Eric, do you have any information on the oil agreement that Manning and Chavez signed on March 20?

Daren I only post what I see in the T&T papers, as it comes to light I will post here for all to see.

quote:

Originally posted by Eric's_Revenge:
Daren I only post what I see in the T&T papers, as it comes to light I will post here for all to see.

Thanks.

Friday 13th April, 2007

Manning for talks with Bush in Washington


BY COREY CONNELLY(Trinidad Guardian)


PRIME Minister Patrick Manning and other Caricom leaders are expected to visit Washington in June to hold talks with United States President George Bush, Foreign Affairs Minister Arnold Piggott says.

Scheduled for June 19 to 21, the talks, a local initiative, will focus on several regional initiatives and is expected to include Foreign Affairs Ministers of Caricom, he added.

"It is anticipated that Caricom leaders would meet with the President of the United States for talks and it is also anticipated that they will hold talks with members of the Democratic and Republican Congress," Piggott said during yesterday's post-Cabinet news conference at Whitehall in Port-of-Spain.

He added that the conference, entitled A 2020 Vision, was also expected to include US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and other high-ranking officials.

On Tuesday, Manning is also expected to attend an energy summit in Margarita, Venezuela.

"The convening of this inaugural summit is intended to formulate strategies for a regional energy policy, development of joint projects such as the Amazonian gas pipeline and deals with issues of energy stability with South America and its neighbours," Piggott said of the meeting, which ends on Wednesday.

"It is important for T&T to keep apace with developments in the region in this sector...So that participation by T&T is critical as we seek to play a role in policy formulation."

In other developments, Piggott announced a 16-member US delegation six of whom are members of the US Congress are due to arrive in T&T tomorrow to discuss energy, HIV/Aids and other matters.

The delegation is headed by congressman Elliott Engel, who serves on the energy and commerce committee of the congress.

Piggott said members were expected to hold talks with Manning during their two day stay.

A news conference might also be in the cards for Monday, he added.

"The special interest of these members of the delegation would be to pursue T&T/US agenda in a number of areas, some of which would include trade related areas, renewing military co-operation between T&T and the US including the reintroduction of military training and assistance considering policy changes for green card holders and technical assistance," Piggott said.

The team includes congresswomen Barbara Lee, Maxine Waters, Yvette Clarke, Barbara Cubin and Sheila Jackson Lee.


©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Wednesday 18th April, 2007

Let them talk"”Valley


BY IAN GOODING(T&T Guardian)


Minister of Trade and Industry Ken Valley got loud and emotional yesterday when he was told that two Caricom countries received a higher international competitiveness ranking than T&T.

"Let them write what they want," he almost shouted. "T&T supplies 80 per cent of intra-regional trade. So they can write what they want as long as they buy our goods. The proof of the pudding is in the eating."

Valley was the feature speaker at the American Chamber of T&T (AmCham) annual general meeting at the Hilton hotel yesterday, making a presentation on his recent Trade and Investment Mission to the Far East.

The second international mission, the first was to Europe last September, which took place from February 27 March 12, visited Seoul, South Korea, Beijing and Shanghai in China; and Mumbai and New Delhi, in India.

Valley said that while China was supposed to be the fastest growing economy in the world with a 10.7 percent growth rate and India with 9 percent, he had to let the officials know that T&T had a 12 per cent growth rate last year. And he was delighted when the chairman of the Bank of Baroda referred to T&T as the "Singapore of the West" and he added that in T&T "it was happening.

"That was important to me because it encapsulates what we are attempting to do, and like Singapore we are attempting to make the world our hinterland," he said.

Valley said the purpose of the missions was to put the required infrastructure in place to attract inward investment in the non-energy sector.

The manufacturing sector had grown faster than the energy sector in 2004 and 2005, he said, but from a lower base. "We expect that to continue," he said, "and that is why the government was making investments in education, in health, in housing and in social services."

Valley said that having negotiated trade agreements with countries in the region, he was able to tell businessmen in South Korea, China and India, that when they invested in T&T they would get favourable access to the Americas and to Europe.

"And that was the story we took to Europe and the Far East," he said. He said that the private sector businessmen who went on the missions "all came back with something."

Valley told the businessmen that the mission was successful because it deepened T&T's commercial relationship; successfully promoted the country as the premier destination for foreign investment and it set the framework for increased trade and foreign direct investment.

A Korean Investment Missions is to visit T&T during the 2007 Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) and Yeosu City and Port-of-Spain are to twin this year.

T&T is to establish an Embassy in China at the earliest opportunity, said Valley, and this country is to participate in the China International Trade Fair and Annual Canton Trade Fair in September and October this year.

An Air Transportation Agreement is also to be negotiated this year and China has been invited to participate in one of the government's proposed mega farm projects.



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

EVOLVING CREDIT UNI0NS


Thursday, April 19 2007(T&T Newsday)



The recent launch of the construction of the $800m Broad Gate Plaza and Shopping Complex in downtown Port of Spain by the Transcorp Credit Union, demonstrates how credit unions in Trinidad and Tobago have evolved.

Transcorp, formerly called the PTSC Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited, was formed like other credit unions, to encourage savings as well as facilitate the provision of low cost loans to members. Today, the company has moved far beyond just that.

It will construct the 26-storey office and shopping complex, and in so doing, has positioned itself virtually parallel to the take off point of some insurance companies, which become major long-term property developers.

This has put Transcorp in an environment in which other credit unions have become development principals. We salute the distinctly clear foresight of Transcorp and other front runners of the credit union movement. Meanwhile, even as we do this we feel constrained to point out that in the same way that laws evolved for the protection of citizens' deposits and other interests in banks and insurance companies, it was correct that steps should have been taken to guard the interests of credit unionists. And this, as credit union majors have gone or are going into mainstream financing.

The days have long gone when credit unions were seen merely as there to approve petty loans for members, the bulk of which were merely consumerist loans. Today, many members apply to their credit unions for loans by which to purchase property, to repair their homes and for funding studying at foreign and local universities or other tertiary institutions. Meanwhile, a strong point of credit unions is that the interest on their loans is calculated on diminishing balances. In addition, membership in credit unions provides members with a psychological boost, with their deposits being actually shares.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who turned the sod to launch construction of the Transcorp investment would not have been unmindful of the significance of both the plaza and where it is being sited. Government has also offered to lease 22 of the 26 storeys.

Of interest is that when the PTSC Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited was formed 41 years ago, in 1966, the motivating principle was that it should serve the small investor. When construction of the Broad Gate Plaza is completed, it will contribute to the economic growth of Trinidad and Tobago.

874 ex-Caroni workers collect plots from Govt

...Over $1b spent to upgrade lands

Ariti Jankie South Bureau


Saturday, April 21st 2007 (T&T Express)



GOVERNMENT has spent more than $1 billion in infrastructural work on lands cut into residential lots for former employees of Caroni (1975) Ltd.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning said yesterday the plots carried a market value of $120,000 and were made available at subsidised rates of $20,000, $25,000 and $30,000 each to the former workers.

The infrastructure includes underground cable to provide electricity to the lots.

Speaking at the launch of the distribution of the lots at the company's Transport and Field Engineering Department, Point Lisas Roundabout, Couva, he said the cost of upgrading the land was close to $1 billion spent in 2006-2007 and $551.9 million earmarked for 2007-2008.

Distribution of the land forms part of a Voluntary Separation of Employment Programme (VSEP) agreed upon by the workers when the State owned company got out of sugar production in 2003.

More than 5,000 applications have been approved for ex-company workers who did not own land for housing.

Yesterday, 874 lots were distributed following a random draw by applicants.

The draw for other lots will continue until May 2 at other venues.

Last year, thousands of other former Caroni workers received two-acre parcels of land for agriculture.

Manning said yesterday that, for the first time in the country, electricity would be provided through underground cables in the residential developments.

He said that financing was available to the ex-employees at a subsidised interest rate of two per cent a year and designs of five pre-approved types of houses were available.

"This paves the way for recipients of residential lots to commence construction almost immediately," Manning said.

He said that in respect of housing and resettlement, Government had undertaken revolutionary and expansive programmes to redress the injustices associated with slavery and indentureship.

"What we have done in respect of sugar is to prevent a potentially disastrous situation from damaging our economic prospects as a nation," he said.

Manning said that the bottom of the barrel of sugar dropped out since the early 19th century and attempts to reattach it firmly have continued "to prove unavailing".

He told the ex-workers that they were victims of neglect by their leaders who had failed to put a proper pension system in place.

Manning said that Government had increased the allowances with a more appropriate VSEP compensation package.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Christine Sahadeo, said the residential lands had underground utilities corridors and modern design layouts.

She said that 6,382 agricultural plots were distributed last year at 17 locations to other former Caroni workers.

Sahadeo said 775 farmers had started cultivating the two-acre plots.


Land at last: Former Caroni 1975 workers collect their leases for residential lands being distributed by the Government at the Ste Madeleine Golf and Country Club yesterday.
Author: LINCOLN HOLDER

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Eric's_Revenge,

US$100m hydro plant comes on stream in '08

Louis B Homer South Bureau


Friday, April 20th 2007 (T&T Express)


A NEW US$100 million company formed to manufacture chemicals for the hydrocarbon and other industries is expected to come on stream in late October 2008.

CariSal Limited will produce industrial salt, caustic soda, bleach and calcium chloride for the Trinidad market and for export.

CariSal will be associated with CariSal LLC of New York, a chemical manufacturer that came on stream last year and has since been expanding its operations worldwide.

CariSal is expected to produce 100,000 metric tonnes of caustic soda, 75,000 metric tonnes of calcium chloride, 34,100 metric tonnes of hydrochloric acid, and 53,300 metric tonnes of sodium hypochlorite.

The company will be located east of Yara Trinidad Limited, the ammonia plant formerly known as Hydro Agri, at Point Lisas.

Outlining the structure of the company and its proposed world markets yesterday, general manager Roger Moore told members of the South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce that "CariSal is the preferred supplier of competitively priced chlorine based products for the Caribbean and International markets".

The disclosure was made at the chamber's monthly energy luncheon held at Cara Suite, Claxton Bay. Moore said the projected annual revenue of the company was set at US$100 million and on completion of the plant, 75 Trinidadians would be employed full time at the factory.

The factory site is a 22-acre parcel of land which was recently approved by Cabinet and the National Energy Corporation.

Moore said in keeping with the requirements for the establishment of new plants, the company had submitted a complete package last year to the Environmental Management Authority, and at its request further details were sent this month.

He said interested partners in the new company include Guardian Holdings, Seneca-a US company that will provide technical and marketing expertise, and Halliburton Trinidad Limited, which uses vast amounts of calcium chloride in its oilfield operations.

Sahadeo: Lowest unemployment rate ever


Sunday, April 22 2007(T&T Newsday)


The service sector contributed the most jobs towards the current unemployment rate of five percent according to statistics from the Central Statistical Office (CSO).

In a presentation held Friday at the Eric Williams Financial Complex, Port-of-Spain, acting Planning and Development Minister, Christine Sahadeo, officially announced that the unemployment rate declined to five percent during the last quarter of 2006. "It is the lowest unemployment rate in Trinidad and Tobago ever," Sahadeo said.

The results she said were based on the scientifically designed quartely sample known as the Continuous Sample Survey of Population.

"The sectors which showed high labour absorptive capacity in the fourth quarter 2006 were wholesale and retail trade, restaurant and hotel, providing 12,800 jobs, agriculture, forestry and fishing, 3,100 jobs, finance, real estate and business services, 2,200 jobs and construction, 1,600 jobs," she said.

Sahadeo added though there were job losses in the categories of "other" manufacturing of 4,300, transportation, storage and communication, 2,300 and the sugar industry, 1,200 jobs.

CSO's Bruce Spencer explained that these job increases within these sectors are due to a number of factors including a growth in the number of new businesses and construction sites across the country.

"People may be enticed into agriculture or fishing for instance considering the high price of food," he said, "They may see this as a lucrative venture."

Other statistics show that although there was a decline in unemployment for both sexes the unemployment rate for females remained higher than that for males.

In the last quarter in 2006 3.4 percent of males remained unemployed compared to a 7.3 percent rate for females.

Sahadeo explained that this is a global and traditional observance and it is due to several different influences.

The local labour force has increased according to fourth quarter statistics in the past five years from 592,500 to 628,400 or 35,900 persons she said.

She explained the labour force is members of the population 15 years and over who are able to do work or be gainfully employed.

Additionally she said the number of persons employed has also shown a steady growth rising from 529,500 to 596,800 or 67,300 persons. "In other words whereas the labour force increased by 35,900 persons, ˜person with jobs' almost doubled to 67,300," she said.

A similar trend Sahadeo said was noted when examining the change between the fourth quarter and third quarter of 2006 where the labour force expanded by 8,900 persons while persons with jobs grew by 14,200.

Unemployment within specific areas of the country is also on the decline, with the exception of Arima and Nariva/ Mayaro where double digit figures were still observed she said.

Victoria St Patrick and Point Fortin she said reported rates lower than ten percent but higher than the national rate of five percent.

Rates lower than the five percent though were observed in Port-of-Spain (one percent), Diego Martin, St Ann's (2.6 percent), Tacarigua (1.7 percent), Chaguanas, Tobago (3.1 percent) and the rest of the St George County (1.7 percent).

TT Army status coming


By Clint Chan Tack Wednesday, April 25 2007(T&T Newsday)



NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Martin Joseph on Monday said more officers of the Defence Force (TTDF) are being exposed to specialised military training from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

He also said and he could not wait for the day when the TTDF would be called the TT Army.

TTDF Civil Military Affairs officer, Capt Al Alexander, yesterday said only Cabinet approval is needed for this to happen.

Addressing a handing over ceremony of $2M worth of military equipment from the PLA to the TTDF at Teteron Barracks, Chaguaramas, on Monday, Joseph said the governments of TT and China have had a longstanding tradition of mutual support and cooperation over the last 30 years. The minister said TT has hosted six Chinese military delegations from July 1999 to May 2004, which were "aimed at promoting military exchanges and strengthening the bonds of mutual understanding between our two countries."

Apart from timely donations of equipment, Joseph said military training has been an important part of TT-China relations. He said seven TTDF officers have undergone training in China to date and in February, the Chinese offered training for three TTDF officers in the area of command and special operations. Joseph said these training programmes "are a welcome addition to the Defence Force tactical training regime" and he was looking forward to the day when the TTDF could be formally classified as an army.

Capt Alexander told Newsday that in terms of numbers, the TTDF now comprises four battalions and a complement of additional personnel. A battalion is defined as a military unit comprising two to six companies led by an officer at the rank of Lt Colonel. A company consists of 100 to 200 soldiers. He explained this means the TTDF is numerically up to the size of an army and all that was required Cabinet approval for the Force to be officially classified as an army.

Major General Ma Zhongsheng said the People's Republic of China was pleased to donate the equipment to the TTDF and TT-China ties continue to strengthen. General Zhongsheng noted that both countries have been collaborating extensively in several areas and he was confident that TT-China ties were moving into "a new era of progress."

