NEWS
Third monkeypox case reported
The third case of the monkeypox virus in Trinidad and Tobago was reported on Monday. In a statement the Health Ministry said this was confirmed by laboratory testing. The patient is a young adult male with a recent travel history. The ministry said, "The relevant county medical officer of Health (CMOH) is currently conducting an epidemiology investigation and has initiated the local public health response, which includes home isolation and contact tracing for the patient." The ministry added that it will continue to provide the public with updates as necessary. Read more here
Schools Boards to challenge TSC’s teacher recruitment policy in court
High Court Judge Westmin James yesterday granted leave to the Presbyterian Church of T&T (PCTT) and the Presbyterian Primary Schools Board of Education (PPSBE) to file for Judicial Review against the Teaching Service Commission (TSC). This is for its failure to appoint teachers recommended by the Board and interviewed by the Ministry of Education, and for changing the recruitment process for primary school teachers in government-assisted schools. Justice James also granted leave yesterday to the Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM) to join the matter as an interested party. The matter was adjourned to November 27 for case management. The PCTT and PPSBE were represented by Darryl Allahar, The CEBM by Ian Benjamin SC, and the TSC by Mr Russel Martineau SC. Attorney Kiel Taklalsingh represented the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha as an observer. Read more here
POLITICS
Minister: Tobago hoteliers, guest house owners must pay WASA bills
Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales is calling on tourism stakeholders on the southwestern part of Tobago to pay the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). Gonzales made the statement as he addressed the commissioning ceremony for the Signal Hill– Store Bay Road pipe-laying project on Monday at Pascall Village in Lambeau. “We have done a lot of work. Ee have invested millions of dollars to improve your supply of water. I am asking you kindly, the money that you are owing WASA in your dues, please pay the authority. I am sure if WASA conducts an audit of all the customers, especially the guesthouse operators, all of them are owing the authority.” Read more here
BUSINESS
Scotia nabs Euromoney award for excellence
Scotiabank was named best bank in TT by Euromoney at its awards for Excellence, 2023. It announced the accolade in a media release on Monday. Senior vice president and managing director of Scotiabank Gayle Pazos described the award as exciting, as it was the first time the bank had been recognised. She expressed gratitude to customers who continue to place their trust in the bank, saying the feedback helps to build a better bank with new services, products and tools. Read more here
REGIONAL
Right balance needed to address critical global issues
Climate, energy and food security are among the major issues facing nations across the globe and Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is hoping that these issues will be brought to the forefront of discussions at the ongoing European Union (EU)-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit in Brussels, Belgium. “There are three important issues facing the world today, that is climate security, energy security and food security, so I expect the summit to focus heavily on these three areas in ensuring that we find the right balance on these three critical global issues,” the Guyanese Head of State told the Belgium press on Monday. President Ali further said that he hopes the outcome of discussions will see stakeholder-based solutions being established to address financial gaps in the various areas. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
US national held by N Korea after crossing border – UN
A US national has been detained in North Korea after crossing the border, a UN body says. The United Nations Command, which operates the Demilitarized Zone and joint security area (JSA) said the man did not have authorisation. "We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident", it said. BBC News has contacted the US Department of State for comment. The KPA is the Korean People's Army - North Korea's military. The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) separates the two Koreas and is one of the most heavily fortified areas in the world. It is filled with landmines, surrounded by electric and barbed wire fencing and surveillance cameras. Armed guards are supposed to be on alert 24 hours a day. Read more here
18th July 2023