Manning promises ‘righteous’ Government


SEAN DOUGLAS Sunday, April 9 2006(T&T Newsday)


PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning said Trinidad and Tobago’s well-being will be determined by its leader’s virtue. He said so while addressing the congregation of Woodbrook Pentecostal Church during a function at Cascadia Hotel on Friday night in honour of the 41st year of ministry by its pastor, Apostle Turnel Nelson and his wife Rev Joycelyn Nelson.

Manning began by saying that TT’s economy doubled from a gross domestic product (GDP) of $55 billion in 2001 to the current GDP of $101 billion, and projected a GDP of $112 billion next year. He said unemployment fell from 20 percent in 1991 to 6.7 percent, and would likely fall to zero.

He admitted, however, that the country faces some challenges, “Not just crime. Crime is just a manifestation of a deeper underlying problem. The problem in my respectful view is essentially a breakdown in family life.” The audience murmured its agreement.

Manning said the country had seen many different things being tried. “There’s been one thing we haven’t tried. I will share with you a secret this evening: ‘Righteous leader, prosperous nation’.”

The congregation clapped.

“If that had not been tried before, let me advise you it is being tried now.”

The Prime Minister said his spiritual grounding took place on 31 December 1987 at Woodbrook Pentecostal Church with Pastor Nelson officiating. He said that was when he and his wife, Education Minister Hazel Manning became born-again Christians.

Later in the evening Bahamian televangelist Dr Myles Munroe echoed Manning by saying that it was insufficient to have just “good government.” What was crucial was “good, righteous government.”

Munroe later told Sunday Newsday the original Greek word for “prosperity” referred not just to money but also included the idea of peace.

Former president Arthur NR Robinson, UNC political leader Winston Dookeran, Minister of Trade Ken Valley and Port-of-Spain South MP Eric Williams attended the service.

quote:

He said unemployment fell from 20 percent in 1991 to 6.7 percent, and would likely fall to zero.

If unemployment reached 0 you might be interested in some Guyanese workers.

What?? I guess Manning counted kidnappers as empolyers and kidnappies as employees to come up with those numbers.

quote:

Originally posted by Asif Mohamed:
What?? I guess Manning counted kidnappers as empolyers and kidnappies as employees to come up with those numbers.

Do I hear the pangs of ENVY in your stupid words bai?

quote:

Originally posted by Eric's_Revenge:

quote:

Originally posted by Asif Mohamed:
What?? I guess Manning counted kidnappers as empolyers and kidnappies as employees to come up with those numbers.

Do I hear the pangs of ENVY in your stupid words bai?

The man blame crime to the breakdown of family life? You know he fudging the numbers.

Bai go and get a life, and learn to SPELL.

Atherly catches truck driver littering

Phoolo Danny-Maharaj South Bureau


Tuesday, April 11th 2006 (T&T Express)


piture
San Fernando Mayor Ian Atherly warns a truck driver against illegal dumping at Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando, yesterday.



SAN Fernando Mayor Ian Atherly yesterday caught a truck driver "red-handed" littering Lady Hailes Avenue, opposite the PTSC compound.

Atherly, who was passing in his car stopped to find out from the driver of the truck if he had permission to dump the load at the site. The driver said he did not have any permission.

Atherly called in the police -who gave the truck driver 24 hours to take up the seven loads of dirt that he had dumped on the site. The dirt was taken up from work done on St James Street at the weekend, Atherly said.

He said: "We never gave anybody any permission to dump dirt or any garbage in the city and he must remove it or he will be charged."

The Mayor called on citizens to have pride in their city and report anyone seen dumping and littering the city with any kind of garbage.

This is last sunday's TV guide lineup for those who believe that T&T has a "Burnham" type gov't.