Last week, Trade and Industry Minister Ken Valley revealed that steps were being taken to establish a TT Embassy in China and negotiate an air transportation agreement between the two countries. He also said both nations have begun talks for cooperation in the area of agriculture, given the expertise of the Chinese in this area and Government's own initiatives to find ways to reduce rising food prices.

The handover of the Chinese equipment comes one week after Prime Minister Patrick Manning announced an agreement with the British government to build three offshore patrol vessels for the Coast Guard. The agreement also involves Royal Navy training for Coast Guard personnel to operate and maintain the vessels.

Friday 27th April, 2007(Trinidad Guardian)



T&T records favourable trade balance of $877 million


T&T had a favourable balance of trade amounting to $877 million with the rest of the world as of June 2006, according to the Central Statistical Office (CSO).

In a trade bulletin issued on Wednesday, the CSO stated that while this country imported $3.3 billion worth of goods as of June 2006, it exported $4,270 million worth of merchandise.

"Compared with the corresponding month in 2005, the balance of visible trade for June 2006 decreased by $1,420 million. In 2005, imports were $3,253 million and exports $5,550 million, reflecting a surplus of $2,297 million.

Imports for January to June were $20.529 billion. Total exports amounted to $41,963 million, of which $41,172 million were domestic exports.

A trade surplus of $21,434 million was recorded for this period, the CSO stated. For the same period in 2005, a favourable balance of $11,805 million was observed, the bulletin stated.

Food imports amounted to $1.2 billion million between January and June 2006.

Here's a breakdown:

vegetables and fruits, $247 million
cereal and cereal preparations, $239 million
dairy products and birds' eggs, $192 million
miscellaneous food preparations, $166 million
Domestic exports of food and beverages for the same period as imports totalled $901 million, and comprised:

beverages, $310 million
sugar, sugar preparations and honey, $182 million.

cereal and cereal preparations, $150 million
vegetables and fruits, $119 million.

As for exports of goods from T&T, the main markets were Jamaica ($2,076 million or 30.2 per cent of total domestic exports to Caricom states); Barbados ($1,352 million or 19.7 per cent); Guyana ($940 million or 13.7 per cent); and Suriname (852 million or 12.4 per cent).


©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Kangaloo: More food for all


By NEWSDAY REPORTERS Friday, April 27 2007(T&T Newsday)



PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning on Wednesday disclosed during a crime consultation in Rio Claro that Government will greatly consider holding national consultations on the issue of food prices in an effort to get public feedback and suggestions on this critical issue. He also pledged to deal with the chronic water shortage.

He said that an inter-ministerial sub-committee headed by Professor Ken Julien was mandated to come up with new strategies to deal with the supply and distribution of water, given the nation's vulnerability during the Dry Season.

He said the nation has to move away from dependence on surface water supplies which accounts for 65 percent of the total water supply and which in this Dry Season, was being depleted faster through evaporation.

"We have to change our strategy to reduce dependence on surface water and a team under Professor Julien is to come up with a new strategy for the supply of water," he said.

Manning made these disclosures during the third public consultation on crime at the Rio Claro College, Naparima Mayaro Road, Rio Claro on Wednesday evening during which several persons in the meeting complained about high food prices with at least one person saying these prices could be considered criminal.

Manning assured the gathering that his Government mandated the Ministries of Legal Affairs, Finance and Agriculture to "see what intervention could be made to keep food prices down."

And in answering the Prime Minister's call, Legal and Consumer Affairs Minister Christine Kangaloo yesterday said Government identified potential food sources inside and outside of CARICOM as a strategy to curb rising food prices.

Kangaloo said come next month, Government will turn attention to the price of goods within the construction sector. Speaking at a post-Cabinet news conference at Whitehall yesterday, Kangaloo said Government received expressions of interest from Barbados, Belize, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname to export food to this country.

In addition, Kangaloo said National Flour Mills (NFM) is working to import food from Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil, Guyana, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Australia and New Zealand.

The food imports being explored from these countries include fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy products.

The minister said Namdevco's establishment of farmer's markets in Macoya, Debe and Diego Martin has eliminated the middle man from the pricing equation, resulting in more affordable prices for consumers and higher revenues for farmers. Kangaloo said farmers' markets in Marabella and Barrackpore will be upgraded.

The minister identified an investment of $172M through the National Agri-Business programme to develop ten food commodities, removal of the Common External Tariff (CET) on 20 food items and removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on another 23 items are also helping to make food more affordable to consumers.

Going global, are we ready?

By Energy Correspondent


Wednesday, April 25th 2007(T&T Express)


We return to the Prime Minister's proposal to establish a mega state owned energy sector company. Ostensibly, this mega merger will involve Petrotrin, NGC/NEC, and NP. The Prime Minster has offered little by way of a rationale for the merger except to say that the larger company was required to pursue global energy sector opportunities. Mr Manning's recent thinking may have been influenced by the success of Petronas-the Malaysian state owned energy giant, with which the state companies signed a MOU a little over one year ago.

Petronas was formed on August 17th 1974 and mandated to take charge of Malaysia's oil and gas assets. Trintoc, one predecessor to Petrotrin, also was formed in 1974-August 31st to be exact. State-owned NGC was established primarily as a pipeline company the following year. However, comparing the organisations today is comparable to the proverbial chalk and cheese. Our state-owned companies have remained insular and home based.

On the other hand, Petronas is a fully integrated petroleum company, engaged in all aspects of the oil and gas business. In 2004, Petronas achieved a sales worth US$25.7 billion, for a pre-tax profit of US$10 billion. Petronas had assets worth US$53.5 billion and was operating in 35 countries across the global. The Petronas Group now comprises 55 direct subsidiaries and 20 associated companies. Petronas is involved is all aspects of the oil and natural gas value chain. Its petrochemical business covers the full range plastics derivatives from ethylene, propylene and polypropylene.

Petronas joined the LNG business in 1983 and now ranks as the third largest exporter and owns the world's largest LNG fleet (23 vessels). No doubt, this was a very impressive performance indeed. While Petrotrin and NGC, in particular have had good operating results over the last five years, they still lag far behind Petronas. If Petronas or any similarly successful state enterprise is the model, then there are a number of challenges to be overcome.

The first and perhaps most important change is to develop a global mindset. National companies tend to focus mainly on operational management, which is part of the legacy of half a century of foreign domination of the industry.

The global vision requires a completely different set of tools which only can be acquired on the job. The second and related imperative is to shift the culture of cautious non risk operations to one that involves significantly more risk taking.

Global operations require moving into new countries and markets; embracing new cultures and partners; investing in new technology and products etc. While acknowledging that some in the national companies do have some level of exposure to negotiations with foreign enterprises, such experience is often limited to the chosen few.

A much wider cadre of personnel need to be equipped with the tools and given the exposure to deal at the international level. In this regard, the traditional practice of promotion by seniority which pervades the culture of state enterprises need to be replaced by a system based on merit.

Thirdly, global reach requires strategic thinking in contrast to the traditional inward looking operations approach of the national companies. The latter is very evident in the way T&T approached the LNG business. It has taken four trains and nearly US$4.0 billion worth of investment before we could see the virtue of investment throughout the LNG value chain.

Traditionally, we have been groomed to negotiate with investors seeking business in Trinidad and Tobago, not the other way around. The current initiatives are moving in the right direction but it may be a case of too little too late. There is no room for complacency in the global market place. National companies are often the subject of heavy criticisms for waste and inefficiency, which drain the treasury.

In that context, the few who are profitable tend to be very satisfied with simply turning out a profit. Both Government and Board of Directors often see such profitability as the end rather than the means for future development. The state as corporation sole often demands a share of dividends which is well above the norm for publicly traded firms, and which limits the funds available for reinvestment.

Global expansion requires entrepreneurial initiative to push the organisation into new ventures and new areas. It is best if such venturing is funded with internally generated risk capital. If the management of these organisations are loath to risk capital on domestic investments, can they be expected to make the transformation necessary to deal with the more challenging and competitive global business environment?

Colombian experts to help AKS


Tuesday, May 1 2007(T&T Newsday)


TWO SENIOR officials from the Specialised Anti-Kidnapping Unit known by the acronym (GAULA) of Colombia, will visit this country today to review operations of the local Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) to assist in implementing more effective mechanisms to solve and address kidnappings. The visit ends on Friday.

The representatives from Colombia's military and police specialised anti-kidnapping unit are Captains Adolfo Romero Camargo and Jaime Hernan Guzman Caicdo.

As part of their remit, they will examine systems currently used by the AKS and make recommendations as well as provide strategies to effectively combat kidnappings.

More than 50 officers attached to the AKS and the Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT) are expected to benefit from the expertise provided by the Gaula officials.

The cooperation between this country and Colombia follows an agreement signed between National Security Minister Senator Martin Joseph and the then Minister of National Defence of Colombia, Camilo Ospina Bernal on March 22, 2006.

The agreement aims at promoting security cooperation and mutual support in a number of areas including terrorism, illicit trafficking in narcotics, psychotropic substances and related crimes, transnational organised crime, citizen security, training and other complementary activities.

"Colombia has a successful record in reducing kidnappings in recent years as evidenced by a 34 percent decline between 2005 and 2006," said Minister Joseph.

"We believe that we can work with the Colombian authorities to find ways to enhance our strategies and effectively improve our seciurity.

The agreement is the basis for bilateral co-operation in this regard."

˜Cricket' soldiers back home


By RHONDOR DOWLAT Wednesday, May 2 2007(T&T Newsday)



OVER 190 officers attached to three units of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force returned to Trinidad yesterday after their stint in Barbados and other Islands where they assisted in providing security for the ICC Cricket World Cup competition which ended on Saturday.

The officers, comprising members from the Defence Staff, Police Service and the Coast Guard, were deployed to the region to ensure a safe and secure place for the duration of the 47-day World Cup tournament.

Around 1 pm yesterday the first batch of soldiers arrived at Piarco International Airport from Barbados. They were followed by members of the police service and coast guard. Looking fatigued, the officers, led by Major Durnley Wyke, were warmly welcomed at the airport by Ag Chief of Defence Staff Col Roland Maunday, Ag Commanding Officer Neil Bennett and ACP Randolph Protaine, who represented the Commissioner of Police.

The officers were praised for their outstanding work and dedication they displayed in performing their respective duties in Grenada, St Lucia and Barbados. On Sunday, CoP Trevor Paul commended the officers for their role during the tournament.

Paul, along with Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Edmund Dillon, met with local law enforcement officers at an appreciation function which was held at the Regional Security Systems (RSS) at Paragon, Christ Church, Barbados. The event was also attended by deputy Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. The contingent of armed forces which served in the region consisted of 114 soldiers, 62 police officers and 15 coast guard officers.


CRICKET SOLDIERS RETURN: TT soldiers who provided security at the various stadiums in several Caribbean countries during the recent ICC Cricket World Cup returned home yesterday with this group making their way out of Piarco International Airport.

PM AND THE PRINCE: Recently retired West Indies captain and cricketing great Brian Charles Lara (left) shares a smile with Prime Minister Patrick Manning during a visit to the Prime Minister's office at Whitehall in Port-of-Spain yesterday.

Wednesday 2nd May, 2007

Education Ministry gets Japanese gift


Director of Unesco Caribbean Dr Kwame Boafo, right, gesticulates as he grasps the attention of Japanese Ambassador Koichiro Seki, centre, and Education Minister Hazel Manning at yesterday's signing ceremony at Unesco's office, in St Clair. Photo: Jennifer Watson



THE government of Japan has granted US$99,982 to set up the Ministry of Education's Quality Management Unit.

At yesterday's signing ceremony at the T&T National Commission for Unesco, on Wainwright Street, St Clair, Ambassador of Japan Koichiro Seki described the alliance as "another milestone in the Japan/ T&T relations."

Seki said he hoped the friendship and co-operation between the two countries would continue to gain strength.

The gesture was part of "The Japanese Funds-in-Trust for the Capacity-Building of Human Resources" from which monetary grants, channelled through the Unesco, have facilitated more than 150 worldwide projects.

Seki praised Education Minister Hazel Manning for her work in creating a very high level of primary school enrolment and literacy rate in T&T.

The total cost of the project as revealed by the ministry is US$346,000, and its scope includes the introduction of an Education Management Information System (EMIS) and a Quality Management Unit which is expected to monitor quality standards at all levels of the education system.

The venture started in April 2007 and is expected to be completed in 21 months, by December 2008.

Manning said there were different phases of the project"”project proposal and design, structuring of a Quality Management Unit, feasibility studies and agreement and the actual establishment of the unit in the Ministry of Education.

She said the unit would map the progress of the education reform initiatives.

Manning also announced the completion of her ministry's corporate plan (2007-2010).

This would treat the challenges to the education system by facilitating inclusiveness, high-quality early childhood care and education centres, community involvement, modernisation, transparency and accountability in school management and technologically advanced curriculum, the minister said.


©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

For gas, constant co-operation


By Clint Chan Tack Thursday, May 3 2007(T&T Newsday)


Trinidad and Tobago's chairmanship of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) "promoted cooperation among member countries," Qatar Energy Minister Abdulla Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah told Energy Minister Dr Lenny Saith at a recent enegy meeting in Qatar.

In making this observation at the sixth ministerial meeting of GECF in Doha, Qatar on April 9, Al-Attiyah praised Trinidad and Tobago's chairmanship of the group.

TT assumed the GECF chair in 2003 and hosted a GECF meeting that same year. Qatar became the new chair of the GECF at the Doha meeting. Al-Attiyah told Saith that TT's leadership of the GECF was wise and had "promoted cooperation among member countries."

He said this was essential if the GECF was to successfully address the challenges which the international gas industry brings.

"The sufficient supplies of natural gas in the world will increase its significance in bringing about comprehensive energy balance and meet growing demand on natural gas and its products. This will require collaborative efforts by those concerned in this industry to provide investments necessary to develop available resources and ensure fair conditions which can secure interests of producers and consumers," Al-Attiyah stated.

Saith shared Al-Attiyah's view, saying that one of the main priorities of TT's chairmanship of the GECF was "the goal of fostering greater dialogue and co-operation among producers to promote stability and sustainability in the international natural gas industry."

He said proposals have been advanced in the areas of joint investment co-operation, cross-border interconnection of gas grids and penetration in the electricity market "I look forward with anticipation to further discussion on the benefits of these initiatives," Saith said.

The global gas industry, said Al-Attiyah, was facing numerous challenges, from rising labour costs to labour shortages, and as a result, collaborative efforts from all gas-producing nations are needed to ensure there is a comprehensve energy balance to meet the growing demand on natural gas and its products.

The minister said in spite of huge development in the gas industry and growing demand to import it by consumers, great challenges face the producing countries regarding the gas projects development, setting up of plants, necessary infrastructure, pipelines and receiving terminals to supply world markets.

Al-Attiyah said Qatar has been able to address some of these challenges through optimal use of its natural gas resources with a view to diversifying its use in areas such as gas-to-liquids, LNG, transporting gas by pipelines, using gas to generate power and the petrochemical industry.

Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani believed "constant consultation and mutual coordination" were essential among gas-exporting countries, given the global significance of how natural gas impacts on the interests and economies of producing and consuming countries.

In listing some of the other successes of Qatar's natural gas industry, Al-Thani said his nation has ensured that "all gas production processes are performed up to a remarkable technical standard to eliminate pollution.

"In line with its concern to participate in the world efforts to protect the environment, a number of environmentally strict regulations have been introduced in compliance with world standards and regulations in the gas industry," the Qatar minister said.

A HUMBUG TO HANGINGS

Manning wants to replace Privy Council

Earl Manmohan Scarborough


Sunday, May 6th 2007(T&T Express)


Prime Minister Patrick Manning wants hangings to be resumed in Trinidad and Tobago.

He said the Privy Council, sitting thousands of miles away in London, had from time to time put impediments in the way of hangings being carried out here.

However, he said, he was hoping that after the next general election-which was not too far away-his new government would get the required numbers to pass legislation making the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) the final appellant court.

"It is high time we have our own appellant court," he told a receptive audience at the fourth Public Consultation on Crime at the Signal Hill Secondary Comprehensive School on Friday night.

Manning recalled that when the UNC was in government they informed Caribbean governments that they were in support of the CCJ, hence the reason why it was sited here, but the moment that party was out of government it withdrew its support.

"You will get the opportunity not too long from now to decide and I wait with bated breath to see what you will do," he told his audience which included National Security Minister Martin Joseph, THA Chief Secretary Orville London and top officials from the protective services.

Manning said like many people, "we believe that capital punishment is an essential element in crime fighting".

He said as bad as the criminals were they were afraid of their life being taken away.

"An essential element of that package has to be the return of capital punishment. I am a strong supporter of capital punishment," he stressed.

He said the police recently adopted a new policy that "if you confront me with a gun it is a fight to the finish. So if you confront the police with a gun it is a fight to the finish. There is no other way. One thing the criminals are afraid of is death.

"If you develop a proper relationship with your maker, you no longer have to be afraid of death. I am not afraid of death. If you ask me I am not afraid of death and if the good Lord decides to take my life so be it, but while I remain I would be a thorn in the side of the criminals in this country," he said.

The Prime Minister also revealed government's determination to fight drug trafficking, which, according to a recent UN Report, was the single most important reason for the rise of crime and the deterioration of the levels of security enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike.

He said a team from Scotland Yard who worked in Trinidad and Tobago in 1995 had advised that this country was small enough to eradicate the drug trade.

He added that the first step was to install ten radar sites, two in Tobago with a command centre in Port of Spain to give 360-degree coverage of the country's coastline. He said the high quality coastal radar system bought from Israel also encompasses the islands of Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia to the north of Trinidad and Tobago where two sites were also installed.

He noted that surveillance could be done as far north as Martinique. Each radar cost US$1.5 million.

In addition, he said, the two C26 surveillance aircraft were being upgraded and four armed helicopters were being purchased, as well as the installation of an Air Traffic Control radar system to work in conjunction with the Israeli system to track low flying aircraft.

In terms of sea surveillance, Manning outlined that three fast patrol boats, each 89.9 metres long were being purchased, the first to be delivered in March 2009; the conversion of two Coast Guard vessels in the short term for military activity at a cost of $29 million, the purchase of six interceptor fast patrol boats and the upgrade of the Coast Guard bases in Trinidad and in Tobago.

That is a very formidable arsenal and the drugs dealers have already began to run, he assured his listeners. audience.

Eric what happened to those three teenagers who murdered and burnt the 14 year old boy? Is the case over?

quote:

Originally posted by Jungle Girl:
Eric what happened to those three teenagers who murdered and burnt the 14 year old boy? Is the case over?

What the hell are you talking about?

quote:

Originally posted by Eric's_Revenge:

quote:

Originally posted by Jungle Girl:
Eric what happened to those three teenagers who murdered and burnt the 14 year old boy? Is the case over?

What the hell are you talking about?

Exactly what I said! Which part you didn't understand? What happened with this case?

JG: Eric don't field questions. That's not his problem. He only posts what he sees in T&T papers. Checkout his reply earlier on this page.

Eric ... I think it was a six year old who was killed! Rings any bells now?

Kwaku, I'm only asking about what has been in the T&T newspapers and since Eric reads them everyday maybe he knows the status of this case!

I'm not asking for a mini press conference just an update on real T&T news!

Well maybe he hasn't seen it as yet, or he only sees what he wants to see. I'm sure when he sees it he'll post it.

Lara opens cancer centre named after him

Ruth Osman


Monday, May 7th 2007(T&T Express)


http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161142550
DOING THE HONOURS: Health Minister John Rahael, centre, cuts the ribbon yesterday to formally open the Brian Lara Cancer Treatment Centre of Trinidad and Tobago at Fitzblackman Drive, Woodbrook. He gets a helping hand from former West Indies captain Brian Lara, right, his daughter Sydney and Dr Kongshiek Achong Low.



FORMER West Indies captain Brian Lara threw a punch at the West Indies Cricket Board yesterday, during the official opening of the cancer treatment centre named after him in Mucurapo.

In his speech, Lara commended the persons and organisations involved in the construction and management of the centre for their teamwork, integrity and use of technology, adding that these had "missed the (West Indies) Cricket Board".

Lara, who celebrated his 38th birthday on May 2, surprised many by announcing his retirement from the game at the end of the West Indies team's final Super Eight match against England in the just concluded 2007 World Cup.

Many speculated that he had been pushed out of the team by a combination of factors, since he had previously indicated that he would stay on in the Test arena but retire from One-day cricket after the World Cup.

Yesterday's statement suggests there was still some underlying tension between the double world record holder and the board.

The Brian Lara Cancer Treatment Centre at Fitzblackman Drive is the first of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth Caribbean. It boasts state-of-the-art technology in cancer treatment, including linear accelerators, three-dimensional treatment planning and high precision targeted intensity modulation radiation therapy.

Its staff consists of qualified medical oncologists, physicians, medical physicists, radiation therapists and nurses, all of whom have been trained in the United States, United Kingdom or Canada.

Adjunct professor Anesa Ahamad, MD, a cancer specialist and cancer treatment researcher of MD Anderson Cancer Centre, leads the team of specialists.

Calling the centre a "new weapon in our arsenal to fight cancer", Ahamad stressed the importance of teamwork and caring in cancer treatment.

"It's not about you ... or your organisation ...or your allegiances. It's about the patient, she told the gathering.

The centre, a project of Medcorp Ltd, uses equipment provided by Varian Medical Systems, a leading manufacturer in integrated cancer therapy systems.

Atomic International provided the building material for the bunkers which house the linear accelerator equipment.


World batting star and former West Indies cricket captain, Brian Lara, sits next to his ten-year-old daughter Sydney, during yesterday's official launch of the cancer treatment centre named in his honour.

quote:

Originally posted by Jungle Girl:
Eric ... I think it was a six year old who was killed! Rings any bells now?

Kwaku, I'm only asking about what has been in the T&T newspapers and since Eric reads them everyday maybe he knows the status of this case!

I'm not asking for a mini press conference just an update on real T&T news!

Just in case you missed it Eric! No need to post the articles or anything like that - we don't wanna mess up the T&T goodnews thread. Just some update on the trial! Thanks!

I don't know ANYTHING about any trial!

Sorry JG.

Ok thanks Eric - thought you had some local info. Kwaku will try to find the article with the story itself - but no updated info!

This is some background!

A Devilish Deed

The brutal murder of six-year-old Sean Luke plunged an entire village into a state of grief and anger.

Little Sean was an inquisitive, playful child who never had a sad face. He would run to everyone he met, even strangers, hugging them and asking for them to join him in a game of football. It was this friendly nature that may have led to his gruesome death, relatives said.
Residents recalled that hours before he went missing, Sean was seen playing football with a group of teenagers outside his home. Two of those boys have since been held for committing the heinous crime.

Up to last night, the teenagers, who recently moved into the village, were being questioned by Homicide detectives. Investigators said charges were expected to be laid against the 14-year-olds soon.

Residents believed Sean was lured into the canefield by his attackers after they took him to a neighbourhood parlour and bought him a pack of juice and a snack.

They then walked him through a bushy track and into the canefield, where someone removed his clothing and plunged a cane stalk into the body of the naked boy, puncturing his lungs and damaging other organs.

He suffered a slow, agonising death, an autopsy found.

Sean, who was born in the United States, was buried yesterday, two days after his already decomposing body was discovered in the canefield, 200 feet from his home at Orange Valley, Couva.

Relatives, teachers, classmates, residents, politicians and even the school's security guard cried openly for Sean, who was described as an "angel sent by God".

Relatives of the boys who are accused of murdering Sean did not attend the funeral. Their houses, located on the same street where Sean lived, remained locked yesterday. When the casket bearing Sean's body arrived at his home around 11 a.m., his mother, Pauline Lum Fai, screamed for her child. "Please don't take my baby from me. Don't leave me, Sean. I can't live without you. You are my life, Sean," she cried.

Lum Fai pounded the casket and shouted: "Why did they do this to my baby? Why these little children do this to my son?"

A basket with flowers was placed on the sealed casket along with his favourite teddy bear and his pet turtle.

Sean's father, Daniel Luke, wailed as he looked at the framed photograph of his son which was placed on the casket.

Pupils of the Waterloo Hindu School, (where Sean was in second year) teachers and the principal also attended the funeral. His class teacher, Vera Salick, cried uncontrollably throughout the service.

Pundit Dave Rampersad, who officiated, lashed out at the authorities for failing to protect the youths. "Let this be an awakening for our leaders, politicians, parents and teachers to perform their duty, which is to protect our innocent children. It is time for them to take up the mantle and guide our children to the right path. Criminals don't fall from the sky, they come from homes. Where are the parents? Stop corrupting your children's minds with television and negativity. It is easy to have a child, but the challenge is really how to be a parent," he said.

Satnarine Maharaj, secretary general of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, said teachers throughout the country was saddened by the news of Sean's death. "This was such a heinous crime, that even the Gods were shedding tears. The principal and teachers at the Waterloo Hindu School are all traumatised by this," he said. Principal Nandran Maharaj described Sean's murder as a "devilish deed".
"Our nation is in deep crisis, we have lost our way and can no longer determine what is right from wrong," he said. Family friend Vidya Harripersad, who delivered the eulogy, said Sean always had a pleasant face and was always smiling.

"He would always tell his mother how much he loved her and when she didn't tell him he would remind her to say she loved him too," she said.
Harripersad said Sean loved anything with wheels and when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up he always answered: "I want to fix the engines of aeroplanes and spaceships."
As it was being removed, Lum Fai clutched the casket and screamed.

"Please don't go, Sean, please don't go, I love you Sean. I will always love you."

Sean was buried at the Waterloo Public Cemetery.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_archive?id=147420008

Sean Luke, 6, buggered with canestalk, killed

Published March 29th, 2006 in Crime in T&T and Violence.

Wednesday, March 29th 2006

Buggered until dead, the body of little Sean Luke was found in a canefield near his home at Orange Valley, Couva, yesterday.

The six-year-old, a United States citizen, would have felt no fear, smiling and laughing with the predator until he was stripped of his clothing and killed in a most agonising way.

Pathologist Dr Eastlyn Mc Donald Burris found during a preliminary examination yesterday that the killer inserted a sugarcane stalk into the boy's rectum, and pushed it until it reached the child's throat.

His intestines were ruptured and other organs damaged.

He died from internal bleeding.

Trinidadian teenagers charged for murder of 6-year-old boy ,

Monday, April 3, 2006

by Stephen Cummings
Caribbean Net News Trinidad Correspondent
Email: stephen@caribbeannetnews.com

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: After three days of questioning, police in Trinidad have formally charged two teenagers for rape and murder of 6-year-old US national, Sean Luke, whose badly decomposed body was found last Monday morning in a canefield near his home in Couva, Trinidad.

Sean Luke, who moved to Trinidad from the US just over four months ago, was found dead and buried in a shallow grave with a canestalk inserted into his body after reportedly having been raped.

Charges against the two teenagers were laid early on Saturday morning by police from the San Fernando Homicide Bureau. The incident produced shock waves throughout the national community as it is the first time such a horrendous crime had been committed by two teenagers aged 13 and 16. The 16-year-old was a neighbor of Luke's, while the 13-year-old is a friend from Laventille, just west of the capital Port of Spain.

Sean was said to be playing with a group of friends near his home in Orange Valley Couva when he disappeared. Eye witnesses reportedly told police they saw when Luke was being dragged into a nearby canefield by the suspects.

Investigators said one of the two suspects, the 16-year-old, confessed to the brutal murder telling police it was planned.

Both teenagers will appear before a Couva magistrate on Monday to face charges relating to kidnapping, rape and murder.

The two suspects will remain at the Trinidad Youth Training Centre for juveniles until the case is finally decided. According to law on the local books a guilty verdict will, however, not attract the death penalty since the suspects were under the age of 18 when the crimes were committed.

Meanwhile, local police have come in for heavy criticism from the victim's family and Police Commissioner Trevor Paul, who said the police failed to act quickly when it was first reported that Sean was missing.


http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/a...es/000011/001138.htm

quote:

Originally posted by Jungle Girl:
Eric what happened to those three teenagers who murdered and burnt the 14 year old boy? Is the case over?

First you claimed it was a 14 yr old boy(which confused me) then you went back to 6 yr old Sean Luke of which I'am familiar with, as far as I know the boy that did it is a slighty RETARDED kid about 9 or 12 years old.(No normal person would do this in their right mind and the other kid that stood around looking on was of the same RACE as the boy who was killed)

There is going to be some sort of inqest since the Police have come to the conclusion it was NOT a murder planned before it happened.

Could you plz stop messing up my thread. are you satisfied now?

I can't understand why a female like Jungle girl would have such a morbid pre-occupation with death and destruction.......

Oh Eric, I thought after I corrected it and said the 6 year old that you said you didn't know aboutit. I was actually wondering if what I had previously seen was a hoak! I only wanted some info on the trial, because like you I believe only a seriously deranged person(s) could have committed this act. From the rest of this thread I would never have believed that T&T harboured such persons! I was really shocked to say the least!

Anyways it's not that I'm preoccupied with death and destrution ... I'm only concerned with reality and the truth .... well most of the times anyway!

TT records highest 2006 GDP growth in the
region "” 6.5 percent


Tuesday, May 8 2007(T&T Newsday)


Trinidad and Tobago recorded the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth within the Caribbean last year mostly due to favourable energy prices said International Monetary Fund representatives at the Regional Economic Outlook held yesterday at the Central Bank, Port-of-Spain.

IMF Deputy Director, Western Hemisphere Department, Markus Rodlauer and Mission Chief Trinidad and Tobago, Max Alier presented the Global Context and Regional Outlook of Latin America and the Caribbean(LAC).

Alier said that GDP growth across the LAC remained robust while Trinidad and Tobago's GDP was the highest, at 6.5 percent, in the Caribbean last year, well over the average GDP for the region. "This occurred because Trinidad and Tobago continues to benefit from high oil and gas prices as well as new productions coming on stream," he said.

