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Author Topic: Dr Keith Rowley Thread.  (Read 118686 times)

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Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #570 on: February 02, 2016, 05:53:40 PM »
.
WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/cnewslive/videos/10153849974680610/

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has dismissed the Opposition as not being serious. Speaking to members of the media earlier today he said the former administration helped caused many of the problems facing Trinidad and Tobago and don't seem interested in helping to solving them. Dr. Keith Rowley: "We are not listening to any chastisement from the Opposition. The Opposition had five years, they caused most of these problems and we have to take our energies and focus on trying to solve them." The Prime Minister was speaking to reporters after an HDC Key Distribution Ceremony in Port of Spain.



Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #571 on: February 03, 2016, 06:31:23 PM »

Newly appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Mrs. Glenda Jennings-Smith goes after gangs

Wednesday, February 3 2016
By Andre Bagoo

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley yesterday signaled the State’s intention to “make full use” of anti-gang legislation as he announced a raft of initiatives in an effort to combat crime.
For the year, 47 murders have been committed.

Dr. Rowley said one of the main functions of newly-appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Glenda Jennings- Smith - a former assistant commissioner of police - will be to implement anti-gang legislation.

“Her job would be to make full use of the anti-gang legislation to ensure....that that piece of legislation is used to protect us from those who would overthrow our communities,” Dr. Rowley said, hours after Jennings-Smith’s appointment was announced.

He was speaking at a function held at the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) headquarters at South Quay, Port-of-Spain.
The Anti-Gang Act was passed in 2011 outlawing gang activity. While it was passed with the support of both sides of the House of Representatives, criticism arose when the legislation was implemented during a state of emergency that year. At one stage, Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard SC, appeared in court to discontinue a series of charges brought under the legislation citing a lack of evidence.
Dr. Rowley also said Jennings- Smith will be in charge of a series of social initiatives and made a plea to each citizen to take a young person under their wings. “Wherever you are, mentor one boy, mentor one girl,” Rowley said.

“We will put the programmes in place where you will be able to participate.The intention is to eradicate and to suppress the general destructive behaviour of criminal conduct in Trinidad and Tobago.” The Prime Minister said there will be a number of outreach programmes involving the participation of the Coast Guard, Police, and the general community in order to direct people away from a life of crime.
“The Government will begin to re-invest in the youth camp programme, and to expand the mentorship programme,” he said. Dr. Rowley assured the State will deploy all of the resources at its disposal to see persons face justice in court.

“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is committed to providing all the resources available to root out persons who have taken the position that they can commit those (criminal) acts,” the Prime Minister said. “It is a great pity that in this time of shortage we have to divert our resources to treat with national security.”

But, he added, this was necessary as, “If you do not have personal safety nothing else matters.”

Of the recent addition of Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses to the Security Ministry, Dr. Rowley said the Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security would function in relation to, “work permits, immigration issues, and treating with our foreign contacts”.

This, he said, would free the Ministry of National Security to deal with “operation and response.

Offline Jumbie

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #572 on: February 03, 2016, 06:58:38 PM »
criminal conduct

Offline R45

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #573 on: February 05, 2016, 11:10:42 AM »
Steups, is the anti-gang act even enforceable? I thought after the last SOE, it was said that the legislation as it is written is impossible to prosecute - maybe someone familiar with the legislation can clarify. Nonetheless, since 2011 it was assented, there has been a single conviction under the act.

Also, deja vu on the radar - does the 360 degree radar that Manning bought from Israel even work anymore? Once again we are spending money on technology to battle crime while ignoring the fundamentals. Also keep in mind that, according to every report done on the illegal drug trade, the majority of illegal drugs and guns that come into the country via LEGAL ports in shipping containers.


Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #574 on: February 05, 2016, 03:25:14 PM »




Ministry, manufacturers to tackle childhood obesity


http://www.looptt.com/content/ministry-manufacturers-tackle-childhood-obesity

Sensitising manufacturers to the link between sugar consumption, obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) formed part of recent discussions between Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh and manufacturers of non-alcoholic beverages.

The discussions also focused on developing a collaborative strategy to reduce the growing problem of childhood obesity in T&T. 

Deyalsingh revealed his intention to meet with various stakeholders in the sector to address the other contributors to NCDs, like, salt, fat and tobacco.

