NEWS
COP SHOOTS COP IN STATION
“Don’tT tell me my brother’s death was accidental...prove it!” That is all the grieving brother of Special Reserve Police (SRP) Constable Govindra Ramroop, 25, said in reaction to him being shot and killed yesterday inside the Guapo Police Station. The brother, Deodath Ramroop, says his family is asking that an in-depth investigation be done despite claims that PC Ramroop’s death has been deemed “accidental”. Investigators say the gun of another SRP officer accidentally discharged in the early hours of yesterday morning while that officer was cleaning it. The bullet fatally struck Ramroop in his lower abdomen. Both officers had earlier returned to their base at the Guapo Police Station following an anti-crime exercise in the South-Western Division. Ramroop was recently transferred to Guapo from La Brea Police Station. Read more...
Olatunji grabs song of the year
The Mighty Sparrow’s long and illustrious career was honoured on Wednesday night when he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Copyright Organisation of T&T (COTT) at its Music Awards ceremony at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s. It was the first time the awards have been held since 2008. The 80-year-old calypsonian received a standing and rousing ovation from the large audience when he was introduced by the show’s hosts, Independent Senator Paul Richards and comedienne Nikki Crosby. Read more...
POLITICS
MP calls on Govt to invest in Chaguanas
This year, the Divali Nagar marks a significant achievement, as it is being broadcast internationally, giving people across the globe a glimpse into TT’s culture according to MP for Chaguanas West MP, Ganga Singh as he took centre stage at Nagar in Charlieville, Changuanas on Wednesday evening. This achievement, he says, is one that holds potential to showcase the country internationally, and will inspire more people to visit and experience the Divali Nagar for themselves. “This will no doubt further contribute to the development of Chaguanas, which continues to expand rapidly. Continued investment into infrastructure will be necessary to facilitate this growth,” he said, adding that some work has already been done, including the construction of a walkover for patrons of the Nagar, and a new roundabout in Endeavour to ease traffic congestion for visitors. Read more...
Vasant ponders leadership post
A number of United National Congress (UNC) members, including young people, are urging Opposition Senator Vasant Bharath to enter the party’s leadership race and he has been consulting various UNC constituencies in recent weeks, it has been confirmed. A spokesman said Bharath will likely announce by the end of the week what action he would pursue—whether contesting or not. Sources close to Bharath confirmed Tuesday night that he had been having meetings with various constituencies including Couva South members, Tunapuna and other areas and party units to understand the feelings on the “ground” and decide whether he should contest. Read more...
BUSINESS
Republic records $1.22B profits
Republic Bank has reported a profit to shareholders of $1.22 billion for the year ended September 30, 2015. This represents an increase of $30.3 million or 2.5 percent over that period reported in 2014. Total Group assets increased by $6.6 billion or 11.2 percent over the prior period to $66 billion as at September 30, 2015. In announcing the results, Republic Bank Chairman Ronald Harford said the 2.5 percent growth in profits was driven by a $235 million or 10.6 percent increase in net interest income, arising from a $5.9 billion or 21.8 percent growth in the loan portfolio and the recovery of $123.4 million after tax on a non-performing facility. Read more...
More scrutiny of state companies
There will be greater scrutiny of the operational effectiveness of state enterprises, including the Telecommunications Services of T&T (TSTT), as the Government moves to forge a new economic direction for T&T, Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie has said. In the feature address at Wednesday’s re-launch of C&W Business at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, Cuffie said Cabinet has agreed to the appointment of a team headed by economist Dr Terrance Farrell to examine the strengths and weaknesses of state-enterprises and provide corrective measures where applicable. Farrell will also chair the Economic Development Board under the Ministry of Planning and Development. Read more...
REGIONAL
New Reward Scheme Benefits Frequent Toll Users
Frequent users of the Highway 2000 East-West will now be able to save money on their journey. Drivers who make regular road trips throughout the week, including Saturdays and passing through the Portmore Toll booth, will be able to qualify for a free passage. This was revealed by officials of TransJamaican Highway (TJH), to journalists at a presentation and discussion at the Portmore Toll Plaza on Tuesday. Starting Saturday November 28, TJH will begin its new Upgrade Frequent Users Reward Scheme along Highway 2000 East-West — the tolled roadways developed by TJH and operated by Jamaican Infrastructure Operator (JIO). Read more...
OAS mission highlights civic spirit in Belize general elections
The electoral mission of the Organization of American States (EOM/OAS) that observed the general elections in Belize on Wednesday noted the civic spirit of the people of the country shown in a peaceful and successful election day. The mission congratulated the country on the vote, in which 71 percent of registered voters cast their ballots. The EOM/OAS recommended a re-registration of voters, and adjustments to electoral boundaries, among other issues. In a preliminary report, the chief of mission, Jacinth Henry-Martin, on Thursday noted the preparations made by the country’s electoral authorities ahead of the election that led to “a generally inclusive and clean electoral process.” Read more...
INTERNATIONAL
Spectacular shelf cloud rolls in over Sydney's Bondi Beach
A spectacular shelf cloud was seen slowly moving over the ocean toward Sydney's Bondi Beach, before dumping rain on the city. "Walking towards the beach it looked to me like a huge wave coming from the back of the ocean about to swamp us all!" Hannah Murphy told CNN on Friday. "People were running from the streets to capture the unbelievable cloud formation." Documentary maker Will Reid filmed this amazing video of the storm rumbling toward land. "I think Sydney just perfected the shelf cloud," he tweeted. Read more...
Russian plane crash: UK suspects bomb was placed in hold
6th November 2015