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mrtrini45 wrote:shotta 20 wrote:1UZFE wrote:we doh wah no Indian prime minister"
http://forums.trinituner.com/upload/dat ... 214010.jpg
Seeing dem racial fackers...then they quick to turn around the stories.
so true just leave them
UML wrote:Rory Phoulorie wrote:This Government has prequalified a foreign used engine dealer from Cocoyea to build bridges on the highway network system. The "contractor" did not get prequalified through the bonafide channels, but was slipped in through the back door by the higher powers that be in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Thankfully, he was not awarded any bridge construction contracts in the first batch that was tendered. Hopefully, he will not be awarded any at all in the subsequent batches.
I wonder what the PP supporters have to say about this?
so wahs d problem...he get it? or he didnt get it?
damned if u do damned if u dont!!Rory Phoulorie wrote:I need to buy an asphalt plant and spreading equipment. Wait! Under this Government people getting road paving contracts without a single piece of equipment, unless you count a new Nissan Navara as construction equipment.
State owned organisations like Community Improvement Services Limited overseeing paving works in north Trinidad. They are not even using the latest Ministry of Works and Infrastructure road construction specifications for the works that they are undertaking. No proper engineering design of the overlays. No proper surface preparation. No proper quality control whatsoever over what the contractors are doing. Tax-payers' money down the drain. But the roads looking black, so some people will be fooled.
clearly u dont live in trinidad cause u eh know how they pave road here
what is this latest technology or development you speak of....getting wasa not to dig up after dey pave?
so the 50 yrs the pnm was in govt and enshrined and developed poor culture and practises....was there quality controls? or you want it now!!! oh wait...ah know wah u going to say...we voted them out we wanted change.
taxpayers money wasnt being waste on big flags churches calder hart pocket lara stadium orchestra tall buildings etc?Rory Phoulorie wrote:I prepared tender documents for repair works to primary schools during a July/August vacation period. Proper specifications, proper bill of quantities and proper drawings.
EFCL after having reviewed the documents told me that they were too complicated for the contractors that they use for this type of work. EFCL told me to simplify the documents. So, I reviewed everything and provided even more details on the scope of works. EFCL said it was still too complicated. So they sent me an example of one that they did. To build a new staircase in a school, this is EFCL's scope of work, "Build staircase from ground level to upper floor". No drawings, no specifications, only that one statement. With that, you will end up with poor quality work and, almost certainly, you will end up paying the contractor premium prices. More tax-payers' money down the drain and God alone knows how safe is the work that those contractors do. I sent back my "complicated" tender documents to EFCL. Not me and their foolishness.
ohhhh u eh get it so u toting
#towteetoting
zoom rader wrote:mrtrini45 wrote:shotta 20 wrote:1UZFE wrote:we doh wah no Indian prime minister"
Seeing dem racial fackers...then they quick to turn around the stories.
so true just leave them
I sure one ah dem is rfari In red
EU lifts visas for 19 countries in Pacific and Caribbean
The European Union has lifted visas on 19 countries in the Pacific and Caribbean zones amid growing frustration in Turkey, which has been waiting for years to acquire the right to visa-free travel to member countries.
The EU Council adopted a regulation amending the regulation listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement.
According to the amended regulation, nationals from Colombia, Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Peru, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu will be exempt from the visa requirement when travelling to the Schengen zone.
This exemption will come into force only when bilateral agreements on visa waivers between the union and the countries concerned have been concluded in order to ensure full reciprocity, according to a statement from the council.
Turkey signed a long-anticipated agreement with the EU late last year, refreshing hopes for new momentum in stalled bilateral relations between Ankara and Brussels.
The landmark agreement paves the way for EU governments to send back illegal immigrants crossing into Europe from Turkey in exchange for talks on visa-free travel for citizens of the country, which is a candidate for full membership.
In addition to the Readmission Agreement, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström also signed an accord to enter into discussions on waiving visa requirements for Turks visiting Europe.
The EU wants Turkey to take back thousands of illegal migrants who have crossed its border into Greece, the EU’s eastern frontier. The deal foresees the lifting of visa restrictions within 3.5 years, but Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said at that time he hoped it could be done much sooner.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Defaul ... sCatID=351
Ramnarine sees US$9b inflow to energy sector in three years
By \\\\\ Carla Bridglal carla.bridglal@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jun 9, 2014 at 7:45 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 9, 2014 at 7:45 PM ECT
Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine is predicting a US$9 billion spend in the country’s energy sector over the next three years.
