PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC –The Trinidad and Tobago government says it is pleased with the performance of the local economy and welcomed recent ratings by the US based rating agencies regarding the economic outlook for the oil-rich twin island republic.
Finance Minister Larry Howai, wrapping up debate on the Finance Bill on Monday night, Howai said that the government’s economic policies are working in spite of criticism from the opposition.
Trinidad and Tobago
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) will hold a meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in March to examine energy issues in the region, according to Energy and Energy Affairs Minister Kevin Ramnarine
Ramnarine addressing the 2013 Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference said that the March 1 COTED meeting would “bring together ministers with responsibility for energy for one day to discuss a way forward for the Caribbean with respect to energy”.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - TRINIDAD and Tobago, birthplace of our Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is currently gripped in customary annual Carnival mood. But for one of the best known politicians among former and current heads of government—Jamaica's PJ Patterson—the now almost 40-year-old economic integration movement stands "in danger".
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - That UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon last week applauded French military intervention in Mali underscores international concern about developments in that nation which occupies so revered a place in African history. Mali is, among other things, home to Timbuktu, the ancient seat of learning. Its fabled past resonates with names such as Sundiata and Mansa Musa, dear to the hearts of those in this country and elsewhere who celebrate ancient African glories. At this time, however, "The country is calling for, and needs, our help," said Ban Ki-moon.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Global growth has slowed in the past two years and is forecast to remain sluggish in 2013. Some of the biggest risks facing the world economy—the breakup of the euro currency, huge tax increases and government spending cuts in the United States, and a sharp slowdown in China—were avoided last year. But two of the biggest economies—the euro alliance and Japan—will likely remain in recession this year.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Without wanting to seem ungrateful and unmindful of the 40-plus years of Mr Patrick Manning’s service to this country as MP, energy minister, finance minister and Prime Minister, after being on sick leave for a year from the Parliament, it is time that he gives definitive word that he may be unfit to finish this term of office. In doing so, he would be clearing the way for a by-election and a fully capable MP to attend to the needs of constituents of San Fernando East.
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Despite initially confirming that he would attend the ongoing CLICO commission of enquiry, former head of CLICO Lawrence Duprey is now backing out. According to the Trinidad Guardian, the 79-year-old business magnate has written a letter to the commission, which was received yesterday by its secretary Judith Gonzalez, to say he is unwilling to appear before the commission chaired by British QC Sir Anthony Colman to give evidence.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Trinidad Guardian) – Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj said more of T&T’s agricultural produce may soon be available in Caribbean market. At the re-commissioning of the Orange Valley Wholesale Fish Market in Couva yesterday, Maharaj said Namdevco will soon start construction of five packing houses at the cost of $8 million each. He said the packing houses will absorb local produce with the objective of selling the excess to customers in regional markets.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - The rout of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) in Monday’s elections for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) settles many questions. There is no doubt now where the sentiments of the people of Tobago lie. The rejection of Ashworth Jack, ousted from the Mason Hall/Providence/Moriah constituency seat he’d held for 16 years, was as much an endorsement of the PNM governance and campaign management as it was an electoral condemnation of the TOP and the very present People’s Partnership Government.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - There is no minority leader but this is not going to prevent the victorious Orville London-led slate from the PNM’s Tobago Council from being inaugurated as the new Tobago House of Assembly tomorrow. “My lawyers have said there is nothing to prevent the THA from functioning without a minority leader and a minority council.” London said yesterday, as questions arose as to whether the THA Act allowed an assembly to be constituted without a minority leader in the wake of the PNM’s 12-0 sweep over the Tobago Organisation of the People in Monday’s THA election.