TriniTuner.com | Latest Event:
Moderator: 3ne2nr Mods
Sky wrote:I realise no matter who we vote for, we will always get a pull stones gov't.
PP is for pullin piggyleeks.
PNM is for pullin nuts more
Atleast we have the less pull stones gov't now. That's an achievement.
YAY
UML wrote:for the FIRST TIME in this country's history.....the People's Partnership has arranged with the government of Saudi Arabia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to have our Muslim brothers and sisters travelling to Mecca for their Hajj; to have their visas issued RIGHT HERE in TRINIDAD. In the past they had to travel to Venezuela to have it issued, which was really a hassle.
God Bless the People's Partnership!!!!!
ray_S.T.R.A_man wrote:ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF
THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
MAY TO JANUARY 2011
Version Control
Version 2 - Draft as at 12 JAN 2011
Significant Achievements
· Increased the minimum wage from $9.00 to $12.50
· Established the Children’s Life Fund
· Passed the Interception of Communication Bill
· Provided Laptops for form one students – a campaign and Manifesto promise of the Peoples Partnership.
· Established a Ministry of the People – a campaign and Manifesto promise of the Peoples Partnership.
· Increased old age pension - As of September 2010, a total of 52,790 senior citizens are benefiting from the $3,000 per month.
· Increased State grants
· Distributed lands to 610 former Caroni workers – promised by the PNM when they closed down Caroni 1975 limited in August 2003
· Compensated farmers for flood- related damages in record time – in the past under the PNM, farmers waited years for compensation
· Appointed a Police Commissioner – the PNM had an Acting Commissioner for almost two years
· Re-positioned and re-branded Trinidad and Tobago to the international community through participation in various United Nations and Commonwealth fora
· Sod- turning for the San Fernando to Point Fortin Highway (Jan 26 2011)
· Commenced work on the Navet trunk main – 29 kilometres of water main – this was promised by the PNM since 2005 and never done.
· Initiated payment of a non-taxable Special Allowance of $1000 to all serving officers of the Police Service.
· Ban on the use of Cellphone’s while driving through - Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Mobile Devices) Regulations 2010 – effective February 19 2011.
Enabling Human Development
· Distributed laptops to students entering high school. This is in keeping with a People’s Partnership Manifesto promise that “IT based learning will be infused in education at primary and secondary levels to support and complement other forms of teaching, learning and basic research.”
· Continued the GATE programme. For the period May to November, 2010 the number of applications was 35,327 and the amount disbursed totalled $214 million. During the election it was said by the PNM that we would stop the GATE programme. We have not only continued it but we have proposed that it be expanded it into select areas, namely within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
· Continued the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP). For the period May to November, 2010, the total number of loans approved was 1522, and the amount approved totalled $32.4 million.
· Reduction in the reports of criminal activity against UWI students living in and around the St. Augustine campus due to mobile police posts, joint UWI police / TT police patrols and installation of CCTV.
· Launched ttconnect express in November 2010. This is a bus service that provides government services to rural communities. The ttconnect express and ttconnect mobile were adjudged, the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO) project of the year for 2010.
Ensuring Social Justice
· Established a Ministry of the People to improve the delivery of Government services to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. This was a campaign promise that has been implemented. The PP Government was praised by the United Nations for the establishment of a Ministry of the People.
· Increased old age pension to $3000. This increase in old age pension is commensurate with the PP vision for a better standard of living for our senior citizens. As of September 2010, a total of 52,790 senior citizens are benefiting from the $3,000 per month. This advanced payment structure also allows a number of our senior citizens to enjoy a combined income of $4,000. This is because persons who already have an income will receive a senior citizens pension which makes their total monthly income a total of $4,000 per month. And 20,717 senior citizens now benefit from a combined monthly income of $4,000.
· Targeted 6,500 housing starts in 2010-2011. PP Housing policy to focus on:
Ø The differently able;
Ø Housing the low and middle income; and
Ø Reduction in cost of homes.
· Approved eighty-four (84) long standing applicants who have applied for 14 or more years, and who have satisfied the eligibility criteria as outlined by the social housing policy. These eighty-four applicants represent 1948 cumulative years of waiting for housing from the Government’s social housing programme. Their years of waiting range from fourteen years to forty years.
