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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
I thought you would've come up with a better lie than "manning son gamble five hundred thousand dollers in casino" why not tell them Coolie guyanese that Manning two sons rape a pundit wife? Soon we will get rid of them illegal GT coolies in T&T. |
| <Ani>
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Posted
JUST LIKE HOW THEM A GET RID A OF THEM BLACK TRINIDADIAN FROM AMERICA AND CANADA AND THEM A GO BACK TO TRINIDAD AND KILLING PEOPLE
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I am too poor to pay attention Registered:: February 10, 2006
Posts: 11483
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Posted
Oh skites is wah yo doing wid po Eric by now he must not have no hair pon he head.
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| <Ani>
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Posted
i think he get kiddnap in trinidad he in comming back |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Government will protect economy
Wednesday, October 15 2008 (T&T Newsday) GOVERNMENT will intervene in the economy should a financial crisis arise locally, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Mariano Browne assured yesterday. "If there is a financial crisis, decisions will be made that are necessary to ensure the long term viability of our economy," Browne said at the sixth annual St Mary's College (CIC) post-Budget forum held at the school's Centenary Hall, Port-of-Spain. "In (every) country in the world where there has been a financial crisis...the government authorities have always stepped in at different levels," Browne told Form Six students of schools such as CIC, Fatima, Holy Name Convent and Bishop Anstey High School which participated in the forum. "What we have seen is that each of the rescue plans involve a substantial capital injection," Browne said of the US and UK governments' bailouts of cash strapped financial companies. "The reality is that Trinidad and Tobago has passed through a banking sector crisis. It did so in 1990 and there was direct government intervention into the economy." Browne warned that inflation remains a challenge, but reaffirmed that Government will not slow down its infrastructural spending because of its developmental goals. "We all know that inflation has a deleterious effect on government spending," Browne said. He projected that the country will experience slowed economic growth of 1.8 percent in 2009 and 2.1 percent in 2008 when inflation is factored in the rates. In response to concerns the Budget has been pegged on too high an oil price (US$70 per barrel) and the level of government expenditure remains too high, Browne pointed out the Budget will be reviewed by mid-term of the financial year. "(While) the numbers of the Budget are strong; it will be reviewed as it is reviewed in any year at any time," he said. "We face a world of uncertainty. We don't know what the future holds . We can only make the best assumptions from where we stand...We need to review both the internal and the external situation." Speaking with Newsday shortly before the start of yesterday's event, Browne also addressed concerns that the US$70 per barrel oil price would result in a lower oil surplus and hence a lower deposit into the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) next year. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Police cry for Charlie
By NALINEE SEELAL Wednesday, October 15 2008(T&T Newsday) Police officers shed tears yesterday at the passing of well known sniffer dog Charlie on Monday. A funeral service, the first of its kind, was held yesterday for the eight year old police dog. Charlie, a Labrador Mastiff skilled in bomb and drug detection, was attached to the K9 Academy for the past three years. He was buried at the K9 Academy compound following a brief funeral service at Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas, attended by about 20 police officers and their dogs. The officers had become very attached to Charlie who was called into service during almost all the bombings of 2005. The service began at 1 pm with officers gathered around the grave, a prayer being recited, and after Charlie was placed in the grave, his handler Cpl Jason Donawa placed a wreath on top of the grave. The handler shed a few tears after bidding his final farewell to the dog who had been part of his life for the past three years. Charlie arrived in the country in 2005 from the United States and was due to retire by the end of the year. The chocolate coloured dog was a favourite among the dog handlers at the K9 Academy and was the first dog to be called into service when reports of bomb threats were investigated by the police. Charlie played a key role in the investigation into the bombing of a dumpster outside the Independence Square, Port-of-Spain branch of KFC on September 10, 2005. He led bomb squad experts to an area where shrapnel collected from the scene allowed the experts to determine what type of bomb was used. Tragedy struck on Monday night when Charlie who was playing and rolling around during an exercise routine, twisted his stomach. "He was in a lot of pain all of Monday night, and became bloated early yesterday, so a decision was taken to have him examined and treated at the vet school at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex," said a source at the K9 Academy yesterday. The source added that after Charlie was examined, a decision was taken to put him to sleep because of the extent of his injuries. "It was a very sad moment for us because when we left Tucker Valley with Charlie, we were hoping to take him back to the place he had known as home, but instead we returned empty handed. When we broke the news to the officers, it was like a fellow officer had died and a decision was taken to have a funeral service because we felt that Charlie died in the line of duty." The mourning continued yesterday and a decision was taken to have funerals for other dogs who die in the line of duty.  Charlie |
| <Ani>
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Posted
let me tell you someting you really want to here hahaha big joke
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Registered:: July 03, 2003
Posts: 11422
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Posted
Who the hell are you calling stupid???? Stop pushing your own shortcomings on ALL Guyanese. If you don't like what Eric is posting get off the blasted thread and stop attacking the person! |
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Location: India
Registered:: August 21, 2002
Posts: 7447
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Posted
Ani, nah mek ra55 hey. My homan gah lil Trini connection and ah gon mek shi pay foa woa yuh seh bout abie Guyanese.  . Now, dont get me wrong, I'm happy Eric finally getting a hot solder bolt shove up his arse. |
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Registered:: July 03, 2003
Posts: 11422
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Posted
You must have diarrhoea of the mouth and constipation of ideas since you seem to be stuck with name calling and can't even put together a simple argument. Your ignorance obviously knows no bounds if you continue your broad and unqualified generalization of referring to Guyanese as stupid. Don't take what people say about YOU and paint all Guyanese with the same brush. You must be really dumb to continue with these ramblings. Most of what your write is incoherent anyway. Honestly if manure were music you'd be a freaking brass band!!! You brought up Guyanese on this thread - or are you senile???? Did you think you'd get away with your foolishness???? Now run along ..... |
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Location: India
Registered:: August 21, 2002
Posts: 7447
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Posted
Ani, mi notice yuh English getting lil bettuh, more like Guyanese English. |
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Registered:: July 03, 2003
Posts: 11422
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Posted
Trust me - in the jungle there are minimum standards - and you don't meet them. No siree - goats do not reside here. You're the only one making a fool of yourself - which is obviously not difficult for you - you're a natural. With your blatant ignorance you referred to Guyanese as stupid and I picked your a$$ up on that - so don't come playing the race card now. You definitely lack reasoning skills and will continue to squirm your way down to the bottom of the gutter but do not try to drag " Guyanese" there with you. If you want wallow in your stupidity that's fine by me, but when you directly label my people stupid your a$$ is mine. Guyanese are a lot more knowledgable than you think. Why do you believe that we need an ignoramus like you to tell us what we know already? Do you see any Guyanese here spouting the virtues of T&T? NO! So who the hell were you trying to school??? I suggest you get acquainted with the people here before labelling them with your moronic tags. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
the only place me go run is in the jungle,, you is one highely qualified A. ss hole,, if you read in the social you might understand me lil more and stop your nonsense,, or you must by some racial guyanese that hate indo gy, if you have any sense you would see that this jack you definding was putting down guyana as if trinidad is a paradise all i was doing was letting the guyanese know that trinadad is a hell hole,, he fooling you guyanese,,, but you never read the real topic and come here to make a fool out of your self trying to defend guyanese.I am capable of definding both, so you keep the hell away, if you dont have anything good to say.[/QUOTE] YOU ARE A GUYANESE PERSON WHO MAY HAVE LIVED IN T&T THEN LEFT FOR R.H, YOU ARE A SICK DEMENTED "WOMAN" THAT CAN'T STAND THE FACT THAT PANDAY AND HIS GANG OF CROOKS GOT WHIPPED AT THE BALLOT BOX! THEY CAN'T TAKE WHAT THEY LIKE TO DISH OUT. BY THE WAY TRINIS DON'T EVEN TALK LIKE THIS MUCH LESS WRITE....."the only place me go run is in the jungle"...Quote BAATI YUH BETTA STAY IN DE JUNGLE GYALITS WHERE YUH BELONG WITH YUH BIHARI TRIBE. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Karen ready for $$ crisis