Showing on 2006-04-02 Sunday

Channels: 6 tv IE TV Gayelle CNC3 IBN NCC


6 TV IE TV (Private Channel)


05:56 am Sign On (anthem & Prayer)
06:00 am Fresh Fire
06:30 am Faith Alive
07:00 am A Time Of Victory
07:30 am Key Of David
08:00 am Curepe Pentecostal Tv6 Cartoon Express
08:30 am Back To The Future
09:00 am Astro Boy
09:30 am The Batman
10:00 am Jackie Chan Adventures
10:30 am Music Box
11:00 am Sitare
11:30 am Mtv India: Made In India
12:00 pm Caribworld Home Shopping
12:30 pm Infovision Feature
13:00 pm World Cup 2002 Revisited: Germany Vs Paraguay (rpt)
15:00 pm Motor Sports
15:30 pm Gillette 2006 Fifa World Cup
16:00 pm World Athletics Show
16:30 pm Caribworld Home Shopping
17:00 pm Sancoche
17:30 pm Caribbean Flavours
18:00 pm Judging Amy
19:00 pm Tv6 Weekend News
19:30 pm Infovision Feature
19:45 pm Royal Palm Estate
20:15 pm The Tv6 Sunday Movie: Blood Work
22:15 pm The Guardian
23:00 pm Winning Ways
23:30 pm Blue Murder
12:20 pm Bbc World

06:00 am : Religious Program
07:00 am : Religious – Time Of Deliverance
07:45 am .00: Tell The Children
09:30 am : Indian Movie
12:30 pm : 20/20 Sports Nite (repeat)
14:00 pm : Sai Baba Program (repeat)
15:00 pm : Vibes
17:30 pm : Mother Nature
18:30 pm : Ietv Weekend News
19:00 pm : Best Of One On One
19:30 pm : Ietv Theatre
20:00 pm : Caribbean Treasures – A New Reality Tv Show
20:30 pm : Spotlight
21:00 pm : Voa Transmission


Gayelle CNC3 (Private Channel)


08:15 am : Obituaries
08:30 am : Ema Hands On 1,2
09:00 am : Caribbean Carousel
09:30 am : Women West Indies
10:00 am : Taal
11:00 am : Down South
11:30 am : Tin Pan Jam
12:00 pm : Caribbean Eye
12:30 pm : Macajuel Time
15:00 pm : Government Programme
16:00 pm : Snacks
16:30 pm : Ema Public Speaking #1,2
17:00 pm : Trini Style
18:00 pm : Model Search
19:00 pm : Weekend News
19:30 pm : Spalk
20:30 pm : Stay Home
21:30 pm : Tls 60
22:30 pm : Carre
23:30 pm : On Guard

05:58 am Sign On
06:00 am Joyce Meyer ‘enjoying Everyday Life’
06:30 am Religious Special - Voice Of Deliverance
07:00 am Religious Special - Encounter The Glory
08:00 am Religious Special - Time Of Deliverance
08:30 am Religious Special - Sacred Name Telecast
09:00 am Tq
10:00 am Y2q
12:00 pm Healthy Living
12:30 pm Heartland Highway
13:00 pm Technology Today
13:30 pm Space Tech
14:00 pm Mothers Nature
14:30 pm Heartland Highway
15:15 pm Cnc3 Prime Sport
16:30 pm The Week In Sports
17:00 pm Sports Plus
18:00 pm Frontiers Of Medicine
18:30 pm The Dr Is In
19:00 pm Cnc Weekend News
19:30 pm The Week In Review
20:00 pm Football 2006
20:30 pm Total Football
21:30 pm Icc Cricket World
22:00 pm Business Forum
23:00 pm Fashion Tv Midnight 95.1fm Overnight With Programme Schedule Rundown


IBN NCC 4 & 16 (Not to sure about this one)


08:00 am : Intro/ Surah Rahman
08:30 am : Transfer With Maulana: Maulana Akhalwaya
09:30 am : Creative Craft: Sis Nadia
10:30 am : Growing Up In Islam: Br Haroon
11:00 am : Who’s Who/: Br Imran
12:00 pm : The Miracle In The Cell: Harun Yahya
12:30 pm : Zuhr Adhan & Quran
13:00 pm : Cultural Xpression: Bro Mtima Solwazi
14:00 pm : Hijab An Act Of Faith: Adam’s World Series
14:30 pm : Interior Design: Sis Shemih
15:00 pm : The Purpose Of Life Pt 3: Sh Khalid Yasin
16:45 pm : Asr Adhan
17:00 pm : The Real Super Heroes: Sis Wafaa
17:30 pm : Technology In Nature: Harun Yahya
18:15 pm : Maghrib Adhan
18:30 pm : Finding Courage: Sister Sakina
19:30 pm : Pathway To Islam
19:45 pm : Isha Adhan
20:00 pm : Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamaah: Maulana Nasir
21:00 pm : Surah Rahman