· Established and passed legislation for the Children's Life Fund (Act 12 of 2010) to provide funding for children needing life saving, tertiary-level healthcare services. This historic legislation ensures that no child who is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago will die for lack of financial resources. From June to December 2010, (15) children benefitted from the Children’s Life Fund totalling $3.5 million.
· Granted leases of two-acre plots of land to 610 former employees of Caroni 1975 Limited. These former workers had been waiting seven (7) years for this land that was promised by the former PNM regime when they shut down Caroni 1975 Limited in August 2003.
· Signed the U.S.-Caribbean HIV/AIDS Partnership Framework document. This is an important step forward in combating HIV/AIDS.
· Increased State grants given by the Ministry of the People and Social Development.
§ Housing grant - to purchase building materials for the construction/repair for homes - increased from $10,000 to $15,000.
§ Household items grant - to purchase furniture and appliances - increased from $4,500 to $6,000 (accessed only once in a three-year period).
§ Medical Equipment grant - in order for persons to receive wheelchairs, commodes, special beds and other similar items - increased from $6,000 to $7,500.
§ Domestic Help grant - Part-time domestic help for three months to clients who are unable to perform normal household chores and are unable to afford the cost of domestic assistance - increased from $1,600 to $1,800 per month for a 3-6 month period.
§ Funeral grant - has been increased from $3,450 to $7,000.
§ Special child grant - for parents who are unable to financially provide for their special child - the grant was recently reviewed and a Public Assistance grant will be given.
§ The Pharmaceutical grant - allows persons not enrolled in the CDAP Programme to get their medicine - increased from $900 for a three-month supply to $2,500.
§ The House Rent grant - for persons who are unable to temporarily pay their rent or those in need of new accommodation - increased from $4,500 to $7,500 for a three-month period.
§ The School Supplies grant - disburses a sum of $500 per child (to a maximum of four children) which can be accessed by the parents whose school books and other school supplies have been destroyed by fire, flood or other natural disasters - increased to $1,000 when the child is in secondary school and to $750 for primary school children.
§ The Education grant - increased from $300 to $500 per child per month.
§ Housing Assistance grant - for those whose homes have been affected by natural disasters, there was an increase to $20,000 and $10,000 for damaged basic household items.
· Farmers were compensated in record time for loss of their crops related to severe flooding in June 2010.
§ Launched the Utilities Assistance Programme (UAP) on the 8th December, 2010. The Programme is designed to provide financial assistance to lower income persons who are customers of WASA and T&TEC.
§ Dedicated $10 million towards the establishment of a National Centre for Persons with Disabilities.
§ Increased the minimum wage from $9.00 to $12.50.
Respecting the Natural Environment
· Issued letters of award for waste water facilities in the following areas:
Ø Carlson Field, Chaguanas
Ø Edinburgh South
Ø La Fortune, Point Fortin
Ø East Grove, Curepe
Ø Pier Road, La Brea
Ø Maracas, St. Joseph
The total cost of these projects is $50 million and they impact 3107 homes.
· Expanded the “Colour me Orange” and the CEPEP programmes.
· Evaluation criteria for all new downstream energy projects to be based on stringent environmental standards.
· Appointed Committee to Develop National Hydrocarbon and Chemical Spill Contingency Plans for Trinidad and Tobago.
Promoting Good Governance – Openness and Transparency
· Held Local Government elections that were due since 2006 and had been postponed on several occasions by the Manning regime.
· Coordinated training for induction and orientation for newly elected councillors and Local Government Representatives.
· Established the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Steering Committee. This committee will chart the way forward by reviewing the EITI implementation plan and making recommendations for the approval of Cabinet. The EITI seeks to strengthen governance by improving transparency and accountability in the extractives sector and move Trinidad and Tobago into the designation of Comprehensive Revenue Transparency. A Manifesto promise of the People’s Partnership.
· Commenced forensic audit of Petrotrin’s Gasoline Optimization Programme (GOP) and Gas to Liquids (GTL) projects. Both projects were initiated under the former PNM regime and have resulted in tremendous cost over-runs, slippage in schedule and litigation being brought against Petrotrin.