Caribbean GDP growth should remain robust, said Alier even though the growth rate has moderately slowed from last year.

With regards to inflation, Alier said that it has been low despite inflationary pressures in some countries.

He noted that Trinidad and Tobago's inflation rate was at ten percent late last year, but he said that the latest data quote was quite favourable.

"As of March, the inflation rate for this country was at eight percent and the data is showing indicators of inflation in a downward trend," he said. IMF's Rodlauer said that public debt remained high because of weak spending discipline and because of our vulnerability to natural disasters.


HERE'S THE REPORT: IMF Deputy Director Western Hemisphere Department, Markus Rodlauer displays a copy of the Regional Economic Outlook 2006 for the Western Hemisphere yesterday at a presentation held at the Central Bank, Port-of-Spain.


http://www.guardian.co.tt/business1.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Eric's_Revenge,

Monday 7th May, 2007




By Zen Dionne Jarrette (Trinidad Guardian)


one are the days of the blue and white clunkers that drove around going "Shocks? What shocks?"

Now, the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) has launched streamlined buses, which are air conditioned affairs with nicely upholstered seats, splashed in our national colours.

But for all the improvements, the stops prove to be confusing. There are several bus stops all over Port-of-Spain, but they don't say which routes they are for and what times"”unless "No Parking" is a destination, because that's all the sign says.

They are affixed to various backgrounds some on poles, or some on walls where tree branches or vehicles may obscure them.

The schedules and fares for these new lines are available if you call PTSC, and will soon be made available both in pamphlets and on the PTSC Web site.

The Customer Care Department at the PTSC provided more questions than answers when The Guardian gave them a call. The terse representative didn't have much in the way of explanations.

When asked how to identify the routes that bus stops are for, he seemed put off by the question.

"Is up to you to know where you going," the representative informed this reporter.

"If you don't know, come down to the PTSC yard at City Gate."

Not much help.

The representative also said commuters in confusion could refer to the PTSC Web site, but as we all know, not everyone has access to the Internet, and this may be especially hard on elderly commuters.

For now, the only sure way to know where a bus is going is to read its marquee. This still does not help, however, to know where to stand up and wait for it.

Another representative, however, said that while the new routes were launched, making the process go smoothly is still a work in progress.

He encouraged customers to go to the PTSC Web site or call PTSC Customer Care with queries or complaints. This gives the distinct feeling that TSTT and PTSC will be working closely with each other over the coming months.

A very bright spot of this new stylish, comfortable commuting is that one need not have tickets. You can pay the fare directly to the driver, and most drivers on new routes have thus far been patient though probably bombarded with questions. The elderly are particularly well treated by bus drivers, which deserves special mention.


This woman waits at a generic bus stop. Hope she knows where she's going!

http://www.ptsc.co.tt/

Friday 11th May, 2007

General Electric seeks bigger stake in T&T


Carl Ramlakhan vice-president technical services Atlantic LNG, from left; John G Rice, vice chairman General Electric; and acting Minister of Energy & Energy Industries Senator Christine Sahadeo at Wednesday's inaugruation of the GE Oil & Gas Maintenance Centre at Atlantic LNG Compound, Point Fortin. Photo: Tony Howell


BY SASCHA WILSON(T&T Guardian)



ONE of the world's biggest corporations, US energy giant General Electric (GE), has decided to invest in T&T because of this country's economic development and stability.

Furthermore, the company wants to expand its presence in this country.

Vice chairman of GE John G Rice said he believed Trinidad and Tobago was extremely important for his company.

Rice was speaking at the opening of GE's Oil and Gas Maintenance Centre at Atlantic LNG's (ALNG) compound in Point Fortin on Wednesday. The facility is the first of its kind in the country, part of a US$400 million, 17-year contractual service agreement with ALNG.

The agreement was signed in July 2005.

GE Oil and Gas, based in Florence, Italy, is a subsidiary of General Electric Company. GE is one of the globe's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technology.

Addressing businessmen at the function, Rice said GE's partnership with ALNG will go a long way in helping the company to meet the growing demand for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

He said: "Along with achieving an extra year of production for Atlantic LNG by reducing outage durations and extending maintenance intervals, GE's contractual services team has been working to enhance the plant availability while ensuring the highest safety standards."

Rice added that GE recognised Trinidad and Tobago as a significant participant in the global energy sector. He also noted that the country is one of the most significant recipients of direct foreign investment in the western hemisphere.

Vice president of ALNG's technical services Carl Ramlakhan said the centre is another landmark in Point Fortin, representing a world class maintenance facility providing specialised service to the Caribbean and South America.

He said the company's relationship with GE Oil and Gas began with the purchase of gas turbine/refrigeration compressor equipment for its LNG Train 1. He said with the completion of Train 4 there had been a significant increase in the amount of such equipment in use by ALNG.

Saying that the installation is equivalent to approximately 70 per cent of the total power generating capacity of T&T, he added that this puts ALNG, and by extension the country, among GE's "valued" customers.

He said ALNG expects that the centre would remain a best in class institution, contributing significantly not only to its drive towards maintenance and operational excellence, but also to the development of the skills of nationals.

Among other benefits, the centre will allow for improved response to unscheduled events or failures at the ALNG facility and improved timeliness of technology upgrades of the gas turbine/refrigeration compressor equipment.



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited


http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_business?id=161144540

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Eric's_Revenge,

Friday 11th May, 2007

Valley promises increase in R&D funding


BY IAN GOODING (Trinidad Guardian)


Minister of Trade and Industry Ken Valley yesterday assured businessmen that the Business Development Company will increase the amount of funding provided for research and development.

He mentioned the issue yesterday while addressing participants at a Technology Exposition held by Trinidad Systems Limited (TSL) at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre. The exposition continues today.

Valley explained that encouraging research and development was part of government's role in providing the facilitative environment in which firms could do what they did best enhance their profit base.

The minister also advised employers to invest in upgrading workers who were part of their more permanent workforce.

"This is an imperative if our firms are to be equipped to adjust and upgrade in keeping with advances taking place in knowledge application and management," he said. "Our firms must have in house the kind of workforce that can adapt to new technological paradigms, based on the application of new knowledge."

J Nicholas Galt chairman president CEO and founder of Trinidad Systems Ltd said that people must transform their lives with work, spirit and vision.

He was clearly proud of the family culture that was encouraged at TSL and defied any organisation to stand in culture as strongly as the TSL culture stands.

He said that his ˜strange' company had eccentric habits such as never passing each other in the corridor without acknowledgement, "even though we passed each other a few minutes ago," initiating all new members of staff by ensuring that they performed by singing or dancing in front of their peers on the eve of Christmas eve at the office, and having an after work lime with beer and soft drinks at least every fortnight at the office.

TSL has operations at UWI, Point Lisas, the Hilton hotel and three locations on Woodford Street, employing more than 200 professionals, and covers every aspect of information and communication technology in diverse areas.

"TSL delivers more technology than any other technological player," he said.



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Could you plz stop messing up my thread. are you satisfied now?[/QUOTE]

JG: you see, that is what I was trying to heip you to prevent from happening. Now look at what you gone and do, mess up dem man thread.

What a nice girl like you want to know about those morbid things for.

This thread is only for Eric to post 'nice' stuff he reads in T&T newspapers. He's like Asif's Trinidadian opposite.

'T&T growth impressive'

Roxanne Stapleton


Thursday, May 10th 2007 (T&T Express)


TRINIDAD AND Tobago's economic and developmental growth "is impressive", Standard and Poor's (S&P) sovereign ratings analysts said yesterday.

However, real concerns linger about the country's "little economic diversification that poses risk of Dutch disease", S&P's Sovereign Ratings associate director said.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning maintains that diversification of the economy remains high on his agenda.

S&P's sovereign rating for this country in 2006 was an A-, which is a stable outlook. The rating was the second highest in the Caribbean and Latin America, surpassed only by Chile's A rating.

Arevalo and his S&P colleague, Joydeep Mukherji, are here to issue a fresh sovereign rating, (expected by the end of the week) and will meet with Government Ministers, Members of the Opposition, multi-nationals, other private and public sector leaders and numerous stakeholders.

"Inflation is an issue we want to see solved," Arevalo said, adding he was pleased the Central Bank stepped in with bond issuances to better manage liquidity.

"Before bonds, the main tools used for monetary policy were the Repo Rate and open market operations, both of them short term, clearly implementing bonds has had a positive impact."

Asked if crime could be a hindrance to economic growth, he said that "big companies, can afford private security and afford things that can isolate them from crime related problems, but where you see it as important is where you want to see more economic diversification and the way you do that is to grow small and medium enterprises. And I think for those people, the guy opening the restaurant, a little store, for them crime is a problem".

Regardless of different governments (in Trinidad and Tobago), macroeconomic policy in the key areas has been quite conservative, maintaining cohesion and stability, he said.

This country's GDP growth for 2006 stood at 12 per cent, the highest in the region.

Eric why don't you just post the link, and if anyone care to, he/she can check it out

quote:

Originally posted by kwaku:
Eric why don't you just post the link, and if anyone care to, he/she can check it out

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_business?id=161143852


And as for your statement that I'm some sort of Trini "Asif" you could not be more wrong, I have NEVER been a member of the PNM party, the ONLY party I have ever been a member is the NAR and that was the ONLY party I have ever voted for while living in T&T.

However if given a choice between the UNC & COP and the PNM I will vote for the PNM. (Doubling our nation's GNP in the last five years of office more than makes them capable of warranting my vote.)

I don't post propaganda like Asif does, who post articles direct from the GOG sites.

If I post an article it is from a T&T newspaper NONE of which is owned by the Gov't of T&T.

Firm to develop water, wastewater master plan


Rohandra John


Saturday, May 5th 2007 (T&T Express)


picture & source
water rehab: Ali Ettehadieh, left, Genival executive vice-president, greets WASA CEO Errol Grimes after yesterday's signing ceremony at the Hilton Trinidad, St Ann's.



As the country continues to grapple with one of its most severe and hottest dry seasons, Pennelope Beckles, Minister of Public Utilities, yesterday admitted that Government was faced with a serious challenge to provide a consistent water supply to consumers.

As the government signed a contract yesterday with consultancy firm Genivar, which has agreed to develop a water and wastewater master plan for the country, Beckles said that the new plan would bring an end to water woes and deliver a constant water supply.

Beckles who was speaking at the "Water and Wastewater Plan" signing yesterday at the Hilton Trinidad, St Ann's admitted that over the past weeks "there has been undue hardship for several communities throughout the country that, even now, remain without a supply of water or have an unacceptable level of service".

She said that in an effort to find a permanent solution to the problems they face in this sector, the government was "relentlessly pursing the transformation of the water and wastewater sectors. So that by the year 2014, 98 per cent of the population would have a 24-hour continuous supply of water and, at the very least, 75 per cent of households and other such entities will be connected to the central sewerage system by the year 2020".

Beckles said the new plan, which Genivar had been contracted to develop, would "provide a framework for the comprehensive rehabilitation, reconstruction, and extension of the country's water and wastewater infrastructure".

She also assured that underserved areas such as Montrose, Enterprise, Caparo and Mamoral will benefit after successful implementation of the programme.

Genivar is being paid $6.93 million for their consultancy services and has been given 18 months to develop the new water and wastewater plan.

Errol Grimes, chief executive of WASA, in a presentation held earlier, acknowledged that such a plan was long overdue, as the last one was done some 40 years ago.

Beckles added that another major initiative underway is the $1.2 billion water sector modernisation programme, which "is designed to meet the current urgent demands for an increased water supply".

She said some 40 new wells will be developed under this programme. Plans are also under way for the harnessing of discharges from the state of the art Beetham wastewater facility for industrial use, Beckles continued.

She said, to date ,WASA has received some $98 million to implement these and other projects.

CCTV cameras to catch bad drivers

Anna Ramdass


Saturday, May 12th 2007(T&T Express)


Drivers who believe they can break a traffic light or exceed the speed limit on the highway and get away with it, think again.

Government is moving to implement a hightech $37 million CCTV camera system to capture images of drivers committing road crimes.

Traffic tickets and court summons can then be mailed to reckless drivers.

"This system will work and bring to an end the free for all culture in Trinidad and Tobago that exists because there is no enforcement and regulations," said Transport Minister Colm Imbert in a telephone interview with the Express yesterday.

"From the time people realise that they will not be able to get away from breaking the lights and speeding, it will reduce a lot of the foolishness that is happening on the roads today," he added.

Imbert said this system, which is used in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, should start by the end of the year.

The CCTV system is part of the $200 million proposal that was accepted by Cabinet and which includes two overpasses to be built at Aranjuez and El Socorro.

Imbert said tenders will go out next month and he expects the contract to be given by August or September.

He said the hightech equipment will be sourced from international markets such as in Europe and the Far East.

This system has already been implemented in Martinique and Imbert said he was "very impressed" with the effect it had.

Imbert said people will be trained to monitor the cameras and Martinique had already offered its services.

He said that in the initial stages the system would be executed manually with a person monitoring the screen and issuing traffic tickets.

Later on machine generated tickets will come into effect.

Imbert said the system would also play a fundamental role in tracking down stolen vehicles as well as those involved in crimes such as kidnappings.

Imbert said the system will scan all major intersections on a sequential timeframe.

Prison Moms get Mother's Day gift


By NALINEE SEELAL Sunday, May 13 2007(T&T Newsday)



Tears of joy were evident within the confines of the Women's Prison at Golden Grove yesterday, when 19 mothers incarcerated were allowed to spend an entire day with their children.

Children with roses in their hands, others with post cards, and some with little presents ran to their mothers with open arms under a tent at the prison. Some of the women cried, others hugged their babies, while some just stared at their children. The last time the 19 mothers were allowed to meet with their children was on December 24 last year. The initiative to allow children under the age of 16 to spend a day with their mothers was introduced last year by Prisons Commissioner John Rougier.

It forms part of the rehabilitative process. According to prison rules, children under the age of 16 are not allowed to visit prisons, with the exception of the Youth Training Centre. However, this initiative is an ongoing effort by the prison administration to bring families of inmates together in order to strengthen the bonds and provide support to inmates.

Leela Ramdass Singh, 26, one of the women whose matter is still before the High Court. She was charged for the murder of her husband four years ago.

Her children Megan was four when she was sent to prison and her son Brian was three. Last Christmas, was the first time she had an opportunity to hug her children and spend a day with them. She said that on Friday night she could not sleep and eagerly awaited the time when she would be able to hug her children and spend the entire day with them.

Megan presented her with a card with the words "I love you Mummy and I miss you a lot," while Brian took the opportunity to snuggle up in the arms of his mother. The two children said that they want their Mummy back home and have been praying for their wish to come true. Leela told Sunday Newsday that she has already spent four years in prison and is hopeful that she will be freed soon.

Yesterday, she was simply enjoying every moment with her two children and advised all mothers who are victims of domestic violence to "run away."

She said that her only wish right now is to be freed so that she could be a mother to her children.

"This was the best Mother's Day gift I ever got," she said as she was kissed by her two children.



