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According to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Prime Minister Keith Rowley and Mrs. Sharon Rowley arrived in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday (15th May, 2024). The OPM said the Prime Minister met with prominent members of India's business community, from a broad cross-section of various sectors.
Minister of Works and Transport, Senator the Hon. Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Sport and Community Development, the Hon. Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis and High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to New Delhi, India, His Excellency Roger Gopaul, also attended Wednesday’s meeting in Mumbai.
On Saturday (11th May, 2024), Prime Minister Rowley and Mrs. Sharon Rowley attended His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene's Silver Jubilee Anniversary Dinner at the Jubilee Hall in Kumasi, Ghana. His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana was also in attendance at the event and delivered remarks. Prime Minister Rowley also addressed the attendees.
The next day (Sunday 12th May, 2024), P.M. Rowley delivered remarks at the Akwasidae Durbar Silver Jubilee Celebration of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, The Asantehene, in Kumasi. In his address at the gathering, the Prime Minister said, “Let not the Atlantic keep us apart. We see the first steps of international travel as possibilities between our peoples, Ghana and the Caribbean, Ghana to Trinidad and Tobago…we are working on it. I trust when the first flights are available to see many of you coming to do business, to vacation, or just to explore Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.” He also congratulated the Asantehene on this Silver Jubilee.
Mrs. Sharon Rowley accompanied Prime Minister Rowley, who was the special Guest of Honour at the event.
Thousands gathered at the celebration, including His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, who also delivered remarks.
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Cabinet EXTENDS Police Commissioner’s Contract By Another Year — Kamla, Gary Griffith RESPOND14/5/2024
The Cabinet has officially extended the contract of Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher, by one (1) year. The announcement was made via a Media Release on Monday (13th May, 2024) from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) - Communications, which stated:
The Cabinet has today (May 13, 2024) advised the President, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., under Section 75(a) of the Police Service Act, to extend the service of Mrs. Erla Harewood-Christopher in the office of Commissioner of Police, for a period of one (1) year with effect from May 15, 2024.
The announcement came hours after Attorney General Reginald Armour had told Parliament that a decision on the CoP’s fate would come by today [Monday].
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed her disappointment at the decision during the UNC’s latest Anti-Crime Town Hall Meeting in Morvant. “Before I came here, we are sitting in the Parliament and I got a piece of news and that news doesn’t give me any assurance that within the next year, things will get any better with the crime in Trinidad and Tobago,” Persad-Bissessar told the gathering. “You know what that news was? The Government has now extended the contract of the present Commissioner of Police.” As boos and jeers filled the air, Persad-Bissessar underscored, “Now I have no pain or no trouble with that Commissioner of Police. In fact, we voted for her when the matter came to Parliament last time, we voted, we said give her a chance and we have given her a chance. But it is with a heavy heart that I report this tonight because I am even more worried what will be happening during the course of this year.” Meanwhile, Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith also expressed his views on the decision in a statement. “I think the extension of Erla is expected, and maybe even appropriate. Any independent office holder that shows competence, success and popularity above that of this Government, is deemed as a threat. Remember, Erla, when measured in performance and competence by international experts, could not place in the top fifteen (15) of those who applied for CoP or Deputy CoP and based on her performance and competence, or lack of, in the last year, it is indeed most appropriate for her extension, as her standard equates with that of the Security Minister and Chair of the National Security Council,” Griffith said. He added, “So in terms of competence, accountability and performance, birds of a feather. You cannot appoint a James Bond or a Rambo to work with the Mr. Bean and Tommy Joseph of T&T National Security. So her extension fits in perfectly.” More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CNC3] An unprecedented, harsh, five-month Dry Season has shrunk Trinidad and Tobago's water supply by 35 million gallons a day, and the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has put emergency measures in place to ensure residents in the worst affected areas have a consistent water supply. This from the Ministry of Public Utilities in a Media Release today (Monday 13th May, 2024), following a Press Conference hosted by the Ministry and the Authority. According to the Ministry, “In addition to below-average rainfall activity, the impounded reservoirs of the Authority have also been negatively impacted by evaporation brought on by excessive heat, a clear effect of climate change. These adverse conditions have resulted in production deficits across the network of approximately 25% of surface source production in Trinidad and 43% in Tobago. Collectively, the supply deficit stands at approximately 35 imperial million gallons per day.”
However, the Ministry notes that the Authority “is prepared to act.” The following are some of the mitigation measures activated:
The Authority is advising customers in need of a truck-borne service to also make use of the following self-service options:
Alternatively, customers requiring direct assistance or further information can contact WASA’s Customer Call Centre, toll free at 800-4420 to 800-4426. The Media Release concluded by saying, “At the onset of the 2024 Dry Season, the Authority launched its water conservation campaign. We thank everyone who heeded our conservation messaging and continue to ask all citizens to monitor their water usage as we navigate our way towards the 2024 Wet Season. Together, we will successfully manage our water resource and ensure a sustainable supply for all.” Please be guided accordingly. Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), the Honourable Farley Chavez Augustine, will present his final Budget as Secretary of Finance, Trade and the Economy in June 2024. Effective 1st July, 2024, a new Secretary of Finance, Trade and the Economy will be announced and installed. This from the Office of the Chief Secretary in a Media Release this morning (Monday 13th May, 2024).