· Commenced a forensic audit of the University of Trinidad and Tobago. The UTT was removed by the PNM regime from the purview of the Freedom of Information Act.
· Proposed the establishment of Commissions of Inquiry into the 1990 Attempted Coup and into Clico and the HCU. These Commissions of Inquiry are being established by the Attorney General. There have been repeated calls for a Commission of Inquiry into the 1990 Coup over the years.
· Launched the E-Voice Reporting Facility in the Ministry of Public Utilities, designed for stakeholders of the Ministry to confidentially lodge complaints or issues that they may have encountered with transacting business with the Ministry or its agencies. This will increase transparency and accountability within the Ministry.
Good Economic Management
· The Ministry of energy held a bid round for offshore blocks that are in shallow and average depth water. Six bids received.
· Bid round for the deep water acreages currently open and will be closed in February.
· Amended the fiscal regime governing the oil and gas industry to promote more investment friendly environment for new exploration activity and for mature and small oil and gas fields.
· Fiscal regime for oil and gas exploration and development is now considered to be competitive with that of other countries. These changes were made effective by the Finance Act 2010.
Providing a Safe and Secure Country
· Initiated payment of a non-taxable Special Allowance of $1000 to all serving officers of the Police Service.
· Passed the Interception of Communication Bill 2010 that provides legislative framework for the interception of communication.
· Laid before Parliament the “Anti-Gang” Bill and the Bail Amendment Bill – both have been referred to Committee.
· Laid before Parliament the Evidence Amendment Bill and the Firearms Amendment Bill.
· Recruited a new Police Commissioner and Deputy Police Commissioner. The Police Service had been in an untenable situation where there was an Acting Commissioner for an extended period.
· Established the Private Security Network Commission (PSNC) to transmit relevant information for appropriate law enforcement action to the Police Service, through a dedicated communications network, consisting of the more than 20,000 additional pairs of ‘eyes and ears’ from fourteen (14) accredited private security companies.
· For the very first time in the history of allocations in the Appropriation Bill in the Police Service was afforded the autonomy of its own budget, and the Commissioner of Police appointed Accounting Officer of the Police Service.
· Regularization of SAUTT and the SIA. In an effort to regularize this situation and position these Agencies to effectively support the strategic and tactical operational responses, the Government took the decision to: establish a Steering Committee to oversee the restructuring of SAUTT, review the operations of SAUTT, make recommendations and report to the Minister of National Security on the outcome of the review, such recommendations to be submitted for the consideration of Cabinet; and undertake a comprehensive audit of the SIA and its operations.
· Appointed a new Police Service Commission under the Chairmanship of prominent Attorney-at-law Nizam Mohammed.
· Ban on the use of Cellphone’s while driving through - Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Mobile Devices) Regulations 2010 – effective February 19 2011.
Improving National Infrastructure
· Ministry of Works and Transport - Planned sod-turning for the highway from San Fernando to Point Fortin on January 26, 2011. This highway was promised ad nauseam by the PNM regime from 2002 to 2010. The highway to Point Fortin will lead to greater economic development and the creation of new economic space in the South West peninsula.
· Ministry of Works and Transport – Planned construction of four Licensing Offices throughout the country.
· Ministry of Works and Transport - Commenced work on the St Helena Bypass Road Project.
· Ministry of Works and Transport - Implemented new traffic scheme for the Endeavour Interchange.
· Ministry of Works and Transport – opened up the Priority Bus Route to allow all private registered vehicles carrying a minimum of three persons to have access to the PBR between specified hours.
· Ministry of Local Government – Completed road works at Warner Street, St Augustine, Clarence Street / Panka Street, St James, Nairn Avenue, South Cocoyea and Naparima / Mayaro Road, Ravine Road, Bird Street, Diego Martin and Moreau Road, San Juan.
· Ministry of Local Government - Continued the Market programme which includes the construction of the San Juan Market. The sod was turned for the San Juan market by the UNC in its last term in Government but little or nothing was done in the last 8 years by the PNM.
· Ministry of Local Government - Completed a Recreation Facility at Sixth Company, Moruga.