“In 2014 the forecasted capital expenditure for the energy sector is US$3.3 billion. In 2015 that figure is US$3.2 billion and in 2016 it is US$3 billion. The main actors in these numbers are BP, BG and Petrotrin. Most of that money is being spent to bring oil and gas to the surface and to market in a safe and efficient manner,” Ramnarine said in his address at the opening ceremony of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPETT) Energy Conference 2014 yesterday at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad), Port of Spain.
Ramnarine noted that traditionally 90 per cent of foreign direct investment is energy-related, which he attributed to increased investor confidence, particularly from the incumbent players BP, BG, BHP and EOG, as well as the “fiscal incentives that have been provided in every budget for the last four years”.
In the upcoming 2014/2015 fiscal year, Ramnarine said he intended to “look closely” at how the development of small pools of natural gas could be incentivised.
He added that 2018 will be significant one for the country as it pertains to the renewal of two very important contracts: Atlantic Train I and the BP domestic contract. Negotiations for these contract finalisations are already underway. Next year, he also noted that the BG / Chevron Base Gas Sales Contract with the National Gas Company expires.
“These are big contracts that impact the future of the country. We don’t intend to make decisions around these contracts without the benefit of a new natural gas master plan (for which a study has been commissioned),” he said.
He said there were already “signs of improvement” at Trinmar, where production has averaged over 23,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) for the last four months. He said Petrotrin’s flagship project (the Jubilee discovery) is expected to realise an incremental production of almost 7,000 bopd by 2018 with a total investment of TT$3.5 billion in the next four years.
Regarding maintenance works at the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, Ramnarine said the situation there must be “carefully considered”.
“In the last three years, from 2011 to 2014, 15 plants (have been) shut down for turnarounds, many of which were long overdue for maintenance. By contrast, during the five-year period from 2005-2010, seven plants were shut down for turnarounds. This placed an enormous demand on manpower and financial resources as well as contractor and materials logistics which adversely affected other asset integrity and maintenance measures. Over the last three years, (the company) has had to play catch up with the outstanding turnarounds. This has placed an enormous demand on manpower and financial resources as well as contractor and materials logistics which have adversely affected other asset integrity and maintenance measures,” he said.
He said because of this, several asset integrity initiatives have been developed and are in various stages of implementation, all aimed at improving asset availability and reliability, recovering Petrotrin’s proactive maintenance programmes and improving personnel competence level.
Table: Foreign Direct Investment in Trinidad and Tobago 2010-2013
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013
US$ million 549 1,831 2,453 1,713
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business ... 52541.html
Hyatt agrees to pay $334m to UDeCOTT
By By Asha Javeed asha.javeed@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jun 7, 2014 at 9:33 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 7, 2014 at 9:33 PM ECT
After a three-year-long arbitration, international hotel chain the Hyatt Corporation has signed an agreement to pay the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) $334 million which it owed to the State enterprise.
The multi-party agreement was signed last Thursday in Chicago, United States by three parties — UDeCOTT’s chief executive Kurt Ramlal, Rakesh Sarna, Executive Vice President, Group President – Americas for Hyatt Hotels and Shankar Bidaisee, a UDeCOTT director who is also chairman of the company’s Hyatt Committee.
However, according to the agreement signed, Hyatt expects that Finance Minister Larry Howai will first write a letter directing it to pay UDeCOTT the sums owed and confirming that UDeCOTT is the owner of the hotel.
“Promptly upon receipt by Hyatt of an executed copy of this agreement and Minister of Finance letter, Hyatt and UDeCOTT shall withdraw the claims and counterclaim relating to the arbitration,” the agreement stated.
Three years ago Hyatt Corporation, the manager of the Government-owned hotel on the Port of Spain Waterfront, initiated arbitration proceedings against UDeCOTT at the International Court of Arbitration for “multiple breaches” of its Hotel Management Agreement, which it signed in July 27, 2005.
Hyatt claimed that UDeCOTT’s transfer of its ownership interest and site (the property is leased from the Port Authority) to a subsidiary, the Port of Spain Waterfront Development Company Ltd (POSWDL) left it in doubt as to who was the rightful owner of some US$20 million in profits. Hyatt claimed it has been forced to place the funds in a separate account, pending resolution of this.
Hyatt had claimed that its ability to provide management services was “severely compromised”, as UDeCOTT has refused to approve plans for the completion of the hotel and related services such as the construction of an additional food and beverage outlet and retail space, the upgrade of infrastructure as well as the management of the parking garage next to the hotel.