Childhood obesity has been linked to NCD development in adults. The Minister stressed the need for multi-sectoral action to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke, which account for over 60 percent of deaths in Trinidad and Tobago each year.

He indicated that government’s focus is primary health care with an emphasis on preventing illness, rather than expending large sums on treatment and care of chronic conditions.

He stressed the multi-factoral nature of chronic diseases, and acknowledged the need for a holistic approach to target its common risk factors, including tobacco use, unhealthy eating, and obesity.

By the end of the meeting, the group agreed that it will meet to develop comprehensive proposals to contribute to the holistic approach for impacting the prevalence of childhood obesity and NCDs in the population.

Businessman Dominic Hadeed agreed to chair the sectoral meeting and the group will report to the Minister of Health in three months.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #575 on: February 08, 2016, 03:50:48 PM »


Exploratory well being drilled in Fyzabad


http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160207/news/exploratory-well-being-drilled-in-fyzabad

If commercial hydrocarbons are found at a site being drilled in Santa Flora, that could result in the drilling of additional wells.
On Friday, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries the Honourable Nicole Olivierre toured the well site of FZ 1050 located at Wells Services Rig 4, Sudama Trace, Santa Flora.

Following the tour, Minister Olivierre said: “This is an appraisal well that is being drilled to investigate the northern extent of hydrocarbons within the Unit 5A(gas condensate reservoir) and Unit 5B (oil sand reservoir) sand reservoirs of the oil-prolific Cruse Formation. It lies on the southern flank of the Fyzabad Anticline. The proposed total depth (PTD) is 7541 feet. The rig is expected to spend one month in drilling the well, which spud on January 22.”

The Minister told the Express: “This location was selected for drilling from a portfolio of drilling candidates, developed through geological and geophysical evaluation of the North West District (NWD) 3D Seismic Survey undertaken by Petrotrin in 2010. It is the first appraisal well drilled in this area by Petrotrin, in several decades. The well is expected to penetrate a total of 100 feet net hydrocarbon sands in Unit 5A and Unit 5B.”
Minister Olivierre also said: “Success in finding commercial hydrocarbons at FZ1050 could result in the drilling of additional wells to drain the remaining oil reserves in the immediate area, and validate the interpretation of the 3D seismic data. This will improve the confidence factors for similar drilling within Petrotrin’s fields.”

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #576 on: February 08, 2016, 03:54:56 PM »


24 detained during PBR operation
Clampdown on illegals; Tightening of land and sea borders


http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2016-02-05/clampdown-illegals

Illegal entry into T&T is being made more difficult as the Government steps up border security on land and sea.

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon yesterday confirmed moves to step up border security following Wednesday’s exercise by police and immigration in which 30 people were questioned and 24 detained.

During the exercise, authorities checking vehicles along the Priority Bus Route asked commuters for identification. The 24 people who were detained were placed at the Detention Centre.

The National Security Ministry yesterday confirmed that the exercise was the latest phase of operations to deal with illegal immigrants. It said those detained in Wednesday’s exercise included four Jamaicans, one Dominican Republic national, two Cubans, one Grenadian, ten Guyanese, one Nigerian, three Chinese, one Vincentian and one person from Sierra Leone.

In February 2015, then National Security Minister Gary Griffith, in announcing a “crackdown on illegals,” estimated that there were 110,000 illegal immigrants from 16 countries living in T&T.

He said they would have been given the opportunity to regularise their status and if non-compliant would be located and returned to their homeland. He added that there were many illegal immigrants in T&T contributing heavily to crime and gang activity and if these undesirables were removed it would have a positive impact on the anti-crime fight.

Yesterday, Dillon said maritime borders—prime points for illegal entry—were being tightened, as were entry points on land in his government’s heightened efforts to deal with crime and gang warfare.

Dillon is planning visits to various areas and agencies in coming weeks to reinforce those plans.

Dillon said he would visit the Detention Centre soon since it was in a “terrible” state.

He said he has called for certain rearrangements to be done at the centre and for the processes regarding Caricom nationals to be expedited when such individuals have to be returned to their homeland.

He said discussions had been held with the Jamaican high commissioner on such matters.

The minister said halting illegal access to T&T was also geared towards clamping down on foreign culprits involved in terrorist activities entering T&T.

