January 6, 2017: Yesterday's (January 5, 2017) talks at the offices of the Ministry of Labour were called by the Minister of Labour at the conclusion of the last conciliation meeting on 2017, Tuesday January 03.

The meeting was called with the two negotiating teams from the Company and the Union which are and have been led for this entire process by the Vice President Human Resources and Corporate Services of Petrotrin and the President General of the OWTU.

At the start of today's meeting the Minister contacted Petrotrin's President and requested his attendance when certain matters were being discussed. It was mutually agreed that at the continuation of the meeting at 8.00 a.m. Friday January 6, 2017 that Mr. Harewood would attend and participate in the discussions.

Corporate Communications Department

Petrotrin

January 6, 2017: The Ministry of Works and Transport wishes to advise the public that 2016 Priority Bus Route passes held by Maxi Taxi Drivers have been extended for use until Friday January 13, 2017.

Holders of permits are reminded that in order to avoid fines, they must continually abide by all of the conditions that govern its use.

The Ministry thanks the public for its usual cooperation.

Please be guided accordingly.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Works and Transport

868-625-1225 Ext. 10815

January 9, 2017: The Company and the Union continued its conciliation meetings under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Enterprise Development at the offices of the Ministry of Labour and Enterprise Development, Tower C, Port of Spain.

The meetings commenced at 10:00 a.m. (Sunday, 2017 January 08) and continued through to this morning Monday, 2017 January 09 including a two hour session at the Industrial Court from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. During the meetings the Company offered an interim payment of 3% for the three year agreements covering the period 2011 – 2014/2015 while the Union maintained their request for a 10% settlement for the same period with deferral of retroactive payments.

With respect to the three year agreements covering the period 2014 – 2017/2018 the union offered to withdraw strike action served for this period on the premise that a settlement for the previous period is achieved.

Despite the lengthy discussions and the ongoing intervention of the Minister of Labour and Enterprise Development, no agreement has been arrived at and the talks are continuing. The Company’s contingency plan for the impending strike for this period 2014-2018 has been activated and is expected to take effect from10:00 a.m. today (Monday, 2017 January 09).

In this context therefore the Company wishes to reassure the general public of the continuity and reliability of supply of refined products during this period.

Corporate Communications Department 2017

Petrotrin

January 09

January 9, 2017: The Minister of Labour and Small Enterprise Development, Senator the Honourable Jennifer Baptiste-Primus will address the Media at the Ministry’s Head Office, Level 6, Tower C, International Waterfront Centre at 12:30 p.m. today, Monday, January 9, 2017. A representative of your Media House is invited to cover this event.

On Sunday, January 8, 2017 the Minister of Labour met with representatives of the Executive of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) led by President General Ancel Roget and the negotiating Team of the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Petrotrin) led by President, Fitzroy Harewood, to continue conciliation talks between the two parties. These talks were adjourned at 4:30 p.m. to allow both parties made their way to the Industrial Court to continue conciliation proceedings on the collective bargaining period 2011- 2014-15.

Conciliation talks resumed at the Ministry of Labour shortly after 7:00 p.m. where the initial offer, which was presented to the Union of 0-0-0 was replaced with an “interim offer of 3%”. This offer was rejected by the OWTU. The Management of Petrotrin returned to the discussions with an improved offer of 5% and a mandate to conclude negotiations by February 28, 2017.
Discussions between the two parties are on-going.

Should you require any further information please contact the Communications Unit at communicationsmolsmed@gov.tt or 625-8478 Exts. 1203, 1316, 1208 or 1212.

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January 9, 2017: Students returned to their classrooms this morning as the Ministry of Education confirms the reopening of all schools. Over the last three weeks, the Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Educational Facilities Company Limited (EFCL), undertook repairs and maintenance projects to ensure the readiness of schools and a successful reopening for a new academic term.

The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education and his Executive team wish to sincerely thank all contractors, their workers and all other personnel who worked assiduously to ensure the successful completion of this Vacation Repair Programme.

Minister Garcia also took the opportunity to send a positive and encouraging message to teachers, students and parents for continued success, good health and happiness in 2017 and beyond, “Let the mixture of excitement, nervousness and confidence in a new year inspire us to work together. Believe in fresh-starts and new beginnings.  Believe in growth and potential and let us bring everyone together to empower our children for the betterment of our country”.

