NEWS
WFP: Global costs down but food prices still high in the Caribbean
A recent survey by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Caricom revealed that despite a global decline in food prices, three million people in the region are affected by high local prices and persistent food insecurity. The 2024 Caribbean food security and livelihoods survey presented on May 21 revealed that the region's high reliance on imported fuel, food, and agricultural inputs makes it vulnerable to global price fluctuations, while high public debt and limited fiscal space hinder effective government mitigation. While the overall picture shows improvements since the height of the food price crisis in 2022/2023, metrics on food security, coping and access to markets are worse compared to before the pandemic. These challenges disproportionately affect households with lower incomes. Read more here
Kidnappers make ransom demand for return of Anisha
Police have confirmed that an undisclosed ransom demand has been made for the safe release of kidnap victim Anisha Hosein-Singh. Hosein-Singh, 27, along with her husband and other workers were setting up the tents for the Sauce & Sons Doubles outlet along the Eastern Main Road, El Dorado, around 5.50 am on Saturday when a silver B15 car with three masked men pulled up and bundled her into the vehicle. The car was found abandoned at Lluengo Village, Maracas Valley, St Joseph, several hours after the kidnapping. Speaking on the Power Breakfast Show yesterday, the head of the Specialised Support Division, ACP Wayne Mystar, said the demand was made but did not disclose the amount. He did not say when the demand was made, either. Read more here
POLITICS
Gonzales: Environmentally friendly policies coming
Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales has said two weeks ago, the government approved three “major” policies which will affect the environment in a “very significant way” and generate millions of dollars in foreign exchange while creating employment opportunities in many communities. He was speaking with the media after the Carib Brewery ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Line 7 at the brewery on the Eastern Main Road, Champs Fleurs. Gonzales said the first policy is integrated waste management. The second is focused on recycling and the third is about the beverage container policy. Read more here
PM slams Moonilal: No witch hunt against Chief of Defence Staff
“Irresponsible.” That is how Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley described comments made by MP for Oropouche East, Dr Roodal Moonilal, that Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Darryl Daniel, will be the next State security official to fall victim to a “witch hunt” in the ongoing investigation into the Strategic Services Agency (SSA). Moonilal was speaking at the United National Congress (UNC) cottage meeting in Penal on Monday. He suggested that the Air Vice Marshall would now join Major Roger Best, who was fired as SSA director, and former special reserve officer/self-proclaimed spy, pastor Ian Brown, who was also terminated. This comes as an audit is being conducted of the arms and ammunition at the armoury of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s Camp Cumuto. The base housed sections of the SSA, which is under investigation after many allegations involving the illegal transfer and use of firearms. Read more here
BUSINESS
Republic Bank agrees to ECCB audit
Republic Bank Ltd (RBL) has acknowledged a recent issue affecting customers in the Eastern Caribbean (EC), where transactions were not debited from customer accounts in a timely manner. In a statement on May 21, the bank expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by these late debits and told customers measures have been taken to prevent a recurrence. To address concerns, RBL EC has agreed to a request from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) for an independent audit. The audit aims to verify that there are no systemic issues responsible for the delays in transaction processing. Read more here
Carib commissions new brewing line
Given T&T’s population size, the only way to achieve continued growth is to export to extra regional markets, says Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. In this regard, he said Government has been doing its part to create strategic partnerships that are already bearing fruits for the private sector, noting that this is being undertaken through the establishment of commercial offices and appointment of commercial attachés at key locations. This, the PM said, would assist exporters in overcoming trade barriers, entering new markets, and forging new business relationships in their respective markets. He made the comments during the commissioning of production Line 7 at Carib Brewery, Champs Fleurs yesterday. Rowley further advised that if this country is to sustain the growth and performance of the nonenergy sector, there must be a resolute determination by both the public and private sector to invest. Read more here
REGIONAL
Regional ferry service to operate out of Parika
Farmers in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) will soon be able to tap into lucrative markets, as the government has disclosed plans for a regional ferry service to operate out of Parika, which is already a major port. President Dr. Irfaan Ali revealed this on Tuesday during a community engagement with residents in Bonasika Creek, a farming community in Region Three. The ferry service, which is a collaborative initiative among the Governments of Guyana, Trinidad &Tobago and Barbados, is intended to promote enhanced trade within the Caribbean Community [CARICOM] as it seeks to slash its food import expenditure by 25 per cent by 2025. “The conversation is changing now. It’s not only about how we are producing food, it is how we now translate production into storage; add transportation to it, create higher value and access to more markets,” the President said. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
US signals support for possible ICC sanctions over Israel warrants
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested he will work with lawmakers on potential sanctions against the International Criminal Court as its prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials. Mr Blinken told a congressional hearing he was "committed" to taking action against the "profoundly wrong-headed decision". His comments come amid a Republican push to impose sanctions on ICC officials, which may see a vote as soon as this week. The United States is not a member of the court but has backed previous prosecutions, including the ICC's arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine. Read more here
22nd May 2024