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, meanwhile, told the T&T Guardian that the Government was using a multi-pronged approach to dealing with returning T&T-born terrorist fighters—those who had served with ISIS in the Middle East—and this would involve operationalising existing law plus co-operation with international parties.

That is currently being finalised at various levels of the Government.

“A special Anti-Terrorism Unit has also been established in the Attorney General’s office to handle such matters,” Al-Rawi said.

“We’ve retooled arrangements which had existed in the AG’s office, but hadn’t been used. The past administration, which had co-sponsored the United Nations anti-terrorism resolution, however, didn’t operationalise what they were doing.”

Al-Rawi also said authorities who mounted a surprise search in the Port-of-Spain prison between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning found 28 new high-tech cell phones.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #577 on: February 12, 2016, 09:13:11 AM »


The Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Trade will be strengthened, as the government seeks to protect consumers from paying more than they should in the nation's supermarkets. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, told reporters he has observed consumers complaining about selected prices, since the VAT was reduced from 15 percent to 12.5 percent.
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Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #578 on: February 13, 2016, 01:37:29 PM »

Bigger fines coming for unkept lands
Health Minister on fight against Zika:

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160212/news/bigger-fines-coming-for-unkept-lands

There will be greater fines imposed upon owners of abandoned and overgrown properties as the Ministry of Health continues its mosquito eradication exercises to fight against the Zika virus.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh made the announcement at yesterday’s weekly news briefing at the ministry’s Park Street, Port of Spain headquarters.
“We are also going to be fighting Zika on a legislative footing,” he said. “The Ministry of Health’s legislative department is currently reviewing the yellow fever regulations which falls under the Public Health Ordinance to significantly increase the fines...”
The current fine is $500. Deyalsingh said this would be increased “by a multiple”, but said an exact figure could not be revealed yet as the matter has to go to Cabinet.

“I am taking legislative reform to the Cabinet to fight Zika by putting a severe financial penalty on owners of properties who do not keep their properties cut, especially abandoned lots,” he said.

Additionally, Deyalsingh said $5 million has been set aside, from the ministry’s budget allocation, to fund the purchase of additional chemicals for spraying.

The University of the West Indies will also be setting up a “Zika task force”, Deyalsingh said.
He said these measures would enable Trinidad and Tobago to receive international funding to fight the Zika virus.
He added that the ministry would need the assistance of each regional corporation to conduct spraying.
“The fight (against) Zika is a multi-million, multi-sectoral battle,” he said.

He noted that it was impossible to screen persons for the Zika virus as many do not exhibit any symptoms. However, he said doctors in both the public and private sector may send blood samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Port of Spain for testing if they have reason to suspect a Zika infection in patients.

Yesterday, Deyalsingh said Trinidad and Tobago was being used as a model for the rest of the world when it comes to fighting the Zika virus. He said every thing done in T&T, including the declaration of a public health emergency, was subsequently done in other countries.
“I am very proud that the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of Health, we have been so proactive, that this is now a model to be used in the fight against Zika,” he said.

To date, there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in T&T. However, the Health Minister has stated on several occasions that the virus may already be here.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #579 on: February 13, 2016, 01:46:46 PM »



PM Dr. Rowley picks Penelope Beckles-Robinson as UN Ambassador

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160211/news/rowley-picks-pennelope-as-un-ambassador

Former Member of Parliament for Arima Mrs. Pennelope Beckles-Robinson is to be appointed permanent representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations, in New York, USA, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced yesterday.

Mrs. Beckles-Robinson who once challenged Dr. Rowley for leadership of the People's National Movement (PNM), was last year rejected as the candidate for Arima in the General Election.

Dr. Rowley revealed to reporters in Point Cumana that yesterday morning he signed off on the recommendation for President Anthony Carmona to appoint her to the position.

“She is very well qualified for the position and I've had no difficulty in making the appointment,” he said.

Dr. Rowley assured other appointments of Ambassadors and High Commissioners to the United Kingdom and the United States will soon be made.

“You know there is a process, right. First, you have to select persons then you have to offer them to the various countries and wait for their acceptance.,” he explained.