· Ministry of Local Government - Completed Play Parks at Samaan Drive and Lime Boulevard Santa Rosa; Emperor Boulevard, Bon Air, Nairn Avenue and West Park, South Cocoyea.
· Ministry of Public Utilities - Wiring of 500 houses completed at a cost of $6.17 million. 12 water pipeline projects under the NSDP completed at a cost of $3.24 million. 4 community electrification projects have been completed at a cost of $176,000 with 10 community recreation grounds lit at a cost of $7.5 million. 70 sanitary plumbing projects completed at $.33 million.
· Commenced work on the rehabilitation of the Navet trunk main – 29 km of water main that is the main conduit serving south and central Trinidad. This was promised by the PNM five years ago and never implemented.
· Occupied Tower C of the International Financial Centre. This building that is part of the waterfront complex was largely underutilized prior to May 24 2010. This move reduces the Government’s rental bill and saves tax payers money.
Positioning for the Global Economic Environment
· Facilitated the simplification of the process for the application and granting of Visas to travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj. Prior to this intervention, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago desirous of attending Hajj in Saudi Arabia, had to travel to Caracas to make Visa arrangements.
· Participated in the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly; the United Nations High Level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and the Summit of the Alliance of Small Island States, New York. This set the stage for the Draft Resolution on ‘Women, Disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control’, which was co-sponsored by fifty one (51) states.
· Provided direct assistance to countries in the Caribbean impacted by hurricane Tomas. In this regard, the Prime Minister led a relief effort to St Lucia.
· Participated in the Commonwealth Economic Partnership Forum (delegation led by the Honourable Prime Minister and including the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs), during the period 12 to 15 October 2010, London, United Kingdom
$1m fine, 20 years for human traffickers
Sandy pilots new bill
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_1m ... 19969.html
Story Created: Apr 8, 2011 at 11:55 PM ECT
Story Updated: Apr 8, 2011 at 11:55 PM ECT
People found guilty of trafficking a child will face a "minimum" fine of $1 million and imprisonment for 20 years.
Trafficking an adult would attract a $500,000 minimum fine and imprisonment for 15 years. These penalties will also apply to those who incite, organise or direct another person to traffic.
These are among the penalties outlined by National Security Minister John Sandy as he piloted the Trafficking of Persons Bill in the House of Representatives, Port of Spain, yesterday.
The minister said Government was not going to turn a blind eye to the corporations involved in trafficking. They would face a penalty of $5 million and the individuals of the company would also be liable separately.
The court would also be empowered to impose additional penalties such as forfeiture of assets and properties, revocation of licences, winding up and prohibition against performing any further activities, he added.
Where a person who is convicted of trafficking in children had sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 12 years, the court can impose a term of imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life, Sandy said.
A trafficker's property can be forfeited, he noted. Those who knowingly receive benefits from trafficking in persons would be fined $400,000 and 15 years imprisonment and for trafficking in children, $500,000 and 20 years imprisonment, Sandy said.
Those who take away the victim's travel and identification documents will be fined $350,000 and imprisonment for 12 years.
Sandy said under the bill the court could also order compensation to be paid to the victim by the person convicted or out of the proceeds of any property forfeited.
Sandy said victims of trafficking were forced to work as prostitutes, strippers, drug mules, smugglers, child soldiers, many are used for pornography.
He said trafficking which was similar to kidnapping, often led to other areas of criminal activity, including rape.
He said with respect to adults, there were three primary elements to the offence of trafficking in persons—the act, means and purpose. With a child, there is no need to prove the means.
He defined the act as the recruitment, transportation, harbouring, transfer or receipt of the person. He defined the means as threat, use of force, coercion, fraud, deception, abuse of power or giving payment or benefits to a person in control of the victim.
"For example, many prey on vulnerabilities by creating ruses that involve promises of marriage, employment, educational opportunities or a better life," Sandy noted.
"We know of instances where women are brought from the South American mainland to Trinidad and Tobago. They are offered jobs and when they get on broad the vessel, their passports are taken away from them and they never see them again. And they are put into other areas of employment not dignified for their own qualifications," he added.
The purpose, Sandy said, refers to why the act of trafficking is done —exploitation.
"Trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where persons are lured for purposes including, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery and even the removal of organs (such as kidneys and eyes), he noted.
