-year-old boy. The boy and his two younger brothers have been removed from their home in Moruga. Their mother was murdered in 2021. Neighbours expressed relief yesterday at the news that a suspect had been arrested. They claimed it was not the first time the children, who are ages nine, seven and five, had been abused. The incident occurred around 8.45 pm on Monday and was recorded on a resident’s phone. In the video, the man is seen on the road, cursing, shoving and hitting the child and threatening to stab him with a knife. The child is heard screaming and begging for mercy. Read more here
POLITICS
UNC nominees 'up to challenge' for PNM strongholds
Nominees being screened to represent the UNC in four PNM-held constituencies in the 2025 general election feel they are up to the challenge if selected. The UNC screened nominees for the Laventille East/Morvant, Laventille West, St Ann's East, Port of Spain North/St Ann's West and Port of Spain South constituencies on February 11. For the PNM, incumbents Stuart Young and Keith Scotland, SC, are set to contest Port of Spain North/St Ann's West and Port of Spain South respectively, while newcomer Kareem Marcelle will replace Fitzgerald Hinds as candidate in Laventille West, and Christian Birchwood will replace Adrian Leonce in Laventille East/Morvant. Read more here
Finance Minister says new salaries for State officials from this month
The Finance Minister has confirmed that the improved salaries for Parliamentarians and other public officials as recommended by the Salaries Review Commission (SRC) would come into force this month. Asked if the country has the money to pay the higher salaries and the backpay that would come with accepting the SRC recommendation, Imbert said, “Well I would think so.” The implementation of the new salaries was announced initially through a circular by the Comptroller of Accounts issued on January 24, 2025. When asked yesterday if he could confirm that they will receive their higher salaries in this month’s pay cycle, the Finance Minister yesterday said, “This is what I understand from the Comptroller of Accounts.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Experts: Energy industry can lead fight on climate change
To many the energy industry is the biggest villain in the ongoing climate crisis. But as representatives from global oil and gas companies came together at the TT Energy Conference 2025, at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, on February 10, the discussion centred around how the industry could aid climate action through decarbonisation. In 2022 the International Energy Agency reported over 36.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted by the energy industry alone. Decarbonisation would see a significant reduction in this number by replacing traditional methods of production with low-carbon alternatives. Read more here
US$12m operating profit for CAL
Caribbean Airlines has recorded an operating profit for 2024 of US$12.1 million, excluding debt service, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said yesterday. Speaking at the airline’s Welcome Home to Love and Loyalty celebration event at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain, he said: “In 2023, we witnessed a remarkable turnaround in the performance of Caribbean Airlines, moving from an operating loss of US$36.7 million in 2022 to an operating profit of US$24.7 million, excluding debt service. Read more here
REGIONAL
President Ali opens $94.7M Exceptional Learners Centre in Region Two
President Dr. Irfaan Ali officially opened the Exceptional Learners Centre, also known as the Special Education Needs (SEN) Unit, in Region Two on Wednesday. The centre, constructed at a cost of $94.7 million, is funded by the Government of Guyana through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and executed by local contractor Builder’s Engineering & Architectural Consultancy. The BNTF, a grant-funded programme by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), aims to reduce poverty by addressing inequitable access to quality education, particularly for children with special needs.
President Ali emphasised the government’s commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for learners with disabilities. He recognised the dedication of parents to their children’s education and assured them that their challenges have been heard. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Hamas says it will continue releasing Israeli hostages under Gaza deal
Hamas has said it is committed to implementing the Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel and will continue releasing hostages within the agreed time frame. Following talks in Cairo, the Palestinian armed group said Egyptian and Qatari mediators had confirmed they would "remove obstacles" to the deal. There was no immediate response from Israel. But Egyptian and Qatari reports said mediators had bridged the gaps between the two sides and both were committed to continue implementation. Read more here
13th February 2025