05:59 am Sign On
06:00 am Iro Prayers
07:00 am Choirs
08:00 am Special
09:00 am Mastana Bahar
10:30 am Indian Variety
11:00 am Special
13:00 pm Government Programme
13:30 pm Sports
15:00 pm Cultural Special
16:00 pm Carnival Highlights
18:00 pm Mother Nature
18:30 pm Cross Country
19:00 pm Cmc News
19:30 pm Government Programme
19:45 pm Tobago Spotlight
20:30 pm Special Sign Off

quote:

Originally posted by Eric's_Revenge:
This is last sunday's TV guide lineup for those who believe that T&T has a "Burnham" type gov't.

What do you mean by Burnhan type govt? Under Burnham lots of indo music was played on the radio. The very first show on the radio in the mornings was indian.

T&T oil, fish now safe from Bajans



By Gail Alexander


T&T’s victory yesterday over Barbados in the maritime boundary dispute has not only ended threats to the exploitation of T&T’s oil and gas resources, but also threats to the livelihood of local fisherfolk, Attorney General John Jeremie has said.

Jeremie made a statement in the Senate yesterday on the decision in T&T’s favour, which was made by the Arbitration Tribunal at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in the Hague, Netherlands.

The news was met with vigourous, desk-thumping approval by senators.

The dispute has been ongoing since Barbados initiated proceedings in February of 2004 against T&T, concerning its maritime boundary and a fishing dispute as well.

According to Barbados’ pleadings in the issue, the matter related to the delimitation of a single maritime boundary between the exclusive economic zones and the continental shelves belonging to the two countries.

Jeremie, who led T&T’s legal team in the matter, said the tribunal at the Hague rejected “each and every claim made by Barbados on all counts.”

He said T&T first tried to resolve the issue by seeking negotiations with Barbados, then subsequently recruited a legal team of leading experts in boundary delimitation to deal with the court proceedings.

Jeremie added: “While we were always confident of the outcome of these deliberations, the mere referral of this dispute was a significant threat—not just to the exploitation of our oil and gas resources, but to the livelihood of our fisherfolk—specially in Tobago—and threatened to compromise the very integrity of our treasured unitary state.”

The dispute had implications for T&T’s boundaries, especially off Tobago’s waters, as well as the country’s boundaries with neighbouring Grenada, Guyana, St Vincent and Venezuela.

Jeremie said: “It not only threatened the integrity of the unitary state of T&T, but also our exploitation of our economic rights.”

He said letters had been written by the government of Barbados to international energy companies interested in exploring what our Caricom neighbour considered a “disputed area.”

The matter, he added, “has now been conclusively laid to rest.”

The ruling not only confirms the legitimacy of T&T’s original position, but has also extended its maritime boundary by shifting the median line demarcating the exclusive economic zones of T&T and Barbados, the AG said.

“It allows us what many in the region had complained to be a Salida al Atlantico given by T&T Government to Venezuela. The tribunal accepted our argument and ruled in our favour, giving access to the Atlantic. It ensures the preservation of the integrity of our archipelagic resources,” Jeremie added.

Jeremie commended his Barbadian counterpart, AG and deputy Prime Minister Mia Mottley “for the dignity and spirit of camaraderie which attended the hearings into the matter,” he said.

He also added: “In the case of my brothers and sisters in Barbados, I apologise for some of the robust arguments which I made in the heat of our arbitration hearing. While in legal proceedings it is commonly a case for one party to claim victory and the other to claim some sort of victory...I think that we have both won something.”

