NEWS
Tobago Chamber head: Deadlock must be resolved
President of the Tobago Division of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Diane Hadad says the deadlock in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) must be urgently resolved. Unofficial figures from the Elections and Boundaries Commission revealed the People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) won six electoral districts each in Monday’s THA election. Read more here
Emotional support available for children—Rambharat
Students who are displaying concerning behaviour may be referred to the Ministry of Education’s Students Support Services division which is trained to deliver counselling services online and also does outreach to rural areas, Government Senator Clarence Rambharat said yesterday. Rambharat was replying to a question from Independent Senator Paul Richards who asked about the type of assistance available from the ministry to students suffering emotional challenges especially at a time when they are doing classes from home. Read more here
POLITICS
Energy Minister: Oil and gas sector can be saved
All is not lost for the oil and gas industry in TT, even as the world battles the covid19 pandemic, which has drastically affected global prices. So said panellists at the virtual launch of the TT Energy Conference 2021 on Tuesday morning. Feature speaker Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Franklin Khan said efforts were under way to revive and boost recovery in the sector, but the government’s hands remained tied when it came to global prices. Read more here
Disbelief in PNM camp as poll results rolled in
The few party supporters, who were at the People's National Movement's (PNM) camp in Scarborough, Tobago seemed stunned as the Tobago House of Assembly's (THA) election results were revealed Monday night. Some wept openly and others sat with flags tucked under their arms. The stage that was set up for official speeches was never used. Read more here
BUSINESS
Tackle electricity subsidy head-on
Energy Chamber president Dwight Mahabir says Government needs to address the subsidy the gas industry provides to the electricity sector and “hence to every household, company and Government body in the country”. Read more here
REGIONAL
COVID BREAK - PM Relaxes Restrictions But Warns Of Pullback If Rules Broken
Days after tighter strictures were placed on Manchester to contain the worrying spike in COVID-19 numbers, some areas of national life are being given a reprieve following intense lobbying. Effective February 1, churches will have the green light to host funerals. According to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, up to 10 family members will be accommodated and up to five religious leaders can attend the funeral. Read more here
Small parties consulted on budget
President, Dr Irfaan Ali, today, reiterated his commitment in engaging all stakeholders to ensure that Government’s plans and programmes reflect the priorities of the people. According to a release from the Public Information and Press Services Unit, the Head of State gave this assurance during a working lunch at State House with representatives from Guyana’s small political parties, who were invited to discuss Budget 2021. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Biden sets bold timeline for a return to normal life
President Joe Biden's pledge that there will be sufficient vaccines for 300 million Americans by the end of summer represents a bold and politically risky response to criticism his pandemic plan lacks ambition. In effect, the President is putting a date on a return of a semblance of normal life -- with no guarantee that he can deliver. Read more here
Coronavirus: AstraZeneca defends EU vaccine rollout plan
The head of AstraZeneca has defended its rollout of the coronavirus vaccine in the EU, amid tension with member states over delays in supply. Pascal Soriot told Italian newspaper La Repubblica that his team was working "24/7 to fix the very many issues of production of the vaccine". He said production was "basically two months behind where we wanted to be". He also said the EU's late decision to sign contracts had given limited time to sort out hiccups with supply. Mr Soriot, chief executive of the UK-Swedish multinational, said a contract with the UK had been signed three months before the one with the EU, giving more time for glitches to be ironed out. Read more here
27th January 2021