NEWS
CAL expands routes to British Virgin Islands
Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has launched a new route to Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The addition is part of the airline's plan to integrate the Caribbean region and enhance its network to facilitate easier access to destinations in the Caribbean. CAL announced in a media release on August 12 that it will start flying the new route on October 14. Flights will be available on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday of that week. Read more here
Good Samaritans to the rescue: TTSPCA stays open till year’s end
The Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSPCA) has received enough donations and funds to keep the animal shelter open for the rest of the year. “We looked at all our accounts and all of what we had, maybe two months of funding inside. So when that happened we put all the information out there,” TTSPCA chairman Sita Kuruvilla said as she indicated the society would be able to function until year’s end. During an interview with Guardian Media in July, Kuruvilla had said the organisation only had enough money to keep its doors open until September. Back then, she begged for Government subvention to ensure the 129-year-old society could continue its work. Read more here
POLITICS
PNM to begin screening nominees for general election Thursday
There are approximately four expressions of interest from individuals to contest the Barataria/San Juan seat for the People’s National Movement (PNM) in the upcoming general election, including a prominent name in the Muslim community and in politics. This was confirmed by PNM officials ahead of Thursday’s deadline for submission of nominees from nine constituencies. In June, PNM leader Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley mandated party units from the nine areas, which are currently held by the Opposition, to start seeking nominees. They were subsequently given an August 15 deadline by which to present nominees’ names. A PNM statement yesterday confirmed the nomination period ends at 4 pm on Thursday. Read more here
BUSINESS
Massy records $465m in profits after tax
Massy Holdings Group recorded $465 million in profits after tax for the nine months of the year ending June 30. The information was shared in its consolidated financial statements published on the TT Stock Exchange’s website on Monday. Chairman Robert Riley said in his statement, the profits reflected an improvement from the 13 per cent decline in profits in the previous half-year this year, but it represented a ten per cent decrease in profits when compared to the same period in 2023, when it earned $517.8 million. Read more here
Hard Wine sales up 74% regionally
Angostura Holdings Ltd has recorded an after-tax profit of $66.2 million for the half-year ended June 30, marking a 15% decrease when compared to the corresponding six months last year. For the half-year ended June 30, 2023, Angostura recorded a profit of $77.8 million. “Despite a local branded revenue shortfall of $19 million or 7% during the first half of 2024, there were positive trends as Forres Park revenue grew by 1%, Premium Rums by 8%, and Agency brands by 5% over the comparative period,” Angostura’s chairman Terrence Bharat, SC, stated. Read more here
REGIONAL
Masterplan for $6B homestead programme for single mothers completed
The masterplan for the $6 billion homestead programme along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway has been completed, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Monday. According to the Head of State’s official social media page, the masterplan was unveiled at a meeting with several government ministers, technical officials, and representatives from the banking industry.
The project is expected to commence shortly. President Ali announced plans for the innovative project, during a media conference back in June. This innovative housing programme, incorporating agriculture, will see 500 houses being constructed on some 100 acres of land at Yarrowkabra. These homes will be equipped with agricultural facilities and harness the power of solar energy, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for its residents. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Hamas says ceasefire must be based on group’s July response
Hamas has said a ceasefire plan for Gaza must be based on where talks were a month and a half ago rather than any new rounds of negotiations. In a statement on Sunday night, the group called on mediators “to present a plan to implement what was agreed upon by the movement on July 2, 2024, based on [President Joe] Biden's vision and the UN Security Council resolution”. On 2 July, Hamas issued its response to the outline ceasefire plan announced by Mr Biden on 30 May. Read more here
13th August 2024