POSWDL was not the only subsidiary company set up by UDeCOTT to manage its hotel business. UDeCOTT had also set up the International Waterfront Resources Ltd (IWRL) to staff the hotel.
In turn, UDeCOTT had counter claimed that Hyatt failed to pay distributions owed between 2008 and 2011 and Hyatt’s claim that it was unsure as to who the funds were entitled to was “misconceived”.
The arbitration was suspended last year for three parties—Hyatt, UDeCOTT and the Government—to work out a suitable multi-party agreement.
UDeCOTT and Hyatt then agreed to certain terms- that the government would provide a guarantee over the facility and that it would write to Hyatt stating that UDeCOTT was the rightful owner of the hotel. That settlement would have involved the grant of a guarantee by the government to the lenders in the Waterfront Project.
However, Howai had delayed a decision on the guarantee because he did not want to burden the Exchequer with additional debt.
Last Thursday’s agreement was executed without that guarantee.
“Hyatt acknowledged that it has been withholding Owner’s Remittance Amount since 27th August 2005. As of the date hereof, the total sum of Owner’s Remittance Amount, in accordance with the provisions of the Hotel Management Agreement is $334,825,703.19,” the agreement stated.
Hyatt committed to paying UDeCOTT sums owned within 120 days of signing of the agreement.
The parties also agreed to withdraw claims and counter claims from the International Chamber of Commerce.
Hyatt agreed to pay its costs and “reasonable” attorneys fees charged by UDeCOTT’s external counsel provided they do not exceed US$50,000.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Hya ... 60441.html
NALIS REOPENS ITS NEWLY RENOVATED AND EXPANDED SANGRE GRANDE PUBLIC LIBRARY
DATE: March 28, 2014
Burgesses of Sangre Grande and environs welcomed the reopening of NALIS’ Sangre Grande Public Library.The Official Reopening Ceremony was held on Tuesday March 25, 2014.
The library reopened its doors several months after it was closed for extensive upgrades.Situated at Brierley Street, Sangre Grande, this modern facility is specifically designed to meet the information and leisure needs of the community.
The newly renovated space now features a multipurpose room which will accommodate Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA), advance mathematics, chemistry, Spanish, ‘Youth Lit’ and other classes. The facility now has over 2000 square feet of additional usable space and makes available assistive technology for the visually challenged, an increased number of computers for the public’s use, a designated area for children and outdoor parking.
Dr the Honourable Rupert Griffith, Minister of Science and Technology and Member of Parliament (MP) for Toco/ Sangre Grande cut the ribbon of officially reopen the library. The minister reiterated the important role libraries play in developing individuals and communities and urged the students present to make full use of its resources.
Lucia Phillip, Executive Director, NALIS said, “ Libraries offer services and programmes for people at all literacy levels, preschoolers, students, homebound senior citizens, prisoners, homeless or impoverished individuals, and persons with physical or learning disabilities.” She added that, “Libraries rid us of fences that obstruct our vision and our ability to communicate and educate ourselves.”
Lorraine Heath, Councillor, Sangre North East who represented the Chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation at the ceremony also added her voice to the important role of libraries and attributes her own academic success to libraries.
The Sangre Grande Public Library’s opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.
http://www.nalis.gov.tt/AboutUs/MediaCe ... entID=1190
Valencia to get tourism centre
By Carla Bridglal
Story Created: Aug 7, 2011 at 11:42 PM ECT
Story Updated: Aug 7, 2011 at 11:42 PM ECT
The tourism sector in north-eastern Trinidad will be getting a boost as Cabinet has approved the construction of the $2.139 million Valencia Eco-Tourism Park.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Prime Minister's Office in St Clair on Thursday, Tourism Minister Dr Rupert Griffith outlined the plan's three phases, which will be the actual construction of the centre, a public awareness campaign, and a training programme for the residents of the Toco/Sangre Grande area.
The Visitors' Centre will have a cafeteria, craft shop to make and sell craft, along with washroom and changing facilities.
"As the entryway to Toco/Sangre Grande, there aren't any proper toilet facilities between Arima and Valencia. This centre will provide rest facilities for people, where people can also get tourism information guides and be able to engage tour guides," said the Minister.
Provisions will also be made for park-and-ride car park facilities, a children's playground, outdoor seating, a tourism park and vendor booths.
One of the aims is to also foster education on heritage and eco-conservation.
