NEWS
2 UWI scholars get L’Oréal-Unesco awards
A UWI scholar who is doing her PhD in crop science at the university's St Augustine Campus recently copped a US$10,000 prize for contribution to science. Gillian Rowe received the 2024 L'Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Caribbean Young Talents Award. Rowe is sharing the spotlight with co-awardee Dr Savanna Lloyd, a lecturer in the physics department at UWI, Mona, Jamaica. In a news release on December 10, the university said, "Researchers at the UWI St Augustine Campus continue to make their mark on the global stage, earning widespread acclaim for their innovative work." Read more here
Lighting of Christmas tree brings families together in Palmiste
Hundreds of people gathered at Rosanna Street, Palmiste, to witness the illumination of an 80-foot Christmas tree at the home of businessman Dave Singh and his family. The event, which has grown into a community tradition over the past decade, brought together families from all across Trinidad. Planning Minister Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, and San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris were among those in attendance. In his address, Singh explained that the event began ten years ago as a gesture for his daughter Christiana and evolved into a representation of the spirit of Christmas. “So much is going on in the world, but this brings families together. We want to celebrate that good and share this evening with friends and family. People come from all over the country to be part of this,” Singh said. Read more here
POLITICS
UNC: Big pharmacies monopolising drugs, forex
Pharmacists are calling for a change in legislation surrounding the registration and regulation of drugs, saying they have led to shortages and a monopoly on pharmaceuticals that are detrimental to patients. In his contribution at the Leader of the Opposition's Town Hall Meeting in St Joseph on December 9, pharmacist and president of the Private Pharmacy Retail Business Association Glenwayne Suchit said special import permits were granted to “certain people” to bring in medication, and one company had control of 75 per cent of the pharmaceuticals in the country. Read more here
UNC MPs say they could not support ‘rushed’ Tobago bills
There should be no rushing of the autonomy process for Tobago. That’s the view of United National Congress (UNC) MPs Rushton Paray and Dinesh Rambally, who were among the Opposition MPs who voted against the two Tobago autonomy bills on Monday. Paray said he voted against the bills “as they’re yet another instance of this Government sidelining the voices of the very people they claim to serve. Autonomy for Tobago is far too important to be rushed or treated dismissively.” “For years, Tobagonians called for meaningful self-governance. Instead of engaging with them fully, the Government delayed the process, then forced through bills that fail to address their core concerns. This isn’t about empowering Tobago—it’s about the Government ticking a box to claim progress while neglecting the real work required to meet Tobago’s needs.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Gopee-Scoon hails eTeck
Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon has hailed eTecK’s leadership and staff for its instrumental work in facilitating investments locally. The Minister noted the achievements at eTecK’s 20th anniversary and awards celebration held at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre on Friday. The Minister said,“With just 75 employees, thousands of persons are gainfully employed, helping to secure the socio-economic development of the population and facilitating a stable means of living for employees at all of the agency’s managed properties.” She explained eTecK has grown into a pivotal force, advancing the mandate of the Ministry of Trade and Industry through industrial development and economic transformation. Read more here
Angostura looking at expanding Solera brand
Be prepared for two more Angostura Solera Wines and Spirit locations before the end of the year, chief operating officer of Angostura Ian Forbes has said. “We are opening very, very shortly two new stores and in 2025, there is a chance that we will open more stores,” Forbes said during the company’s earnings call on December 9, at the House of Angostura, in Laventille. Read more here
REGIONAL
Public servants get comprehensive package of salary increases, incentives
President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday announced a two-year pay increase for public servants, starting with a 10 per cent salary hike retroactive to January, 2024 and an additional eight per cent increase in 2025, as part of a comprehensive package aimed at improving wages and benefits. The Head of State made this announcement at the annual Police Christmas Breakfast at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary. This is being delivered through an agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU). The signed agreement ensures a 10 per cent salary increase for all public servants in 2024, retroactive to January 1. Another eight per cent increase will follow in 2025, pushing the overall salary growth to 46 per cent since 2021. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
The woman helping amputees rebuild their lives in war-torn Ukraine
Serhiy Petchenko lost both hands while defending Ukraine from Russian invaders in June 2023. After surviving the bitter months-long battle for the city of Bakhmut, his injury came in a railway incident further from the front line. It left the 42-year-old feeling helpless and in despair. After the amputations, his wife, Anna, had to remain by his side 24/7 for six months. "What helped us survive is our love," says Serhiy. But it's hard to believe he went through such an ordeal when you see him now, standing on the doorstep of a brand-new café, which he is about to open in Lviv, in the west of Ukraine. Read more here
11th December 2024