Jeremie said both countries have agreed to abide fully by the findings of the tribunal and to cooperate in implementing its findings.

“We look forward to the deepening and strengthening of the relationship between T&T and Barbados, which continues to be at the heart of the regional integration movement,” Jeremie said.

Yesterday afternoon, Barbados AG Mottley was said to be in a Cabinet session. However Allan Jones, permanent secretary in the office of Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur, said the Government had received news of the Tribunal’s ruling. He suggested further comment be sought from Mottley post-Cabinet.



THE RULING

The Tribunal rejected the attempt by the Barbados Government to secure all of the area south of the median line which they regarded as their traditional fishing ground—that is, the area just off the coast of Tobago.

The Tribunal agreed to T&T’s request to extend our maritime boundary to the continental shelf beyond the 200-mile exclusive economic zone. This was an unprecedented ruling for an international maritime tribunal. It has never occurred before.

The ruling agreed with T&T’s position that the fishing agreement should be negotiated between both countries and had no place for resolution before the Arbitral Tribunal.



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

GLORY BOUND

Coach Beenhakker picks 24 for Germany

Ian Prescott


Thursday, April 13th 2006 (T&T Express)


THERE were few real surprises when the historic first team to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the FIFA World Cup Finals was named yesterday by Dutch national coach Leo Beenhakker.

At a press conference held at the San Fernando Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Beenhakker announced a 24-man squad, which included most of the players who were in the squad that won 1-0 in Bahrain six months ago to secure this country's first ever trip to football's grand stage.

However, the Dutchman will drop one player before submitting his final 23-man squad to FIFA on May 15.

The lone omission from the historic squad which qualified in Bahrain is Kansas City Wizards striker Scott Sealy, who is on a standby list. Veteran former captain Anthony Rougier is the one surprise in the squad but Dundee winger Collin Samuel has been predictably included following a good showing in Trinidad and Tobago's 2-0 victory over Iceland in London last month.

Beenhakker explained that he had named the team early to put arrangements in place for a pre-World Cup tour which includes camps in Manchester, England and Austria. After playing Peru on May 10, the Soca Warriors leave four days later for a one-week camp in Manchester, England. They then head for another camp in Austria where they play international warm-up matches against Wales, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Beenhakker also felt it important to ease the anxiety on his players by declaring their standing in his team.

"The players, at this moment, have to know what the situation is as regards to 34, had been out of the national team ever since he was dropped by former coach Bertille St Clair following a rather ordinary performance against the United States in the opening game of the final round of CONCACAF qualifying. But given another chance to impress at a January camp in Fort Lauderdale, Rougier obviously made an impression. Beenhakker had a final look at the utility player on Saturday when he played for United Petrotrin in a T&T Pro League game at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

Beenhakker explained that from looking at past footage he came to realise that there were no players in his squad with Rougier's characteristics. With that, a he informed the player that to have a possibility of being selected he needed to be physically fit. Beenhakker now feels Rougier has done enough fitness-wise, over the last few months to be included in the squad.

Apart from Rougier, Beenhakker's squad contains all 23 players who travelled to Bahrain for the qualifier, except for young Sealy. In making his final selection, Beenhakker said he first had to protect the players who actually got Trinidad and Tobago to the World Cup Finals. He then had to reach a balance, by selecting players with various talents. Cornell Glen, for instance, was selected because his speed makes him a dangerous weapon on the counter-attack. Beenhakker also noted that Glen could be used on either flank.

Having also looked at several players with Trinidad and Tobago parentage, the Dutchman felt that none was exceptionally better that the players he already had. England-born Fulham goalkeeper Anthony Warner and striker Ricky Shakes have therefore been placed on a standby list of players who will be called upon in case of injury.

T&T'S WORLD CUP SQUAD


Thursday, April 13th 2006 (T&T Express)


GOALKEEPERS (3) - Kelvin Jack (Dundee) , Shaka Hislop (West Ham United), Clayton Ince (Coventry City).


