TTMA IN THE NEWS
Trade Ministry, TTMA help boost Christle Ltd
In recognition of its recent accomplishments in regional export, Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon toured the warehouse of Christle Ltd at the O'Meara Industrial Estate on December 17. She was accompanied by Roger Roach, president of the TT Manufacturers' Association (TTMA) and Gabrielle Agostini, chief operating officer of Coconut Growers Association (CGA) Ltd. The company, which now exports to ten countries regionally, was started in 1989 by Christopher Garcia and has seen exponential growth within the last few years under the guidance of deputy managing director Jonathan Garcia, the founder’s son. Read more here
NEWS
MP hailed for last efforts to save son: Morris-Julian died a hero
A Farfan Street, Arima resident who witnessed the house fire that killed D'Abadie/ O'Meara MP Lisa Morris-Julian and two of her children on December 16 said Morris-Julian died the way she lived: as a hero. The man, who spoke to Newsday on the condition of anonymity on December 17 at Farfan Street, said Morris-Julian had escaped the early-morning blaze but ran back inside her home to rescue her youngest child, Jesiah. "She was right next to me when the fire was going on and then she just disappeared. It was then I realised that she went back into the house," the man said. Read more here
Gopee-Scoon pays tribute to late MP Morris-Julian
Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon has paid tribute to Minister in the Education Ministry Lisa Morris-Julian, who died in a fire at her Arima home on December 16, along with two of her children. "God gives us gifts and he sends us here on earth to do a job. God put her here for a purpose, which was to serve, and it was well accomplished. If you listened to Lisa, whenever she spoke, you would understand her tone was always about serving and she found pleasure and happiness in doing that. She had a very simple way about her, and that kind of humility goes well in terms of serving. Lisa has done what many in a lifetime could not do." Read more here
POLITICS
Kamla warns pensions at risk in new Govt bill
The Government is planning to introduce legislation that will change and, in some cases, disqualify elderly people who reach the age of 65 from accessing the senior citizens’ pension, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar is warning citizens. On December 9, a bill titled The Miscellaneous Provisions (Senior Citizens’ Pension and Public Assistance) Bill, 2024, was laid in Parliament. A major amendment is being proposed in the bill which disqualifies persons with savings in the bank exceeding $25,000 from accessing the old age pension. Section 4 (g) of the bill states, “An individual shall not be eligible to receive a pension unless he: has savings not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars.” Read more here
BUSINESS
KPMG survey: AI top priority for global CEOs
Top CEOs are backing their businesses to prosper in the face of declining confidence in the global economy, a KPMG survey of more than 1,300 corporate leaders from across the world finds. The research reveals that 92 per cent of a sample of global CEOs plan to boost employee headcount over the next three years, the highest proportion since 2020. This hiring optimism persists despite 72 per cent of CEOs feeling increased pressure to ensure their businesses’ long-term prosperity. In a news release, Raymond Campbell, KPMG’s country leader for Caricom, which includes T&T, said: “Over the last ten years, CEOs have sought to create confidence in a number of ways, notably increasing investment in innovation and tech, placing people at the heart of growth strategies, and renewing their commitment to ESG and sustainability as a source of value creation. Read more here
REGIONAL
Gov’t to add $875M more to pockets of persons living with disabilities
As the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration continues its support for persons living with disabilities in Guyana, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday announced a $35,000 grant for those on the country’s register. The Head of State made this announcement during a brief address at a Christmas social hosted for children living with disabilities at State House. President Ali said: “To continue the investment and to support your lives and with the register we have now, we are going to release this month a further $875 million… directly to each of the persons on the register, almost 26,000 persons.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Four paths Trudeau can take as political crisis deepens
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's future looks uncertain following the sudden resignation of his most senior cabinet member, a once close ally. Chrystia Freeland - the former deputy prime minister and finance minister - quit her posts on Monday with an open letter to Trudeau, in which she outlined disagreements she had with him on spending and "the best path forward for Canada". These disagreements, she said, were underscored by the threat of tariffs on Canadian goods from incoming US President Donald Trump - tariffs that economists say could deal Canada a devastating economic blow. Read more here
18th December 2024