He also assured that the Ministry of Education remains focused on delivering quality education to all.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Education

January 10, 2016: Please be advised that the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, will address the Nation on Wednesday January 11 2017, at 8pm. 

For further information please contact:

The Office of the Prime Minister

868-622-1625

January 10, 2017: On January 9, 2017 the Caribbean Community Secretariat signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UN_Women to support the Community's work on gender and regional statistics.

January 11, 2017: We, the Ministers of Government of CARICOM Member States, gathered together at our Thirty-Ninth Meeting of the Community Council of Ministers, on January 9 -10, 2017 in Georgetown, Guyana, welcome the recent passing in the United States Congress, on December 13, 2016 of the US-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016 (H.R. 4939), which calls for a new long-term strategy to strengthen ties between the United States Government and the Caribbean region, and its signature into Public Law by President Barack Obama, on December 16, 2016;

2.        We note with satisfaction the overwhelming bipartisan support received in both Houses of Congress for the Act and thank its sponsors, Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, former Chair of the Committee, for their tireless efforts;

3.        We recognize that this Act is both timely and significant, and commend both Houses of Congress and the US Administration for this proactive and collaborative approach to engagement with the Caribbean region. We believe that the multi-year strategy mandated by this Act will engender increased interaction between the Caribbean and the United States, especially in the areas of security, trade, economic development, energy, education and diaspora engagement. We are keen to urgently advance dialogue on the specific interests of the Caribbean region;

4.        Being deeply appreciative of the Caribbean’s good working relationship with past US Administrations, we look forward to working with Congress and the Administration of President-elect Donald Trump on further strengthening US-Caribbean relations.

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January 11, 2017: Tobagonian artistes came together last Saturday (January 7) to celebrate the Queen of Calypso. 

Several performers made appearances in tribute to Calypso Rose, including the Mighty Shadow, Adana, Fya Empress, Giselle Washington and Nicole Thomas.

At the event, Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus, Secretary of Community Development and Culture, hailed Calypso Rose as a “living legend” and “cultural ambassador”.

“Calypso Rose has to be admired for what she represents.  Someone who was not limited by gender when she won the first Calypso ‘King’ Competition in Trinidad, in evidently what we knew as a man’s world,” Dr Tsoiafatt-Angus said.

“In fact, that year, 1978, in honour of her they changed it from the King to the Calypso Monarch.”

The venue was then filled with the unmistakable voice of musical icon Calypso Rose, as hundreds of patrons tapped their toes and sang along during a tribute concert to celebrate her career of over five decades, at the Shaw Park Complex.

For further information please contact:

The Department of Information

Office of the Chief Secretary

Tobago House of Assembly

868-639-3421

January 12, 2017: The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services distributed Temporary Food Cards and clothing items to five fire victims whose homes were recently destroyed by fire. The fire which took place on New Year’s morning at Building 55-57, Nelson Street, Port-of-Spain left fifteen residents’ homeless and one person dead.

The families were also advised of other grants and social support services available to them from the Ministry including psychosocial support and counselling from the National Family Services Division.

Kern Jemmott, Kwasi Morris, Sheldon Green, Jessen Dalrymple and John Absalom and their families all thanked the Honourable Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn, Minister of Social Development and Family Services, as well as the Ministry’s Executive and staff for their prompt action and assistance in their time of need.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications Unit

Ministry of Social Development and Family Services

868-623-2608; Ext 5405/5432 

January 12, 2017: The Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, the Honourable Darryl Smith, will deliver the opening remarks at the reopening of the Couva Community Swimming Pool at 11am on Saturday, January 14, 2017.

The Couva Community Swimming Pool is located at Railway Road, Couva and is one of six community swimming pools maintained by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs.  The pool facilitates public recreational swimming as well as beginner, intermediate and advanced Learn to Swim courses for swimming and lifesaving.

Having been closed for refurbishment, the facility is ready to reopen its doors to the public, who will now have the added benefit of extended opening hours in addition to access on weekends.