[COLOR:GREEN]DEFENDERS (7) - Cyd Gray (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Marvin Andrews (Glasgow Rangers), Brent Sancho (Gillingham), Ian Cox (Gilligham), Atiba Charles (W Connection), Dennis Lawrence (Wrexham), Avery John (New England Revolution). [/COLOR]


MIDFIELDERS (6) - Silvio Spann (Unattached), Chris Birchall (Port Vale), Aurtis Whitley (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Anthony Rougier (Petrotrin), Anthony Wolfe (Jabloteh), Densil Theobald (Falkirk).


FORWARDS (8) - Carlos Edwards (Luton Town), Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC), Russell Latapy (Falkirk), Stern John (Coventry), Kenwyne Jones (Southampon), Collin Samuel (Dundee United), Jason Scotland (St Johnstone), Cornell Glen La Galaxy).


PLAYERS ON STANDBY - Anthony Warner (Fulham), Nigel Henry (Kiruana FF), Ricky Shakes (Swindon Town), Hector Sam (Port Vale), Scott Sealy (Kansas City Wizards), Anton Pierre (Defene Force), Brent Rahim (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh)


TECHNICAL STAFF:

Head Coach-Leo Beenhakker

Assistant Coach-Wim Rijsbergen

Assistant Coach-Anton Corneal

Goalkeeping Coach-Michael Maurice

Scout-Mario Been

Football Manager-Hans Hagelstein


EQUIPMENT STAFF

Equipment Manager-Ikin Williams

Assistant Equipment Manager-Esmond O'Brien


MEDICAL STAFF

Team Doctor-Terrence Babwah

Sports Therapist-Zeph Nicholas

Physical Trainer-Wayne Lawson

Physiotherapist-Oba Gulston


MANAGEMENT STAFF

General Manager-Bruce Aanensen

George Joseph-Assistant Manager


SUPPORT SERVICE:

FIFA Liason Officer-Mark Bos

Media Officer-Shaun Fuentes Fifa

Media Officer-Rob de Leede

Chef-Cecil Wint

TTFF Security Officer-John Sandy

FIFA Security Officer-Gunther Groth

Ten-year-old Akil comes home

...liver transplant operation a success

Juliean Neaves


Thursday, April 13th 2006 (T&T Express)





AFTER spending seven months in an Argentina hospital, liver transplant recipient Akil Wilson has returned home to Trinidad and Tobago.

The ten-year-old from Mahaica was all smiles and full of playful energy at the VIP lounge of the Piarco International Airport yesterday.

He was joined by Health Minister John Rahael whose ministry donated $30,000 toward his operation and was now providing after-care drugs for him.

Rahael told members of the media that Akil had made history by being the first Trinidadian to receive a liver transplant in Argentina.

He said the hospital, Universitario Austral, specialises in transplantation and in the past ten years have done more than 6,000 kidney transplants and more than 2,000 liver transplants.

Rahael said the ministry planned to invite doctors and technical people from the hospital so they can assess local infrastructure and equipment and determine what is required to provide transplant services locally.

He expressed hope that the Argentine team could come to Trinidad and Tobago and do a number of transplants for both local and Caricom citizens.

He noted that the Ministry, through Argentine ambassador Jose Vignolo, has been in contact with hospital officials in an attempt "to strengthen the link that Akil has been able to open for us" and provide care for other locals.

Akil was diagnosed with cirrhosis and portal hypertension of the liver more than eight months ago.

His family located the Argentina hospital which agreed to delay the receipt of payments and begin treatment.

He successfully received the liver transplant from his cousin Giselle Bartholomew in December.

When asked about his stay in the South American country Akil lamented that he did not see much of Argentina due to his condition but said he was happy to be home.

His mother, Sharon Wilson, thanked God that her son was alive and doing well. She also thanked Bartholomew for her "unselfish and brave" act and noted that "Akil may still have been on a waiting list".

Rahael chimed that this country has not "come to terms" with people acting as organ donors and noted that over the next few months Government will be launching a sensitisation campaign about living and cadaveric organ donors.

Akil's family still has large medical bills to be paid.

Donations can be made to the Akil Wilson Medical Fund accessible at any branch of Republic Bank under account number 440155890201.