BONDING WITH MOM: Remand prisoner Nadia Pooran savours the moment as she is warmly embraced by her daughter Sharia and son Sifon at the Women's Prison at Golden Grove yesterday.

Leela Ramdass Singh?

HAPPINESS IS: Julia Lopez could not stop smiling when she was reunited with her daughter Samantha at the Golden Grove Prison yesterday.

COMFORTING MOM: Leandra Clarke plants a kiss on her daughter Marleen to re-assure her that she would always love her.
Author: AZLAN MOHAMMED

Chinese firm lands $1B UTT project


By RIA TAITT Friday, May 18 2007(T&T Newsday)


One of the largest projects that Government has embarked on the $1.8 billion UTT Wallerfield campus has gone to a Chinese firm, Science and Technology Minister, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid announced yesterday.

He was speaking at a post Cabinet news conference at Whitehall. The firm is China Jiangsu International Corporation.

The detailed breakdown of costs for the mega-project is as follows:

* infrastructure works "” $213M;

* signature building "” $975M;

* furniture and equipment- $250M;

* other professional fees (including design and project management) set at nine percent "” $109M;

* additional contingencies (set at five percent) "” $77M;

* VAT "” $243M.

Abdul Hamid said the average cost per square foot of construction of the covered area was $1,675 and of the uncovered area $911 per square foot.

The Minister defended the choice of company saying that China Jiangsu was the lowest bidder in an open bidding process and that Government was still able to negotiate with them to bring the price down ever further.

He added that the selection of a Chinese company (which would use Chinese labourers) would ease the "strain" on the local labour market and allow the country to get value for money. He said Government had entered into a fixed price agreement with the contractors to avoid cost overruns.

The Minister along with his colleagues, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Christine Sahadeo and Tourism Minister Howard Chin Lee did not feel that local contractors were being squeezed out by foreign contractors. Chin Lee said he had no problem with the Chinese contractors. "Some of the jobs they are quoting on is sometimes 60 to 70 percent cheaper than other contractors," he said. In response to questions, Sahadeo said Government was concerned about building local capacity and some emphasis was being placed on ensuring this via the programmes at UTT.

Shanghai Construction Ltd is another Chinese firm that is currently in charge of multi-million dollar government projects, including the $148M refurbishment of the Prime Minister's residence.

Sahadeo said the local contractors were operating at full capacity and cited the fact that only one company tendered for the paving of the airport project to prove her point.

Abdul-Hamid said the central campus will boast of extensive water features throughout the campus as well as a blend of open and natural landscape.

He said the central campus would be elevated and constructed on a three tiered basis allowing for a unique view of the landscape. There would also be a "dynamic, floating graduation pavilion" and an information tower "enhancing the iconic image of the campus." The total area of the campus would be 67,185 square metres 40,984 square metres of covered space and 26,201 square metres of uncovered space. He said Government expected the UTT campus to be "the cornerstone of the university system."

Abdul Hamid also announced that Government, on the basis of the number of nationals enrolled at UWI, approved $455M for recurrent expenditure at the institution. He said Government would directly provide $425M to the UWI and the university would be expected to raise the additional $30M. He said Government would also provide $101.6M for other projects at the university.


Mustapha Abdul-Hamid

EBC HEAD WANTS MANDATORY VOTING


By SEAN DOUGLAS Saturday, May 19 2007(T&T Newsday)



ELECTIONS and Boundaries Commission (EBC) chairman, Dr Norbert Masson, would like to see Trinidad and Tobago follow the example of countries like Australia which has mandatory voting at national elections.

"There should be mandatory registration and mandatory voting." He said such registration would help the authorities plan schools, roads and transport, in various areas, adding: "Shouldn't we know how many people live there?"

Over 30 countries have compulsory voting including Argentina Belgium, Cyprus, Ecuador, Fiji, Greece, Luxembourg, Mexico, Singapore, and Uruguay, according to Wikipedia.

Masson said someone should inquire as to why so many TT nationals do not vote. At a rough "guesstimate," he estimated the number of persons who are supposed to be eligible to vote but who do not vote to be roughly 200,000.

He was talking to Newsday yesterday at EBC headquarters on Frederick Street in the company of EBC communication officer, Wanda Babb.

Dr Masson has been EBC chairman for the past 17 months, following his two predecessors Oswald Wilson and Sir Isaac Hyatali who both died in office. Newsday asked about the increase in constituencies from 36 seats to 41 seats and the many corresponding name changes in constituencies.

Has the addition of five extra seats been administratively onerous for the EBC? He said, "You have to adjust boundaries in order to accommodate the rules as specified in the Constitution. It's a very difficult task."

Were the new names of constituencies too long for practical use, say, being called out by the Speaker of the House of Representatives such as "Diego Martin North East?" He said: "Some of the titles are a bit long but you try as best as you can to use names that are descriptive of the geographical area, but in spite of that sometimes we don't always get it right."

Was there concern about the marginal seats?

"People talk about ˜marginals.' When the Senators from the UNC came to see us this week they had more or less marked out certain constituencies as belonging to ˜this party' and belonging to ˜that party' and they claimed there were about nine marginals. But what is a ˜marginal constituency? there is no such thing defined in the law. What they called marginal constituencies is where the difference between the total numbers of votes is small, as the accepted understanding."

He related recent talks with the UNC. "The point was raised by the UNC that at these perceived marginal constituencies there was a lot of intimidation of voters, which in some cases would give rise to violence, and therefore seeking from the Elections and Boundaries Commission a commitment to provide security to deal with any such problems." Asked if he had a view on any such need for security in the marginals, he replied, "Well, we are concerned about security right across the board. Therefore we shall have to approach the Commissioner of Police on that matter. We want people to be able to go and cast their votes without intimidation, without fear, without victimisation let the people speak!"

So, who are the 100,000 new voters?

He said these consisted of annual additions of persons 18 years and older who were now newly registering, including for example a 21 year old person now seeking to get registered. In 2006 there were 10,986 such persons added to the electoral list. In addition the list was also increased in 2006 by 18,862 persons known as "deemed voters" largely comprised of persons who had been put into the electoral "system" at age 15 years (at which age they are eligible to receive a TT ID card) and who had since achieved age 18 years old and therefore been put onto the electoral list itself. Deemed voters might also include a foreign national who now achieves one year legal residence in TT.

The year 2006, said Masson, also saw the list lose 10,460 registrants who might include persons who had died or migrated.

Masson said the net change in voters totalled 19,388 more voters in 2006.

He said these new voters, minus those who have died and migrated, gives you about 24,000 to 25,000 net extra voters each year on average.

Over five years these net annual changes had totalled about 100,000 persons, he said.

Were names removed in bulk after commission of inquiry into the EBC, and then later re-added? He said, "In 2001 a lot of names were taken off, and subsequently these people came back on the system when they were identified. These people began to go to be registered and so on. The list is now about 980,000 at the latest."

So, does the EBC stay in touch with political parties?

"We keep them informed in matters of mutual interest. For example in our latest field verification exercise we are unable to locate 723 people and we wrote to the political parties seeking assistance. We keep in touch with them, and they keep in touch with us. We saw the UNC four times and the COP one time. The PNM has not sought any meeting with the EBC, he said, although the EBC keeps in touch. We produce a list by July 1 each year, but every month we produce a list to see how things are moving."

Wanda Babb made the point that unlike the public perception that people visit the EBC office in order to get an ID card, the EBC views the process as one where the person comes to register as a voter, then undergoes a field check to verify they are living at the address they say, and only then are issued an ID card.

Masson added, "For a name to get onto the list requires a thorough field check to be done. We have to ascertain that the information you give us is correct. If somebody has moved outside of a registration area, the officer has got to contact the other registration officer to check they are there."

Masson was very concerned about improving the EBC's efficiency and trying to overhaul the system. "When all offices are connected in a network, the situation will improve significantly after this election."

Does the EBC have enough staff?

Masson replied that normal staff are being supplemented by temporary staff. "For the elections we've got 10,000 to 15,000 people employed temporarily. These temporary staff he said did such jobs as presiding officer and polling station clerks."

In light of concerns about foreign citizens voting in TT elections, Mason explained. He said a Commonwealth national can register as a voter to vote in parliamentary and local government elections if they legally live in TT for a year before the election, under the Representation of the People Act. However non commonwealth citizens, such as workers from China, can only vote in local government elections for "city" and "borough" but not for "regional corporations" such as Princes Town Regional Corporation and most emphatically not for parliamentary elections. Further these voting rights are only acquired after such foreign nationals have resided legally in TT for five years.

Masson concluded, "We are trying our best to improve the list, for free and fair elections, and we appeal to all people to assist."



IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) chairman, Dr Norbert Masson, gesticulates yesterday at EBC headquarters on Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain.
Author: ERICA RAMJASS

Signing City to City Relations with South Korea


Members of the South Korean consulate and
Councillors of the City of Port of Spain.


TriniView.com Reporters

Event Date: May 18, 2007
Posted: May 19, 2007



The signing of a 'Sister City' Agreement between the Mayor of Port of Spain, Alderman Murchison Brown and the Deputy Mayor of Yeosu, South Korea, Mr. Choi Oh-Joo, took place at the Council Chambers, City Hall, Port of Spain on Friday 16th May, 2007 at 10 a.m.

Acting Corporation CEO, Mrs. Laraine Alexander, welcomed the Korean Consulate to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, where they entered into the second part of the agreement for City to City relations.

The formal proceedings began with the re-introduction of parties from the Port of Spain City Council and the South Korean consulate. While Mr. Choi Seung-Woong, Trinidad and Tobago Honorary Consul in Korea, who acted as translator, mediated between the English and Korean speaking persons, Alderman Francis Pau also bid greetings in the Korean tongue which added an interesting dimension to the occasion.

Mayor of Port of Spain, Alderman Murchison Brown gave the opening remarks and welcomed the South Korean delegation to the City of Port of Spain. He said that he looked forward to having very close ties with South Korea so that the two countries can build on areas such as culture, art, tourism, sport, city administration and other beneficial activities together.

He also indicated his enthusiasm about the signing of the Protocol of Intent and the Declaration of Friendship which he believed was one step forward for good relations between the two cities. He ended his brief remarks by stating that he looked forward to cementing their already beautiful relationship.

Deputy Mayor of Yeosu, South Korea, Mr. Choi Oh-Joo interpreted by Mr. Choi Seung-Woong, Trinidad and Tobago Honorary Consul in South Korea, responded with warm thanks for the wonderful hospitality he said he received. He said that despite the long distance between the two countries, he feels a close link with the island because of its warmth and kindness. He added that although he would be signing on behalf of the Mayor of Yeosu, the official signing would take place in Korea at a time convenient to representatives of the City of Port of Spain. He lastly stated through his interpreter, that the visit to the city of Port of Spain was very meaningful, especially because of their willingness to create city to city links and he felt certain that the two cities will bear a fruitful relationship.

Following this was the signing of the Official Protocol of Intent and the Declaration of Friendship by Mayor of the City of Port of Spain, Alderman Murchison Brown and Deputy Mayor of Yeosu, South Korea, Mr. Choi Oh-Joo. They also presented each other with gifts of appreciation.

These included a brochure of the 92nd Anniversary of the Restoration of Civic Rights to the City and a City pin by the Mayor of Port of Spain and a traditional Korean fan bearing a replica of the historical Turtle Ship which is said to be the world's first iron-clad battleship built in 1592.

Closing remarks were given by Mayor of the City of Port of Spain, Alderman Murchison Brown who reiterated his honour in hosting the South Koreans and invited them for some light refreshments and to continue fraternizing with each other.


Members of the South Korean consulate and Councillors of the City of Port of Spain


link to more pics

Monday 21st May, 2007

NGC/Essar steel sign supply contract

Frank Look Kin president National Gas Company, left, and P R Dhariwal managing director of Essar Steel Caribbean Ltd at yesterday's signing of a long-term gas supply contract under which the NGC will supply Essar Steel with 140 million cubic feet per day of natural gas.



The National Gas Company of T&T Ltd (NGC) has signed a long term gas supply contract with Essar Steel Caribbean Ltd (Essar Steel) for the supply of 140 million cubic feet per day of natural gas.

The contract was signed by Frank Look Kin president NGC and P R Dhariwal managing director of Essar Steel.

The contract will represent a doubling of existing gas utilisation by the iron and steel sector. The additional gas sales will increase NGC's gas sales volume by about eight per cent with plant start up in 2009.

During the contract term, NGC will supply Essar Steel with natural gas to their iron and steel complex, which will be located on a 200 hectare site on the southeast extension of the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

Annual production will include 4.5 million tonnes of pellets, 3.0 million tonnes of hot briquetted iron and 2.5 million tonnes of hot rolled coils.

In addition, the end product of flat steel will be available for use by other local downstream industries.

Construction of the complex is expected to begin this year at a cost of US$1.7 billion.



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Wednesday 23rd May, 2007


Govt moves to stem flow of illegal drugs

$171m upgrade for Coast Guard


The facts

Govt seeks to reduce the influx of illegal drugs into the region.

T&T is compelled to put special counter-trafficking measures in place.



BY CORDIELLE STREET (Trinidad Guardian)


CARICOM member countries are set to benefit from a $171 million upgrade of the T&T Coast Guard as the country seeks to reduce the influx of illegal drugs into the region.

The multi million dollar infrastructure and operation upgrade was recently approved by Cabinet, said Prime Minister Patrick Manning who delivered the feature address at the opening of the ninth high level meeting of the co-ordination and co-operation mechanism on drugs among the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC).

"The accelerating level of international drug trafficking has raised a great deal of disquiet among regional governments, as our geographic location between key producing territories in the South Atlantic and the major consuming countries of the North Atlantic places us in a somewhat vulnerable position," Manning said.

"Despite making some headway in the fight against drugs, we acknowledge that Caribbean nations remain challenged by this problem."

One of the Caribbean's main trans-shipment points, T&T already has a 360 degree radar system.

Six fast patrol, six interceptor and three off-shore patrol vessels would soon be added to increase the monitoring of the country's maritime borders.

Manning reiterated his position to the Caribbean and EU senior security officials and members of the diplomatic core that assistance from countries outside of the region was crucial in countering the illegal drug trade.

T&T is the first English speaking country in the region to assume co-chairmanship of the mechanism.

The aim of the two-day meeting is to review the 1998 Panama Action Plan and to adopt a Port-of-Spain declaration, which Manning hopes will "give real teeth" to the counter-narco actions outlined.

T&T is also the director general of the Inter-American Defense Board, an entity of the Organisation of American States.

"T&T is compelled to put special counter-trafficking measures in place to deal with the reality that we are a significant trans-shipment location," National Security Minister Martin Joseph told the audience.

He also indicated that a portion of the illicit drugs and guns smuggled through T&T are remaining in the country.

"These guns and drugs have been centred in gang violence and turf wars that we have experienced in this country and have also fuelled a scourge of kidnappings, robberies and assaults of the law abiding citizens of this country," he said.

Joseph highlighted a number of social programmes that targeted the drug trade including the National Drug Council's awareness campaign "Eve Goes to Foreign."