Finance Minister working on back-up plan Juhel Browne Friday, October 24th 2008 (T&T Express) http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161392107 under control: Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira fields questions during yesterday's post-Cabinet media conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's. At right is Social Development Minister Dr Amery Browne. -Photo: MICHEAL BRUCE Finance Ministry officials are preparing plans for any eventuality that could arise out of the ongoing international financial crisis, including a global recession, says Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira. "We aren't saying it can't happen. We're saying we're in a strong position and certainly we're looking at contingency modelling," Nunez-Tesheira said during yesterday's post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann's. She did not, however, offer any details on the contingency plans for such event, saying that they are not necessary at this time and can only be finalised if a global recession occurs. "If there is a global recession, clearly, Trinidad and Tobago, like every other country, cannot stand immune from a situation like that ... Trinidad and Tobago is in a far better place if that were to arise. All the macro-economic indicators are very strong ... the savings, debt management and revenues are excellent," Nunez-Tesheira said. Nunez-Tesheira attended the news conference to specifically answer questions regarding her presentation in the Senate on Tuesday, and her televised address to the nation on Wednesday night, in which she sought to allay any fears regarding the international financial crisis and any impact it could have on the local economy. She was asked about comments made by economic experts such as Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is a former Chancellor of the Exchequer, who said yesterday his country and others "must now take action on the global financial recession which is likely to cause recession in America, France, Italy, Germany, Japan and-because no country can insulate itself from it-Britain too". The International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to the Associated Press, had been warning that a recession in the United States would drag world economic growth down with it since April of this year. "For a number reasons we have to a large extent, not been impacted by the contagion effect of what started as a sub-prime crisis. So what we have said is our position as we stand today in Trinidad and Tobago, the situation is a very strong position in terms of the financial sector," Nunez-Tesheira said. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Enill: No plan to shelve US$4b refinery
Minister expects energy price to bounce back (JB) Friday, October 24th 2008(T&T Express) A proposed new US$3-$4 billion oil refinery scheduled for Pointe-a-Pierre will not be delayed or abandoned because of the volatility in the global oil markets, says Energy Minister Conrad Enill. "The project will continue," Enill said during yesterday's post Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann's. He said he anticipates that global oil prices, which settled at US$67.84 per barrel yesterday after reaching a low of US$66.20 per barrel on Wednesday, will eventually stabilise somewhere between US$85 to US$110 per barrel. "The temporary situation in which we find ourselves in now is really a response to confidence brought on by the collapse of the stock markets in the world and, therefore, commodity prices that would have been traded on the stock markets will follow that of what is taking place, it (oil) is a commodity," Enill said. In expressing his confidence about a rebound in the price of oil, which is now trading below the US$70 per barrel price on which the 2008/2009 National Budget is partly based, Enill said a new refinery still makes sense because there will be a dramatic increase in the demand for fuel in China, in particular, within the next eight years. "Today in China, according to the statistics that we saw, for every 1,000 citizens, ten own motor vehicles and we saw a statistic that said they had the money and the resources to move that number from ten in 1,000 to 130 in 1,000 by the year 2015, I think, or 2020," Enill said. "And what they were asking for was petroleum products to support that increase that their population is asking for as a consequence of their own development plans, as it relates to creating a developed society for themselves." He said that this country has the kind of resources that could meet China's growing demand for fuel. "And part of the whole discussion now with the producer companies is to ensure that areas like heavy oil, tar sands and those kinds of new initiatives, that before now were not economic, are now economic for us to do production and therefore, the question of the refinery is still on the table, the question of more production is still on the table," Enill said. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
PM Manning: Stop global recession
By Clint Chan Tack Thursday, October 23 2008 (T&T Newsday) PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning yesterday declared that all nations must work together to prevent the ongoing international financial crisis from turning into a global recession. The Prime Minister also said the crisis must be used as an international economic system that enables countries and regions throughout the world to deal, individually and collectively, with global challenges such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Manning made the point when he spoke at the opening of the seventh United States Chiefs of Mission Conference on HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain. Declaring TT's support for US President George W Bush's call for an international finance summit in Washington DC on November 15, the Prime Minister declared: "The present international financial crisis is a very revealing example of the level of interconnectedness between regions and nations, and how much we are going to need effective international collaboration to bring all countries to avoid a prolonged global slump, and its dire consequences." Noting there were similarities between the effects of the global financial crisis and the HIV/AIDS pandemic on global development, Manning said: "We live in a world of unprecedented interdependence. The AIDS experience has shown that no country is insulated from the effects of disease, poverty, economic slowdown, environmental degradation and under development." He suggested that all nations use the crisis "to ensure an international economic system that empowers all nations to deal individually and collectively with challenges, including that posed by HIV/AIDS and others that would arise in the future." With 20,000 people in the Caribbean infected with HIV and another 14,000 dying from AIDS last year, the Prime Minister said regional governments were painfully aware of the threat which the pandemic poses to the Caribbean's socio-economic development. Manning said the regional governments were grateful to the US for its assistance in bolstering their efforts to combat the pandemic and that Trinidad and Tobago has taken several initiatives which have seen a decline of 50 percent in HIV/AIDS deaths since 2004. "We must continue to be unrelenting in our efforts to completely eliminate the occurrence of the disease in our country, and to continue the collaboration with our regional partners in the face of this challenge. There can be no complacency in dealing with the global threat to the development of countries in every region of the world," the Prime Minister declared. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Saturday 25th October, 2008
Life in jail for abusing children Gail Alexander(Trinidad Guardian) Life imprisonment will be the penalty for various offences against children including sexual intercourse with a child, seduction of a child and touching a child in any sexual manner, Social Development Minister Amery Browne said yesterday. He outlined these and other stiff penalties large fines plus long jail terms for a list of offences against children as he piloted the bill to protect children in the Lower House. Penalities are particularly hard on people in a position of trust with whom children are left and who have been found guilty of abusing children in some form. This includes people who are related to the child in question as well as people who are not. The life term in prison is stipulated for various offences under the bill, including for persons over 18 years of age, or those who are under 18 but over 14, who have sexual intercourse with a child. Browne said for 2007 alone, the Rape Crisis Centre had noted 62 cases of child abuse 19 of them specifically rape cases. "It's just the merest tip of the iceberg," Browne added. The situation also required attention more urgently due to child trafficking, child pornography, Internet exchanges and similar developments in recent years which have led to increases in child abuse. Browne said the situation had led to amendments in the bill to deal with new offences and penalties for this. These include sexual intercourse in the presence of children, inciting children to have sex, use of children in photo video material, encouraging a child to touch or touching a child's body parts inappropriately and trafficking of children for sexual exploitation. All of these carry jail terms and fines. The penalty for using a child as a prostitute in any part of the world carries a 25-year sentence under the bill. ©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
T&T celebrates Spain's National Day (Trinidad Guardian)
 Alberto Ferrer, secretary to the Ambassador of Spain, left, and Jose Alcazar, HR regional manager, Repsol. October 12 each year is a major national holiday recognised throughout Spain known as Dia la Hispanidad, or Spanish National Day. Here in Trinidad, Fernando de la Serna, Ambassador of Spain, hosted a modest midday reception on October 13 at his official residence, Wainwright Street, St Clair to celebrate the occasion. The reception was not as lavish as one would expect for a National Day celebration and Ambassador Fernando de la Serna explained that since the visit of the King and Queen of Spain was just a mere six weeks away the Embassy could not afford to do otherwise. "Modest celebrations require even more modest speeches," said Ambassador Fernando de la Serna, as he addressed guests. In his short speech the Ambassador expressed his gratefulness for the support they have been receiving from the Government of T&T since they opened the Embassy less than two years ago. The Ambassador asked guest to join him in a toast to the friendship between the peoples of T&T and Spain, and to an ever increasing relationship between them. Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs proposed a toast on behalf of the Government and peoples of T&T. Despite the scaled down celebrations, guests had their fill of champagne as the midday sun warmed the land. |
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Registered:: July 15, 2007
Posts: 2007
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Posted
eric you are a persistent fellow, this thread is 2 1/2 years old now, since april 2006.