“We are in the process of waiting for agreement for a number of persons we have put forward for our high commissioners and ambassadors, so very soon we will be informed about that when we get the responses,” he said.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #580 on: February 19, 2016, 12:55:50 PM »
Quote
The Prime Minister is taking control of the restoration of five historically significant buildings in the capital. He says it is necessary because of their significance to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and the amount of money that has been spent on them so far. C News Reporter Soyini Grey and Cameraman Shaka Telesford toured the five buildings, and spoke to the principals involved about the Government's plan to restore them.

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Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #581 on: February 19, 2016, 12:57:06 PM »



Govt launches $7m mosquito assault *

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160218/news/govt-launches-7m-mosquito-assault

REGIONAL corporations are to receive $7 million in funding to fight the Zika virus, which Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed this week is present in Trinidad.

In a media statement yesterday, The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government advised of the allocation, which is to be used by the corporations to “assist in preventing the spread of the Zika virus”.

Deyalsingh announced on Wednesday that Trinidad's first confirmed case of Zika was a 61-year-old Diego Martin woman, who has since recovered.

The woman was tested on February 10 and was confirmed to be Zika-positive by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha) two days later. The woman was not quarantined as she was said to have recovered by the time the testing confirmed she did in fact have Zika.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #582 on: February 19, 2016, 12:59:00 PM »

JUST IN: The Minister of Agriculture the Honourable Clarence Rambharat:

“Caroni rice farmers have been granted their water abstraction licence by WASA and have an agreement for the use of the Ministry's pump to abstract water.
The Ministry is also able to abstract water from the Caroni River to assist farmers.”

Offline Deeks

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #583 on: February 19, 2016, 05:41:20 PM »



Govt launches $7m mosquito assault *

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160218/news/govt-launches-7m-mosquito-assault

REGIONAL corporations are to receive $7 million in funding to fight the Zika virus, which Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed this week is present in Trinidad.

In a media statement yesterday, The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government advised of the allocation, which is to be used by the corporations to “assist in preventing the spread of the Zika virus”.

Deyalsingh announced on Wednesday that Trinidad's first confirmed case of Zika was a 61-year-old Diego Martin woman, who has since recovered.

The woman was tested on February 10 and was confirmed to be Zika-positive by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha) two days later. The woman was not quarantined as she was said to have recovered by the time the testing confirmed she did in fact have Zika.

Why is take derelict police car by the side of the road.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #584 on: February 20, 2016, 06:49:58 PM »



Govt launches $7m mosquito assault *

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160218/news/govt-launches-7m-mosquito-assault

REGIONAL corporations are to receive $7 million in funding to fight the Zika virus, which Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed this week is present in Trinidad.

In a media statement yesterday, The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government advised of the allocation, which is to be used by the corporations to “assist in preventing the spread of the Zika virus”.

Deyalsingh announced on Wednesday that Trinidad's first confirmed case of Zika was a 61-year-old Diego Martin woman, who has since recovered.

The woman was tested on February 10 and was confirmed to be Zika-positive by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha) two days later. The woman was not quarantined as she was said to have recovered by the time the testing confirmed she did in fact have Zika.

Why is take derelict police car by the side of the road.

good question. this is what the Express chose to highlight. ah should have not published that pic in here

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #585 on: February 20, 2016, 06:53:42 PM »

JUST IN: The Minister of Agriculture the Honourable Clarence Rambharat:

“Caroni rice farmers have been granted their water abstraction licence by WASA and have an agreement for the use of the Ministry's pump to abstract water.
The Ministry is also able to abstract water from the Caroni River to assist farmers.”


https://www.facebook.com/clarenceformayaro/photos/a.788726457881127.1073741828.788716687882104/960036257416812/?type=3&theater

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #586 on: February 20, 2016, 06:55:37 PM »

15th Sitting of the House of Representatives

Friday February 19, 2016
1:30pm

Summary:
~ Fourteen Papers will be laid.
~ Seven questions qualified for oral answer.
~ Introduction of Bills: The Family and Children Division Bill, 2016
~ Government Business
. Motion #1: Notification of the nomination of Mr. Dinanath Ramkissoon as a member of the Police Service Commission (moved by the Leader of the House)

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Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #587 on: February 22, 2016, 03:43:45 AM »

Govt to set up oversight body to monitor performance of Police Service...