He attributed a 75 per cent reduction in the amount of T&T female citizens arrested in London for drug-trafficking during November 2005 to December 2006, to the campaign.

Busson Von Alvensleben, German ambassador and co-chair of the EU-LAC mechanism, re-emphasised his country's and the EU's commitment to aiding the region in combating the illegal drug trade.

"The EU is convinced that the EU-LAC mechanism should make a special effort to improve the network operation in particular the law enforcement sector," he said.

"A close co-operation of these judiciary and customs entities...is crucial."

©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited


Prime Minister Patrick Manning greets German ambassador Busson Von Alvensleben during the opening ceremony of the ninth high level meeting of the co-ordination and co-operation mechanism on drugs among the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, at Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, yesterday.

T&T Spirit comes June 22


Friday, May 18th 2007(Tobago News)



A Trinidad and Tobago team that includes Infrastructure & Public Utilities Secretary Whitney Alfred leaves next weekend for Hobart, Tasmania to take possession of the US$46 million fast ferry The T&T Spirit.

The ferry, the second Incat made wave piercing catamaran to be bought by the government for a total of US$66 million plus in the past six months will sail from Hobart on June 7, arriving in Port of Spain on June 22. It will go into service on the seabridge route between Trinidad and Tobago on July 1.

Besides Alfred, the team going to Hobart includes Government Shipping Service (GGS) General Manager Leon Grant who has been in the forefront of the fast ferry project, and representatives of the government Maritime Services Division and Bay Ferries Limited of Canada.

The management operations and maintenance contract for the two ferries, The T&T Express and The T&T Spirit was awarded to Bay Ferries, owners of The Cat. Both ferries were so named as a result of a competition by the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

The four year old T&T Spirit, Hull 060 and formerly named The Spearhead was purchased from its US-based owners, Bollinger/Incat LLC and was being retrofitted in Hobart. The ferry is 98 metres in length and has a capacity for 900 persons including crew members and 180 cars.

It will have a VIP lounge, a jail, an information unit with Internet facilities and its own loading and off loading ramps. The T&T Express formerly The Lynx is 91 metres long and was bought from Allo Financial of Australia. Both ferries are painted in white with the colours of red white and black on their sides.

While noting that it was the first time two fast ferries owned by Trinidad and Tobago and serving the people of Trinidad and Tobago would be on the route, Chief Secretary Orville London said in the past the ferries have not been operating at full capacity except in the highest peak season. "Therefore I think we have to understand that once the second fast ferry comes into service it provides a challenge for us the people of Trinidad and Tobago, especially for the people of Tobago.

"We have got to make sure that these ferries operate at close to capacity and therefore the whole idea of domestic tourism, inter island travel, these are the challenges that are going to face us. If we don't do it right we are going to face a challenge of over capacity," London said.

London said he had spoken to Port Authority officials who had indicated that this month the volume of traffic between Trinidad and Tobago had increased significantly over the same month last year, "so it means that we are doing something right but I think that we have to be even more aggressive when we have those two fast ferries operating consistently between Tobago and Trinidad".

Local steelband visits India

Trevor Burnett


Saturday, May 26th 2007 (T&T Express)


picture
representing: Members of the Nada Sangana Steel Orchestra at the Piarco International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, before leaving for India.



T&TEC Nada Sangana Steel Orchestra left here on Wednesday for performances in Delhi, India, to commemorate Indian Arrival Day on May 30.

The 12-member band, whose name means "unity in music", is led by Desmond George and managed by Rajendra Ramnarine.

The steelband comprises of four tenors, four quadrophonics, two double seconds and two-bass pans.

Pan tuner Clyde Alexander will be making a six-bass and a four bass on arrival in Delhi, as the bass pans are deemed to be quite cumbersome for transhipment.

Pan Trinbago's Patrick Arnold and Richard Forteau, over the years, have supported this ambassadorial initiative, which is sponsored by the Government.

This will be the group's second visit to India, having gone there in 2002, and they will be accommodated by T&Ts High Commissioner to India, His Excellency Maniedeo Persad, while there.

Among the members of the steelband are two Mastana Bahar winners in singer/pannist Neval Chatelal (2006) and pan soloist Shivana Ragoonanan (2001).

Erica: Keep Red House


By SEAN DOUGLAS Saturday, May 26 2007 (T&T Newsday)



ERICA Williams-Connell, daughter of the father of the nation Dr Eric Williams, yesterday made a statement which seemed to support the continuation of the Red House as the seat of this country's Parliament, a position in contrast to Prime Minister Patrick Manning's wish to assume the Red House as his office and build a new parliamentary building.

The apparent conflict of views occurred as each spoke at a ceremony to unveil a plaque in the parliamentary chamber honouring Eric Williams.

Williams-Connell said, "I can only hope that this dignified and moving ceremony, at what has been the very seat of our Government for 100 years, will put to rest once and for all the incredible notion that such seat should ever be dislocated."

Earlier, she profoundly thanked those present while apparently lamenting the absence of those who did not attend.

She said, "I thank you all for your presence and I am sorry for those who are not. A man or woman can be generous enough to acknowledge Eric Williams' attributes as a parliamentarian regardless of which side of the aisle on which he sat."

Williams-Connell said no mere "mirror image" of Eric Williams could serve to exalt, encourage and exemplify, as she then read the words of the plaque which urged social and ethnic equality and came from a 1979 Williams PNM convention speech.

Manning, in his closing remarks, said the plaque "belongs here" and is "long overdue."

However, in two statements taken together, he might have alluded to a new parliamentary building when he said it was his intention to honour Eric Williams at "an appropriate time and place" and said such an honour would not exclude a bust of Eric Williams in the parliamentary chamber." He praised Williams whom he said had in his day dominated the chamber.

The plaque, said Manning, was a fitting tribute to the greatest to have passed through these "hallowed chambers."


THE EYES HAVE IT: Prime Minister Patrick Manning (centre) addresses a gathering in Parliament yesterday convened to unveil a plaque dedicated to the late Dr Eric Williams, TT's first Prime Minister.

Cervical cancer vaccine soon for T&T women


Aretha Welch



Wednesday, May 30th 2007(T&T Express)



A cervical cancer vaccination made specifically to save the lives of women in Trinidad and Tobago may soon be on the market.

The Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society (TTCS), in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI), Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (Carec) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), will begin screening women in mobile testing units all over T&T within the next six weeks.

The tests are stage one in an effort to initiate local vaccination against human papilloma virus, which is known to cause about 70 per cent of the cases of cervical cancer worldwide.

While the developed world, and particularly America, celebrated when a vaccination for HPV came on the market in 2006, local women may not have shared in that joy as the vaccine was not made available here.

According to Dr George Laquis, chairman of the TTCS, the vaccine for HPV has never been available in local pharmacies.

"However, that is not a bad thing. Actually, I will not be happy to know it is being sold here because there is no guarantee that the vaccine will work on our women.''

The HPV vaccine currently on the market is known as Gardasil and is designed to prevent infection of HPV types 16, 18, 6 and 11, the four which are most common in America. However, there are over 40 different strains of the HPV virus and Laquis said there have been no conclusive tests which prove that the four types which Gardasil protects against are the ones which infect local women.

"In Jamaica, type 45 is the most popular. Who knows what may be the findings for T&T? Thus, selling a product which costs more than US$100 per injection to a population on which it may not work would be irresponsible,'' said Laquis.

"However, vaccination is necessary in T&T, as HPV is spread through skin to skin contact and is also sexually transmitted. Condoms do protect but don't give great amounts of protection against the virus. A man can unknowingly pass it on from one woman to another. Young women need this vaccination to protect themselves.''

According to PAHO's regional core health report, cancer is the second leading cause of death in women under age 65 in T&T. Carec's strategical plan for cervical cancer prevention in the Caribbean also stated, "Five thousand new cases of cervical cancer are expected in the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean between 2004 and 2007.'' Laquis said due to the increasing need for vaccination, the four aforementioned medical bodies are coming together to begin testing so a vaccine can soon be introduced on the local market.

BG, Chevron, NGC sign US$2b gas deal


Driselle Ramjohn



Tuesday, May 29th 2007 (T&T Express Business)



BG Trinidad and Tobago and Chevron Trinidad and Tobago Resources signed a US$2 billion agreement with the National Gas Company yesterday for the sale of 220 mmscfd of natural gas.

The supply of the gas will start from January 1, 2009 and should run for 15 years, Frank Look Kin, president of NGC said at the signing ceremony at BG T&T's offices in Port of Spain.

Look Kin said that the agreement was very important to the national community as the government sought to grow the domestic sector in terms of gas utilisation and therefore this tranche of gas was important to attracting new gas based industries to the country.

Martin Huston, executive vice president and regional manager North America, Caribbean and Global LNG, BG NAC said: "This agreement will allow BG and our partners to supply the growing domestic market with clean burning natural gas for up to 15 years."

"This will underpin the commercialisation of up to 1.2 tcf of gas of currently underdeveloped gas in the East Coast Marine Area. This project will involve drilling and completion of four new wells along with topside modifications from the Dolphin Platform," Houston added.

The gas will be supplied from the Dolphin field.

Friday 1st June, 2007


Angostura to list on London Stock Exchange


Angostura director Michael Carballo (left) listens to executive chairman Lawrence Duprey as he addresses shareholders at the company's annual general meeting, Eastern Main Road, Laventille, yesterday. Photo: Karla Ramoo

Angostura Holdings to be listed on the London Stock Exchange by 2009.

The Group's worth is in excess of US$100 million.

It's planting cane in Barbados and Mozambique.



BY SANDRA CHOUTHI (Trinidad Guardian)


The Angostura Group expects to be listed on the London Stock Exchange within 24 months, said its executive chairman Lawrence Duprey.

Stating that T&T, Barbados and Jamaica do not have a stock market, but stock exchanges, Duprey said he estimated that the Group was worth in excess of US$100 million.

"When you go into the international market, you need to have a portfolio," Duprey said.

Speaking about a 100 per cent increase in the price of molasses, a key ingredient in Angostura's core business rum production Duprey said the price of raw materials is a challenge Angostura's management faces daily.

He was speaking yesterday at Angostura Holdings Ltd's (AHL) annual general meeting at Angostura House, Eastern Main Road, Laventille.

Duprey, who is also chairman of CL World Brands, said it is not impossible for a small company to be globally competitive.

Duprey said Angostura does not have the resources of larger companies to spend US$25 million to market a single brand, but it finds ways to be competitive and, in the process, increase shareholder value.

He said that Angostura Holdings Ltd has products in most of the major markets in the world, including Manhattan in New York, and that it's also looking to penetrate Las Vegas.

"The challenge is really for Angostura to dominate its home market, which includes the Caribbean, to compete with local brands," he said.

In relation to cane cultivation, Duprey said 35,000 acres of land were taken out of cane cultivation in Trinidad, but he understands that the new development plan is to put back 17,000 acres into the crop.

"Maybe it should be privatised," Duprey said. "I don't know if it will be privatised or not."

He said Angostura (Barbados) Ltd plants cane in Barbados.

"It's highly mechanised. It involves a different strategy. We have cane experience. I was looking to plant cane in Mozambique," Duprey said.

He said Angostura was also looking to plant cane in Mauritius, but it's too small for cane cultivation, although it does have the technology, which has been transferred to Mozambique where there's more land and it's cheaper to plant cane.

He said the combination of technology, capital, finance and natural resources are all about creating value for the Third World.

"It's all about the Third World," Duprey said.

Commenting on AHL's 2006 performance, he said its net profit before tax was $192 million.

Net profit attributable to shareholders was $188 million.

"When the exceptional gains, recorded in the prior year on disposal of our Cruzan interest are adjusted for in 2005, net profit before tax amounted to $26.8 million and net profit attributable to shareholders was $45.7 million," stated the chairman's report.

The company stated that while Belvedere SA, the Paris listed vodka and wine group, and Marie Brizard investment alliances will be of definite international benefit, the investment will be disposed of in major part over time.

As of December 31, 2006, its shareholding was reduced from 50.9 per cent to 35 per cent, and eventually to 13 per cent in 2007.


©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited




I wonder how come Panday friendly Guyana under the mighty party of the cane cutters cannot get world famous Angostura Group of companies which does major business in the sugar Industry all over world, but right next door GT misses out on the clear advantages of teaming up with such a company?

TT agri-sector needs to be modernised


Sunday, June 3 2007(T&T Newsday)



PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning said yesterday that the establishment of ten large scale farms of at least 100 acres each for mass agricultural production are part of his government's plan to ensure "food security for the people".

In his address at the opening ceremony of an Agriculture Donor Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Port-of-Spain, Manning conceded that TT's agricultural sector was in need of modernisation.

According to the Prime Minister, "stalled progress in multilateral trade agreements" due to "protectionist policies" in some countries is causing "the agricultural sector to be dying" in third world countries resulting in poverty and starvation. This he says is leading to a "global disaster."

Adding that agriculture plays a pivotal part in ensuring success in many developing countries.

Guyana President Bharat Jagdeo,the lead
CARICOM Head of Government with responsibility for agriculture, said there was a misguided perception that the region does not need support because of "high per capita GDP".

However, he said, this only masks the unemployment, poverty, under nutrition and hunger that exists.

To underscore the importance of agriculture to the region, Jagdeo pointed out that eight members of CARICOM are dependent on the sector with ten percent to 40 percent of their GDP dependent on agriculture.

In the case of Guyana, he said, closure of their sugar industry would cause a huge shock to the economy, resulting in social dislocation and instability. He appealed to donors for financing and support in ensuring food security and rural development throughout the region.

Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Dr Jacques Diouf said liberation of trade was necessary as well as implementation of appropriate agricultural policies to "encourage the decrease of malnourishment". "Ambitious agricultural programmes are needed but the indebtedness of many regions in terms of financial constraints on their budgets calls for a greater role of the donors for agriculture," Diouf said.

The conference was organised to gain support from ˜donors' in transforming the regional agricultural sector to deal with increasing global competitiveness and aid in the reduction of poverty, hunger, rural underdevelopment and under nutrition.



Prime Minister Patrick Manning speaks to Guyana President Bharat Jagdeo at the opening of the Agriculture Donor Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel yesterday.

Villo I think Jagdeo was again about to bring out his begging bowl?

Cruise liner at La Brea Port Services for refurbishment



Wednesday, June 6th 2007(T&T Express Business)



The NEC managed La Brea Port Facilities recently received at Berth #2, the 718-passenger cruise ship MV Blue Dream, a member of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited Fleet.

This was the first time that a cruise line from Royal Caribbean berthed at La Brea for refurbishment. So pleased is Royal Caribbean with the operation that plans are in train to do other such refurbishment works in the future at the La Brea port facilities. Revenue generated from this exercise was approximately US$120,000.

The 30,277 tonne vessel, which was on the way to Freeport, Bahamas for repairs and refurbishment, called at the La Brea port facilities where 32 new bathroom units, which were shipped to Trinidad, were loaded on to the vessel.