"The tourism park will showcase the flora and fauna of the area, which boasts over 100 species of local wildlife, including two very important, very endangered species — the pawi (piping-guan, a critically-threatened bird found only in Trinidad) and leatherback turtles," Griffith continued.
He made reference to photographs of people who sat on leatherback turtles as they came in to nest on local beaches and said there was a need for public awareness to change people's perceptions and behaviour.
He also said the centre will help to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for people in the area, developing skills and providing viable and sustainable employment.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Val ... 43043.html
$5M Costaatt campus coming to Grande
Published:
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Shaliza Hassanali
Text Size:
Tertiary Education Minister Fazal Karim
A $5 million College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of T&T (Costaatt) campus is set to officially open in Sangre Grande by month’s end. The campus, expected to be opened by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, will give an educational boost to communities stretching from Arima, Valencia, Toco, Mathura, Matelot, Cumuto, Tamana, Brazil, Manzanilla, Biche, Mayaro, Rio Claro and Guayaguayare. Tertiary Education Minister Fazal Karim on Thursday described the campus as a beacon of learning in the north east region, which will help improve access for students and adults wishing to pursue tertiary education. On January 23, the campus took in its first batch of 200 students. An estimated 1,000 students can be enrolled at the campus. It is anticipated that some 4,000 citizens will be able to access tertiary education through the campus by 2015. The opening of the campus has seen the creation of 20 administrative, 20 full-time faculty and 25 part-time faculty jobs.
Distance mode teaching
Some programmes currently offered include degrees in nursing and allied health, social work, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, library science, natural sciences, psychology and environmental management. The campus will be networked with other Costaatt campuses so that information will be available to its students. “We propose to have teaching by distance mode and blended learning. So what is taught at other campuses can be transmitted to the Sangre Grande campus by distance mode,” said Karim. To get the campus up and running, Karim said the shell of the old Ascot Cinema on the Eastern Main Road in Sangre Grande was first identified, leased and refurbished. Karim explained that approximately $5 million was spent in outfitting the building with furniture, air condition units, a library, administrative office and labs.
$2.5 million nursing lab
A state-of-the-art patient simulation laboratory which supports the nursing programme, has cost taxpayers $2.5 million. “Bearing in mind we have within the eastern area three hospitals—Arima, Sangre Grande and Mayaro—and a number of health centres which are earmarked to be opened longer hours by the Ministry of Health, this will respond to the vacancies for nurses,” the minister said. Costaatt, Karim said, will be partnering with the Eastern Regional Health Authority to provide instructions for nursing students we well. The building comprises 17,000 square feet and there are 14 instructional spaces, including ten general purpose classrooms, two computer labs including a fully outfitted Apple MacIntosh lab and a multi-purpose science laboratory. Karim explained that the campus will also be part of a Workforce Assessment Centre initiative under his ministry to help individuals who have the requisite skills but no certification.
Thousands underserved
Explaining that the leasing of the building will be temporary, since plans are in the pipeline to build a permanent campus, Karim explained that the campus is set to target students from 25 secondary schools in the region. Approximately 6,000 graduates who exited secondary schools over the last five years, Karim said, would have been underserved in terms of provision of tertiary education along with 59,000 working individuals whose highest educational attainment is either at primary or secondary level. Karim explained that a proposal for the development of the campus, which was undertaken by Costaatt in September of 2010 and revised in January 2011, showed that an estimated population of 120,000 people in the region are underserved in terms of provisions of tertiary education.
“We see this as an opportunity where people can move from welfare to workfare.”
Karim explained that students will not be inconvenienced in having to travel to a tertiary-level institution outside of the region, which will put an ease on their parents’ pockets. For T&T to move forward, Karim said, the country has to increase the focus on human and education development, inclusiveness, diversity and competitiveness. Karim explained that he has already spoke with Transport Minister Devant Maharaj in assisting the transportation of students from the outlined areas to the campus using a Public Transport Service Commission (PTSC) bus service. Karim said placement of graduates through the On the Job Training (OJT) programme was also being worked out. In the first instance, Karim said approximately 150 to 175 students will graduate. Given the capacity to increase enrolment to almost 1,000 students, it is expected that the site will potentially graduate approximately 200-250 students each year thereafter, Karim explained.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-02- ... ing-grande
Sangre Grande to get Tech/Voc Institute
Monday, March 31 2014
“Before the end of this calendar year, Trinidad and Tobago will welcome the first Technical Vocational Education and Training Institute in Sangre Grande.”
