NEWS
Tropical Storm Kirk downgraded
With Tropical Storm Bret still fresh in the nation’s collective memory, both the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) together with the TT Meteorological Service (TTMS) continue to monitor Tropical Storm Kirk which formed in the Atlantic on Saturday. In a media statement yesterday, the Ministry stated the disaster management units (DMU) of the 14 municipal corporations are also closely monitoring the “development and path” of the storm as TT currently falls within the storm’s forecast cone. Read more here
Country still in great debt
Former Central Bank governor Ewart Williams has said that while the economy is improving, the country still in significant debt. “The economy is turning around slowly in the sense that we are getting some good news from the energy sector. And I think if you look far enough, I think confidence in the private sector seems to be improving somewhat,” said Williams at the National Academy for the Performing Arts on Monday. He said issues there continued to be major problems within the public sector. Read more here
A bigger, better Restaurant Week
A culinary experience the whole family can enjoy. That’s what Trinidad and Tobago Restaurant Week (TTRW) founder Shira Mohammed is promising from the sixth edition of the much-anticipated islandwide food fair. Read more here
POLITICS
PM: Set aside differences, unite as one
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley wants the people of T&T to set aside their differences and unite as one. He also called for a greater sense of oneness as he briefly addressed the audience at the Queen’s Park Savannah yesterday during the interfaith service titled Songs of Devotion, which marked the nation’s 42nd anniversary as a Republic. Read more here
BUSINESS
Employee to entrepreneur: Making the transition
There comes a time in one’s career that change, sometimes disruptive change, can set in. You could face job-loss due to cost cutting. You might be reconsidering your options outside of being an employee. Or you might have a perception that change is coming to the organisation and this might not fit into your career plans. Many career professionals often consider the entrepreneurship option as one that can offer significant opportunities. Read more here
PM defends Sandals deal
The Government’s Tobago resort deal with Sandals Inc could close off by the end of November, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said on Sunday. Read more here
REGIONAL
Missing Meals - Schools Bemoan Scarcity Of Healthy Food Supplies From Ministry
Concerns are being raised in the education sector about few or no alternatives to bulla cakes and other high-sugar products following their withdrawal from public schools. Education Minister Ruel Reid, while addressing the 54th Jamaica Teachers' Association's Annual Conference earlier this year, had announced that several food items, including the popular bulla cakes, would be removed from local schools as part of a campaign to promote healthier eating among students. Since 1973, Nutrition Products Limited (NPL) has been providing public schools under the education ministry's portfolio with meal items, including bulla cakes and bag juices. Under the new initiative, the education ministry mandated them to provide healthier meals to students. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Swedish PM Lofven ousted in no confidence vote
US is putting a knife to China's neck, says trade negotiator
China's deputy trade negotiator on Tuesday acknowledged the challenge in resuming negotiations with the US, saying: "How could you negotiate with someone when he puts a knife on your neck?" Wang Shouwen made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing aimed at highlighting a newly issued government policy paper on bilateral trade frictions, in which China portrays itself as a victim of US protectionism and bullying. The paper was released Monday shortly after US President Donald Trump slapped 10% tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. China has retaliated with 5-10% tariffs on $60 billion worth of American goods. Echoing a position outlined in the 36,000-word document, Wang left the door open for further trade talks but emphasized it was "entirely up to the US side" to show respect and sincerity for negotiations to restart. Read more here
25th September 2018