NEWS
Teen, father, uncle shot in front of Laventille home
A teenager was injured as a recent spate of murders on Monday and Tuesday continues. Police believe the incident stems from an ongoing war between two gangs. The violent clashes have claimed the lives of two people. Speaking to Newsday, head of the Homicide Bureau Rishi Singh confirmed the teen was shot just around noon when gunmen opened fire on their target at Leon Street, Morvant. He said, “We believed the recent upsurge in killings between the San Juan, Barataria divisions is stemming from a war between two gangs is leaving this type of collateral damage.” Read more here
POLITICS
Months-old Procurement Act to change – COLM BACKTRACKS ON LAW
LessS than three months after the Procurement Act was passed, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said there is a need to amend the legislation, which took eight years to enact. Speaking at a virtual media conference on Tuesday, Imbert said the law as is,does not allow for unforeseen circumstances and there is a need to address this through amendments. The minister called the media conference in response to Opposition MP Saddam Hosein labelling Imbert's exemption for the procurement of goods and services for the recent 45th Caricom summit illegal. He stressed that the decision was not unilaterally made, as Cabinet would have discussed it and Attorney General Reginald Armour, SC, would have advised him on it. Read more here
BUSINESS
Imbert: T&T records $600m surplus in May
Trinidad and Tobago recorded a surplus of $600 million at the end of May, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said yesterday as he expressed confidence that at the end of this fiscal year this country’s deficit will not be as large as previously projected. Following the 2023 budget presentation Imbert said that with revenues of $56.175 billion and expenditures of $57.685 billion this country’s deficit was estimated to be around $1.510 billion. In May, Imbert requested a further $3.85 billion in supplementary funding. But things have been looking up Imbert said. Read more here
REGIONAL
Obstacles to full advancement of women, girls being removed
President Ali says concerted efforts underway to reduce gender inequality in education, employment, health, political representation, decision-making
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, in his message on World Population Day, pledged Guyana’s continued support for efforts to “unleash the power” of gender equality. World Population Day 2023 was, on Tuesday, celebrated under the theme “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities.” Dr. Ali said: “Guyana is committed to creating a society where women and girls can aspire to realise their potential, fulfill their dreams and contribute their unique talents to shape a better world for future generations.” Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Missing German man's remains found in Thailand freezer
Thai authorities have found the dismembered body of a missing German businessman in a freezer. The search for Hans-Peter Mack, 62, reached a tragic end on Monday night as police located his remains in a garbage bag at a rented house in Nong Prue, a city in southern Thailand. Two German suspects have been arrested. Mack, a property broker who lived with his Thai wife in the eastern city of Pattaya, had been missing since 4 July. Police say the two suspects conspired to murder Mack, then transported and concealed his body. Mack was last seen in his Mercedes sedan in Pattaya, according to a missing-person notice put up by his family, who offered 3m baht (£66,000; $86,000) for information on his whereabouts. The car was found on Sunday in the parking lot of a condominium in Nong Prue, reports say. Along with the body, investigators discovered a cordless chainsaw, a pair of hedge clippers, and rolls of plastic, according to footage aired on Thai television channels. Read more here
12th July 2023