This was the announcement of Senator the Honourable Fazal Karim, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, speaking at a press conference on Friday with member of parliament for Toco/Sangre Grande, and Minister of Science and Technology, the Honourable Dr Rupert Griffith.
Both Ministers along with the Chairman of the MIC Institute of Technology, David Lee, toured several sites within the main Sangre Grande area, to identify possible facilities for the establishment of this premier institution. Karim stated there was no doubt about the evidence for his Government to expand opportunities and access to training programmes and facilities for youth wishing to pursue professions in technical vocational fields.
“We are hoping that the opening of the Technical Vocational Education and Training Institute will provide that need for skills training for persons who seek to obtain sustainable well-paying jobs,” said Karim.
This development will cater particularly to the youth within the area, who leave secondary school and seek sustainable employment opportunities. According to the MP for the area, Minister Griffith stated that “Toco/Sangre Grande is a growing area. There is a lot of potential for growth and development. Over the years there has been a lack of tertiary education and skills training facilities here...there is need for wider training particularly at the craft level within this area...residents inquire invariably on a daily basis on the issue of education and training; employment and housing.”
With its recent move to increase OJT stipends by 25 percent across the board, including persons holding CAPE, CSEC and TECVOC certification, Karim underscored this as a strategic measure that his Ministry has taken to provide vital linkages between the hands-on training accessed in technical vocational training programmes, as well as university education, and the tacit demands of the world-of-work.
Karim hopes that this proposal will be granted approval in time for classes to commence within the coming academic year for the new TECVOC Institute.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/politics/0,192690.html
eliteauto wrote:amazing how things announced are considered achievements before actual delivery, this whole thread is full of those
zoom rader wrote:eliteauto wrote:amazing how things announced are considered achievements before actual delivery, this whole thread is full of those
Yeah like project pride
eliteauto wrote:zoom rader wrote:eliteauto wrote:amazing how things announced are considered achievements before actual delivery, this whole thread is full of those
Yeah like project pride
relevance? Please show me in this thread said relevance Please
zoom rader wrote:eliteauto wrote:zoom rader wrote:eliteauto wrote:amazing how things announced are considered achievements before actual delivery, this whole thread is full of those
Yeah like project pride
relevance? Please show me in this thread said relevance Please
The PNM spend some 140 million on this and nothing to show for it.
UML wrote:IN ONLY FOUR YEARS!!!!!
eliteauto wrote:zoom rader wrote:eliteauto wrote:zoom rader wrote:eliteauto wrote:amazing how things announced are considered achievements before actual delivery, this whole thread is full of those
Yeah like project pride
relevance? Please show me in this thread said relevance Please
The PNM spend some 140 million on this and nothing to show for it.
Firstly you do know what relevance means right?
Secondly who's in Gov't now? What is the name of the thread?
Thirdly, the last 4 years of this Gov't term has been about what the PNM has done, even the May 24th celebration was about Rowley didn't the PNM already pay the price for incompetence?
Lemme hear you
shake d livin wake d dead wrote:that tourism park is one waste ah friggin time,d biggest eyesore it have entering grande is that centre.allyuh does figure big building does fool people???? what about the road up fishing pond,toco and environs...
get your head out of your arse
TTSEC, FIU join forces against money laundering
Published:
Monday, June 9, 2014
The three regulators in the financial sector, the T&T Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Central Bank have formalised an agreement on co-operation and information sharing. The aim is for greater co-ordination and co-operation to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of persons suspected of money laundering and terrorist financing as well as related criminal activity.
Issues which gave rise to the agreement included the absence of a formalised process for sharing information; the appearance of arbitrary and unauthorised requests for information; and concern surrounding confidential information and resulting liability.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) sets forth a statement of intent to establish a framework for exchange of information relating to their respective functions and duties. It is anticipated that co-operation will be achieved primarily through written requests, ongoing consultations, periodic meetings, training events and other practical arrangements.
At the formal signing of the agreement, TTSEC chairman Prof Patrick Watson said “the responsibility of the Commission to consult, co-operate with, provide information to the Financial Intelligence Unit arises from the co-operative functions pursuant to Section 19 of the SA 2012.” He added, “the circle is now complete since the three main regulators in the financial services sector now have formal agreements with each other and can therefore maximise all efforts to protect the financial consumers.”
Pursuant to Regulation 22 of the FIU regulations, the FIU may share or request financial information from agencies, authorities, and persons when co-operating and liaising pursuant to Section 16 of the FIUTTA. Director of the FIU, Susan Francois, said: “Co-operation and information exchange on the basis of reciprocity are critical building blocks in the foundation of effective supervision.