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Thanks Amral said just about the same thing you've just said some months ago. I'll try and keep up the work as time go on, but as you know I have been the victim persistant sabotage last few weeks. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Trini who pulled the strings in Jamaica music
KEITH SMITH Friday, October 24th 2008(Tobago News) Trinidad and Tobago can make money out of its music, COTT's communication manager has said. Fact is, it should already be doing so if government, as it should, is taking care to tax the earnings of, for example, those successful soca stars who annually keep earning US dollars on the North American circuit. Still, I suspect, it is nothing like what Jamaica earns from its reggae/dancehall singers, money flowing into the land of wood and water from the slew of those of its singers who ply their trade in so many parts of the world, little Jamaica, amazingly, having managed not only to contribute to international pop music but that contribution having also influenced its direction. Ironically, one of the men cited by Jamaican themselves as having had a major impact on the super successful happens to be Trinidadian Nerlin Taitt, author researcher Kim Johnson writing in Caribbean Beat, our own Caribbean Airline's in flight magazine about this "Secret Hero of Jamaican Music", whom Johnson says, "enjoys the distinction of being famous for not being famous enough". In 1962 guitarist, panman Taitt along with some other musicians was hired by some calypsonians for a Caribbean tour culminating in Jamaica. Alas, after the tour the calypsonians absconded back to Trinidad without paying the musicians. "The stranded Taitt", Johnson writes " whose solid body electric guitar was new to Jamaica, was snapped up by the astute businessman and bandleader Byron Lee, who had to lend him clothes to perform in..... Taitt took to Ska like a hog to mud. He swung the music away from acoustic to electric guitar and soon established his own band, The Comets. Striving for the sound of a tenor pan, Taitt developed a percussive, "bubbling" style of guitar picking, which is now standard repertoire for Jamaican guitarists. He was much in demand as a session musician, working with all the important producers to provide music for every important musician at the time: Derrick Morgan, Desmond Dekker, Lee Perry, Ken Boothe, Bob Marley, Joe Higgs, Alton Ellis, Phyllis Dillon, Delroy Wilson and the Skatalites. Over the next five years he would arrange and record over 1,500 songs as session leader. Such phenomenal output was only possible because Taitt possessed a single minded focus on music that bordered on the obsessive, practically sleeping in the studios and, when he wasn't playing music, composing it. Asked if during those years he played dominoes, the Jamaican national pastime, he replies: "I don't play any games, it doesn't teach me anything in music." Once offered leadership of the Skatalites, Taitt refused, because he thought the band should be led by a Jamaican. Yet it was precisely his Trinidadian background which gave him such prominence (in addition to his considerable appetite for work), and in 1966 it put him in leadership of the whole music scene. It happened one day when Hopeton Lewis came to record in Ken Khouri's studio, where Taitt and his band the Jets were working. Lewis's song was Take it Easy, a message perfectly in keeping with the times, when the urban unemployed "rude boys" affected a cool, laid back menace. But the song wasn't right at Ska's fast pace. "I tell Gladdy Anderson, I say: 'Gladdy, slow down that pace, let's hear how it would sound,' says Taitt. "But as you do that, the song gets longer and slower, so there is a lot of spaces because it's not fast any more." Take It Easy sold 10,000 copies in a single weekend. This was not simply a slower version of Ska but a completely different, new sound, whose influence we hear in today's reggae. For instance, the electric bass plays clusters of notes, like a dance rather than an even stride. The same notes are played by the electric guitar, which brings them from the background to the fore. Other songs are also said to have launched rocksteady: Alton Ellis' Girl I've Got a Date and Derek Morgan's Tougher Than Tough. It doesn't matter Taitt arranged and played on them all.... The entire music industry fell in line behind Taitt, whose band backed almost every important rocksteady hit, including Desmond Dekker's first, 007. In countless sessions Taitt would first lay out his slow, cool guitar chords, giving room for the other musicians organ, saxophone, trumpet and especially the vocalist to produce the sweetest melodies. Ernest Ranglin explains, "Lynn Taitt was keen to try new things. Everybody wanted something new the musicians, the crowds, the producer but it hadn't come together as such until he start to organise the sound." Prince Buster, singer, producer and maestro of Ska, says, "He was an excellent player and was never a man who was satisfied with how things were if they stayed the same for too long. Even though he was the person who really bring in rocksteady as we know it today, he was always looking for ways to move it on as soon as it was established." Then in 1969 rocksteady was abruptly supplanted by reggae. There were several reasons, such as the rise of new producers Lee "Scratch" Perry and Bunny Lee, engineer Osborne "King Tubby" Ruddock; the new artistes they had to groom; and the new sound they discovered. Scratch Perry signed a group of rebels, the Wailers. King Tubby moved in another direction by omitting vocal tracks and having a DJ, U-Roy, chant in their space. But central to the demise of rocksteady was the sudden abdication of its king, the restless Lynn Taitt. At the peak of his fame Taitt was invited to set up a band in Toronto for the West Indian Federated Club. It was meant, like his 1962 trip to Jamaica, to last a fortnight. Instead he stayed a year and then decided he liked the place..." I remain fascinated by my friend Johnson's trans Caribbean tale and have taken to thinking about it more and more now that so many Jamaican artistes, Sizzla, Beenie Man, and the like, have all but taken up residence here, Beenie Man, whom they tell me is still the "Dance Hall King", having soca hits, time along telling where this Trinidadian Jamaican musical collarobation will eventually end up. But, Taitt, seemingly, perhaps was first in line and I invite to relish the full story in the CA's magazine if you are flying out from Tobago or by having a travelling friend pick up a copy offered free of charge on your very own aircraft. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
US ship to provide medical help
Tuesday, October 28 2008(T&T Newsday) The medical contingent of the visiting United States Ship (USS) Kearsarge will assist in unburdening the health system during its two week stay in the country, Health Minister Jerry Narace said yesterday at the official welcoming ceremony of the ship. Commodore Fernandez Ponds, and a contingent of officers from the ship were present yesterday at the ceremony held at the Arima Town Hall, Arima. The Kearsarge, along with various units, began humanitarian/civic assistance in Trinidad from October 25, as part of the Caribbean Phase of the project, Continuing Promise(CP) 2008. Ponds is the mission commander of the Endeavour, which is a six nation mission costing approximately US $22 million. In addition to providing free health care at the Couva and Arima District Health Facilities, members of the 1,500 contingent will conduct renovation works at the St Jude's School for Girls in Belmont, the All in One Development Centre in Beetham Gardens and the Cyril Ross Nursery, Tacarigua. US Ambassador Roy Austin said the visit is a follow up to last year's successful mission of the USS Comfort which also provided free health care to thousands of locals. Narace, who was one of the dignitaries at the ceremony, thanked the mission for their presence in the country. He explained that the gesture was recognition of the close ties between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. The gesture is also significant, he said, considering Trinidad's aging population which requires a large amount of focus on health care. "While the Government is working on developing the health sector, we recognise the need for service to our population which is largely an aging population. The visit of the USS Kearsarge will certainly ease the pressure at the various health institutions," he said. Arima Mayor, Adrian Cabralis welcomed the medical contingent yet again to Arima, inviting them to enjoy what Arima had to offer. "Last time, we had members of the ship visiting the Arima market and they enjoyed the atmosphere there. This time I invite you to visit the Asa Wright Nature Centre, Aripo Heights, Blanchisseuse and other sites of interests. I invite you to go to parang, learn to dance the parang, I am sure there are those out there willing to teach you. Tomorrow Today is the celebration of the festival of lights, Divali. Your presence here is bringing light to the community and Borough." The CP medical contingent includes personnel from the US Public Health Service, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands and non government organisations, Project HOPE and International Aid. Navy Seabee Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit along with engineers from the Air Force's fifth Civil Engineer Squadron Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force will conduct renovations at the named areas.  HEALTH PROMISE:Health Minister Jerry Narace, left, exchanges ideas with Colonel Roland Maundy, Commanding Officer of TT Regiment, and Commodore Fernandez Ponds, a member of the medical contingent of the visiting US SHIP Kearsarge at an officialwelcomingceremony at the Arima Town Hall, Arima, yesterday. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
New desalination plant constructed in Moruga
By RICHARDSON DHALAI Thursday, October 30 2008(T&T Newsday) ALTHOUGH Public Utilities Minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, at a post cabinet news conference on September 18, stated there are plans to build five new desalination plants to boost water production, a plant which has not yet been commissioned, has been constructed in Moruga. The new plant, which is capable of producing 130,000 gallons of water per day, has been supplying the rural seaside communities of Marac and La Lune since September 9, and is being managed by WASA. The plant was constructed by a South Korean water treatment company called Hankook Jungsoo Industries Company Limited (HaJI) and construction began on April 14, and is almost ninety percent complete. Only a retaining wall and access road are still to be finalised. During campaigning in the run-up to the November 25, 2007 General Election, Prime Minister Patrick Manning used the issue of water desalination plants as a means of solving water problems being experienced in certain parts of the country. During a post Cabinet briefing on September 18, Abdul-Hamid noted the Government would bring in an "advisor" to aid in the setting up of five new plants. "First of all, we propose to hire an independent procurement expert with experience in management, construction, operating and owning and maintaining desalination plants, as well as waste water treatment plants, drinking water treatment plants and construction of water transmission networks," Abdul-Hamid stated. He said companies were being sought to design, build, own and operate the desalination plants with the companies then selling water to Government. "We sent out requests for information between September 15 and 20, for responses by October 3, and on the basis of these responses, we expect to issue our requests for proposals by December 12. After a period of evaluation, we expect to have our contracts awarded somewhere in March of 2009," Abdul- Hamid said. However, when Newsday visited Moruga yesterday, workers in WASA uniform were engaged in road paving work at the facility which consists of several cargo containers placed side by side and painted in the utility's colours, together with four large water tanks. A worker, who spoke on the basis of anonymity, boasted that water produced by the desalination plant was capable of producing water which exceeds World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. He explained that water purity standards, measured on the nephelolometric turbidity units (NTU) scale (which is a universal water standard set out by the WHO) usually rank potable water as having an ntu rating of below five units. He said the water produced by the new desalination plant was capable of producing water at below .15 ntu. "The final quality of this water is better than most bottled water," the worker boasted.  Moruga resident Godfrey Lee Sing points to a sign outlining the new La Lune desalination plant which is 90 percent complete. |
