TTMA IN THE NEWS
TTMA, THA heads hold virtual meeting
President of the TT Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Tricia Coosal had a virtual meeting last week with Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Farley Augustine to discuss strengthening ties between the two organisations. Atthe TTMA’s 2019 Annual Meeting held in April 2020, the association changed its by-laws to reserve by default, one vacancy on the Board of Directors for a member residing in Tobago. This change serves to allow for more inclusion of the business community of Tobago in the affairs of the association. It was at this Annual Meeting that Coosal was re-elected as president of the TTMA. Read more here
TTMA talks to THA about alternative sources of flour
The manufacture of alternatives to wheat flour, such as cassava, was among discussions held with the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and Tobago House of Assembly (THA). A statement from the TTMA said president Tricia Coosal recently held discussions with the THA’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine to strengthen ties between the two organisations. Coosal said these talks signalled the TTMA’s commitment to promoting manufacturing. “Particularly interesting is, inter alia, the manufacturing of alternative sources of flour such as cassava flour in Tobago as people seek healthy alternatives to wheat flour,” she explained. Read more here
NEWS
Jacob to attorney: Police always preserve evidence
Acting Police Commissioner Mc Donald Jacob on Monday said the police would do its job and preserve all evidence gathered in the triple police-involved killing on July 2. Responding to Newsday, Jacob answered questions about a letter sent to him by an attorney representing one of the three people who survived the police shooting. “I indicated the letter is for us to preserve the evidence. We are about the rule of law and it is normal procedure to preserve for the court and in some instances there are matters that will have civil litigation so, therefore, there is always a need for us to retain all evidential materials.” Read more here
Weather Forecast – Tuesday 12 July 2022
Today will see Partly cloudy, hazy and breezy conditions with a few light to moderate showers. There is a low (30%) chance of a heavy shower/thunderstorm in a few areas. Expect a hazy night with a light breeze. There is a high concentration of Saharan Dust present. People sensitive to this change in air quality should take the necessary precautions. Read more here
POLITICS
Venue set for Friday's no-confidence motion against AG
The Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain has been selected as the venue for lawyers to debate a motion of no confidence against Attorney General Reginald Armour, SC, on July 15. Armour is expected to attend the meeting which will be held both physically and virtually. The meet is expected to begin at 2 pm. A notice to members last Friday said the meeting will address the matters set out in the requisition of 40 attorneys who called on the council to convene a special general meeting to debate the no-confidence motion over his role in the ongoing United States civil asset recovery case related to fraud allegations in the construction of the Piarco International Airport. Read more here
UNC urges citizens to riot with fingers in next election
“Riot” with your finger when elections are called and vote out the People’s National Movement, say United National Congress senators and MPs. They indicated this at Monday night’s UNC Forum, which was not attended by leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Party officials said she had another engagement. Senator Damien Lyder called on the Local Government “Wacker man” Minister to give the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation funds to fix issues, including flooding. He said people were fearing for their lives under the PNM and T&T was reaching 600 murders. Read more here
BUSINESS
Young urges increased energy production to benefit from high prices
Energy Minister Stuart Young has called on companies to move quickly to grow production saying for this country to benefit from improved energy prices, oil and gas output need to increase. Speaking yesterday at a conference held by the Geological Society of T&T (GSTT), Young argued the best chance for immediate growth in oil production resides with state-owned Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd, the country’s largest oil producer and the largest holder of onshore acreage. The Energy Minister said the company has exploration and production rights onshore, primarily located in the Southern Basin, and in its offshore acreage in the West Coast Marine Area. Read more here
Onshore bid round launched
The Ministry of Energy’s 2022 onshore and nearshore competitive bid round was launched yesterday at the seventh Geological Conference of the Geological Society of T&T, which is ongoing at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Port of Spain. Up for bid are 11 blocks, located in the central range, the southern basin and the southern range. In a presentation at the conference, senior geologist at the Ministry of Energy, Kimberlee London, said one of the main features of the bid round is that a State-owned enterprise shall be given a participating interest in each block awarded and a carried interest for certain works, payment and obligations. Read more here
REGIONAL
President tells Toshaos Council: ‘Your rights must and will always be respected by this government
President, Dr Irfaan Ali insisted that Guyana’s indigenous population will always “have equity in the country.” He emphasised that his government will always listen to their needs and ensure that they are supported as they develop their communities and transform their lives. The President declared this on Monday as he delivered remarks during the opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Council conference (NTC) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine to consider legalising same-sex marriage amid war
A petition in Ukraine calling for same-sex marriage to be legalised has gained enough signatures for the president to consider the proposal. The petition has more than 27,900 signatures, meaning President Volodymyr Zelensky now has 10 days to respond. Homosexuality is not illegal in Ukraine, but same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are not recognised. This has caused particular problems for LGBT people signing up for the military following Russia's invasion. For example, under Ukrainian law if someone in a same-sex relationship dies, their partner cannot collect their body or bury them. Read more here
12th July 2022