The signing of these MOUs, therefore, is an acknowledgement of the significance of maintaining and improving regulator to regulator communication and will ultimately improve across the board, exchange of information, thereby enhancing regulatory oversight of all supervised entities in Trinidad and Tobago.” In his remarks, the Governor of the Central Bank, Jwala Rambarran underscored that this “collaboration will develop a regulatory framework that offers protection, consistency and stability.”
“This alliance will certainly contribute to the detection and suppression of money laundering and terrorism financing activities in our economy and help to facilitate the provision of information to relevant authorities which are charged with the power to initiate legal action against those involved in criminal activities. This is an area in which we need to urgently strengthen our capabilities.”
This is the fifth agreement the TTSEC has signed and formalised since 2013 . In June 2013, the TTSEC became a full signatory to the IOSCO Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMoU) Concerning Consultation and Cooperation and the Exchange of Information and on January 6, 2014, a MoU with the Central Bank was formalised.
Both agreements represent a common understanding by the two authorities about how they will consult, co-operate, and exchange information for regulatory enforcement purposes. On January 8, a protocol was signed between the TTSEC and the Securities Dealers Association of T&T (SDATT) and on April 9, an agreement for the exchange of information and co-operation and consultation with the Caribbean Group of Securities Regulators (CGSR) came into force.
The latter agreement aims to facilitate mutual co-operation in the conduct of the regulatory and supervisory functions under the relevant securities laws, regulations and rules in the respective jurisdictions.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/business/2014 ... laundering
UTT Aligns with Apple for Training and Education
PRESS RELEASE
The University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT) has partnered with Apple Computer of Cupertino, California to become the first official Apple Authorized Training Center for Education (AATCE) in the Caribbean.
Apple Authorized Training Center for Education Programme
The Apple Authorized Training Center for Education (AATCE) programme provides unique benefits to schools that use Apple professional applications in their academic curriculum. The AATCE programme provides the opportunity for schools to offer students not only a proven curriculum, but also the additional benefit of Apple Certification. UTT now joins a network of over 700 Apple Authorized Training Centers worldwide.
Benefits to Students
Apple Certification can jump start students' futures and distinguish them as professional-level users of Apple's applications. Participation in the programme will allow UTT to offer high quality training on the same professional software currently used in television shows, films and recording studios. UTT’s students enrolled in the Certificate in Music Technology programme and Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Performing Arts programmes at the UTT John S. Donaldson Port-of-Spain Creativity Campus and the UTT Campus at NAPA respectively, will be among the first to take advantage of this unique opportunity. In the first course to be offered by UTT, students will test their mastery of Logic Pro X – Apple’s leading music production software suite. The course will be delivered by Martin Raymond – Programme Leader for Music Technology and the only Apple Certified Trainer in Logic Pro in the Caribbean region. UTT hopes to expand the programme to include training in all of Apple’s professional applications including Final Cut Pro, Motion and DVD Studio Pro while delivering short courses especially designed for teachers and other educators in the fields of Information Technology and the Creative Arts.
AATCE Programme Overview
The Logic Pro course will be delivered by Apple Certified Trainers who maintain Apple's highest quality standards. An AATCE incorporates Apple's curriculum into their existing, accredited curriculum and administers certification to their enrolled students and faculty. UTT has been approved to deliver both commercial and academic Pro Apps classes and Apple certification exams. As an authorised examination center, UTT will also be able to deliver certification exams for a wide range of Apple programmes, including IT, Creative and Productivity Applications.
About Apple
The values of quality, simplicity and innovation have made Apple one of the most exciting and valuable brands in the world today. These values are present in all aspects of the brand, from product design to customer service and training. Apple has an incredible history of creating innovative products, notably the Mac, iPod, and iPhone. Business Week magazine recently ranked Apple number one in its “50 Most Innovative Companies” report, citing its ability to deliver “great consumer experience with outstanding design.” As an Entrepreneurial University, UTT is proud to partner with this world leader of innovation and design.
https://www.facebook.com/CCNTV6?hc_location=stream
Don’t attack police
Concerned PM urges citizens:
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Jun 12, 2014 at 3:29 AM ECT
Story Updated: Jun 12, 2014 at 3:29 AM ECT
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday expressed concern over the number of police killings but urged citizens to not jump to conclusions and attack the police as they are honourable men and women who put their lives on the line to protect and serve.