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Location: India
Registered:: August 21, 2002
Posts: 7447
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Posted
Eric probably in line for a free car, like the good old PNC days across the straits. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Trini sailors touch base
Peter Christopher Sunday, November 2nd 2008 (T&T Express) picture ALL ABOARD: From left, Shaun Joseph, Charmaine Wellington, Annalier Mitchell, Helen Henderson and Quincy Valllee, all of Trinidadian descent, man the deck of the USS Kearsarge yesterday. - Photo: Micheal Bruce HOPING to see the world and grow as individuals, five US Navy officers of Trinidad and Tobago descent could not be more excited about returning to their land of origin with the USS Kearsarge. "It's always good to be back, you don't want to lose touch with your roots," said Shaun Joseph, who at the age of six switched his hometown from Pleasantville, San Fernando to Bronx, New York over 15 years ago. Charmaine Wellington, 21, who was born in Guyana but reared in Trinidad until moving to Florida, also at the age of six, was also excited about returning to country's shores and even hopes to return for Carnival next year. "I don't know who I'll be playing with, but I'm really excited and I hope to be here for Carnival," said Wellington. Helen Henderson, who left Scarborough, Tobago 18 years ago and started service in the US Navy, five years later said she had been using the opportunity to get back in touch with her family in Tobago. "The development (in Tobago) has been beautiful," said Henderson, who expressed concern over the rise in crime on the island. Quincy Vallee, 24, who has turned in seven years of service also expressed happiness to return and reconnect to his family in the country. For Annalier Mitchell, the assignment has allowed her to stay close to her family after the tragic loss of her stepfather Ruthven Lewis in a car accident three weeks ago. Her mother Ann Marie has remained on ward at the San Fernando General Hospital following the accident. Mitchell, who had been living in the US for ten years, had previously been on leave to be at her mother's side. In addition to that, her hometown of Santa Flora has been on edge since the emergence of a mud volcano in the area. Despite this, the 27- year old Mitchell has been happy to return home, especially to re-acquaint herself with local cuisine. "Oh gosh, I really missed roti," said Mitchell. The officers said their decisions to join the Navy included the options of travelling the world and gaining discipline. Each noted that various missions had shed a new light on the world for them. |
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T&T gas for Canadian LNG plant
Juhel Browne Wednesday, October 29th 2008(T&T Express) A new Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminal and regasification plant will begin receiving gas supplies from Trinidad and Tobago within the first quarter of 2009. Energy Minister Conrad Enill told the Express yesterday that the new arrangement is in keeping with an ongoing effort to secure new markets for the nation's natural gas products, in response to questions about the project on the website of Canada's New Brunswick Business Journal dated October 23. It was only in July that the Government sent LNG shipments to Brazil for the first time. This country is now the largest supplier of LNG to the United States. "Every day we go out and we look for new markets. Well, they make new arrangements on the basis of available product...It's commercial arrangements," Enill said. Atlantic LNG, which operates four LNG Trains in Point Fortin, will be providing the shipments to the new terminal and plant, which is owned by Canaport LNG. Seventy five per cent of Canaport LNG is owned by Repsol YPF, the Spanish energy giant that is a shareholder in all four of the Atlantic LNG Trains. The New Brunswick Business Journal has reported that the Canaport LNG terminal and regasification plant are still under construction and are now 84 per cent complete and that the project's only other shareholder is Irving Oil Ltd. The journal reported that Canaport LNG spokeswoman Carolyn Van der Veen said it will begin commercial deliveries of natural gas in the first quarter of 2009. Van der Veen told the New Brunswick Business Journal that Canaport LNG will begin by sending 28 million cubic metres of natural gas per day down the Brunswick Pipeline before the end of March. "The first shipments of liquified natural gas will come from Trinidad and Tobago," the journal reported. Enill said that while much of the natural gas that is extracted from upstreamers like bp and British Gas is reserved for contractual arrangements, the rest is available to the State to use as it sees fit. "We have contracted gas but we also have gas that can go anywhere... It's Government's gas. Usually we will look for places where we can get the most benefits. In some instances, the Production Sharing Contracts give us gas that we have available to us and in many instances we can sell that gas wherever we think we can get the best deal," Enill said. |
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DEALERS DUMPED
 PM goes to BMW in Germany to lease VIP summit cars Ria Taitt Political Editor Friday, November 7th 2008 (T&T Express) Prime Minister Patrick Manning is bypassing local car dealers and has held discussions with German car manufacturer BMW with a view to leasing luxury vehicles for the Summit of the Americas. This is the latest development in this executive car controversy involving the purchase/lease/ renting arrangement for the supply of 200 vehicles for use at the Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting next year. Manning made the disclosure at a news conference yesterday held at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's, at which he reported on his trip to Germany and Dubai. Echoing sentiments expressed by Minister in the Ministry of Finance Mariano Browne that local car dealers were proposing to rent the cars to Government at a cost which was prohibitive, the Prime Minister stated: "What is happening here is that the local people (dealers) have priced the alternative structures at such a level, driving you in the direction to buy the cars. That is what they are trying to do. "They put a price on the alternatives that is so high that you would have little alternative but to purchase the cars, which we are determined not to do. We do not need 200 cars (on a permanent basis). In those circumstances, I met with BMW, in fact I visited a major world class showroom in Munich and we had discussions on the matter and I have to discuss it with our people here." Manning added: "In fact BMW said (to me) that that is what the APEC (African pacific Economic Co-operation) countries did. They came directly to BMW which put forward a package and a proposal and supplied cars for temporary use in the APEC Summit and then they took the cars back afterward, which is exactly the arrangement we want," he said. |
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Obama may visit Trinidad & Tobago in April 2009
 Wednesday, November 05 2008 @ 06:00 AM AST Contributed by: akhan source Arthur Gray, Advisor to the National Secretariat for the Fifth Summit of the Americas addresses the Caribbean Civil Society Forum; Dr Riyad Insanally, OAS Representative in Trinidad and Tobago; Ambassador Albert Ramdin and Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Affairs Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon at the Caribbean Sub Regional Civil Society Forum of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain on October 31, 2008. US President elect Barack Obama may visit Port of Spain as early as April 17-19, 2009 for the Fifth Summit of the Americas. US Presidents are usually regular attendees of the Summit of the Americas. If not the first, it would be one of the first Summits Obama attends as President of the United States, making Port of Spain a possible destination from where the new US President will demonstrate what "change" means, in terms of US foreign policy towards its neighbours. The theme of the Fifth Summit of the Americas, "Securing Our Citizens' Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability" was developed in close consultation with member countries and partner institutions of the Summit Process. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in preparing the Concept Paper on the issues to be considered both in the lead up to and at the Fifth Summit, was mindful of the need to make this Summit more people centred and inclusive. "This Summit must be able to deliver tangible and measurable outcomes that will make a real, positive difference to the lives of people in the region," the National Summit Secretariat says. The focus of the Fifth Summit will be on human prosperity, energy security, climate change and sustainable development, all key items on the Democratic agenda. Organisation of American States Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Albert Ramdin also expects natural disasters and the global financial crisis to appear on the Heads of State agenda at next year's Summit. If Obama is as popular in Trinidad and Tobago as the polls say, the crowds gathered outside the 5th Summit of the Americas may not be protesters but doting fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their hero.  [PHOTO: Barack Obama courtesy his campaign office] |
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Baby Barack Obama is born
By Lara Pickford-Gordon Saturday, November 8 2008 (T&T Newsday) On the night votes were being tallied in the United States elections which would see the first African-American, Barack Obama, being elected president, Natalie Nurse, 38, was having a difficult labour at the Mt Hope Women's Hospital, Mt Hope. She went to the hospital after 7 pm and after three hours of intense pain, her first son was born via caesarian section at 10 pm, Tuesday, as Obama was on his way to victory. With urging from her family Nurse has decided to name him Sean Barack Obama in honour of her late common-law husband Sean Pollard who was stabbed to death last March, and Obama, the 44th US president. The baby was one of 18 (ten boys and eight girls) born at the hospital on Tuesday. Obama's name has become very popular for newborns in Kenya and the US since the election. Talking about the labour from her hospital bed yesterday, Nurse said it was very painful. "I bawl," Nurse said with a chuckle. Sean Barack Obama weighed 9.1 pounds at birth. Although she is still feeling pain from the C-section Nurse is very happy. Nurse, a resident of El Socorro, recalls that when she became pregnant Pollard said to her, "This is the boy here Natalie." "He was a good man," she said. Nurse has two teen daughters Amanda, 19, and Aphik, 16. Nurse said she did not follow the US elections closely but her cousins did and they urged her to name the baby after Obama "that I might get blessed." A cousin of Nurse, who did not want to be named, said of Obama's election, "This is very good. This is history, it's joyous. He represents great strength." The relative foresaw great hope and good things for the baby. "He could be a great leader." Recalling that civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr envisioned a time when black and white could walk the streets united, the relative said, "He preached certain things and it revealing itself. Good things are coming to pass." Nurse was expected to be discharged from hospital yesterday. At the Port-of-Spain General Hospital ten babies were born on the day of the US election. The father of a baby girl named Brenell, who weighed eight pounds, said she was born on a historic day for black people and Obama's election represented hope. "It means a lot right now. We need a lot of hope." Diane Alexis, 38, of Laventille said her husband had suggested giving their son one of Obama's names. The baby was born on November 3 and weighed eight pounds.  THIS BABY boy is the first in Trinidad and Tobago to be named after US presidentelectBarack Obama. Sean Barack Obama Nurse was born at the Mt Hope Women'sHospital on Tuesday, the day Obama became the first African-American to beelected president of the United States. |
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So what, who cares.