Further, the Media Release notes that the following are the changes in the composition of the island Government of Tobago, effective today (Monday 13th May, 2024):
All other Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries will remain in their previously-assigned positions. Please be guided accordingly. “The illegal installation of electronic equipment on utility poles is another crushing indictment on the hopelessly incompetent Fitzgerald Hinds as Minister of National Security. It again exposes Hinds’ chronic uselessness in ensuring the safety and security of the traumatised people of Trinidad and Tobago.” This from Member of Parliament for Oropouche East, Dr. Roodal Moonilal.
In a Media Release on Saturday (11th May, 2024), Dr. Moonilal said the issue is a “surreal development in the nation’s public affairs and once more reveals how the inept Rowley Government has collapsed in the fight against the crime epidemic. Having called on Hinds to fix the hundreds of CCTV cameras belonging to the State, we now have a situation where the criminals are more competent in maintaining effective electronic surveillance and coverage over law enforcement personnel. It is frightening that Hinds and the Police Service did not have intelligence reports on the illegal CCTV cameras and wireless routers. But Hinds has been able to maneuver major resources to hound Roger Best, the displaced Director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA). He has also utilized modern technology to carry out surveillance on opponents of the failed Rowley regime.” According to the MP, “An immediate and independent investigation must be launched to determine the full scale of the illegal electronic activity. One wonders whether criminals are also monitoring the Courthouses as witnesses come and go attending to criminal trials. There must be an immediate inventory of all cameras and electronic surveillance equipment erected in all public spaces. The enquiry must also ascertain how the equipment was illegally imported and installed without the knowledge of the relevant agencies. This troubling matter is another indication that organized criminals are well-structured and better equipped than the relevant security agencies.” Dr. Moonilal added, “The Government’s ineffectiveness in combating crime means the country is racing towards anarchy, with rampant murders and other bloody acts of lawlessness. It remains inexplicable that the disastrous Hinds remain in charge of the country’s security during a period of national crisis. The Rowley Government has exhausted all its time, resources and energy chasing down lawful citizens who obtained legal firearms. While the intelligence agencies have collapsed, the criminal underworld has shown more competence and co-ordination than the Government. This is scandalous, incredibly untenable and unimaginable. Hinds must answer for his uselessness. Indeed as he himself admitted, ‘he has nothing useful to add.’ Fitzgerald Hinds must go. He has proven to be a failure in national security. He cannot monitor a Police Station or radio station, a Courthouse or an outhouse!!!” The Media Release concluded by saying, “As the CoP and Hinds parade today at the Police Sports Day, there has been no denial or explanation on this outrageously bold and sinister matter.” [Source: UNC] According to Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, on 30th April, 2024, an individual gained unauthorized access to the top floor of the Ministry of Finance Head Office Building at the Eric Williams Financial Complex, by pretending to be a member of an exterior building cleaning team.
In a Media Release today (Sunday 12th May, 2024), Minister Imbert said suspicion arose later in the day when CCTV technicians and maintenance staff “detected serious water leakage at the top levels of the Ministry of Finance building, leading to interception and detention of the individual. When searched, a gauge and valve taken from a pump line were found on his person, together with other items of a suspicious nature.” The individual was subsequently charged by the Police with malicious damage and remanded into custody. An assessment conducted by the technical staff of the Ministry and its specialist contractors revealed significant risks due to the actions of this individual. The Minister notes that if he had not been caught, and the effects of his actions not detected early enough, the result would have included:
The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry of Finance is now taking further precautions to protect its infrastructure, and by extension, its important documents. Thankfully, because of the robust CCTV and security systems in place at the Ministry, the individual was apprehended, and the damage contained.” Finance Minister: Correctly Dated Amended Public Accounts Were Submitted To Auditor General11/5/2024
“Based on current media coverage, which is not unexpectedly slanted towards the sensational, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, wishes to dispel the notion that still persists in some quarters that he somehow ‘backdated’ the national public accounts for the financial year 2023.” This from Minister Imbert in a Media Release on Friday (10th May, 2024).
According to the Minister, “It bears repeating that the national public accounts are prepared and submitted to the Auditor General by public officers in the Treasury and not by the Minister of Finance. The insinuation that the Minister backdated the accounts is therefore ridiculous. It also bears repeating that the ill-conceived notion about ‘backdated’ public accounts for FY 2023 stems from a letter dated April 28, 2024, written by Freedom Law Chambers - headed by the former UNC Attorney General, Anand Ramlogan, SC - purportedly on behalf of the Auditor General.” Minister Imbert added, “In that letter, it was alleged that both the original and the amended public accounts for FY 2023 were dated and signed January 31, 2024 and that this was viewed as an unethical attempt to cover a financial mistake of unprecedented magnitude. This was a very serious and scandalous allegation.”
