NEWS
Udecott: PoSGH central block construction still ongoing
Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (Udecott) Noel Garcia has denied claims of a work stoppage at the central block of the Port of Spain General Hospital, noting that work was still ongoing even after a letter threatening a pull-out of the project was sent from the main contractor. During a media conference at Udecott's Sackville Street, Port of Spain, building on Tuesday, Garcia responded to claims from Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal who suggested a stoppage of construction at the central block could lead to over $300 million being wasted. Read more here
What’s known about ‘stealth’ version of omicron?
This version of the coronavirus, which scientists call BA.2, is widely considered stealthier than the original version of omicron because particular genetic traits make it somewhat harder to detect. Some scientists worry it could also be more contagious. But they say there’s a lot they still don’t know about it, including whether it evades vaccines better or causes more severe disease. Read more here
POLITICS
Deyalsingh: New hospital can provide additional covid19 resources
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh is confident that the new Roxborough Hospital will provide additional resources to help Trinidad and Tobago deal with the covid19 pandemic. But he reiterated that increasing the covid19 vaccination rates in TT remains the endgame to overcoming covid19. Responding to a question in the Senate on Tuesday, Deyalsingh said, "Barring unforseen circumstances, the THA (Tobago House of Assembly) has advised that the hospital will be operationalised in the first half of the calendar year 2022." Read more here
BUSINESS
Phoenix Park acquires second US asset
Trinidad-based Phoenix Park Energy Marketing Ltd (PPEM) has finalised its acquisition of a natural gas liquids (NGL) terminal in the US. PPEM purchased the terminal located in Hull, Texas from Keyera Energy Inc – a subsidiary of Keyera Corporation one of Canada's largest midstream oil and gas producers. The deal was announced in separate statements by Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd (PPGL) – parent company of PPEM – and TT NGL Ltd, a 39 per cent shareholder in PPGL. The companies are part of the National Gas Company Group. Read more here
Tourism consultant invests in luxury Tobago villa
Despite international travel and tourism being in a fluid and uncertain state due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a $10 million villa has been unveiled in Arnos Vale, Tobago. Located on an 11-acre organic fruit estate in the village of Arnos Vale and perched on a secluded mountain top, Height of Being is an ultra-modern luxury retreat that caters to the most sophisticated and discerning traveller. The woman behind this venture is T&T-born tourism consultant, Dr Auliana Poon, who is no stranger to tourism investment as Height of Being is an addition to the original Villa Being, also located at Arnos Vale. Read more here
REGIONAL
Budget 2022 tackles rising cost of living – Pres. Ali
Cognisant of the challenges experienced globally as food prices and the general cost of living continue to rise resulting from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday evening, raised the curtain on Budget 2022 which he said will include a sizeable allocation addressing the rising cost of living experienced by Guyanese. “I am aware of the impact that cost of living is having,” President Ali said during a virtual address to the nation, adding: “while we cannot address all of the issues surrounding cost of living, I have instructed that resources be set aside to address the issue.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Biden says no one knows what Putin will do after White House called Russian invasion of Ukraine 'imminent'
President Joe Biden acknowledged Tuesday a deeply uncertain situation at the Ukraine border, where Russian troops are amassing but few observers have any definitive knowledge of whether or when they might invade. Earlier, the White House said a Russian invasion was "imminent," and American troops have been placed on high alert to deploy to Europe in a show of reassurance. US and European sanctions have been readied in the event of an invasion. Biden also said he'd be willing to apply sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin himself, a step previous presidents have avoided. Even as tensions mount, however, Biden conceded that one man's opaque decision-making would determine how events unfold. Read more here
26th January 2022