He said the support structure for this activity included institutions such as hotels and motels, massage parlours, landlords, recruitment agencies, taxi services and transportation companies and banks and other financial services companies.
5% AND HOMES
PSA, Govt seal deal
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/5__ ... 20034.html
Story Created: Apr 8, 2011 at 11:55 PM ECT
Story Updated: Apr 8, 2011 at 11:55 PM ECT
A place to call home.
The Government has agreed to give houses to public servants who meet the requirements under the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) housing programme.
This was the point underpinning the agreement yesterday between the Public Services Association (PSA) and the Government.
While the Government stuck to its five per cent offer, it was able to negotiate other incentives with PSA head Watson Duke to improve the quality of life of over 35,000 public servants.
These incentives are:
• a million-dollar health benefit plan where there is full coverage for the employee and his/her family members
• a review in the distribution in terms of contributions from 50/50 to an arrangement where the employee pays less
• a death benefit that is yet to be worked out
• a commitment that job evaluations will commence in three months and be completed in one year.
The agreement comes after heated protests and public demonstrations from the PSA over the past months.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar returned from Washington, DC, USA, yesterday morning and upon her arrival, said she had two important meetings to attend —the first with President George Maxwell Richards on a new chairman for the Police Service Commission, and the meeting with the PSA at her office.
Following her meeting with the President, Persad-Bissessar went immediately into a meeting with the PSA.
Good news followed.
Persad-Bissessar said a peaceful industrial climate will help the Government in its thrust to woo international investors.
"It paves a way for a more peaceful phase of industrial relations in the country, which is very vital because whilst we are going on our mission abroad...and people are very excited, they want to come in and invest in Trinidad and Tobago; (if) the industrial relations climate is unstable, then they will be reluctant to come," she said, describing the day as an historic one.
Questioned on how the allocation for housing will work as there is already a waiting list with thousands, Persad-Bissessar said a percentage will be worked out to give public servants special allocation for housing as is the case with the protective services.
Duke, who signed the agreement papers in the presence of the media, said the PSA "has come to a pause to a very long and tedious journey".
"The icing on the cake really, today, is a document that we have and that will be signed as early as in the first week of May where we will be partnering with the Housing Development Corporation and perhaps the other relevant agencies, land agencies, for us to partner with the Government to ensure that every single public servant owns a home," said Duke.
He said the PSA settled at five per cent but the substance of what was achieved through other incentives was priceless.
"These are all things that one can't place a percentage on; it's like a MasterCard advertisement, it's priceless," he said.
He said he does not think public servants would be vexed over the agreement as it works out in their benefit.
"I think that these are some things that persons will sleep on tonight. They will rejoice from tomorrow, rejoice Sunday with it, and they will come next week looking for this PSA to thank us," he said.
He stressed, however, there are other issues the PSA has pending with the Government and those talks will continue.
Finance Minister Winston Dookeran, who was the main target of angry public servants, said yesterday he was happy and felt a sense of relief for employees.
"I know it is one step to many steps that we have to take over the years to put things in place for sustain able industrial peace in the country," he said.
Labour Minister Errol McLeod said his core function is to build productive relationships between employer and employee, and he hoped that such a productive relationship is built with others as it was with the PSA.
Questioned on the mounting pressure from other unions such as Natuc, Persad-Bissessar said, "One day at a time...nothing is impossible."
Hats off to you, Gibbs
AG thanks top cop for reducing murder toll and arresting crime
By Joel Julien joel.julien@trinidadexpress.com
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Hat ... 26829.html
Story Created: May 4, 2011 at 12:03 AM ECT
Story Updated: May 4, 2011 at 12:03 AM ECT
TOP COP Dwayne Gibbs yesterday received two thumbs up from Attorney General Anand Ramlogan for his role in managing this country's murder toll.
Minister in the Ministry of National Security Subhas Panday yesterday said statistics have shown that there has been a decline in this country's murder toll, as compared to the same period last year.
Panday said 167 murders were recorded up to May 2 last year, and for the comparative period this year there have been 30 fewer homicides.
According to the Express tally, the murder toll is currently 135, as compared to 173 for the same period last year.