The Media Release concluded by saying, “In fact, there was no attempt whatsoever to backdate the original national accounts, and it is necessary to emphasize that the Statement of Declaration and Certification of the Amended Public Accounts delivered to and received by the Auditor General on April 16th, 2024 was signed and dated April 16th, 2024, by all three (3) public servants who signed that Statement, and not January 31st, 2024, as alleged in the April 28th letter from Freedom Law Chambers.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has announced that Prime Minister Keith Rowley will travel to London today (Tuesday 7th May, 2024) en route to Ghana, where he will be the special guest of honour at the celebration of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, The Asantehene's 25th-year of ascension to the Golden Stool and reign as the King of Asante. Mrs. Sharon Rowley will accompany the Prime Minister.
According to the OPM, in 2023, the Asantehene and his delegation visited Trinidad and Tobago to commemorate this country's Emancipation Day celebrations. While in Ghana, Prime Minister Rowley will also meet with the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo. P.M. Rowley will lead the delegation which will include the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Hon. Dr Amery Browne. Minister of Finance, the Hon. Colm Imbert, will act as Prime Minister in the interim. The Trinidad and Tobago Housing Development Corporation (HDC), in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Housing Development Corporation Asset Management Company Limited (AMCoL), is continuing its Collection Drive throughout the country.
In a Media Release on Monday (29th April, 2024), the HDC said it should be noted that, before a tenant is evicted, a Letter of Arrears is sent to the resident. “The tenant is encouraged to visit the Corporation to settle their debts or establish a payment plan. Failure to do so will result in the HDC issuing a Notice to Quit — Notices given to registered tenants who are in breach of their respective agreements — which informs the tenant they should vacate the premises. If they do not vacate the premises by the stipulated time frame they are told, in person, they will be evicted. If tenants choose to stay after all attempts have been made to recover funds, they are evicted.” The HDC said as of 29th April, 2024, fifteen (15) tenants were evicted. The Media Release continued, “These tenants did not respond to the HDC's numerous attempts to pay their arrears by way of lump sum payments or payment plans. They also did not inform the HDC of any issues or challenges that prevented them from paying their arrears and honouring their monthly commitments. The Corporation has encouraged and continues to maintain open communication with residents, and has made accommodations for tenants during times of great misfortune. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the HDC imposed a moratorium on its clients, particularly those who required social assistance and additional support. As a result, the HDC debunks the accusations in the public domain that it is targeting specific groups of people.” The HDC said it also seeks to clarify the “pessimistic perspective held by some that the Corporation is apathetic to the needs of the community it serves and by extension, the society. This attempt to tarnish the image of the HDC is held by a mischievous few, and not by the thousands who have benefitted from Government-subsidized housing.” The HDC added that it must “emphasize that the evictions will continue” from Tuesday (30th April, 2024), in several housing developments across the country, including:
The Media Release concluded by saying, “Following eviction, the HDC processes the unit for reallocation. It is expected that those who are evicted will honour their previous commitments to the Corporation, and settle their arrears. It is never the intention of the HDC to evict persons from their homes. Still, this measure has become necessary to recover millions of dollars owed to the Corporation and reclaim affordable units to house those most in need.” “Over the past few weeks, the country's attention has been focused on the unfortunate incident involving the death of neonates at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.” This from Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh.
In a Media Release today (Friday 26th April, 2024), Minister Deyalsingh said, “As the Minister of Health, I continue to extend my deepest condolences to the families who have suffered the loss of their babies during this difficult time. The families and the public can be assured that the Ministry of Health is committed to determining the underlying factors which may have led to this incident. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide support to the affected families. The Ministry of Health and the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) will also continue to facilitate the independent review by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) into the deaths of the neonates, at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.” The Minister added, “I want to assure Trinidad and Tobago that this one incident, in one Intensive Care Unit, in one Hospital, in one Regional Health Authority (RHA), should not and cannot define the public healthcare system in the country. I wish to remind citizens that the public healthcare system provides the highest level of neonatal care for severely ill and premature neonates. We also provide the highest level of care for the country's most complex and high risk pregnancies. I wish to emphasize that the public healthcare system continues to receive, unreservedly, referrals from the private sector, for patients who require the highest level of care. The public health sector is committed to the highest level of ethical standards and integrity as it relates to our patients. As such, we must uphold the principle of doctor-patient confidentiality, which at times, constrains our ability to share personal medical information that may be relevant to the public's understanding of these clinical events.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “To the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, l urge you to resist the temptation to vilify our healthcare workers. Instead, let us rally around them with the support and encouragement they deserve. Now, more than ever, we must stand united in our appreciation for the invaluable work they do each day. To our highly skilled, trained, professional, committed and world-class healthcare workers, I thank you for your continued yeoman service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.” |
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