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160220/news/inspectorate-a-welcome-addition

THE announcement by Government to establish an oversight body to manage and monitor the performance of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is a step in the right direction, stakeholders have said.

Speaking to the Sunday Express last week, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon said the Police Service Inspectorate will be given the responsibility “for quality assurance, quality control, evaluation and measurement of all police stations, the results of which will be reported to Parliament”.

Dillon said the inspectorate will be monitoring the performance of the TTPS “and will also be looking at the different structures within the Police Service”.

On January 15, Finance Minister Colm Imbert told the Senate that $2 million had been allocated to establish the Police Management Agency and the Police Service Inspectorate, in a bid to deal with crime.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #588 on: February 22, 2016, 03:46:23 AM »



San Fernando gets new medical facility for patient recovery

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=604413463040826&set=gm.1099923306726597&type=3&theater


by Carolyn Kissoon (T&T Express)

A multi-million dollar facility is now open to provide recovery services for patients in San Fernando.

Acropolis Medical Centre, located at Circular Road, San Fernando, was opened on Thursday.

San Fernando West MP Faris Al-Rawi and San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein were among the dignatories who attended the ceremony.

Reverend Cecil Quamina, Chairman of the Acropolis Medical Centre, was described as the visionary behind the establishment of the facility.

The facility provides services in family/general medicine, internal medicine, cardiothoracic, paediatrics, dental, diagnostic and imaging services, among others.

Acropolis also provides wellness programmes for individuals, families, entrepre¬neurs and non-profit organisations.

Reverend Quamina said the Centre aims to improve the health and wellness of communities by providing quality services that adhere to the highest standards of care and clinical excellence.

He said the centre was outfitted with first-class facilities—an elegant ambience, innovative informa¬tion tech¬nologies and electronic health records (EHR).

Reverend Quamina said Acropolis was staffed with well-qualified and customer-focused medical and support teams.

Acropolis Medical Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Acropolis Medical Centre is a first class, elegant facility located along the slope of San Fernando Hill. It is community-based uniquely positioned to provide patients and their families with premium health care.

The staff is well-qualified & willing to serve with a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience while patients gain ready access to local and international clinical specialists and state of the art equipment & technologies.

Vision: We are a group of caring professionals who inspire love, hope and trust.

Mission: We aim to improve the health of communities by providing quality services that adhere to the highest standards of care and clinical excellence.

The Acropolis Medical Centre offer access to an extensive array of outpatient services to fulfil its promise of patients' holistic health. Services include:

1. Family / General Medicine

2. Internal Medicine

3. Cardio-Thoracic

4. Paediatrics (General / Developmental)

5. Dental (coming soon!)

6. Dialysis Treatment / Nephrology (coming soon!)

7. Telemedicine

8. Diagnostic and Imaging - X-Ray, Cardiac - Stress, Echo, ECG

9. Pharmacy

10. Laboratory Service

11. Allied Health Services

- Nutritional & Dietetic Consultation

- Cognitive & Behavioural Psychotherapy

- Sleep Apnea

- Occupational Therapy

Specialties

Family/General Medicine, Internal Medicine, Cardio-Thoracic Services, Paediatrics, Telemedicine, Diagnostic & Imaging (X-Ray, Cardiac - Stress Testing, Echo, ECG), Pharmacy, Laboratory, Dental, Dialysis, Allied Health Services
« Last Edit: February 22, 2016, 03:48:42 AM by Sando prince »

Offline Deeks

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #589 on: February 22, 2016, 08:49:27 AM »
So this is a private hospital, I presume.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #590 on: February 25, 2016, 06:03:52 AM »



Minister intervenes in labour dispute *

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160222/business/minister-intervenes-in-labour-dispute

LABOUR Minister Jennifer Baptiste-Primus has intervened in the dispute between steel giant ArcelorMittal and its laid-off workers, who have now been paid a portion of their basic wages.

Speaking to reporters after the Tripartite Stakeholder Consultations on the Industrial Relations (Amendments) Bill 2015 at the National Energy Skills Centre in Couva yesterday, Baptiste-Primus said Government's concern was the welfare of the steel workers.