She was speaking at the opening of a new $39 million Piarco Police Station where she observed there was heated debate with respect to police killings.
Twenty-six persons have been killed by the police for the year to date, the latest being cousins Kevin Alexander, 15 and Hakeem Alexander, 16, a Carifta Games medallist.
The Prime Minister said rogue cops will not be tolerated in the Police Service and if there is evidence against any officer as it relates to police killings, he or she will face the full brunt of the law.
“Where there are allegations of injustice by the Police Service, an independent and proper investigation must be conducted and should there be any evidence of guilt, those officers, those offenders will face the full brunt of the law. We will not tolerate rogue officers and they must be stamped out wherever they are found,” said Persad-Bissessar.
The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) and other agencies, she said, have their work cut out.
“Having said that I ask that we do not jump to conclusions, I have read with concern in more than passing interest of the number of people shot and some killed by police officers. It troubles me to think of anyone, no matter how misguided and cruel, losing their lives regardless of how justified it might have been. It is tragic,” said Persad-Bissessar.
She pointed out she has not seen in the media a list of the number of police officers who were wounded or killed while on duty.
Persad-Bissessar said she was informed there were about 63 male and female officers who were victims of shooting with intent, and wounding, and some were killed in the last two years.
She noted a newspaper reported where a police officer was quoted as saying, “They can shoot at me but I am going home alive to my wife tonight.”
“That is a grave poignant reminder that our police officers are family members too, they face daily a disturbing level of violence and brutality,” said Persad-Bissessar.
“In the morning they kiss their wives or husbands as the case may be, their children, their mothers and fathers, they say goodbye, they hope to come home safely every single day and night,” she continued.
“Today I ask you to pay tribute to those men and women in uniform who protect and serve and defend us as citizens,” she added.
The Prime Minister said policing was a noble profession as officers have a duty to protect the people 24 hours a day and they have been working hard making drug busts, arrests and tackling robberies.
Persad-Bissessar said people forget the noble acts of the police.
“Sometimes they sit in their patrol cars and allow a tired driver half hour, 45 minutes rest, preventing what could have resulted in (an) accident caused by a driver falling asleep at the wheel,” said Persad-Bissessar.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Don ... 25531.html
desifemlove wrote:Police stations.....ent that like praising Bermudez for making biscuits....or Coca-Cola for making Coke and Sprite.....Governments shouldn't be judged by routine/core operations...
desifemlove wrote:Police stations.....ent that like praising Bermudez for making biscuits....or Coca-Cola for making Coke and Sprite.....Governments shouldn't be judged by routine/core operations...
T&T sixth largest FDI recipient in region in 2013
Published:
Thursday, June 12, 2014
ALEEM KHAN
T&T received the sixth largest inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in 2013, according to a UN ECLAC Briefing Paper released late May. On the flip side (outward FDI), T&T was the largest foreign investor in the Caribbean, registering US$603 million in the first three quarters.
St Vincent and the Grenadines topped the list (see chart) of recipients of FDI as a percentage of GDP, followed by St Kitts and Nevis, Panama, Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada.
In 2013, the paper said, T&T was in receipt of US$1.922 billion in FDI for the first three quarters of the year. The figure could have been higher than the previous year's US$2.453 billion, but the Central Statistical Office (CSO) did not provide updated data - a problem only two countries in LAC had - Venezuela & T&T.
“A third of FDI flowing into the region comes to Brazil, and 80 per cent of flows are concentrated in the six largest economies, but the impact of transnational corporations is larger in smaller economies,” ECLAC said. To put the numbers in perspective, therefore, the ratio of FDI inflows to GDP is what ECLAC used to show the relevance of FDI across the region in 2013.
“The ratio is, generally speaking, much higher in smaller economies, but there are some medium-size economies, such as Panama, Chile or the Plurinational State of Bolivia, where FDI inflows were very significant last year— in excess of 6 per cent of GDP,” the paper said.
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http://www.guardian.co.tt/business-guar ... egion-2013
Moody's estimates T&T's GDP per capita to climb to US$23,386 in 2015
http://digital.guardian.co.tt/?iid=9393 ... #folio=132
Ramnarine endorses Moody’s energy forecast
Published:
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
A forecast by ratings agency Moody’s that the energy sector will continue to provide T&T with high income levels into the future, is an accurate picture, says Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine. Commenting on Moody’s April 14 assessment of the T&T economy. the minster said the energy sector “has demonstrated resilience in the face of external shocks and one where exploration and production activity has significantly rebounded”.
