NEWS
Commonwealth Games Federation praises organisers: Well done, Trinidad and Tobago
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) says it is pleased with Trinidad and Tobago's "absolutely amazing" organisation and preparation for the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. It says the work put in by TT sends a strong message to the rest of the Caribbean that countries in this region are capable of hosting such a major event. This comes just after Sport Minister Shamfa Cudjoe said the federation had been expressing its concern and disappointment in the late delivery of some of the facilities to be used. The games will begin on Friday and end on August 11, featuring over 1,000 athletes from 70 countries. It was previously 71 countries but Maldives withdrew owing to financial constraints. Read more here
POLITICS
Young—Woodside to resume gas production soon on phased basis
Woodside Energy is to resume natural gas production shortly, according to Energy Minister Stuart Young. The ministry announced last Friday that an unplanned technical issue caused a major natural gas supplier to shut down its production. The closure affected the four plants on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate production and consequently their earnings but did not affect the operations of the T&T Electricity Commission (T&TEC). The supplier was later identified as Woodside Energy. In response to questions from Guardian Media on Thursday as to when the gas production would resume, Young said the energy company informed him that its safety process has gone well. He said it expects to resume its gas production on a phased basis shortly. Read more here
BUSINESS
Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana seek to deepen trade relations
The expansion of bilateral trade and investment between TT and Ghana were the focus of a high-level meeting hosted by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Thursday. According to a ministry release, Minister of Trade Paula Gopee-Scoon met with representatives from key organisations from Ghana geared towards accelerating trade and business opportunities between both countries. The Ghanaian delegation was led by Reginald Yofi Grant, CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and Dr Afua Asabea Asare, CEO, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). Read more here
REGIONAL
More jobs created, money in people’s pockets
The removal of taxes and implementation of several initiatives by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) government has seen more disposal income becoming available to Guyanese. This was according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a broadcasted live update on his Facebook page, where he outlined some of the government’s achievements, and responded to false narratives about the administration’s three-year performance. “Since we came to office, our policy has been pursuing initiatives that put more money in people’s pockets that create and expand employment, and foster an environment for building prosperity for all, and ensuring that we build a strong resilient and sustainable economy,” the Head of State said. In fact, he said that the government has almost completed the implementation of Manifesto promises that were made during the 2020 general elections campaign season. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Ocean heat record broken, with grim implications for the planet
The oceans have hit their hottest ever recorded temperature as they soak up warmth from climate change, with dire implications for our planet's health. The average daily global sea surface temperature beat a 2016 record this week, according to the EU's climate change service Copernicus. It reached 20.96C. That's far above the average for this time of year. Oceans are a vital climate regulator. They soak up heat, produce half Earth's oxygen and drive weather patterns. Warmer waters have less ability to absorb carbon dioxide, meaning more of that planet-warming gas will stay in the atmosphere. And it can also accelerate the melting of glaciers that flow into the ocean, leading to more sea level rise. Hotter oceans and heatwaves disturb marine species like fish and whales as they move in search of cooler waters, upsetting the food chain. Experts warn that fish stocks could be affected. Read more here
4th August 2023