NEWS
I will rape, kill your wife
A THREAT to rape and kill a policeman’s wife, in retaliation for being arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and resisting arrest at Saturday’s Chutney Brass fete in South Trinidad, has led to the arresting officer making arrangements — in collaboration with seniors — to increase security on his entire family. Read more…
Boy, 10, crushed to death
TEN-YEAR-OLD twins Stevie and Steven Hansraj were inseparable since birth. One of their favourite hobbies included walking their dog ‘Brownie’ on afternoons.But on Sunday last, little Stevie left the family’s Saltmine Trace, Siparia home alone to walk the family dog. Hours later, his body was found pinned under an iron gate a short distance from his home. Read more…
Two students raped in a week
Police are expressing concern over two separate sex attacks in schools last week.In one particular case a severely traumatised 15-year-old girl is now on suicide watch after she was allegedly raped by a classmate in a classroom as another student looked on. The incident occurred at a south secondary school. Read more…
POLITICS
First Moses, now Glenda joins National Security
TOC O / S a n g r e Grande MP Glenda Jennings- Smith was yesterday appointed a parliamentary secretary in the National Security Ministry.Jennings-Smith, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police with extensive training in the policing and social impact of the gang culture and police outreach programmes, will assist National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, “ in these and similar programmes and the overall outreach activities of the uniformed services.” Jennings-Smith’s appointment was announced in a statement by the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday. Read more…
Confusion as new VAT system kicks in
There was some confusion over the price of sardines, which doesn’t carry VAT, some upset over the 12.5 per cent VAT, some stoicism and resignation, as well as acceptance, among consumers yesterday in downtown Port-of-Spain as the new tax structure for food items took effect. Read more…
BUSINESS
Imbert: Consumers have choice
S THE new Value Added Tax (VAT) regime took effect yesterday, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said it was up to individual consumers to choose what items they will or will not purchase. In a radio interview, Imbert said, “We operate a free market system, so you will have choice.” In reducing VAT from 15 to 12.5 percent, the Minister explained, “We have done a calculation on the basic basket of goods that a typical household would use and we expect the gross returns from most households to increase by approximately seven percent.” He added, “We also made the point that the personal allowance has been increased which will result in disposable income of more than $200 per month in people’s pockets which will more than offset, the increase in the cost of grocery bills.” Read more…
$630.4m after tax profit for First Citizens
The First Citizens Group earned profit before tax of $790.8 million for the financial year ended September 30, 2015 and now has assets totaling $37.5 billion which includes proceeds for the National Gas Company’s initial public offering (IPO) of $2.7 billion.The group’s latest financial report, which has been posted to the T&T Stock Exchange, also shows profit after tax of $630.4 million. Read more…
REGIONAL
Jamaica goes to the polls on Feb 25
amaicans will go to the polls on Thursday February 25, 2016, in an early general election announced on Sunday night by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at a rally of her ruling People’s National Party (PNP).Parliament will be dissolved on Friday, February 5, and nomination day is set for Tuesday, February 9. Read more…
OAS delegation welcomes constructive discussions in Haiti
The special mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) to Haiti, headed by the chair of the Permanent Council, ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Ronald Sanders, arrived in Port-au-Prince on Sunday. Read more…
INTERNATIONAL
Iowa caucuses: Ted Cruz wins; Clinton declares victory
Hillary Clinton declared victory early Tuesday morning in a razor-thin contest against Bernie Sanders in Iowa. But Democratic party officials have not yet declared a winner."Hillary Clinton has won the Iowa Caucus," the Clinton campaign said. "After thorough reporting -- and analysis -- of results, there is no uncertainty and Secretary Clinton has clearly won the most national and state delegates." Read more…
Draft EU deal delivers 'substantial' reforms - Cameron
2nd February 2016