NEWS
Police: Carnival was generally safe
Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Junior Benjamin said despite the two homicides on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, the Carnival period was generally safe. He said the police continued to work on making the safety and security of citizens its highest priority. Benjamin was speaking at a media conference at the Police Administration Building, Edward and Sackville Streets on March 5. “We had at least two homicides during the Carnival period. Because of the deployment of our officers and the fact they were at almost every corner, the suspects in both homicides were apprehended. The weapons they used were also seized. We are investigating these situations and will bring these people before a court of competent jurisdiction to answer the necessary charges.” Read more here
Flow enters home security market
As the T&T Police Service tries to grapple with crime and robberies, communications provider Flow has partnered with Allpro Security to provide residential security to its customers. In an exclusive interview with the Business Guardian, Roberta Norman-Reverand, director of technical operations at Flow Trinidad explained that two years ago after listening to the customers’ complaints and woes, the company launched a campaign called ‘Inspired by You’ to deal with the upgrading of the network and improved customer care. Norman-Reverand said under the umbrella of ‘Inspired by You’ the security aspect is just another addition to the campaign offering secure home security for its customers and their families. Read more here
POLITICS
Imbert reiterates: No missing money in Auditor General impasse
There is no missing money! This was pointed out yesterday by Finance Minister Colm Imbert, who accused Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar of making up stories in the impasse between Finance Ministry officials and the Auditor General in the 2023 public accounts matter. He did so in a statement responding to Persad-Bissessar’s recent call for Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to launch an immediate independent investigation into Imbert’s conduct regarding “missing billions of taxpayers’ dollars.” Persad-Bissessar’s call followed a Privy Council judgment in the Auditor General’s favour. The Government subsequently dropped its probe into the Auditor General’s conduct. Read more here
BUSINESS
Ecobatt: Reinventing the thermal battery
In a world where the shift to sustainable energy is becoming increasingly crucial, 3BA Allamanda Enterprise Ltd (3BALE) is presenting an innovative option with its sand-powered solar energy battery, the Ecobatt. Conceptualised by 3BALE’s founder Mahaila Joseph in late 2023, the Ecobatt uses sand to store thermal energy. Joseph, who is a former accountant, fabricator and certified welder, developed the Ecobatt as a way of offsetting the cost of renewable energy for her agro-processing business. Read more here
Ciara embraces T&T’s rum, soca, Carnival
In addition to hitting the road for the first time at this year’s Carnival, American singer and songwriter Ciara Wilson is reflecting on how she expanded her portfolio in 2019 by becoming an investor, co-owner and director of Ten To One Rum in partnership with the brand’s founder, Marc Farrell. At a news conference yesterday at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) hotel in Port of Spain, Ciara shared what attracted her to the Caribbean-inspired rum, stating that she had always loved rum, especially after celebrating her 21st birthday with several parties. Read more here
REGIONAL
Committee formed to ensure swift return to classes for displaced students
A special committee to explore swift alternatives to engage learners who have been displaced following a fire at Mae’s school has been established. This was following a meeting on Wednesday with President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Education Minister Priya Manickchand with the parents, learners, and teachers who were affected. The Head of State, during the meeting, said despite the school being privately operated, the students are the nation’s children. Consequently, the government will support efforts to ensure their swift return to learning. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will also provide counselling services for the children, parents, and teachers affected. A special committee has been established, comprising teachers, parents, and owners, to develop a plan for moving forward. Read more here
INTERNTAIONAL
Trump issues 'last warning' to Hamas as US confirms direct hostage talks
US President Donald Trump has issued what he called a "last warning" to Hamas to release the hostages being held in Gaza. "I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say," Trump said in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform. Hamas accused the US president of encouraging Israel to break the ceasefire deal currently in effect between the two sides. Trump's statement came just hours after the White House confirmed it was holding direct talks with Hamas over the remaining hostages. Read more here
6th March 2025