T&T striker's jersey hot in Scotland


Sunday, April 16th 2006 (T&T Express)


picture
Jason Scotland



SCOTLAND may not be at this year's World Cup finals, but a shirt carrying the country's name has already become the must-have fashion item for Scottish fans.

The official jersey of the Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland, who plays for St Johnstone, is in so much demand that the maker, Adidas, is sending extra deliveries north of the Border.

The shirt has been adopted as the "streetwear" of choice for members of the Tartan Army.

Trinidad and Tobago holds a special place in the hearts of Scotland supporters. As well as sharing frequent underdog status, the Caribbean team is facing the Auld Enemy, England, during the World Cup and has five squad members who play for Scottish clubs.

Retailers are expecting the collectable shirts, which will sell for about £30, to be among the most popular of the season.

John Kaylor, chairman of the Perthshire branch of the Tartan Army, praised the sale of the shirts.

He said: "I am a St Johnstone supporter and I shall be singing, 'I'd walk a thousand miles' if (Jason) Scotland scores a goal in the World Cup. There is no doubt that is who everyone in the Tartan Army will be supporting. A lot of people have got the older shirts with 'Scotland' written on the back, and there are already loads of bidders on eBay. They will all be Scotland supporters buying them, there is nothing surer.

"These football shirts will be very common this summer. Jason Scotland will be proud, no doubt."

Tahlia Hughes, the manager of Sport World in the St James Centre, Edinburgh, said: "I have already had 50 inquiries from people about the Trinidad and Tobago shirt. It's mainly because they are playing England and the shirt is nicer than the other ones in the group. I think it will be our top seller this season."

A manager at Sports World in Dundee said: "We are definitely expecting the Trinidad and Tobago Scotland shirt to be our most popular one of the season."

At Footlocker in Argyle Street, Glasgow, the manageress said: "I have had about 20 to 30 people asking for these particular shirts."

A spokesman for Adidas said he was aware of Trinidad and Tobago's expected cult status with the Tartan Army. He said: "We do expect a high level of interest in Trinidad and Tobago merchandise in Scotland as we do from any team that's playing England, really. "

Owen Coyle, the St Johnstone manager, said: "It would be nice if Scotland was actually playing in the World Cup, but I suppose in a way this is one means of saying Scotland is in the World Cup."

As for Jason Scotland himself, he said: "It's great just to be in the team, but to have Scotland's support as well makes it special. It would be extra special if we beat England I think the fans at my club would be pleased."

US Naval Force to visit TT


Monday, April 17 2006 (T&T newsday)


A UNITED STATES Naval strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington will visit Trinidad and Tobago sometime within the next two months as part of an operation in the Caribbean dubbed “Partnership of the Americas” which is geared towards demonstrating US military commitment towards the region.

According to a statement from the US Southern Command (SouthCom) in Miami, the deployment of the Washington’s group over the next two months will allow the US to touch base with its regional allies and work with them in addressing threats such as drug and human trafficking. Apart from the 1,100 foot long Nimitz class aircraft carrier, the group also consists of a cruiser, destroyer, frigate, a 30-plane air wing and 6,500 troops.

The George Washington was commissioned on July 4, 1992 and served as the historic site of the 1996 joint military commission of leaders of former warring factions in Bosnia and Herzgovnia. The carrier has also played important roles in enforcing no fly zones in Bosnia and Herzegovina and southern Iraq respectively as part of Operations Joint Endeavour and Southern Watch during the period 1996 to 1998.

The George Washington made its first port of call in the Caribbean as part of Operation Partnership of the Americas on April 14. This visit will be followed by stops in Honduras, Nicaragua, Jamaica, TT, Aruba, Curacao and St Kitts.

Contacted yesterday, National Security Minister Martin Joseph told Newsday he was aware that the Washington’s group would be in the Caribbean over the next two months. Joseph said he had received word from SouthCom about the carrier group’s deployment to the region and this was not the first time that the US had undertaken such exercises in the Caribbean.