She said she questioned company officials in early February about the welfare of those workers who would be home for 45 days.
“My first question was how these workers would survive being home for 45 days without pay? They have families, they have children to send to school. And these were the sentiments I expressed to the employer,” said Baptiste-Primus. She said that the ArcelorMittal had agreed to allow the laid-off workers to en-cash payment for up to ten days of vacation leave, which gave ex-workers approximately 90 per cent of their basic wage.
However, Baptiste-Primus said both parties have not fully come to an agreement, and that the Ministry is facilitating meetings between them.

Offline weary1969

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #591 on: February 25, 2016, 01:24:45 PM »
So this is a private hospital, I presume.

YES
Today you're the dog, tomorrow you're the hydrant - so be good to others - it comes back!"

Offline Deeks

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #592 on: February 25, 2016, 05:57:04 PM »

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #593 on: February 26, 2016, 07:15:53 PM »

NIDCO designing road to Toco

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=606471472835025&set=gm.1103130956405832&type=3&theater

Government yesterday took a step towards keeping its 2015 general election campaign promise to build a first class road from Valencia to Toco, with the engagement of the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) as the executing agency to provide procurement, project and contract management services for the development of 32 kilometres of this road.

In making the announcement at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie said, “As part of the engagement of this process, NIDCO is expected to prepare a route alignment and conceptual design for the construction of the first class road.” Asked by Newsday whether NIDCO’s engagement in this project will affect its ability to oversee the completion of the Solomon Hochoy Highway extension project, Cuffie said it would not.

“NIDCO is a project management company and they will be doing this highway,” he explained. Cuffie said once NIDCO submits its proposals for the route alignment and design for the new Valencia- Toco road, the company would come up with a cost and then there would be considerations regarding the budget to build this road.

The Minister also said the necessary clearances from the Environmental Management Authority would be obtained before construction begins. On funding for this project, Cuffie said he believed that would come from the Consolidated Fund.

The Valencia to Toco Road is a PNM Manifesto promise made by Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Keith Rowley on August 19, 2015 where he stated this will also expand the economy of Tobago.

“So you can drive from Port of Spain to Toco on an A class road, meaning that you can get in comfort and get very quickly to a ferry port in Toco and that will bring Tobago to Trinidad and Trinidad to Tobago in a way we have never been and the effect of that road will be very significant to the economy of Tobago,” Dr. Rowley stated.

The PNM Manifesto outlines plans of an ‘A’ class road with ferry services available from Toco to Tobago in the future.

Dr. Rowley believed this development will significantly impact both Trinidad and Tobago.

Offline Deeks

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #594 on: February 26, 2016, 08:07:37 PM »
Makes sense.

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #595 on: February 27, 2016, 11:52:40 AM »
WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/cnewslive/videos/10153901178715610/

The Prime Minister was a bit late for Parliament on Friday, prompting the Opposition to express concern about his willingness to answer their questions but as Peter Christopher reports, he indeed turned up to answer questions.

Also Dr. Rowley confirmed that people still have access to the children's fund. He was asked about the fund by Princes Town MP Barry Padarath in Parliament. Dr. Rowley added that a further 16 people had applied for aid from the fund.

Offline Jumbie

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #596 on: February 27, 2016, 07:09:44 PM »
NIDCO designing road to Toco

 :applause:

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #597 on: February 28, 2016, 04:58:59 PM »


Central Bank reveals: $32bn in blocked accounts

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2016-02-27/central-bank-reveals-32bn-blocked-accounts

The Government has $31.9 billion in blocked accounts at the Central Bank, monies that were placed there in an attempt to sterilize excess liquidity, the bank disclosed on Friday.

The Central Bank was responding to questions from the Guardian, following the publication of a newspaper notice last week that the Government intended to unblock some $1.84 billion that would then be available for use by the State.

“The $1.84 billion that was unblocked represented the proceeds of two bonds that had been issued in 2003 and 2008 ($640 million and $1.2 billion respectively) under the Development Loans Act. The Government made a specific request for the unblocking of these particular funds,” the Central Bank said.

The Government moved to unblock the $1.84 billion as a result of a sharp reduction in excess liquidity in the fourth quarter of 2015 that was partly due to the sale of US$500 million by the Central Bank to authorised dealers of foreign exchange at the end of October.