The La Brea Industrial Estate also provided a number of services, including temporary storage, stevedoring and cargo handling, security, waste handling and waste disposal. The used bathroom units were placed in containers at La Brea and delivered to Port of Spain to be shipped from the port.

Associated waste from the operation was transported to the Guapo Waste Treatment Facility and disposed of after approval was granted by Port Health and Customs. The operation on the vessel was successfully completed and the vessel continued its onward journey to the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, parent company of the Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruise lines will dry dock and continue upgrade of the MV Blue Bream (to be be re-named Celebrity Journey) in the Bahamas. The ship will join the Celebrity Xpedition and sail Bermuda cruises as part of the line's small ship Celebrity Expeditions sector.

Joseph: DNA tests for cops



By Clint Chan Tack Friday, June 8 2007(T&T Newsday)



NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Martin Joseph said all police recruits will be subjected to DNA testing to ensure that no criminal elements infiltrate the ranks of the Police Service.

Joseph also said the police's role in arresting two of the suspects in the JFK Airport terror plot and cracking the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman kidnapping/murder case show that their ability to tackle crime in the country is improving.

Speaking at a PNM public meeting at the Barataria Regional Complex on Wednesday evening, the minister said the passage of the Police Service Amendment Bill 2007 and the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2006 in the Senate on Tuesday was "a red letter day" for local law enforcement.

He said this legislation has set the proper framework for effective management at all levels of the Police Service.

Joseph explained that the standards for persons seeking to enter the service have now been raised with recruits being required to have five Ordinary Level passes and pass polygraph and psychological tests.

In addition Joseph said, "DNA testing has been introduced for all new recruits."

Once the recruits become officers, Joseph said their promotion will be based on merit and not seniority. He identified written and oral assessments as some of the measures used to determine whether an officer merits promotion to a higher rank.

The minister said the Police Commissioner has "absolute power" to dismiss all officers under the rank of deputy commissioner and manage all of the services' human and financial resources.

The Commissioner must report to the Police Service Commission (PSC) every six months on his performance and that of his deputy commissioners.

The PSC has the power to appoint or dismiss the Commissioner and his deputies and accounts to Parliament for the Police Service's performance.

Joseph said while many persons, including Opposition political parties, continue to be cynical about the ability of Government and the police to deal with crime, it was important to give praise when praises are due.

The minister said while this country "is not out of the woods as yet" where crime is concerned, law enforcement agencies "are improving the way they do their business." Joseph said the JFK Airport terror plot, Naipaul Coolman case and a 30 percent reduction in homicides for the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2006, all prove that the capability of law enforcement to deal with crime is improving.

Reiterating that Government does not doctor the crime statistics, Joseph said all the evidence shows that the Police Service is being transformed into a group of "competent, suitable and qualified persons" who the public can be assured will work assiduously to reduce crime and criminal activity in the country.

US$150m bonds snapped up


Roxanne Stapleton


Saturday, June 2nd 2007 (T&T EXpress Business)



A GOVERNMENT US$150 million bond offering was fully subscribed within two hours of its launch, with the order book reaching US$475 million, making it three times oversubscribed.

It achieved a coupon of 5.875 per cent the lowest US dollar level by any Trinidadian issuer ever in the international capital markets for a 20 year span.

Citibank Trinidad and Tobago managing director Dennis Evans made the announcement on Thursday night.

Making reference to the historic feat and its tight negotiations, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Conrad Enill explained that the two international arrangements were marketed and managed by Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking (now Citi).

"These two arrangements, one in the form of a bond offering of US$150 million would provide a financial cushion in our public policy agenda to modernise and transform this country.

"The other is in the form of a private placement of US$66.5 million which would support the restructuring efforts of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago," Enill said at the ceremonial close of the transactions at the Hilton Trinidad, Port of Spain.

Chairman of the Port Authority, Derek Hudson, lauded the offering and private placement, as highly progressive steps in the country's continued development and growth.

"We thought it and I believe accurately so, that in 2006/7 and in Trinidad and Tobago as a developing island nation, it is more than plausible for us to acquire these vessels and run them effectively in the future, hence the reason for taking this decision.

"It has not only brought stability in the service, but when you compare the cost for leasing these vessels on a long term basis, initial indications already suggest that our premise of actually acquiring and paying for the facility back to the bank, would be of a similar quantum, relative to leasing the vessel," he added.

T&T home ownership rate higher than US, UK




Christine Sahadeo, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, flashes a broad smile at Kenneth Brown, vice-chairman of Caribbean Association of Housing Finance Institutions (CAHFI). The two attended a conference hosted by CAHFI at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, St Ann's yesterday. Photo: Sean Nero



BY SANDRA CHOUTHI (Trinidad Guardian Business)



A higher proportion of people own homes in T&T than in the US, the UK and Hong Kong.

"In most developed economies, individual home ownership ratios are high, ranging from 60 per cent in Hong Kong, to 65 per cent in the UK and the US, and 84 per cent in Singapore. In T&T, it is a solid 76 per cent," said Christine Sahadeo, Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

Sahadeo said increasing real estate values have rendered the market value of properties above the ceiling of many potential homeowners.

She said the government has, through its agencies, agreed to finance 100 per cent of the purchase of properties in government developments.

"Further, in recognition of the implicit equity afforded the new homeowner, $15,000 has been added to the mortgage amount to provide for the purchase of basic appliances," she said.

Of the new two per cent financing programme that gives low income homeowners a subsidy to allow acquisition within a short time, Sahadeo said more than 2,000 applicants have already accessed this facility.

Sahadeo spoke yesterday at the conference of the Caribbean Association of Housing Finance Institutions on the impact of globalisation and regulatory reform within the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) on the sustainable development of housing finance institutions.

The conference was held at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, St Ann's.

Regarding government's commitment to build 100,000 houses over the next ten years, Sahadeo said she expects the demand for housing to decline with the State's provision of 22,000 service plots to former workers of Caroni (1975) Ltd.

"Approximately 2,400 (plots) have been reserved for the middle income owners who have been squeezed out in the past, that is to say, they cannot access subsidy nor can they afford the prevailing prices," Sahadeo said.



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

September start on Alutrint plant


Louis B Homer South Bureau


Thursday, June 14th 2007 (T&T Express Business)



Construction of Alutrint's controversial billion dollar aluminium smelter is expected to begin in September and full production of aluminium is targeted for the first quarter of 2010, the company's managing director, Renda Butler, has disclosed. He said during construction, 900 nationals of Trinidad will be employed on the plant and the company will be sending a number of workers to China and Venezuela to understudy aluminium production.

"Foreigners will only be here long enough until they turn over the plant to nationals," Butler told members of Point Fortin/Southwest Peninsula Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday at the organisation's monthly energy luncheon at the Point Fortin Borough Council auditorium.

Outlining the current status of Alutrint's operations at La Brea, Butler said one of the key factors for locating the plant at La Brea was the availability of an existing deep water port. He said the National Energy Corporation was expected to expand the existing port to help take care of the industrial growth now taking place at La Brea.

Alutrint, which is 60 per cent owned by Government and 40 per cent by Sural of Venezuela, will occupy 100 hectares at Union Industrial Estate in La Brea, and will have a state of the art smelter.

Butler also disclosed that a three storey administrative building will be constructed on the site, as the company proposes to be a part of the La Brea community.

"From day one, the community supported us and we intend to stay close to the community as part of our corporate image," he said.

Butler said the complex will also be involved in the development of an automobile and truck wheel fabricating plant for the manufacture of automotive parts.

On the controversial issue of the disposal of spent pot liner, Butler said arrangements had been made for disposal of liners with a company in the United States.

Friday 15th June, 2007


Alutrint assures public: Potliners will be exported


Renda Butler managing director of Alutrint Ltd address members of the Point Fortin Chamber of Industry & Commerce at Tuesday's business luncheon and technical presentation on Alutrint's proposed aluminum smelter plant at La Brea. The luncheon was held at the Point Fortin Town Hall auditorium.


Photo: Tony Howell


BY YVONNE WEBB(Trinidad Guardian Business)



The management of Alutrint has given the assurance that the company will export spent potliners used in its smelter plant to be built at La Brea.

Alutrint's managing director Renda Butler gave the assurance during an address to the Point Fortin Chamber on Tuesday afternoon.

He said the complex will contain 156 potliners which will be changed every five years.

"They are not very big. No more than two feet deep. After five years we have to replace the lining," he told Chamber President Francis Bertrand and his members.

Butler explained the process:

"We will take off the covers, disconnect everything, break it up, transport it to a special centre in the building and then ship it abroad for disposal."

Butler also said Alutrint will not risk losing its Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC), which it waited two years to get, by engaging in shoddy operations to pollute the environment when the Aluminum Smelter Complex is built at Vessigny.

"It took us two years to get the CEC. We got frustrated sometimes, but we kept working. So there will be no loss to the environment," he asserted.

Opponents of the smelter have raised concerns about the disposal of the spent pot liners, pollution of water courses and the emission of pollutants into the air.

During a technical presentation at the Point Fortin Borough Corporation Auditorium, Butler said all the water will be recycled and reused in the plant.

He said what little escapes into the drains will be treated before it leaves the plant.

Butler said the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has identified a number of key deliverables to ensure compliance and Alutrint is working on them.

Among other things, the EMA wants a buffer zone management and monitoring plan as well as plans for medical monitoring, social engagement and intervention and noise monitoring.

He said the site on the Union Estate will be handed over to Alutrint in July.

It is being prepared by the National Energy Corporation (NEC) and will be ready for the China National Machinery Export Company (CMEC) to start construction in September 2007.

In response to a question, he said start-up construction will entail piling, the construction of a perimeter wall, the foundation and general construction.

Alutrint, the project owner, is owned jointly by the Corporation Sole of the Ministry of Finance (60 per cent) and the Venezuelan company Sural (40 per cent).

The US$1 billion plant, of which 70 per cent is being financed by EXIM Bank of China and the remaining 30 percent by the owners, is set for completion in the last quarter of 2009 with full production expected in early 2010.

Butler said the complex will create 1200 direct jobs 900 at La Brea and 300 at the downstream facilities at Tamana Industrial Park.

He said it will also create between 3-4,000 indirect jobs in areas such as transportation, fabrication, motor repair and rewind shops, port, security, janitorial, landscaping, food and maintenance services.

Butler said it is Alutrint's intention, "to establish T&T as an important transformation centre for aluminum."



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Govt to establish social security number system


Anna Ramdass



Saturday, June 16th 2007 (T&T Express)



Government is moving to establish a system similar to that of the social security number system in the United States, which will enable a citizen to access Government services through one assigned number.

This number, which will be sourced from the new computer generated birth certificate, however, will be separate and apart from the identification card (ID) number which the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) require for voting.

Legal Affairs Minister Christine Kangaloo disclosed this at the post Cabinet press conference at Whitehall, Port of Spain, on Thursday.

"From the issue of that number, all Government departments will recognise you by that number," Kangaloo said.

"If you want to access the C-DAP you will be recognised by that number, so that once you want to access Government services across the board, the philosophy is that number will be used to identify you."

Cabinet, she said, had approved the establishment of a data entry unit in the civil registry department of the Legal Affairs Ministry, where one supervisor and ten data entry clerks would be hired on contract to enter all the numbers of the computer generated birth certificates that have been issued, as well as marriage, adoption and death certificates.

Persons born before 1934, who have computer generated birth certificates, will also be entered into the database. A total of 18,000 births, 10,000 deaths and 8,355 marriages will be entered into the system annually.

So far some 686,000 computer generated birth certificates have been issued.

She said Government is also contemplating upgrading the system to allow them to track an individual from the time they are born to the day of death. So if a person gets married or changes his/her name, she said, the Government will have record of this.

When questioned about concerns of invasion of privacy, Kangaloo this is all part of the Government's journey to developed country status by 2020.

She explained that this system would safeguard a person's identity and prevent cases of identify theft.

Massive warship docks in PoS


By DENISE BALGOBIN Tuesday, June 19 2007(T&T Newsday)



THE massive British warship HMS Ocean sailed into the Port-of-Spain port yesterday morning for a brief three-day visit. Based in Plymouth, England the HMS Ocean is the Royal Navy's largest warship and the sixth in the fleet to carry this name.

Also known as the L12 of the Royal Navy, it is a landing platform and helicopter carrier, the only one in its class. It was built during the early part of the 1990s, taking advantage of commercial building methods and facilities at a total construction cost of £154M and is comparable to that of a Type 23 frigate.

During a tour, Press/Logistics Officer Matt Clark told reporters the visit was "just a short operational stand-off from her current tasking" which is to provide reassurance and support to UK overseas territories at the start of the annual hurricane season.

The visit comes toward the end of the carrier's four month deployment to the region, from Devonport, England and six weeks after a stunning drug haul which netted nearly US$60M worth of pure cocaine in the northern Caribbean.

The seizure of the drugs and capture of three suspected traffickers were carried out in partnership with the US Coast Guard.

HMS Ocean also recently conducted disaster relief planning and mutual training with defence forces and search and rescue authorities from Barbados, Montserrat and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

A group of 17 servicemen from the TT Defence Force joined the ship in Tortola for a hectic eight day training programme. Captained by Russ Harding, the vessel is able to carry a maximum gross weight of up to 22,550 tonnes, with a length of 208 metres and propelled by two Crossley Pielstick diesel engines, with a speed of up to 18 knots.

Its range is up to 8,000 miles and when in full capacity, can carry approximately 800 Royal Marines and equipment with a complement of 284 officers and crew.

Aircraft carrying capability includes up to 18 helicopters (typically, Westland Com-mando and Lynx but also Merlins, Boeing Chinooks) and up to (non-operational) 15 VTOL aircraft such as the Royal Air Force's Harrier II.

According to Clark, "the HMS Ocean was designed to provide amphibious assault capabilities last offered by HMS Albion and Bulwark. Her secondary roles included afloat training, limited anti-submarine warfare and providing a base for anti-terrorist operations."

The ship was also part of a large Royal Navy taskforce deployed for ˜Operation Telic,' the UK contribution to the 2003 Iraq War.

In the helicopter assault role she was accompanied by HMS Ark Royal.

Although this is the last official port of visit, the HMS Ocean will remain in the Caribbean, ready at short notice to provide a military response to a natural disaster and until she is relieved on task by HMS Portland next month.

Some of the activities during the visit included a reception on board jointly with the British High Commission to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's birthday, as well as a charity football match against local teams in aid of the charity Childline.

The 520 sailors, marines and naval airmen of the ship's company were also given some time to rest and enjoy some of what this country has to offer.

Later this year, the HMS Ocean will begin her first long refit.


FLOATING WAREHOUSE: This is not a military helicopter purchased by government in its war against crime. The helicopter in fact belongs to England and is seen disassembled in one of the storage units of the massive British warship HMS Ocean which is docked at the city port for a short visit.

Bush, Manning meet today to talk security


Andy Johnson Washington


Wednesday, June 20th 2007(T&T Express)



A MEETING this morning at the US State Department involving Prime Minister Patrick Manning and other Caricom Heads of Government and US President George W Bush is the highlight of the three day conference on the Caribbean which opened at the World Bank headquarters yesterday.

