NEWS
Relatives: Suspect in boy's fiery death 'obsessed'
Police are still searching for a man they believe may have critical information about the death of three-year-old Jereem George. The child died in a fire at his home in Christian Extension, Windy Hill, Arouca ,on January 23. A man, whom Jereem's mother knew well, went to the house shortly before midnight and tried to force his way in. George’s mother Geeniel George tried to keep him out but he overpowered her and forced his way in. She ran next door to ask a male relative for help, but when she returned the house was on fire. Read more here
China Society praises Young’s ‘historic achievement’ as next PM
Energy Minister Stuart Young’s impending accession to the role of prime minister has been met with immense pride by members of the China Society. At this year’s annual Chinese Spring Festival Fair, the decision by the parliamentary caucus of the People’s National Movement to vote for Young to be prime minister, when Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley steps down, was described as a historic event. The decision was supported at the party’s general council meeting. Speaking at the two-day celebrations at the Anchorage in Chaguaramas, China Society president Charles Cheng praised Young’s anticipated appointment, wishing him the best in his future endeavours. “Allow me to take this opportunity to recognise the historic achievement of a member of our community with Chinese heritage. I refer to the Honourable Stuart Young SC, who will be our next Prime Minister,” Cheng said. Read more here
POLITICS
Constituents: La Brea doesn't know PNM candidate Mitchell
Some constituents said they are prepared to give Randall Mitchell an ear to hear his plans to improve the quality of life in La Brea if he is elected MP in this year's general election. This even though Mitchell, the Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister, may be regarded as an unknown quantity in this PNM stronghold constituency. These were the views expressed by some La Brea constituents on January 27, days after it was announced that Mitchell had been selected as the PNM's La Brea candidate. Read more here
Financial adviser gets nod to replace MP Lisa
Financial adviser Dominic Romain has been chosen as the new People’s National Movement (PNM) candidate to represent the Malabar/Mausica (formerly D’Abadie/O’Meara) constituency, a position that became vacant following the tragic death of former MP Lisa Morris-Julian last month. Morris-Julian died along with two of her children in a tragic house fire on December 16. Romain was chosen over six other nominees, including Morris-Julian’s mentee Calvary councillor Jeniece Scott, alderman Derek King, Arima Northeast councillor Kim Garcia-John, attorney Sanjiv Boodhu, Brittany Pierre and Luanne Pamphille, following a screening process at the party’s Balisier House headquarters in Port-of-Spain last night. Read more here
BUSINESS
Centre of Excellence celebrates 25-year milestone
The Centre of Excellence is set to commemorate 25 years as a premier multi-purpose facility and a landmark of Macoya. The milestone anniversary will be marked on March 25, celebrating its legacy as Trinidad and Tobago’s largest indoor and outdoor venue, catering to many activities, from international trade shows to wedding ceremonies. Over the past quarter-century, the centre has evolved and adapted to meet a growing demand for versatile event spaces, transforming from a regional sports training base to a hub for social and commercial events. Read more here
Ministry: VAT bond applications now open
Value Added Tax (VAT) registrants owed more than $250,000 can now apply for the payment of outstanding VAT refunds through VAT bonds, the Ministry of Finance announced. “The BIR further advises that the VAT bonds would be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis with an effective date of January 31, 2025 and a tenor of three years,” it stated. “Interest would accrue from the effective date at a fixed rate of 4.01% per annum. A six month moratorium, commencing from the date of issue, will be imposed on the encashment/transferability of the bonds for companies operating within the energy sector that are zero-rated,” the release stated. Read more here
REGIONAL
US maintains support for Guyana’s territorial integrity
The United States of American, under the new Donald Trump administration, has reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela. According to information from the US State Department, the US’ position was highlighted by Secretary of State, Marco Rubio during a call with the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali. “Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali spoke today [Monday] to address the crisis of illegal migration and agreed to jointly address this regional imperative and challenge. The Secretary affirmed the United States’ steadfast support of Guyana’s territorial integrity in the face of Nicolás Maduro and his cronies’ bellicose actions,” the US State Department said. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
DeepSeek a 'wake-up call' for US tech firms, Trump says
US President Donald Trump has called the rise of Chinese company DeepSeek "a wake-up call" for the US tech industry, after the emergence of its artificial intelligence (AI) model triggered shockwaves on Wall Street. Shares in major tech firms such as Nvidia fell sharply, with the chip giant losing almost $600bn (£482bn) in market value. What has shaken the industry is DeepSeek's claim that its R1 model was made at a fraction of the cost of its rivals - raising questions about the future of America's AI dominance and the scale of investments US firms are planning. Read more here
28th January 2025