"We feel we are on the right track," Panday said, as he addressed the Senate in the Red House, Port of Spain, yesterday.
Panday referred to several initiatives, including the decision to replace police stations in the Western Division with ten patrolling police cars, as reasons for the decrease in crime.
"This government is working on reducing crime with innovative methods," Panday said.
He said the patrolling police cars will be extended to the other eight police divisions.
Panday made the statements as he contributed to the Anti-Gang Bill in the Senate yesterday.
Ramlogan thanked Gibbs and his executive for their role in reducing the murder toll and getting a handle on crime.
"We can't change what we inherited overnight," Ramlogan said.
However, he described the declining comparative murder toll as a "glimmer of hope" and "a moment for quiet optimism".
"We are not saying that you (citizens) are safe. We are not saying that criminal gangs no longer roam the streets and have people in their homes barricaded," Ramlogan said.
"We are a government, through our policies and programmes, we are seeing a light at the end of our tunnel," he said.
"I will like to compliment and congratulate the Commissioner of Police. Hats off to you, Commissioner Gibbs," Ramlogan said.
Ramlogan's positive review of Gibbs's performance so far comes at a time when the recently appointed chairman of the Police Service Commission, Prof Ramesh Deosaran, has signalled his intention to review Gibbs's tenure at the helm of the Police Service.
Canadian Gibbs and his countryman, Deputy Police Commissioner Jack Ewatski, received their letters of appointment from former PSC chairman Nizam Mohammed on September 20 last year.
Ramlogan also congratulated Ewatski, outgoing Deputy Commissioner of Police Raymond Craig, his replacement Mervyn Richardson, and Stephen Williams for their roles in combatting crime.
Ramlogan said the Government has made mistakes, including the appointment of Reshmi Ramnarine as the head of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), but was not too big to apologise.
UML wrote:in case u missed it/me!!
Schengen visa to be waived
http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,138556.html
Friday, April 8 2011
A government request for a three-month waiver of the Schengen visa for Trinidad and Tobago nationals to travel to 25 European countries is expected to be approved by the European Union before year end.
Speaking with the Newsday, head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Trinidad and Tobago, Charge d’Affaires Stelios Christopoulos said the request submitted by Government has met the requirement for waiver.
“It is solid enough to be included in the new European Union regulations which would take effect by year end,” Christopoulos said. He said the European Commission has accepted the request and will put it to the European Union Council of Ministers and the European Parliament for approval.
Once approved, he said Trinidad and Tobago citizens would be able to travel without the Schengen visa to member countries of the Schengen zone for a period of three months for business travel or tourism purposes.
We brought extreme amounts of fun and colour to the World Cup 
tr1ad wrote:RASC
no mention of the chopper flight to visit the farmerswhen a simple convoy down the highway would have sufficed?
RASC wrote:Trinis really behaved themselves in '06
Great Stuff!
RASC wrote:tr1ad wrote:RASC
no mention of the chopper flight to visit the farmerswhen a simple convoy down the highway would have sufficed?
Eh heh....is so she rolling now?
Chopper to meet farmers, not CEO's yuh kno, not other ppl with their own choppers...but poor man farmer. To shock and awe...Another PR campaign +Monies wasted
PTSC setting the pace
Kamla impressed:
By Carolyn Kissoon South Bureau
Story Created: May 8, 2011 at 10:41 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 8, 2011 at 10:41 PM ECT
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she was impressed by the Public Transport Service Corporation's ability to roll out bus services throughout rural communities in Trinidad and Tobago.
Persad-Bissessar was addressing residents of Penal and Siparia on Friday as she launched a new bus service in the communities.
The ceremony was held at the Penal Community Centre, Ali Avenue, Penal.
Minister of Works and Transport Jack Warner, Minister in the Ministry of Works and Transport Stacy Roopnarine and Minister of Housing Dr Roodal Moonilal attended the function.
Warner said 20 bus drivers were recruited from among residents in surrounding communities.
Persad-Bissessar said, "Each time we come to you, it will be to deliver better things to you and this launch and the roll out of this much-needed bus service from PTSC is timely and in keeping with the many positive initiatives which my administration has been able to deliver in these 12 short months."