Those scheduled to attend the event include Mr. Rudranath Indarsingh, Member of Parliament for Couva South; The Honourable Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, Area Coordinator; Mr. Ramchand Rajbal Maraj, Councillor for the Electoral District of California/Pt. Lisas; Ms. Natasha Barrow, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and Mr. Wendell Lai Hing, President of the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

All media outlets are invited to cover this event.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications Unit

Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs

868-628-6792

January 12, 2017: The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government along with key stakeholders will begin the National Clean-Up Campaign in Diego Martin on Saturday 14th January, 2017 with a launch ceremony on the Foreshore at 9:00am followed by intensive clean-up activities being undertaken throughout the region over the weekend. Each Corporation will have its own launch in the coming weeks.

“We are overwhelmed by and profoundly grateful for the level of support we have received from the business community thus far, with many corporate citizens volunteering their services and equipment to conduct clean-up activities. And many people have already begun cleaning-up in their own properties and communities, which is encouraging more and more people to join in. The response thus far really shows that people want to step in and take control of their surroundings and give back to their communities. They are just looking for the guidance to do it,” said Minister Hosein.

This initiative was inspired by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley’s inaugural speech wherein he called for a restoration of the spirit of volunteerism and the building up of self-sufficiency among all citizens in our beloved nation. According to Minister Hosein, “At the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, we see this a step towards local government reform as it will empower each Corporation to create a clean-up plan directly tailored to the needs of its communities. And the community spirit arising out of the volunteerism in the National Clean-Up Campaign will improve relationships between communities and their local government representatives as they work alongside one another.”

As the National Clean-Up Campaign continues, Minister Hosein calls on all volunteers to join in, especially those corporate citizens who are able to lend support with the use of their backhoes, dump trucks, excavators, skid steer loaders and tractors. He said, “The corporate volunteers are essential in this clean-up, and we appeal to them to take a vested interest in their communities, to assist their families, friends and neighbours in improving and beautifying our surroundings.” The Campaign will target derelict vehicles, old tyres, overgrown and vacant lots, dilapidated structures, illegal billboards, bulk and white waste, and community drains across Trinidad and Tobago. Together we will create cleaner, healthier and safer communities. Let’s team up to clean up!

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For further information please contact:

The Communications Unit

Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

868-628-8285

January 12, 2017: The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education and a team of Ministry officials are continuing to meet with key education stakeholders to discuss matters pertaining to the Education system in Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister Garcia has so far met with the Catholic and Anglican Boards as well as the National Parent Teacher Association, and will continue to meet with several other stakeholders to discuss issues such as staffing, school repairs, curriculum and the National Test.

Minister Garcia said, “I am pleased to meet with our stakeholders. Our stakeholders are very important to us. We will not always see eye to eye on certain matters, but we must come together for the national good.”

During his meeting with executive members of the National Parent/Teacher Association (NPTA), Minister Garcia assured that he will continue to strengthen the Ministry’s partnerships with stakeholders in education.

NPTA President Zena Ramatali welcomed the Minister’s efforts to work together. She said, “We definitely share our passion for the nation’s children”. Among the topics discussed with the NPTA were the review of the National Test, feedback on the School Repair Programme and status on the completion of school buildings.  

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Education

868-478-2255

January 13, 2017: Paralympic Games Gold Medallist Akeem Stewart continues to earn praises for his consistency, as well as his silverware.

Secretary of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport Huey Cadette joined in commending Stewart on his additional achievements. “I want to extend congratulations to Mr. Akeem Stewart on his recent accomplishments of being named Sport Personality of the Year by the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and of course Individual of the Year by the Trinidad Express Newspapers”.

The Secretary said he was not surprised by the athlete’s accomplishments. Cadette said Stewart’s 2015 performances were signs of things to come and he is confident that Akeem will continue his success.

“We of course as a Division will continue to support him as he goes forward in pursuit of his dreams,” Cadette added.

For further information please contact:

The Department of Information

Office of the Chief Secretary

Tobago House of Assembly

868-639-3421 ext. 5019

January 15, 2017: With the National Clean-Up Campaign well into its second day in the Diego Martin region spanning from Chaguaramas/Point Cumana to Moka/Boissiere #2, Minister Kazim Hosein is already looking ahead to the upcoming launches in the remaining municipalities.