“I expect the level of exploration and production activity to remain high for the remainder the decade given that we have signed 12 production sharing contracts and three licenses for exploration and production in the last three years and more will be signed in 2014,” he saiid Moody’s re-affirmation of the country’s sovereign rating is predicated on “high income levels, driven by the large and diversified energy sector”.
Raminarine said he agrees with that assessment based on his ministry’s forecast for oil and natural gas production to the year 2025. He said the ratings agency’s expectation of “renewed investment in exploration and commercialization activities, particularly upstream gas projects, to invigorate the energy sector” is also supported by the ministry.
Moody’s added that an upgrade of the country’s sovereign credit rating could result as a consequence of “increased foreign investment in oil/natural gas exploration and commercialisation activity that substantially boosts hydrocarbon output”. Ramnarine, in a lecture delivered recently at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, noted that in 2012 the energy sector recorded $US 2.3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI)—the highest in the sector’s history.
He said based on data collected by the Energy Ministry, this year’s capital expenditure in the energy sector is forecasted to be US$3.3 billion; in 2015 US$3.2 billion; and in 2016 US$3.0 billion. The majority of this forecasted capital expenditure will be spent on the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. The companies with the largest capital outlays in this period (2014 to 2016) include BP, BG, BHP and Petrotrin.
The minister said Moody’s observation that T&T has so far mitigated the impact of the shale gas revolution by “progress in diversifying LNG exports to markets beyond the US” is supported by data from the ministry’s LNG division.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/letters/2014- ... y-forecast
Moody’s maintains T&T’s credit rating
High income levels...
Story Created: Apr 21, 2014 at 7:46 PM ECT
Story Updated: Apr 21, 2014 at 7:46 PM ECT
Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s Baa1 sovereign credit rating based on relatively high income levels, driven by the country’s large and diversified energy sector, Finance Minister Larry Howai said in a release yesterday.
Howai said Moody’s also based its evaluation on the expansion of the economy which, the analysts identified, was mainly due to the performance of the non-energy sector, given the significant maintenance work that had to be done in the energy sector over the past year.
This expansion, Howai said, had been driven, to a large extent, by an aggressive fiscal stimulus programme which was complemented by an accommodative monetary policy stance.
The Moody’s report stated the T&T economy was expected to maintain a positive momentum into 2014, and forecast growth of 2.9 per cent in 2014, “further picking up to 3.2 per cent in 2015, driven by increased exploration activity and foreign investment in the energy sector, as well as, public infrastructure projects”.
Moody’s noted, too, “the sovereign credit profile also benefits from a moderate and affordable debt burden and a very strong external position anchored by a sizeable foreign exchange reserves buffer”.
The organisation classified Trinidad and Tobago’s strength as “Very High” due to its relatively moderate debt burden and comparatively high debt affordability.
Moody’s cited the Government’s balance sheet, which includes the country’s Heritage and Stabilisation Fund, as “a core financial institution to manage oil sector revenues” that has accumulated a balance in excess of 20 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, and was one of the factors that had contributed to the reaffirmation of the positive credit rating, Howai said.
The minister said the rating confirmation underlined “the success of the continuing efforts of the Government to improve the quality of life for citizens, transform the economy, create new jobs and provide improved services without deteriorating the country’s fiscal metrics”.
Regarding the downside risks identified by Moody’s, Howai said: “I am fully cognizant of the issues raised by Moody’s on the fact that the economy remains highly dependent on the energy sector and the existence of infrastructure deficiencies as well as competitiveness challenges. We have commenced the process of bringing the fiscal accounts into balance and will close that gap further this year. In addition, we continue to focus on the deficiencies in our physical infrastructure as well as on the creation of a well diversified, knowledge-based economy.
“As such, we continue our programme of physical upgrades to the nation’s infrastructure and are in aggressive pursuit of a portfolio of structural reforms that preserve fiscal sustainability, promote business competitiveness and provide appropriately supportive regulatory environments.”
He said, regarding the latter, the Government has prioritised a number of structural reforms to foster economic growth and promote economic diversification and business competitiveness.
The Government’s structural reform agenda has revolved around pension reform, doing business reform, public debt and cash management, investment promotion and the development of special economic zones, institutionalising public private partnerships and a national broadband strategy, he said.
Moody’s Investors Service’s assessment of the performance of the Trinidad and Tobago economy was conducted at the beginning of this month.
Moody’s Investors Service is an international agency that provides credit ratings, research and risk analysis to its clients.
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