He also said that this will not be the first time that foreign naval vessels have visited TT. The aircraft carrier, USS Independence, briefly visited TT in 1990.

Who cares if the US naval force visits Trinidad.. They would be there to terrorize Venezuela.. But is venezuela easily terrorized By the US. The answer is "NO".

Stamps for Pope John Paul’s visit to TT


Tuesday, April 18 2006 (T&T Newsday)


picture

TTPOST has issued a series of stamps to commemorate the pastoral visit by Pope John Paul II in 1985.

Five souvenir stamps, a souvenir sheet and a First Day Cover are available to the public at TTPost outlets across the country. They were launched on April 10.

In a media release, Communications Manager Nataki Kerr said, “It was a momentous occasion for the country to have the head of the Catholic Church here, to celebrate mass and participate in our cultural activities.”

She said the issue was part of TTPost’s effort to celebrate and highlight the various aspects of the culture of TT.

The images on the stamps were from Noel Norton photographs and are titled “Pope Paul II 1920-2005.”

Government signs US$1.5B ethylene deal



picture
Albert Chao, left, president and chief executive of Westlake Chemical Corporation presents a gift to Dr Lenny Saith, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries at the signing of an MOU between both parties yesterday. Photo: Shirley Bahadur



The Government of T&T and Westlake Chemical Corporation of USA signed a US$1.5 billion MOU for an ethylene complex in Point Lisas.

Construction of the plant is scheduled to begin next year. The plant is expected to take about 100 hectares and generate about 5,000 jobs at the height of construction. It is due to be completed in 2010.

Dr Lenny Saith, Minister of Energy said the billion dollar integrated complex will comprise an ethylene cracker complex and a polyethylene plant complex.

Saith said this would open opportunities for small and medium enterprises with the project providing Government with an equity stake of up to 30 per cent.

“Fabricators can utilise polyethylene to produce plastics, flexible packaging and polyester. Additionally, the ethylene can be used to produce PVC or styrene. PVC in turn can be used to produce products such as construction material, pipe, windows and doors. Styrene, of course, is used in the production of tires and latexes for paint and coatings,” he said.

“Further, this project, once on stream would help to ensure the optimal utilisation of our hydrocarbon resources by diversifying the sources of national income while creating development opportunities for the welfare and prosperity of the nation.”

Saith said the Government anticipated a further 3,000-6,000 jobs with the creation of downstream industries in plastics.

He explained that the project would be developed over three phases, with phase one of the project requiring an input of 37,500 barrels per day of ethane for the production of 570,000 metric tons per year of ethylene plus derivatives.

Frank Look Kin, president of the National Gas Company said that the plant would utilise gas from NGC’s stream.

Albert Chao, president and chief executive of Westlake Chemical Corporation said the company had extensive experience on a global basis with over 14 plants in North America and China.


©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Enill: High oil prices good for TT


Clint Chan Tack Wednesday, April 19 2006 (T&T Newsday)


JUNIOR FINANCE Minister Conrad Enill said yesterday’s record high international oil prices are good news for Trinidad and Tobago as the Government will have additional funds for national development.

And he assures there will be no increase in domestic petroleum prices and citizens’ purchasing power will be protected.

International oil prices reached US$72 per barrel yesterday, with analysts stating that these are the highest levels in recent times. In an interview at the Eric Williams Financial Complex yesterday, Enill said this scenario means there will be more money in the State’s coffers for development.

Recalling that the 2005/2006 Budget was based on a comparative oil price of US$35 per barrel, the minister said the Government had decided that 60 percent of all energy revenues would be placed into the Revenue Stabilisation Fund while the remaining 40 percent would be placed into capital intensive projects.

Enill said while the Government could decide to increase its expenditure, no decision will be taken until the mid-year financial review is completed in May. However, he added that the Government may choose not to increase its current levels of expenditure.

Explaining that the downside to high oil prices was global inflation in the international market on all goods and services with an energy component, Enill said TT was fortunate, since the Government continued to subsidise all petroleum products. He explained that because of this, there will be no increases in domestic petroleum prices and additional financial resources will be used to keep c