She said PTSC was setting a pace for all other State boards to follow.
The new bus service was introduced to Siparia, Oropouche West, Oropouche East and Fyzabad.
"This event today, which introduces new bus services to the constituencies, is long awaited by the citizens of these areas and will certainly eradicate the hassle which they had to put up with for many years. The people of Siparia, Quinam Rock Road, San Francique, Massahood Junction, Morne Diablo and Barrackpore will benefit from these services.
"The children of these areas can now have reliable transportation to go to school and the mothers and fathers can get to and from work on time and at an affordable cost," she said.
Persad-Bissessar said rural areas with a regular bus service included Wallerfield, Piarco, Arima, La Sieva, Tamana and Talparo.
Persad-Bissessar said her Government's mission was to have people park their cars at home and enjoy the PTSC experience, making the gridlock on Highways and roadways a thing of the past.
Crown Point airport to be renamed after Robinson
By Joel Julien joel.julien@trinidadexpress.com
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Cro ... 44434.html
Story Created: May 9, 2011 at 11:52 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 9, 2011 at 11:52 PM ECT
THE CROWN POINT International Airport in Tobago will be renamed the Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson Airport, in honour of this country's first prime minister and president from the sister isle.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday said that Cabinet has taken the decision to rename the airport in order to honour the contribution Robinson has made to the country. The airport will be renamed during a visit to the island next week.
Robinson, born on December 16, 1926 in Calder Hall in Tobago, was this country's third Prime Minister serving in that position from 18 December 1986 to 17 December 1991.
Robinson, who was shot during the 1990 attempted coup, was the first active politician to be selected as President.
Robinson served as President from 19 March 1997 to 17 March 2003.
Persad-Bissessar's introduction to politics was under the leadership of Robinson in the National Alliance for Reconstruction.
In 1987, Persad-Bissessar entered the political arena and served as alderman for St Patrick County Council until 1991.
Apart from the renaming of the Tobago airport Persad-Bissessar also named a list of other gifts for the sister isle. Persad-Bissessar said during the visit to Tobago she will turn sod for the construction of an integrated campus as well as deliver laptops to Form One pupils. Cabinet will also hold its weekly meeting in Tobago on May 19.
Barriers go up along highway
By Sue-Ann Wayow South Bureau
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Bar ... 44399.html
Story Created: May 9, 2011 at 11:52 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 9, 2011 at 11:52 PM ECT
THE installation of the long-awaited cable barriers began yesterday near the Claxton Bay overpass, long considered one of the most dangerous areas of the Solomon Hochoy Highway.
The barrier construction began more than three months after they were initially promised.
The cable barriers — meant to prevent vehicles from crossing the median along the Solomon Hochoy Highway — will begin on Monday.
Roger Ganesh, Director of Highways in the Ministry of Works and Transport, said the signed contract for the project was given to the contractor by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Cheryl Blackman last Wednesday.
Ganesh said he was relieved that the work actually began. The barriers will be placed along three kilometres of the highway in length on both sides, Ganesh said, but it will not stop accidents from taking place because drivers may still not abide by the law.
"Now the barriers would protect the innocent and the ones who drive safely on the roads, so basically, we are doing that to ensure that we do it properly."
Ganesh said the work was expected to be completed within two months by local contractor Unisure.
"The pilot project will be observed to see how well the barriers stand up. It will be supervised by the international suppliers of the barriers which is an American company."
Ganesh said the company was certified with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
"They will ensure that the local agents are doing the installation according to international standards."
There have been at least 11 fatalities along the Solomon Hochoy and Uriah Butler Highways this year as a result of vehicles crossing the median and into oncoming traffic.
Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner had apologised for the deaths and criticised his ministry for the delay. The pilot project will cost $3 million.
And in 13 locations along the Uriah Butler and Solomon Hochoy Highways police surveillance bays are being constructed along the highways' medians. Cable barriers will also be constructed along these bays, Ganesh said. He said it was a joint project between the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of National Security.
silvyrsurfyr wrote:psst! UML
dey find Calder Hart
silvyrsurfyr wrote:psst! UML
dey find Calder Hart
Return to “Ole talk and more Ole talk”
Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot] and 77 guests
