NEWS
DCP Martin writes to Rowley on sniper probe – PM, tell us what you know
DEPUTY Commissioner of Police (Intelligence and Investigations) Suzette Martin has written the Prime Minister, in his capacity as head of the National Security Council (NSC), asking for information on the procurement of two sniper rifles for the Strategic Services Agency (SSA). In her letter dated February 1, Martin posed two questions to Dr Rowley: Did Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher and/or former SSA director retired Major Roger Best notify the NSC about the agency’s intent to procure the rifles? If so, was it approved? Her second question was: Did Harewood-Christopher inform the NSC she had approved the SSA’s request to procure the rifles through licensed firearm dealer Luke Hadeed, managing director of Aston Enterprises Ltd? Read more here
Ex-PolSC chairman calls for ‘reform’ amid suspension
Former chairman of the Police Service Commission Dr Maria Therese Gomes is calling for reform within the commission following the imbroglio involving the suspension of Commissioner of Police (CoP) Erla Harewood-Christopher. She emphasised the need for changes to enhance the commission’s operations. Dr Gomes, who replaced Prof Ramesh Deosaran at the helm of the organisation in 2015, told Guardian Media yesterday that the latest development exposed what she said were cracks within the system. “It is a terrible situation, and it is a very sad day for us as women as well because Erla Harewood-Christopher is the first female commissioner, and I was the first female chairman of the commission. As a former chair, what I recognised when I was there is that the commission really has its hands tied and is somewhat impotent in doing its work because of the amendments made to section 123 of the Constitution.” Read more here
POLITICS
Foreign Affairs Minister celebrates growing India-Trinidad and Tobago ties
Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Amery Browne on February 3 celebrated TT’s 180-year relationship with India. In a news release on February 4, the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs said Browne reaffirmed TT’s deep-rooted friendship with India as he delivered his address at a panel discussion “Growing India-TT Relations for a Robust IndiaCaricom Partnership” at UWI, St Augustine on February 3. Browne said that historical and economic bonds unite the two nations. Read more here
BUSINESS
NCBFG records J$13b in profits
THE NCB Financial Group (NCBFG) has announced a J$13 billion (US$82.5 million) profit in its 2024 annual report posted on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange’s website on February 3. The profits were a jump from the company’s performance in 2023 when it garnered $2.5 billion (US$15.8 million) in profits after tax.The 2024 profits came from a gross operating income of J$323 billion (US$2.05 billion). Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Standing together results in brighter prospects’
GUYANA’S neighbour, Suriname does not have to stand alone in its development, as, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, partnerships and collaboration between the two countries could result in sustainable progress for the region. With Suriname also establishing itself as a global leader in environmental services like Guyana, President Ali, during a virtual address to the International Business Conference, shared Guyana’s experience as an oil producing nation, and gave advice on how to achieve a resilient economy. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Suriname’s prospects are bright. President Ali agreed with the organisation’s conclusion that the Dutch-speaking nation “stands at the threshold of a transformative era”. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
'There was blood everywhere' - witnesses shocked after Sweden school shooting
"There was blood everywhere," 16-year-old Linn told reporters at the scene of what has been described by Sweden's prime minister as the worst mass shooting in the country's history. Eleven people died after Tuesday's attack at an adult education centre in the city of Orebro, including the suspected gunman. Police say the number of injured remains unclear. What is also not yet known is the motive for the attack, but police have said "everything indicates" that it was not ideological. Read more here
5th February 2025