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i hope he help them people their .. imagine almost 500 hundred murders for the yesr, in a little island like T&T OMG hepl help help we need it
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As Fagdeo to help them Indians by giving them FREE land to live in Gay ana. Help them central cane cutters gyal! |
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War heroes remembered
Monday, November 10 2008(T&T Newsday) War veterans turned out in their numbers during Remembrance Day at Memorial Park, Port-of-Spain. With a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, the brave and courageous young men and women who fought and died in World War I and World War II were remembered by colleagues and friends. Many surviving veterans also attended the ceremony in fond remembrance of their comrades who fought beside them more than 60 years ago. picture Acting President of Trinidad and Tobago Danny Montano lays a wreath at the Cenotaph in Memorial Park, Port-of-Spain, yesterday in remembrance of those who served and fell during World War I and World War II. picture WAR BUDDIES: (Left to right) War veterans 84-year-old Errol Grimes, 88-year-old Richard Clarke and 85-year-old Sydney Neil attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at Memorial Park Port-of-Spain yesterday. The ceremony was held in memory of all those who served and died during World War I and World War II. picture WAR FRIENDS: Ellie Tirado, (left) and Erica Lucas served at the St James Barracks war base as stenographers during the war. They were also present yesterday at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Memorial Park Port-of-Spain. |
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How come you reside in the Gay section of Brampton? |
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Obama books selling fast
Aretha Welch Tuesday, November 11th 2008(T&T Express) If you want to guarantee that your book sells out in Trinidad and Tobago, all you have to do is become the first black leader of the "free world". At least that's what United States President elect Barack Obama has done. His memoir, Dreams from my Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, has been selling out faster than hot bread at local bookstores since he achieved his historic feat last week. Many local stores are also carrying his political tome (tome: a large, serious book), entitled The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on reclaiming the American Dream. Both books are said to have been top sellers for the last few months since Obama's campaign picked up momentum, but since his win last Tuesday, bookshop owners are saying they can barely keep enough in stock. Christopher Mendes, owner of The Reader's Bookshop in St James, told the Express that all his copies of Dreams from My Father sold out since Obama's victory was made final. However, he hopes to have more in stock by Friday to cater to the weekend crowd who will come looking for more Obama material in their free time. A sales clerk at the RIK bookshop in West Mall told the Express that last week, book sales for Obama's memoir increased significantly. Christy Ann Motee from Nigel R Khan Booksellers added that last Saturday they had sold more copies of Obama's books than ever before. She said, "Any books on Obama, or that he has written, are hot right now. And with more and more people coming in looking for them, it has been good." With analysts saying on several occasions that this country does not have a culture where reading is encouraged, it may be surprising to some that so many people are ready to fork out over $120 for Obama's memoir or another $60 for The Audacity of Hope. But Mendes says a lot of people are opting to buy both books. In fact, Motee said despite the cost of Obama's Dreams From My Father, they have been selling an average of 15 copies a day at their Maraval branch alone, where she works. Obama's writings seem to be right up on the list of items people will be begging Santa for this Christmas, she added. |
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˜Integration is good'
By Andre Bagoo Tuesday, November 11 2008(T&T Newsday) A PROPOSED political union between this country and several eastern Caribbean states yesterday received the full backing of the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Luis Fernando Andrade Falla. Speaking to reporters after a press conference held at the ACS secretariat in St Clair, Port of Spain, Falla said he had no fears that the proposed political union between Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines as well as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will undermine the regional work of the ACS, which he called the "umbrella body" for any such political union. "Each process of political integration is good...Each sub-region has its own approach," Falla said. He added he would encourage any moves to establish political unions within the 25 member ACS because of the clear need for the countries of the region to unite their small economies. "We are such small economies, such small countries. We can develop our own framework of market and expand it," he said. "This region has a potential." Earlier at the press conference, Falla announced that the ACS will push for the removal of the 46 year old US trade embargo on Cuba at next year's Summit of the Americas "as a matter of priority." "The United States (US) is alone on this matter," Falla said, calling the trade embargo "anachronistic". "Cuba is a part of the region. All of (the ACS countries) are against the embargo as a matter of principle." While questions have been raised over Cuba's human rights record this was not, in Falla's view, a reason to maintain the embargo. He called such concerns over human rights "a political manipulation". "You have to put it in perspective, the case of Cuba. It is in a state of war against the US," Falla said. "Cuba has the most advanced education system. It's impressive how they have survived." Falla said he was confident that US President elect Barack Obama would be open to calls for the embargo against Cuba to end. "We expect that Barack Obama will reflect change," Falla said. He also announced that a United Nations (UN) resolution which is expected to acknowledge the special need for the Caribbean Sea to be designated as an environmentally sensitive area is currently being negotiated. These negotiations are expected to be completed by December.  ACS Secretary General Luis Fernando Andrade Falla |
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Sabga, oil pioneer inducted into Business Hall of Fame
Peter Christopher Thursday, November 13th 2008(T&T Express) Business entrepreneur Anthony Sabga and late oil industry pioneer Randolph Rust are the newest inductees into the Trinidad and Tobago Business Hall of Fame. At the ceremony held on Tuesday night at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, St Ann's, Sabga advised his business compatriots to guide the country during this period where global markets are constantly under threat. He stated that while the country is doing well economically, there are still many areas holding back progress. "We are still without the labour to achieve self sufficiency," said Sabga, the patriarch of the Ansa McAL group of companies, during his acceptance speech. Ian Collier, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, also called for measures to be put in place to bolster our economy. "Economic downturns can be important teachers to those who will hear, might we not instead roll up our sleeves, listen intently and learn from the mistakes of the world, programme ourselves to meticulously monitor and prudently review and modify as necessary, and while doing, do all necessary for Trinidad and Tobago to be in the best possible position for when the next economic upturn begins," said Collier. Rust, who was the first man to strike oil in Trinidad on July 2, 1902 in Guayaguayare, was posthumously added to the Hall of Fame for his discovery. Museum curator and Ministry of Culture representative Vel Lewis accepted the honour on his behalf. |
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Alutrint to roll out products in third quarter of 2011
Louis B Homer South Bureau Friday, November 7th 2008(T&T Express) By the third quarter of 2011, Alutrint Limited will begin rolling off aluminium products from its Union Estate, La Brea plant, on which construction is expected to begin early next year. The announcement was made yesterday by Alutrint's chief executive officer, Philip Julien, at the company's celebration of 100,000 accident free hours and the signing of the Engineering Procurement and Construction Contract. The function was held at Alutrint's field offices at Vessigny, La Brea. Julien said the US $400 million contract with China Machining Import Export Company was signed on October 30 in Beijing, China. He said the contract called for the construction of a 125,000 tonne a year aluminium plant which was scheduled to be completed by the second quarter of 2011. "On completion the company will manufacture a wide range of aluminium products, including motor car rims for special vehicles, aluminium rods and a wide range of down stream products," Julien said. He said the first phase in the construction of the plant will be the test piling operations which are expected to start in January. Julien emphasised that Alutrint, which was 60 per cent owned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago 40 per cent by Sural of Venezuela, was not building a smelter plant . "What we are doing is beyond building a plant, we are establishing an aluminium industry in Trinidad," he said. He said plans were in place for the arrival of 70 Chinese workers who were expected to arrive in Trinidad by January 15. He said during construction, some 800 to 900 workers will be employed on the project. Asked what impact the current world economic turmoil would have on the planned investment, Julien said he did not envisage any cutback in the programme. "But what we are looking forward to is a reduction in construction in many areas with the price of certain commodities being reduced in cost," he said. Julien said CMEC had indicated that "any reduction in costs would be passed back to the company". He said Alutrint was also reviewing the part it should play in corporate development as it pertains to La Brea. At yesterday's ceremony, 16 employees received certificates of appreciation for being part of a safe working crew that was responsible for producing 100,000 accident free working hours. Christopher Louison, foreman attached to the site at Union Estate, La Brea, said: "All of us worked as a team. The biggest hurdle we had (with the Chinese workers) was the difference in language, but very early we overcame that problem." |
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Paula: Floating hotels a must
Joel Julien Saturday, November 8th 2008(T&T Express) "ABSOLUTELY necessary" was how Foreign Affairs Minister Paula Gopee Scoon yesterday described the floating hotels contracted by Government during the hosting of two major summits on our shores next year. In 2009, both the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting are being hosted by this country. For the Fifth Summit of the Americas, scheduled for three days in April, 34 Heads of State are expected to attend, and some seven months later, in November, 53 Heads of State are expected to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. In addition to these dignitaries, thousands of people are expected to attend each of the international conferences, Gopee-Scoon said during a press conference at her ministry's head office yesterday. And because of the anticipated influx of visitors and the country's current lack of capacity to handle them, the floating hotels are a necessity, she added. "Immediately we had to do it ... we just don't have enough room ... we could not build a hotel and not be able to fill them after ... that is why we had to contract the vessels," Gopee-Scoon explained. However, Gopee-Scoon could not say what the exact cost of contracting the vessels were. Last month, the Express exclusively reported that the Government had made a downpayment on two cruise ships, the Caribbean Princess and the Carnival Victory, to be used as floating hotels for the conferences. On Thursday, Prime Minister Patrick Manning revealed the Government was bypassing local car dealers and has held discussions with German car manufacturer BMW with a view to leasing luxury vehicles for the Summit of the Americas. |
