NEWS
Family of Kiss driver ‘hurt’ after suspect released
The family of Kiss delivery driver Neil Ballai, 55, who was killed in a crash along the Solomon Hochoy Highway on March 28, say they are hurt and disappointed over the news that the main suspect in his death has been released from police custody. The crash happened at around 6.45 am on the southbound lane of the highway near the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. Dash cam footage showed a black Hyundai Ioniq car hit Ballai’s truck from behind, causing the delivery truck to veer off the road and crash. Read more here
Missing teens found in abandoned house near home
The three Rio Claro girls who went missing on Tuesday were found last evening in an abandoned house a short distance away from their home. Hunters’ Search and Rescue captain Vallence Rambharat confirmed last evening that a villager spotted the girls around 7.40 pm at the property, which is about 100 feet from their home. The villager alerted members of the search party who were still looking for them. Rambharat did not have any further details, as the girls were taken to the police station. Read more here
POLITICS
JTUM in talks with MSJ to ‘rescue Trinidad and Tobago’
With the general election due next year, the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) and the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) have held talks with a view to “rescuing TT.” JTUM president Ancel Roget described these discussions as a continuation of the solidarity that is core to this partnership. Speaking at a media conference at the OWTU building in Port of Spain on Wednesday, Roget said both organisations have joined forces to discuss common problems facing the country. He said these talks help with determining how both entities can move forward. He said the only political party that “fully” supports JTUM is the MSJ and both would engage in joint activities in the future. But he chose not go into any further details. Read more here
Browne says no statute of limitations on SORT issues
The United States’ findings that ex-police commissioner Gary Griffith’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT) was deemed culpable of gross violation of human rights isn’t a matter that will go away based on Griffith’s penchant for trading insults with public officials, says Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Amery Browne “It will not be erased by any of his usual and constant chatter and deflection,” Browne said yesterday, maintaining Tuesday’s statements made by himself and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds about Griffith. And Browne has pointed out there is no applicable statute of limitations on issues which Griffith may see as “old” matters. Read more here
BUSINESS
Young meets with Methanex
Minister of Energy Stuart Young met with the managing director and president of Methanex Trinidad, Colin Bain, to discuss operations in Trinidad and Tobago, according to a release sent to the media on April 3. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Energy at the International Waterfront Complex, Port of Spain. Bain and Young spoke on Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic position in Methanex’s global portfolio being poised to supply the domestic blended-fuel market and global shipping markets. Young emphasised the Government’s willingness to collaborate with Methanex and all other energy-sector stakeholders to drive international investments to TT. Read more here
REGIONAL
‘Constitutional reform vital for Guyana’s future’
The newly appointed members of the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) were sworn in on Wednesday, paving the way for enhanced democratic governance and more efforts to address evolving societal needs in Guyana. President Dr. Irfaan Ali administered the oath of office to 17 of 20 members during the ceremony which was held at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive office in Georgetown. The CRC will be chaired by former Chancellor Justice Carl Singh. The commission is set to operate out of a building on Middle Street, Georgetown, previously used for various Commissions of Inquiry.
The Commission’s mandate, as outlined by President Ali, encompasses a wide array of areas critical for potential reforms, reflecting the dynamic nature of Guyanese society and the global landscape. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Fears for Gazans as aid groups halt work over deadly Israeli strike
Many Palestinians in the Gaza Strip will be wondering how they are going to feed their families after World Central Kitchen (WCK) paused its operations in response to the killing of seven of its aid workers in an Israeli air strike. Another US charity it works with, Anera, has also suspended work because of the escalating risks faced by its local staff and their families. Together, they were serving two million meals a week across the Palestinian territory, where the UN has warned that an estimated 1.1 million people - half the population - are facing catastrophic hunger because of Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries, the ongoing hostilities and the breakdown of order. Read more here
4th April 2024