“The Diego Martin region showed us how great it is when communities come together out of a combined desire to clean up as well as improve community relationships. We have had so many volunteers, both residents and corporate Trinidad coming out for the past two days because they want to give back, and they want to make sure that there are improvements in their areas.”

The National Clean-Up Campaign continues with the City of Port of Spain, which will launch its effort on Saturday 21^st January 2017. “In anticipation of the continued success of this effort, we call on all volunteers, from contractors, to NGOs, community-based organizations like Rotary and Lions clubs, neighbourhood watch groups, schools, student groups, professionals, religious groups, football and cricket teams, sports clubs, Red Cross, Scouts, Girl Guides, Cadets, musicians…all groups, to mobilise. Come out and help to load the trucks, help neighbours clean-up their surroundings and in the process, deepen community relationships. We urge all people, when you see the trucks passing in your community, come out and help to load them. Get involved and support the National Clean-Up Campaign when we come to your region, borough or city so we can work together to create cleaner, healthier and safer communities.”

Minister Kazim Hosein noted the level of patriotism and community spirit displayed by the residents of Diego Martin and calls for a continuation of this enthusiasm and energy from the entire population as the National Clean-Up Campaign moves across the country.

Let’s Team Up to Clean Up!

For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government 

868-628-5187

January 16, 2017: The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education joined the Chaguanas Borough Corporation in celebrating World Hindi Day at the Chaguanas Borough Corporation at a function held on January 14, 2017.

Giving the feature address, Minister Garcia said that the Hindi language is influenced by many cultures and languages, with its roots embedded in Turkic, Arabic, Persian, Portuguese and the English languages. He said, “One can say that Hindi like our culture is truly diverse and unique in nature. Today we as a nation are happy to join with the people of India and all other nations who unity have preserved and taken the Hindi language forward, in celebrating and acknowledging World Hindi Day.”

Minister Garcia also spoke of the numerous contributions that the Hindu community has made towards the nations. He said, “We the government and citizens of our twin island Republic have sought preservation of Hindi through our various forms of Song and Prayer. Being the Minister of Education I am also proud to say that we have and continue to offer Hindi as a language at our CXC level of education in an effort to preserve its significance and facilitate exchange of culture, business and knowledge with our colleagues throughout the world.”

He also made special mention of all citizens who continue to maintain and preserve the country’s rich culture influenced by the Hindi language, and acknowledged the strong diplomatic relationship with the people of India. He said, “It is my wish that we continue to preserve and develop all aspects of the East Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago and the world at large.”

Also attending the event were the Deputy Mayor of Chaguanas, Faiz Mohammed,; His Excellency Ambassador of Argentina; His Excellency Bishwadip Dey, High Commissioner of India; Pundit Dr. Rampersad Parasram, Head of the Parasram School of Hinduism; Dr. Indrani Rampersad, President Arya Pratinidi Sabha, T&T and Dr. Deokinanan Sharma, President National Council of Indian Culture.

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For further information please contact: 

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Education

January 17, 2017: Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries on January 16 met with His Excellency Jules Bijl, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Trinidad and Tobago. The robust discussions centred on collaborations on the export opportunities for cocoa and cocoa products to the Netherlands; and the potential for the horticultural sector with youth involvement.

Senator Rambharat stated that ‘we need some help in our horticulture sector’; which led to discussions on possible Technical Assistance that can ‘focus on an evaluation of the local market; the varieties that will do well here; and how young people can grow and develop businesses in the sector’; this, since as the Minster shared,‘we have a project this year that is specific to Ornamentals, aimed at encouraging young people to get involved in the production of ornamentals and the establishment of plant rental businesses’;  all aimed at increasing local production and availability of supply.

His Excellency Bijl stated that ‘it is important for us both to know what each of our country is doing in the agriculture sector so we can see how we can help each other’. 

The Ministry will collaborate with the Dutch Embassy on two upcoming Seminars in February on the main topics of Potatoes (varieties, quality, phytosanitary requirements, etc.) and Cocoa. 