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First Citizens records $500M in profits
By Leiselle Maraj Saturday, November 15 2008(T&T Newsday) First Citizen's Bank Limited is set to end the year on a strong note with the company declaring profit before tax of just over $500 million, surpassing last year's figure of $439 million, according to CEO Larry Howai. In addition to increased profits, the bank also managed to weather the impact of the global financial crisis and gained an affirmed rating of BBB+/A-2 from the international credit rating agency, Standard and Poor's, he added. Speaking at a cocktail reception held at the Trinidad Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain, to honour the bank's corporate clientele in the north and east, and the launch of its signature credit card, Howai attributed the bank's outstanding performance to management and staff and its loyal customers. FCB, he said, has also raised TT$1 billion from two bonds issued recently on the local market. "In an extremely competitive financial sector your ability to successfully issue bonds and raise capital is a good confidence indicator, and says you are solid and stable," he noted. Finances raised from the two bonds, he explained, will be used as a basis for lending in the upcoming year. Turning to the Visa signature credit card, Howai announced that FCB was the first bank to issue the card locally, and it was the most prestigious card that can be offered in Latin America and the Caribbean. "The launch of this credit card signifies the growth of First Citizen," he said. Among other features, the card offers round the clock customer service, travel accident insurance up to US$1 million per person, worldwide auto rental insurance, medical insurance purchase and luggage protection, and a wide range of support for travellers.  REPLICA: Michael Quamina, left, Avril Edwards, Mario Young and Larry Howai, right, hold a large sized replica of the new VISA Signature card at the launch of the new card at Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, on Thursday. |
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10,000 ex-Caroni workers soon to be home-owners
By ANNA-ROSE MADRAY Saturday, November 15 2008(T&T Newsday) MORE than 10,000 lots of 5,000 square feet of Caroni lands will soon be occupied by home owners, according to Managing director of the Estate Management Business Development Corporation (EMBDC), Uthara Rao. Speaking to Newsday on Wednesday, Rao said that over 22,500 residential lots had been carded for development a couple years ago and all should be completely developed between 2009-2010. Since that time, he said that 10,621 lots have already been equipped with physical infrastructure for residential housing, while approximately 7, 474 lots had gained statutory approval, including clearance from Town and Country planning. They have also been prepared for the availability of water and electricity by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Company (TTEC). "The balance of 3000 lots is being pursued for statutory approval," he added. So far, Rao said allocation letters were already being distributed to potential residents. He said once the lands were prepared, residents could start moving into their houses. "We'll be handing it over in batches, once the physical allotment is completed," he assured. Rao expressed excitement at the mega project, which he said included the development of 32,000 acres of land for residential and agricultural purposes. "About 20,000 acres, yielding 7,740 lots of two acres of agricultural lands will be available for around 7000 ex-Caroni workers," he said, adding that 6,500 lots of 5000 squared feet of residential land would go to ex-Caroni workers. The Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance Company (TTMF) has been advertising a low interest rate of two percent to purchase homes from the TT Housing Development Corporation (HDC). According to an ad published in the Press, the TTMF stated that families with an income of $8,000 or less could access the low interest rate special for a home from the HDC, the Tobago House of Assembly as well as Caroni Lands. According to HDC's head of corporate communications, Leslie John, potential residents meeting the requirements will not have to pay any down payment, and will be given up to 25 years to repay the loan. |
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Over 600 immigrants granted residency
Anna Ramdass Saturday, November 15th 2008 (T&T Express) Over the past 32 years, a total of 643 immigrants, including 470 Chinese, were granted approvals for residency in this country. In response to a question on the Order Paper, Minister in the National Security Ministry Donna Cox said yesterday the records indicate that between July 1, 1976, and September 30, 2008, a total of 643 nationals of China, Ghana (8), Nigeria (164) and Cameroon (1) were granted approvals for resident status in this country. Cox added that over the past six and a half years, 172 immigrants of those nationalities were detained by the Immigration Division for being in this country illegally. She said 79 were detained for illegal entry, while 93 were detained for entering the country and overstaying their allotted time. Cox also indicated that over the last three years, 56 people working in security or construction firms were detained as illegal immigrants, and of that total, two were working in security firms and 54 in construction firms. "In such cases where it was discovered that persons are working illegally in the country, the owners of the employing firm or company are served initially with a warning and random monitoring is undertaken," she said. She added that in the event that the illegal practice continues, prosecution is initiated. "The Minister of National Security has not received or been advised of exploitation of illegal immigrants at such job sites," Cox said. "The records of the Immigration Division do not suggest that there is a rampant influx of illegal immigrants" she added. Cox said with the cooperation of law enforcement agencies and law abiding citizens, together with the ongoing recruitment drive aimed at strengthening capacity within the Immigration Division, it is envisaged that the issue of illegal immigrants will be properly addressed. |
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Wednesday 19th November, 2008(Trinidad Guardian)
IMF urges Govt to rethink IFC plan  Christina Daseking VERNE BURNETT The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the T&T Government to reconsider parts of its plan to establish an international financial centre in T&T in light of the global financial crisis. The advice was given as an IMF mission completed its 2008 Article Four consultation with Government. Head of Mission, Christina Daseking, deputy division chief in the Western Hemisphere Department of the IMF, said the Government should “step back, use this time of global turbulence when you don’t really want to start a project like that, to reflect again on the areas it would want to focus on and to find the right niches for T&T.” Daseking made the comments while addressing a news conference on Monday at the Ministry of Finance tower, Eric Williams Financial Complex, Independence Square, Port-of-Spain. Flanked by Minister of Finance, Karen Nunez-Tesheira and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Mariano Browne, she said that before going any further to actually put things into place for the IFC, the T&T Government should “reflect more on what the implications would be of this global deleveraging on the centre.” She said, “This is the suggestion to rethink, not the whole project necessarily, but to rethink in the light of the pressures that we have seen in the global financial sector, where would this project become successful.” In her statement at the news conference, Daseking said the prospects for the IFC “may have become more challenging in light of global financial developments. Success will depend on finding the right niches that could also provide links and synergies with existing businesses and expertise.” In an immediate reaction, Nunez-Tesheira said the issue of the IFC was not one that had been discussed during the consultations. However, she said the Government had already reconsidered the project and remained convinced that there were opportunities for an IFC located in T&T. She said when Ireland and Dubai moved to set up their IFCs the idea seemed to be a “pipe dream” because in Ireland’s case the country had an unemployment rate of 20 per cent and was the third poorest country in the European union. She said that while T&T recognised that there has been a slowdown, it also recognises that there are opportunities for attracting investment from the Middle East, Asia and other emerging developing economies. Nunez-Tesheira said, “We think T&T is well placed to become an investment hub, so that while we understand that perhaps at this point in time singling a financial sector in the very narrow sense is something that we will have to put on the back burner while we prepare for the turnaround in the world economy — and it must happen and we will be very well placed for that, there will be other opportunities for T&T at this point in time.” She said that one of the things Oliver Wyman, the Government’s consultant on the establishment of the IFC, had advised was that the Government had to “be nimble and responsive to the situation. “And we recognise that,” Nunez-Tesheira said. She added that considering all the economic indicators, T&T was well placed to deal with the effects of a downturn in the economy. The IMF routinely holds these consultations with all member countries twice per year. While visiting T&T, the mission also held talks with the Opposition, the business sector and the trade union movement. |
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Point Lisas energy companies cut back
Response to global recession Louis B Homer South Bureau Wednesday, November 19th 2008(T&T Express Business section) Companies associated with the Trinidad energy industry are currently developing new strategies to deal with the worldwide economic recession and dwindling demand for the products they manufacture. Several companies on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate have cut back their production of ammonia methanol, steel and fertilisers, while others are making changes to their corporate plans. Arcelor Mittal, a major producer of steel for export, has adjusted its production to meet the current reduced demand for steel. Fazad Mohammed, Manager of Community Relations, said yesterday: "In addition to reducing the production, the company has adjusted its corporate programme and has embarked on an employee training programme with special emphasis on safety, health and the environment." He said safety was a vital part of the company's operation and the extra time would be "well spent in ensuring that the plant remains a safe workplace". Asked whether any other employee benefits were affected Mohammed said: "As with all cost items, we are exercising responsible management, but all of these measures are temporary." In the area of ammonia production, Yara Trinidad Limited, which is also on the Estate, has reduced its production in keeping with the demand for ammonia. Up to yesterday, the company was not in a position to disclose its strategies to deal with the economic downturn, which was affecting its sales to the United States. "In due course we will be making a statement," said an official of the company. Enman, a service company based at Point Lisas but currently working on the development of an electric power plant project in Guyana, intends to expand its services throughout the Caribbean, where they have already completed many studies in hydro electric power. Managing Director Donald Baldeosingh said his company was looking for contracts in hard currency areas with a view to keeping the staff employed. He added, "If a company is to survive the downturn it has to engage in innovative projects. Even in the great depression of the 1930s (in the US) there were opportunities for innovative companies." |
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Registered:: April 29, 2008
Posts: 12201
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So are still going to get bodi and bus up shot roti?
