TTMA IN THE NEWS
Vaccinations increase but hesitancy worries private sector
While corporate Trinidad and Tobago is making strides in vaccinating tens of thousands of people against COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy continues to be a worry. Over the past week, thousands of people got vaccinated at the Manufacturers Association (TTMA), Supermarket Association (SATT), American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM T&T), Proman and the Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce (CPLCC) sites up to Sunday. Read more here
NEWS
Food sales up a little in Port of Spain
Food outlets in Port of Spain reported a slight increase in customers on Monday compared to the previous week, when restaurants reopened after the lifting of some covid19 restrictions. The owner of Susa's Kitchen on Duke Street, Angela Nancoo, said this Monday she cooked a little more than last week. She said: "Today there have been a little more clients, I think 10 to 15 percent more than last Monday, that's good." Read more here
POLITICS
Moonilal: Diplomatic intervention needed for Trinis affected by vaccine bans
Opposition Oropouche East Member of Parliament Dr Roodal Moonilal is calling on the government to help T&T travellers who can’t visit certain countries due to COVID bans and due to their vaccination. He said Bangladesh has banned T&T travellers and other countries aren’t accepting certain vaccines which T&T nationals have received and is calling for regional and international diplomacy to ensure nationals can visit such countries without problems. He was speaking at last night’s UNC Forum. Read more here
BUSINESS
Most Tobago hotels to remain closed in August
Close to 75 per cent of the hotels, guest houses and villas in Tobago are expected to remain closed for the usually bumper August vacation. Tourism interests on the island say the the closure of most of the accommodations in Tobago is due to the existing state of emergency and curfew restrictions, which are still in force to slow down the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus. Restrictions on the country’s domestic air and sea bridge also continue. Read more here
REGIONAL
$173.7M inappropriately spent by Education Ministry under Coalition Gov’t
The Auditor-General’s Report for 2016 has shown that the Ministry of Education inappropriately spent $173.7M from its special-projects bank account. According to the report, the monies were garnered from various sources, such as the Guyana Lotteries Commission, Digicel, and refunds from the permanent secretary. According to the report, $54.2 million was spent on equipment and furniture; $48 million on anniversary celebrations; $13.2 million on salaries and overtime; $12 million on vehicle parts; $9.5 million on construction and rehabilitation; $9.3 million on sports gear; $77.4 million on stationery; $5.1 million for rental; $4.3 million on advertisement; $4.1 million on staff welfare; $2.5 million on airfare; and $3.4 million on other things. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Mapping the advance of the Taliban in Afghanistan
The resurgent Taliban have taken more territory in Afghanistan in the last two months than at any time since they were ousted from power in 2001. Over the last 20 years, the control map of Afghanistan has been an ever-changing canvas. Here, we look at the fluctuating picture of who controls which areas. It appears the Taliban have been emboldened in recent weeks by the withdrawal of US troops - retaking many districts from government forces. Read more here
27th July 2021