The US president will have with him his Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Those talks are bound to centre on such matters as security and the need for greater mutual co-operation between the US and Caricom. With international terrorism now having taken on a distinctly Caribbean dimension, issues of mutual assistance are expected to feature prominently.

At a recent congressional hearing on terrorism and counter-terrorism,the performance of the security network established for the International Cricket Council's Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean in March and April came in for high praise.

Moves to cement some of the measures put in place for that event and to establish areas for wider co-operation will also be discussed. This will include mechanisms for security information exchange on persons travelling in and through the region.

At a forum in Port of Spain on energy and energy security in June last year, Manning had complained out loud about what he said was an absence of response on a proposal he made to US officials about trade preferences from the US for security and reliability of energy supplies.

While little was found in the way of determining the actual status of this proposal, it is expected that the issue will be raised again here this week.

Apart from the direct meeting with Bush and his team, the conference was scheduled to hear positions from a panel on "Energy for Competitiveness'' yesterday afternoon. Jamaica Foreign Minister Anthony Hylton was listed as one of two main speakers.

The other is Samuel Bodman, US Secretary for Energy. Andrew Jupiter, a former Permanent Secretary in the Trinidad and Tobago in the Ministry of Energy was among the panellists for the discussion arising from those presentations. Jupiter is now chairman of the Caricom Task Force on Energy.

Manning will also be one of two speakers addressing a session this afternoon at the Experts' forum on "Security and Development'' which will look at the issue of "Security and Competitiveness in a Global Environment''.

His wife Hazel, the Minister of Education, is scheduled to speak this morning on one of two sessions dedicated to the quest for "Quality and Equity in Social Development.'' She is one of two speakers listed to present on a number of questions raised under the broad theme of education. Such inquiries as how to better integrate education with labour market demands; development of congruent teacher certification standards and accountability for learning outcomes are to be addressed here.

"US-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Growth'', is the main theme of the session scheduled for this morning also, involving participants in the "Private Sector Dialogue''.

Answers will be sought to such questions as what are the main trends in bilateral trade flows, how do Caricom exporters perform in the US, the importance of current US trade preferences for Caricom exporters, protection for Caricom trade and services products in US markets and the scope of expansion for bilateral trade links.

T&T chefs win gold medal

Kristy Ramnarine


Wednesday, June 20th 2007(T&T Express)


picture
WINNING TEAM: Members of Trinidad and Tobago's culinary team pose with their gold medals after wining the National Team category at the Taste of the Caribbean competition in Miami yesterday. From left are, Rick Crossland of Bahama Breeze (head judge and title sponsor of the event), Keirha Forde, Raymond Joseph, Sabrina Rosales, Bernard Long (Head Chef), Kathryn Anne Lander (Pastry Chef), Raymond Edwards (Bartender) and Peter Odle, President of the Caribbean Hotel Association.



Food and drink from Trinidad and Tobago have done the country proud.

The national team along with Puerto Rico won gold medals in the National Team category of the Taste of the Caribbean competition in Miami.

Trinidad's head chef Bernard Long was at a loss for words when he heard the results during the Taste of the Caribbean Individual Awards breakfast yesterday.

"I feel thrilled, ecstatic, proud and overwhelmed," he told the Express.

The team which competed on Monday moved on to the finals of the competition yesterday along with Anguilla and the Bahamas who received silver medals and Puerto Rico.

"We're in the top two which means we are up for Team of the Year again," said Long.

"We are going to focus so that we will be able to get the Team of the Year, Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year and Bartender of the Year awards."

Another accomplishment for the T&T team is that it is the only one in the final round which comprises female chefs: Sabrina Rosales, Keirha Forde, Kathryn Lander and Ife Craig.

The other team members are Raymond Joseph (chef) and Raymond Edwards (bartender).

"It is the first time that so many women have been on a team," explained Long.

"Every team usually has a woman as a manager or a player but this is this time that there is such a high per cent of women on a team."

For the competition, the two teams along with 11 others prepared their own unique Caribbean menu based on a mystery box of ingredients. The teams were allowed to develop their menus for an hour, while they had two hours allotted for food preparation.

As its appetizer the Trinidad team served curried pan-seared snapper on coconut-mango chutney, with a cucumber amchar bundle, infused fish tea, cassava herb cracker and fire roasted sweet pepper coulis.

The entrée included Dougla marinated pot smoked tri tip upon a tamarind sauce, cubed pork bound with plantain crema, accompanied with a vegetable salsa stack and crispy provision and pepper jack wrap.

And the pastry chef created thyme and bay leaf mousse filled with nutcracker upon paime topped stewed fruit and beni lace cookie, served with carrot rum.

Thursday 21st June, 2007

African Connection

Trade relations between T&T and South Africa look promising


Charge D' Affaires of the new South African High Commission of T&T Roy Setlhapelo.
Photo: Wendy-Ann Duncan



BY MARSHA MOKOOL(Trinidad Guardian)


The establishment of a South African High Commission in T&T will help enhance trade relations between the two countries.

This was the view expressed by the Charge D' Affaires of the new South African High Commission of T&T Roy Setlhapelo.

Setlhapelo and first secretary, corporate services of the High Commission, Elizabeth Erasmus arrived in Trinidad on December 16 to set up a high commission.

The foreign delegates have since set up a temporary office on the second floor of the Victoria Park Suites at Victoria Square, Park Street, Port-of-Spain.

However, the high commission is not yet in full operation.

In an interview on May 17 at the Guardian office, Setlhapelo noted there has not been much by way of diplomatic relations between South Africa and T&T.

As a consequence, he said, there has been very minimal trade between the countries.

He attributed this to the apartheid system, which ended in 1994.

Apartheid was an official policy of racial segregation involving political, legal, and economic discrimination against non-whites.

Prior to 1994, Setlhapelo said, "The Caribbean islands and many members of the United Nations had decided not to have relations with apartheid South Africa." But they had relations with anti-apartheid institutions in South Africa.

Another ill effect stemming from this is that "T&T has not been influenced in any way by the South African culture."

But he hopes this will soon change.

"We both come from painful histories and we can relate a lot on that aspect," said Setlhapelo.

Background on Setlhapelo

Setlhapelo has been a member of the African National Congress (ANC) since 1976.

The ANC is a South African political party and black nationalist organisation. Founded in 1912, its main goal was to unite all South Africans.

From the 1940s the ANC spearheaded the fight to eliminate apartheid.

Setlhapelo, who played a crucial role in this fight, lived in exile from 1976 to 1992 in an attempt to fulfil the goals of the Congress.

"We wanted to create one South Africa which does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or creed.

"I have always subscribed to the goals and missions of the Congress," he said.

Expansion of missions

South Africa has been increasing its missions internationally since apartheid ended and is now in the process of setting up five more high commissions.

South Africa has more than 100 embassies, high commissions and counsel generals worldwide.

(High commissions are diplomatic missions to members of the Commonwealth, while embassies are set up in countries outside of the Commonwealth.)

In 2005, the first team of the South African Government came to T&T to analyse the situation and evaluate the prospects of accommodation and other factors, including the exchange rate and voltage.

The Advanced Team then made a recommendation on how to establish offices here.

Office specifications

Setlhapelo indicated that the establishment of a high commission is not an overnight process.

He cited a number of reasons for the delay of a fully-functioning South African High Commission.

For one thing, the temporary office where they are now located is too small.

"There is no way we can convert it to the way we want it," said Setlhapelo.

He expects that the South African High Commission will be relocated to a permanent location within the next two to three months.

The staff of the commission presently comprises only Setlhapelo and Erasmus.

The rest of the foreign contingent has yet to arrive in the country, he indicated.

Setlhapelo said they are also in the process of recruiting five locals to work in the commission.T&T High Commission in South Africa

In April 2004, the T&T Government opened a high commission in South Africa. It has helped South Africans get T&T visas so far.

But we are yet to reap the same benefits.

"It is more difficult for T&T nationals to get a visa to travel to South Africa because they still have to go through the high commission in Kingston," he noted.

He said this will change once the South African High Commission is in full swing.

"Both countries are in the process of negotiating a visa regime to waive the visa on certain passports," he said.

There are three types of passports; normal, diplomatic and official.

He also noted that negotiations have been underway to fly direct from South Africa to T&T, without having to go through London.Trade relations

Setlhapelo expressed hope that T&T and South Africa would be able to improve trade relations by the high commission's presence.

"We will be able to identify sectors in the T&T economy and advise our South African importers," he said.

"We will be identifying particular markets for competitive South African products and we will be identifying products in T&T for South African importers.

"We will be facilitating invitations for South African business delegations to visit T&T and meet with counterparts, stakeholders.

"We will also be identifying ways of transport and shipping of goods, either by air or sea," he said.

He said South Africa would be participating in the Trade and Investment convention in T&T next year to encourage our exporters and companies to participate in trade fairs and expositions in South Africa.

"This will promote cultural co-operation to help both peoples to get to know each other in promoting business relations," he said.

©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

T&T Spirit on way to Port of Spain


Friday, June 22nd 2007(Tobago News)


The T&T Spirit on its way to Port of Spain.


Five years after the Port Authority, the Tobago House of Assembly and the Government started to develop a vision for the seabridge between the islands, the country's very own 98-metre wave piercing catamaran fast ferry is on the high seas making its way to Port of Spain.

The ferry, the T&T Spirit (Incat Hull 060) was delivered to a team of officials in Australia earlier this month and began its voyage on June 9 via Tahiti and the Panama Canal. It is schedule to arrive in Port of Spain between next Monday and Wednesday depending on the weather and sea conditions during its long voyage.

Infrastructure and Public Utilities Secretary Whitney Alfred, Government Shipping Service and Scarborough General Manager Leon Grant, Maritime Services Director Commander Francis Weekes, Marine Engineer Durant Jack and Engineers Brenor and Myers were at the Incat dockyard in Tasmania to receive the ferry on behalf of the country.

Alfred told the Tobago News that he was part of the party on trial runs of the ferry and was quite satisfied with its performance.

The T&T Spirit, which was bought for US$46 million will join the T&T Express on the seabridge during the first week of next month. The T&T Express was purchased for US$21 million from Allco Finance Group. Both ferries are sporting a striking livery of white hull with the Trinidad & Tobago national colours of red, white and black on their sides. A luxurious and stylish interior of seated dining areas, lounges and bars have been provided and to tempt travellers to the T&T Spirit's birthplace interior bulkheads are adorned with scenes of Tasmania.

The T&T Spirit can carry up to 900 passengers and 180 cars and travel at a speed of 40 knots per hour.


SIDE BY SIDE: Part of the National Anthem states: "Side by side we stand..." and this could be the case in this photo with the inter-island ferries the 'Express' and 'MV Panorama' docked side by side at the city port over the weekend.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Eric's_Revenge,

quote:

Five years after the Port Authority, the Tobago House of Assembly and the Government started to develop a vision for the seabridge between the islands, the country's very own 98-metre wave piercing catamaran fast ferry is on the high seas making its way to Port of Spain.

Nice, these have a smooth ride, I wonder what is the range, if it can go to other islands...Barbados, Jamaica etc.

Leatherback turtle gets run over

Elizabeth W Allard


Friday, June 22nd 2007 (Tobago News)


Coming on the heels of the injury to a couple while bathing at Pigeon Point last week Tuesday, a leatherback turtle became the victim of another boat accident in the sea at Fort Granby beach on Monday.

Officers of the Division of Natural Resources and the Environment were summoned to the beach on Monday following reports that an injured female leatherback turtle was lying helplessly on its back in shallow water.

Angela Ramsey of the Division of Natural Resources and the Environment said she received the call around 7.30 a.m. and immediately went to the scene. However, before they arrived Game Wardens were summoned.

Ramsey said when members of the Division arrived on the scene the turtle was still in the water moving in circles and not going further into the water.

Veterniarian Dr. Michael Downes along with his students from the Animal Health Services later arrived and administered medication to the animal. They injected the turtle with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

According to Dr Downes, the leatherback turtle sustained injuries to the back of its shell and its forehead consistent with propeller damage from the passing of a boat. The injuries appeared to be five to ten days old and the medication helped in distressing the animal. He said the turtle has a 50/50 chance of survival.

After the administering of the drugs the turtle was assisted in getting back into the ocean. Ramsey appealed to members of the public to be careful during the current period of nesting as the turtles will be coming ashore to nest, and any attempt to kill these creatures should be reported to the Division of Natural Resources and the Environment at *********.

It was only on Saturday a turtle surfaced at the Mt. Irvine Beach strangled by ropes and on Sunday at Goldsborough a turtle got into difficulty, but was later assisted back into the water.

Saturday 23rd June, 2007(T&T Guardian)

Inflation declines in May


Changing face

Guardian photographer Anthony Harris took this photograph of Port-of-Spain's changing skyline from the deck of the T&T Express, the fast ferry used on the inter-island sea route.



The latest statistics released by the Central Statistical Office indicate that, following a reversal in April 2007, inflation continued on a downward trend in May. This implies that inflation has declined for six of the last seven months since the rate peaked at 10.0 per cent in October 2006.

Headline inflation measured 7.9 per cent on a year-on-year basis to May 2007, down from the 8.4 per cent figure reported in April. Food price inflation, which has been the main stimulus to headline inflation, slowed to 17.3 per cent in May 2007 from 18.9 per cent in the previous month.

The slower rise in the food sub-index came mainly from reductions in the prices of meat and vegetables. However, the data also show that there were strong increases in the prices of fruits and fish.

Core inflation, which filters out the impact of food prices, nudged down slightly to 4.5 per cent in May from 4.7 per cent in the twelve months to April. Contributing to the fall in core inflation were declines in the prices of clothing and footwear and in alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

In terms of the macroeconomic underpinnings, net domestic fiscal injections and increases in bank credit continue to exert upward pressure on domestic demand. These influences are being offset, in part, by liquidity absorption and foreign exchange sales by the Central Bank.

Inflation control over the next several months will continue to present challenges. Recent increases in the prices of grain on international markets have already led to increased prices for flour and bread. The impact of these increases has not yet been fully reflected in the consumer prices index.

Furthermore, the advent of the rainy season raises the possibility of floods which could negatively impact supply and result in shortages of agricultural commodities.

The likely increase in government expenditure, as indicated by the supplementary budgetary allocations, along with the payment of sizeable salary arrears, could also be expected to raise demand pressures.

In these circumstances, an appropriate response should involve a combination of measures including (a) the re-programming of public sector expenditures; (b) encouraging wage earners to save a larger proportion of their salary arrears and (c) increasing imports to cushion the effect of domestic supply shortages if and when they arise.

The Bank will continue to intensify liquidity absorption through the sale of open market bills and special government bonds. It will also need to introduce further measures to slow the growth in private sector credit.

Against this background, the Bank has decided to maintain the current "Repo" rate at 8.0 per cent.

The Bank will continue to keep monetary conditions under close review.

The next ˜Repo' rate announcement is scheduled for July 27, 2007.


HIGH RISE: Construction workers spreading cement on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Project yesterday. The hotel, which forms part of an international conference centre, is expected to be opened in December.