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
BAND YOUR BELLY
Manning announces cutbacks as revenue set to fall by $6 billion Ria Taitt Political Editor Friday, November 21st 2008(T&T Express) As he announced a projected $6 billion revenue shortfall from the estimated $49 billion anticipated in its Budget presented two months ago, Prime Minister Patrick Manning last night admitted and warned that "challenging times" were ahead for the Government and the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. In a live address to the nation on the state of the economy in the light of the global economic downturn, the Prime Minister announced cutbacks in Government's development programme expenditure, in "discretionary" spending and in allocations to all Government ministries, departments and statutory authorities. But, he stressed, that Government was determined to continue to fund and would "probably increase its spending" on its social sector programmes, saying: "If this is what is called for, this is what we will do." "Discretionary spending" such as promotion, publicity and printing would be curtailed, he said. He added that some development projects would be delayed or adjusted "downward" according to the following criteria(a) new projects, not of an "urgent or critical nature"; (b) projects for which there were no firm contractual obligations; (c) ongoing projects for which the pace of implementation could be reduced without legal penalties; (d) ongoing projects for which some components could be deferred. He warned that the budgetary shortfall was based on the present rate of international commodity activity. "In other words, things could get more challenging," he stated. Manning said his "ministers have now been directed to review their budgets along these lines; and next week the Cabinet will decide on the actual adjustments to our (development) programme to ensure that expenditure is kept in line with revenue". The Prime Minister's address was a turnaround from Government's initial position, enunciated by various ministers, that the country was insulated and was not going to be affected by the global financial crisis. Last night Manning acknowledged that the fall in oil prices and petroleum and other energy commodities ammonia, methanol, urea and steel would adversely affect Government's revenue take. He said the global economic slump could be "deep and prolonged" and "some even talk of a depression". "No country could escape the effects of a global recession," Manning said. But he defended Government's original bullish projections, saying that the budget prices for oil and gas, at $70 per barrel and $4/mmbtu respectively, were based on the "best global advice from expert agencies, including the IMF". "Things are turning out quite differently," he noted. He emphasised nevertheless that: "In considering these budgetary adjustments, our top priority in these challenging times will continue to be the welfare of the people. Therefore whilst sacrifices must be made ... as we negotiate this economic downturn, we will take care of those who are least able to take care of themselves." Manning, who was a member of the 1971-76 and the 1981-86 Cabinet, reminded the country that "we have passed this way before" since both administrations faced depressed oil prices at some stage. Noting during the 1980s and 1990s, when the country suffered "a calamitous loss of revenue and years of negative growth", he said the citizens swallowed "bitter medicine" as structural adjustment programmes were implemented. "We have therefore proven that we can fight a recession and I am sure that we will triumph over this slowdown and this time we are better prepared," he said. This time around, most importantly, he pointed out, the country had an LNG industry which was "designed precisely to give us a buffer in the event of the kind of situation that has now arisen". Noting that it was the Government of 1992 (which he headed) which authorised the pursuit of the LNG industry, Manning asked: "Consider, ladies and gentlemen, where we would be today without LNG?" Nevertheless, he called for restraint from the citizenry. "This is a period when we must all tighten our belts," he said, adding that the dialogue between the Government, business and labour must begin "as we come together to confront the challenges that are before us". He said key to this country's economic survival and success in this situation was higher levels of productivity. He prefaced his statements by offering condolences to the families of the two people who lost their lives as a result of this week's flooding disaster. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Economist on Govt: Better late than never
Rohandra John Friday, November 21st 2008(T&T Express) Senior Economist, Dr Ronald Ramkissoon, said it was good to see that the Government was finally heeding the calls of local economists to review its budget in light of falling oil prices, but said it should have acted sooner. Ramkissson said it was "unfortunate" that the government was only now moving to review the budget "so late into the game" even though local economist and other financial experts had long been calling on them to do so. He, however, said that it was "better late than never." Ramkisson was speaking to members of the media following the conclusion of a discussion forum on global energy trends which was hosted by the British Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago at the Hilton Trinidad on Wednesday. He said with the oil prices falling he supported the International Monetary Fund's call for the government to cut back on its spending. "Government needs to monitor what has happened since the budget was done, examine the budget and adjust it accordingly. They have to very strategic about which projects to go ahead with, which ones to cut, which ones to delay, so I look forward to what kind of action will be taken in context of that." Prime Minister Patrick Manning was expected to address the nation last night on the global financial crisis and to outline what action his government intended to take. Ramkissoon said the current financial crisis and the falling oil prices should also serve as a "wake up call" to the government to place focus on diversifying the economy. He said while there has been plenty talk about diversifying the economy, there has been no substantial investment made "in those areas that we identified (for diversification) for a few years now," and this was unfortunate. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Browne: Economy to grow
Louis B Homer South Bureau Sunday, November 23rd 2008(T&T Express) Minister in the Ministry of Finance Mariano Browne said on Friday night that the T&T economy was expected to grow by 3.5 per cent in 2008. "The International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials have affirmed the view that the economic growth will be positive for 2008 in the region of 3.5 per cent and that growth in 2009 is projected at two per cent," Browne said in an address at the Christmas dinner of the Greater Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce at Gaston Court, Chaguanas. Browne, who said Government's response to the world economic situation did not happen until the Article 1V consultation with the IMF," said the IMF has reported that the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund endorsed the position that T&T was well placed to withstand the effects of the global economic turbulence. He also cautioned against use of the term "world recession", saying that the world was not in a recession. Browne also said inflation would fall because of falling prices for energy products. "The slowdown in economic growth is a result of the lower prices for energy products and inflation is expected to fall to 7.5 per cent as a result of the falling food prices and lower domestic growth," he said. On the volatility of the oil market, Browne said the drop in price was caused because "no new discovery of oil was found during the last five to six years, and small changes let to large prices". He maintained that the fall in prices was "not symptomatic of a recession, it represents an adjustment process", saying that the price would work its way through the system. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Beckham shirt auctioned for TT$25,000
Monday, November 24 2008(T&T Newsday) A SHIRT autographed by English football star David Beckham when he visited Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year for a match against the Soca Warriors was auctioned for $25,000 on Saturday night. The auction took place during the St Andrew’s Ball, a charity event organised by the UK Women’s Club at Pier One in Chaguaramas. The gala event is the group’s main fund raising venture and proceeds are used to support a variety of causes locally. The club’s president, Rhona Seward, said it was started 41 years ago to raise funds to help the less fortunate in TT. To date they have raised more than $3.5 million for charity. “Last year’s Ball contributed over $415,000,” Seward said. Saturday’s event featured performances by artistes flown in from Scotland for the occasion the Gordon School of Dancing directed by Robina Addison, former British Bagpipe Champion Calum Lawrie and the band Red Hot Ceilidh Peppers.  A quarteT from the Gordon School of Dance performing at the St Andrew's Ball on Saturday night. Author: SUZANNE SHEPPARD |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
Telecom Authority buoyed by mobile money
By Anna-Rose Madary Thursday, November 20 2008(T&T Newsday) In 2007, the local telecommunications and broadcasting sectors recorded TT $4 billion in gross revenues, with the mobile services sector accounting for approximately 44 percent of all earnings. Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) revealed these figures in its “Annual Market Report for the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Sectors” for the period January 2007 to December 2007. In a report that was posted online, the authority stated that the sector’s $4 billion earnings last year, represented approximately three percent of TT’s gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, the report noted that the mobile services sector raked in the most revenues. “Mobile services obtained the most revenues with approximately 44.4 percent of the earnings for the year,” the report said, adding that this represented an increase from a 42.8 percent market share in 2005. According to the authority, total revenues earned by mobile service operators amounted to TT $1.96 billion during 2007, which pre-paid customers accounted for TT $148 billion (75.4 percent) while post paid customers contributed to TT$484 billion (24.6 percent) of total earnings. “Prepaid customers continue to generate the majority of revenues earned for mobile services during 2007,” TATT said, noting that prepaid customers contributed an average of TT$811 million per annum since 2003 while postpaid accounted for an average of TT$326 million per annum.” TATT said that the growth in mobile revenues continued on its increasing trend in 2007, with an increase of TT$308.4 million (18.4 percent) over the previous year. “This increasing trend is primarily fuelled by the exponential increase in revenues from prepaid subscribers,” TATT said, noting that the increase in revenues from prepaid mobile customers has been a characteristic feature of the mobile market since 2001 recording an average increase of 64.1 percent per year.” The fixed line market, according to TATT segment followed with a market share of 20.3 per cent declining from the 24.1 percent in 2005, said TATT. According to the data, the fixed market accounted for 20.3 percent and the international market represented 9.6 percent, subscription television accounted for 8.2 percent, while internet and free-to-air radio obtained shares of 7.5 and 3.6 percent, respectively. The smallest market within the sector was identified as the leased circuit market, accounting for 2.1 percent of total earnings followed by the free-to-air TV market, which achieved 2.5 percent market share. The total estimated gross revenues of TT$4 billion, TATT said, represented an increase of TT$407 million or 11.2 percent over the previous period. Of this amount, the telecommunications sector accounted for TT$3.5 billion or 85.7 percent while the broadcasting sector contributed TT$576 million or 14.3 percent.” It attributed the growth in 2007’s gross revenues to increases in revenues from all market segments, with the exception of the leased circuits market, which recorded a decline of TT$24.8 million (22.7 percent) over 2006. The growth in the fixed, mobile and internet markets of 5.1, 10.6 and 51.4 percent, respectively led to an overall growth of 10.1 percent in the telecommunications sector. Similar increases in the subscription television, free-to-air television and radio markets of 16.9, 34.3 and 13.8 percents respectively, resulted in an overall increase of 18.8 percent in the broadcasting sector. The authority also noted that the growth in “subscriberships” also contributed to growth in the sectors’ revenues. “During 2007, the mobile, fixed, Internet and subscription TV markets recorded a total of two million subscribers,” it stated, while highlighting that there had been a 0.6 percent decline in subscriptions for mobile and fixed voice messages. TATT said on its recommendations, it granted a total of 491 licences while 66 concessions were okayed by the Minister. At present, there are two mobile services operators in TTDigicel and TSTT’s bmobile. Recent reports stated that TATT is seeking a suitable third mobile operator in the country. Senior manager of the authority’s legal and regulatory affairs, Stephen Bereaux said that market research had demonstrated that there was still room for a third mobile cellular operator in TT’s market. He said that this was necessary to ensure effective market competition and to prevent the existing dual monopoly between current operators from continuing. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