The sale of the US$500 million would have removed TT$3.2 billion from the authorised dealers, who are mostly commercial banks. T&T commercial banks had $3.36 billion in average excess reserves (excess liquidity) in December 2015, down from $7.19 billion at the start of the year.

The money in the blocked accounts belongs to the Government and it “represents the proceeds of the sales of Government of T&T securities,” for liquidity absorption purposes, the Central Bank said.

In piloting legislation in December to increase the government’s borrowing limit from $70 to $120 billion, Finance Minister Colm Imbert told Parliament that the previous administration had pledged funds of $12 billion in the Green Fund and the Unemployment Fund against borrowings it undertook. He made no mention of funds in the blocked accounts in December.

A Ministry of Finance official indicated yesterday, however, that T&T’s Exchequer Account had been overdrawn by more than $30 billion.

The official said yesterday, “As far as I know, the Government does not have any access to the funds in the blocked accounts, except the $1.84 billion it just unfroze.

“Additionally, you need to appreciate that the Government will have to replace that $1.84 billion when the principal payments become due in 2017 and 2018, either from revenue or from borrowings.”

Imbert has blamed the issues surrounding the government’s overdrawn accounts as being responsible for its inability to settle up to $2 billion owed to contractors and suppliers and some $5 billion in backpay owed to employees of regional health authorities and members of the protective services.

When it became clear in December that tight domestic liquidity was preventing the Government from borrowing money from the banks to pay those debts, the banks were reported to have suggested to the minister that the solution would be to lower the reserve requirement.

The reserve requirement, which currently stands at 17 per cent, is the percentage of commercial banks’ deposit liabilities that they are required to maintain in non-interest bearing accounts at the Central Bank.

On Friday, responding to a question on the advantages of unblocking the $31.9 billion held in blocked accounts for liquidity absorption compared with lowering the reserve requirement, the Central Bank made it clear that unblocking the accounts gives the Government access to its funds at the Central Bank.

According to the Central Bank, “Lowering the reserve requirement would mean that commercial banks are obliged to keep a smaller proportion of their eligible deposits at the Central Bank, thus directly increasing banking system liquidity.

“On the other hand removing the proceeds from the blocked account increases the funds available to the Government for its fiscal operations; until these funds are withdrawn there is no impact on system liquidity. Over time, liquidity may increase as the funds are withdrawn.

“Consequently, lowering the reserve requirement may have a more immediate impact on liquidity than unblocking the account.

“Moreover, in the case of lowering the reserve requirement, it is the banks that have more access to their funds held at the Central Bank, while unblocking the government accounts provides the government with greater access to its funds at the Central Bank.”

Economist cautions:

Be mindful of the damage if $$ released too quickly

But an economist yesterday cautioned that even if the entire $31.9 billion were available to the Government, it would need to be very mindful of the damage to the country’s inflation rate and the demand for foreign exchange that releasing that money too quickly could have on the economy.

“Unblocking the accounts is, in effect, creating money and the Government would need to be very cautious about the inflationary and foreign exchange impact of unleashing too much, too soon,” said the economist, who requested anonymity.

Asked if the unblocking of the accounts was a form of quantitative easing, the Central Bank said, “Broadly speaking, quantitative easing is a process by which Central Banks increase the level of liquidity in the financial system by purchasing financial assets from banks and other financial institutions.

“Removing money from the blocked accounts will make more money available for fiscal operations; liquidity could eventually be impacted according to the level and pace of government spending.

“Overall, therefore, unblocking the accounts could potentially have a similar result as Central Bank purchasing of financial assets on liquidity but the impact may be slower.”

Offline Sando prince

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #598 on: February 28, 2016, 05:01:23 PM »

16th Sitting of the House of Representatives -

1st Session of the 11th Republican Parliament

Friday February 26, 2016
1:30pm

Summary:
~ Twelve questions qualified for oral answer.
~ Private Business
. Motion #1: Initiation of a Programme in schools to meet the needs of children with ADD/ADHD (moved by the Member for Tabaquite)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/v-EHJHai9vQ&amp;spfreload=10" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/v-EHJHai9vQ&amp;spfreload=10</a>

Offline Deeks

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Re: Governance under the Rowley Administration
« Reply #599 on: February 29, 2016, 03:37:42 PM »
NIDCO designing road to Toco

 :applause:

Long overdue.

 

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