Also in attendance at the Meeting were Mrs. Angela Siew, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; Mrs. Yolande Agard-Simmons, Head – Communications and Events, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; and Mr. Linley Geeban, Trade/Consular Officer with the Dutch Embassy.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

January 17, 2017: The Ministry of Works and Transport would like to acknowledge the recent launch of Uber, a taxi service facilitated by the use of a smart phone application and the hire of privately owned vehicles.

While this service is known internationally, the local authorities are concerned over the legality of its operations within this jurisdiction.

A major concern of the Ministry of Works and Transport in the operation of Uber is whether private vehicles would be used for hire. The Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act provides that “no person shall drive on any road, a taxi registered as such, unless he is the holder of a taxi driver’s licence issued to him by the Licencing Authority under these regulations.”

When you travel with an authorised taxi, you are ensuring that the relevant checks and balances have taken place. Further, the use of a private vehicle for hire is contrary to its registration. The public is advised that no private vehicle should be used for hire.

The issue of insurance cannot be overlooked. Unauthorised vehicles may not have the necessary insurance coverage for all passengers. Therefore, using a vehicle contrary to its registration may have far reaching implications for the driver and passengers.

The Ministry of Works and Transport will be seeking legal advice to determine if the service can continue to operate within Trinidad and Tobago’s legislative framework.

In light of the above, the public is asked to exercise caution and due diligence.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Works and Transport

868-625-1225 Ext. 10815

January 17, 2017: The Ministry of National Security wishes to announce that the Committee charged with the responsibility of conducting the first manpower audit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has been established by the National Security Council chaired by the Honourable Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley.

Today, the seven committee members received their instruments of appointment and terms of reference, signed by the Honourable Prime Minister, from the Minister of National Security Major General (Ret’d) the Honourable Edmund Dillon.

The Manpower Audit Committee will be chaired by Professor Ramesh Deosaran, with the other members of the committee being:

Mr. Harold Phillip         - Ag. Deputy Commissioner of Police

Ms. Erla Christopher     - Assistant Commissioner of Police

Ms. Jacqueline Wilson   - Permanent Secretary (Retired)

Mr. Allan Meiguel         - Attorney at Law

Dr. Levi Guy-Obiakor    - Security Management Consultant

Mr. Anand Ramesar      - Ag. Assistant Superintendent of Police

                                    (Police Social and Welfare Association)

Minister Dillon thanked the Committee members for their willingness to serve on the Police Service Manpower Audit Committee. He noted the importance of the exercise was to get a good understanding of the manpower and resources required to achieve the strategic aims of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

The objectives of the Committee will include:

1.   Examining the existing manpower strength at all ranks and related units of the Police Service;

2.   An examination of the developmental policies and the current standards and practices in the recruitment, deployment, training and career progression of officers;

3.   Making a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the extent to which the expected levels of efficiency, effectiveness and accountability have been achieved.

The Minister further stated that it is the Government’s expectation that this manpower audit will be the first step towards reforming the administration and operations of the Police Service, as well as enhancing the nature and quality of the relationship it shares with the public.

Minister of National Security, Major General Ret'd the Honourable Edmund Dillon presents a committee member, Dr. Levi Guy-Obiakor with her Letter of Appointment. 

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of National Security

868-624-5771

January 18, 2017: The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is providing more development funding to this country. And Tobago is set to benefit, with five early childhood centres proposed for the island.

Secretary of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport Huey Cadette said this is the second round of a grant from the IDB. The first round of funds is already exhausted.

Cadette said the Ministry of Education and the Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport have been meeting over the last six months to develop the grant proposal for the funding.

The Centres, slated for Adventure, Belle Garden, Courland, Canaan/Bon Accord and Roxborough, have been outlined as priority in the grant proposal. This is one of the conditions for the release of funds.

“The funding will also go towards strengthening the education system in Tobago...and a small component will also go towards a social awareness programme that will allow of course sensitising the public [on] education and the value of education,” Cadette said during last week’s (January 11) Post Executive Council Media Briefing at the Administrative Complex, Calder Hall.

The funds, which should amount to roughly US $35 million, are expected to be released in October.

For further information please contact:

The Department of Information

Office of the Chief Secretary

Tobago House of Assembly

868-639-3421 ext. 5019