PM: We will fight back
Tuesday, November 25 2008(T&T Newsday) A seminar on small and medium enterprises yesterday brought together Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams in an effort to protect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the wake of the global economic slowdown. Williams, who has been warning Government about its expenditure and rising inflation, stated these enterprises could ensure the country’s economic viability and added there was need to financially support local entrepreneurs. In the meantime, Manning said that despite a shortfall of $6 billion in revenues due to falling energy prices, projects like the Alutrint aluminum complex in La Brea and the development of the plastics industry will continue. Even more so, the Government is committed to supporting SMEs, said Manning, who agreed with Williams that the sustainability of this sector was critical to the economy’s defence against the effects of the global slowdown. “We will not yield to economic contraction without a fight. We will not succumb so easily,” said Manning It was a meeting of minds, when the two men gave addresses at a SME seminar, at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain yesterday as they sought to boost confidence in the local economy and to promote small businesses as the agents of maintaining economic stability. Labour Minister Rennie Dumas and Iwan Sewberath-Misser, country representative in TT, Inter-American Development Bank, also contributed to the discussions on how to improve the economy’s competitiveness through the development of SMEs. Dumas, picking up Manning’s call in his address to the nation last Thursday for a social compact of Government, business and labour on how to protect the economy, said a formal proposal on this initiative should be made soon. In his remarks to the seminar, Dumas noted too that businesses, no matter what their size, have a role to play in the economy and global market place. Coincidentally, as Manning stood by the Alutrint project, La Brea residents protested yesterday for more jobs on the site. They said as much as 95 percent of the residents have not been employed by Alutrint and complained that the bulk of the work was going to Chinese labourers. |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
'Recession may follow $6b cut'
Ria Taitt Political Editor Thursday, November 27th 2008(T&T Express) Government may not be able to risk cutting as much as $6 billion in expenditure because this might send the economy into recession, sources said yesterday. Manning announced last Thursday, in a televised address to the nation, that based on the fall in oil and other energy based commodity prices, Government revenues were expected to be $6 billion less than the anticipated $49 billion in its 2008/2009 Budget, which was presented in Parliament two months ago. "If the Government cuts $6 billion in expenditure, the economy could go into recession and it cannot allow that. If the economy goes into recession, you would be bringing about high unemployment and you would be adversely affecting the pillars of growth that you carefully put in place and that you need to sustain. It is not advisable," one source stated. Sources also stated that Government had already gone through a cost cutting exercise prior to the presentation of the Budget. Additionally, they said Government may have to draw on some of its savings in the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund, as well as from other sources. Sources also cited the fact that when the accounts closed last year, some $10 billion, which had been appropriated in the 2007 Budget, had not been spent and was put in the Infrastructure Development Fund and the Revenue Stabilisation Fund. The Manning Cabinet will deliberate today on what budgetary cuts Government ministries would implement. Last week, ministers were directed to review their budget and the Cabinet is to decide today on some of the actual adjustments to Government's development programme, to ensure that expenditure is kept in line with revenue. Sources said yesterday that it was unlikely that all the details of the cost-cutting plan would be finalised today. Prime Minister Patrick Manning is expected to announce the outcome of the deliberations in his second address (in as many weeks), scheduled for tomorrow, sources said. Sources said it is likely, based on the PM's address, that there would be no new big projects. Sources said projects already started will continue but completely new projects would not be initiated during this period of restraint. The Prime Minister last Wednesday urged restraint at all levels, saying that this was a period when "we must all tighten our belts". Manning made exactly the same call for "belt- tightening" in the 1980s when he was Energy Minister and the country faced a collapse in oil prices. Then, the PNM Government cut subsidies to state enterprises and public utilities, and drastically reduced funding to social sector programme. This time, the country is expected to be spared such drastic cutbacks. Manning has already indicated that, as it negotiates this economic downturn, Government would continue to take care of those who are least able to take care of themselves. He said CEPEP is to be expanded and URP is to continue, while government training programmes are expected to be amalgamated. |
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Registered:: June 28, 2002
Posts: 35920
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Eric, Where is the Aluminum Plant which TATA industries were supposed to be built in Trinidad.?
Way to Go Trinis! |
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Location: "Ayodhya & Mecca"
Registered:: January 13, 2003
Posts: 9959
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Posted
PM: Work harder and save more
By Andre Bagoo Monday, December 1 2008(T&T Newsday) PRIME Minister Manning last night promised to spear the nation cuts in salaries, pensions and social assistance grants, even as he unveiled a $4.5 billion Budget cut, calling on citizens to work harder and “save wherever possible” in the face of the global economic crisis. In a television and radio address to the nation at 8 pm, Manning said while the Government would make cuts in recurrent and capital expenditure across all ministries, there will be no cuts in salaries, wages, old age pensions, disability grants or “in any social assistance programme of any kind.” There will also be no cuts in programmes “dealing in the fight against crime”; training initiatives such as the On the Job Training (OJT) Programme, the Multi-Sector Skills Training Programme (MUST), the Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture (YAPA), the Helping Youth Prepare for Employment Programme (HYPE) and Youth Training , Employment and Partnership Programme (YTEPP). With regards to the Community Environment Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) and the Unemployment Relief Programme, Manning also gave the undertaking that there will be no cuts in these ventures. He also pledged to ensure that the consumer benefitted from falling food prices and to “guard against high interest rates” to prevent homeowners from defaulting on mortgages. “Fellow citizens with this approach we will keep our economy going albeit at a slower pace. We will keep unemployment to a minimum and we will save our people from the extremes of anxiety and dislocation that could otherwise result,” Manning said. In exchange for these graces, however, the Government will cut its recurrent expenditure by $3.6 billion, or 6.5 percent and its capital expenditure by $1.4 billion or 16.1 percent. The Prime Minister said the Government has revised the expected revenue shortfall from $6 billion to $5.3 billion, but noted that even with the announced cuts, a $741 million deficit is now expected at current commodity prices. The 2009 Budget was originally $49 billion. The “serious cuts” in spending which will be undertaken, according to the Prime Minister, include a slow down in the construction of new schools. All current programmes of the Ministry of Education will, however, continue. Major infrastructural projects planned by the Ministry of Health, such as new hospitals for Couva and Port-of-Spain, “will have to be deferred.” As exclusively reported by Newsday last week, the Government will not undertake any new housing projects, “however, all housing units under construction will be completed” as well as “projects already on the drawing board.” A major casualty of the Government cutback will be the National Carnival and Entertainment Centre, which had been scheduled for a construction start last month. The start of construction on this project, Manning said, “will be postponed.” There will also be a “reduction in infrastructure improvement in communities by special purpose state enterprises” as well as a slow down of the TTEC street lighting programme. Other much larger scale infrastructure projects will, however, not be cut in order to prevent the country from spiralling into a recession. “If we are to avoid a recession in these challenging times we cannot take a contractionary approach to our economic development. We cannot completely shut down the development programme of Trinidad and Tobago. This is the engine of growth,” Manning said. At the same time, the Prime Minister urged the population to cut back on excessive spending and to work harder to improve this country’s international competitiveness. “We must all work harder, improve our skills and competencies and be prepared to make sacrifices for the good of our country,” Manning said. “The Government is cutting back on expenditure and it would be wise for you to save. Save wherever possible and as prices fall you will have increased opportunity to save for a rainy day. There should be no excessive spending especially when you cannot afford it. Restraint is now required.” Manning called on the public and private sector, as well as the labour movement to work together to keep Trinidad and Tobago afloat. “In these challenging times those who are employed must cherish their jobs. They must do so by giving a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay and being reasonable in future wage demands...We must all come together labour, Government and private enterprise to start the dialogue for the good of all.” “The Government cannot do it alone. All citizens must play their part. We need all hands on deck as we make this rough crossing. Productivity is required more than ever. “It is a very competitive world and the fight for market share can become even more intense as more countries struggle to keep their economies afloat. Our products must become even more competitive and therefore efficiency and productivity are now more critical than ever,” Manning said. |
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Location: Bradenton, FL
Registered:: May 10, 2006
Posts: 7499
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Posted
Aye, you are yet to explain how come T&T has rising crimes as the unemployment rate is now below 4%? How come so many Trinis are migrating? what happens when the oil finishes?
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