Advertisement
The Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) is informing the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of its buses and a pedestrian, in the vicinity of the Curepe lights intersection, earlier today (Wednesday 28th February, 2024).
In a Media Release following the incident, the PTSC said emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the injured individual received prompt medical attention. “The safety and well-being of our passengers, pedestrians, and the general public are of paramount importance to the Corporation. We are co-operating fully with the relevant authorities as they conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. As such, the Corporation is unable to provide further details at this time.”
The Media Release concluded by saying, “Our thoughts are with the affected individual and his loved ones, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
0 Comments
A 67-year-old resident of Stoer Drive, Petit Valley, was granted bail in the sum of $250,000 with surety, when he appeared before a Master of the High Court, charged with wounding with intent yesterday (Tuesday 27th February, 2024). He also answered to charges of possession of firearm and possession of ammunition. He is expected to re-appear in Court on 30th April, 2024.
It is alleged, that around 7:20 AM on Saturday 24th February, 2024, two (2) victims, a 50-year-old man and a 4-year-old boy, were walking along Stoer Drive, Morne Coco Road, Petit Valley, when they met and had an exchange of words with the suspect. On proceeding back to their home, approximately five (5) minutes later, they observed the suspect seated in his white-coloured vehicle, parked close to their home. The suspect then approached both victims from behind whilst armed with a firearm, and fired two (2) shots at them, causing injuries to both victims. They were subsequently taken to the Hospital. The scene was visited by Officers, who also went to the home of the suspect and found and seized a Ruger pistol fitted with a magazine and thirteen (13) live rounds of 9mm ammunition. The suspect was arrested by WPC Gittens on Monday (26th February, 2024) for the offences of two (2) counts of wounding with intent, possession of firearm and possession of ammunition. Diabetes Association Calls For Taxation of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Ultra-Processed Foods28/2/2024 The Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT) is commending the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, for his “bold statements” at the U Health Exposition at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Trinidad, on Monday (26th February, 2024), highlighting the critical issue of our nation's addiction to high-sugar drinks and fatty foods. In a Media Release on Tuesday (27th February, 2024), the DATT said Minister Deyalsingh’s recognition of the role international fast-food brands play in feeding this addiction, “underscores a growing concern that demands immediate action. The Minister's naming of these popular brands for the first time deserves high praise. In response to the Minister's call for collaboration to combat the unhealthy lifestyles leading to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the DATT reaffirms its commitment to support the Government in implementing regulations, policies, and legislation aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods in Trinidad and Tobago. Our dedication to this cause is rooted in the alarming rise in diabetes and other NCDs, which are significantly impacted by dietary choices.” In 2023, the DATT said it conducted a ‘Junk Food Survey’ as “part of our ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate the consumption of unhealthy foods among our population, and particularly our young people. The results highlighted a pressing need for concerted action to address the obesogenic environment contributing to our nation's health crisis. This comprehensive survey engaged 954 young individuals across Trinidad and Tobago, covering a wide age range from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35) years. The findings reveal a significant inclination towards fast food consumption among the youth, with a staggering 88.4% admitting to eating fast food at least once a week. Alarmingly, more than one-third of these respondents reported consuming fast food more than three (3) times per week. The survey also shed light on dietary habits concerning fruit and vegetable intake. Despite universally accepted recommendations suggesting the consumption of four (4) to five (5) servings of fruits and vegetables daily, the survey results were far from meeting these guidelines. Only 23% of respondents met the target for vegetable intake, and a mere 13% did for fruit. Furthermore, about half of the participants failed to include a fruit or vegetable in their diet on more than one day of a typical week, highlighting a significant gap in nutritional adherence.” According to the DATT, fast food preferences among Trinidad and Tobago's youth were dominated by well-known chains, with the popularity rankings as follows: KFC (88%), Doubles (78%), Chinese (72%), Subway (68%), Churches (65%), Royal Castle (63%), Pizza Hut (61%), BBQ (59%), and Gyros/Burgers (54%). “This preference hierarchy indicates a diverse palate but also underscores the dominance of fast food in the young population's daily diet.” According to the American Heart Association, women and children should not consume more than six (6) teaspoons (24 grams) of added sugar per day and men more than nine (9) teaspoons per day (36 grams). However, based on the nutrition facts panel of most popular Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB), the majority contains ten (10) to sixteen (16) teaspoons of added sugar or more — more than the entire daily recommendation is just one bottle. “Our survey showed that the most popular soft drink, one (1) in three (3), in T&T were the colas or ‘black soft drinks,’ with more than 75% of young people consuming soft drinks at least twice in a typical week. Interestingly, the survey delved into the reasons behind the preference for fast food, with taste and convenience emerging as the primary factors. Most respondents perceived the price of fast food to be comparable to healthier food options, suggesting that cost is not a deterrent. Instead, the appealing taste and the convenience of fast food were the main attractions driving their consumption patterns.” The DATT notes that these findings from its ‘Junk Food Survey’ paint a “concerning picture of dietary trends among the youth in Trinidad and Tobago towards unhealthy ultra-processed foods. This signals a need for concerted efforts to promote healthier eating habits and address the underlying factors contributing to these choices. Drawing on the successful strategies discussed at the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), ‘Accelerating the Removal of Ultra-Processed Products From Caribbean Schools - The Food in Our Schools Matters’ meeting in July 2023, we advocate for a comprehensive approach to removing ultra-processed products from our schools and communities.” According to the DATT, these strategies include:
The DATT added, “It is well known that fast food companies continue to infiltrate our schools through sponsorships of sports teams, scholarships, and other school-related activities. This must be stopped to protect our children from the allure of unhealthy food choices. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of increasing access to and availability of healthy foods. By enhancing the infrastructure and policies that support the production, distribution, and marketing of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods, we can create an environment that encourages and facilitates healthier eating habits.” The DATT said it is “particularly concerned about the impact of ultra-processed foods on our youth and working-age population. Focusing on young people, the largest and most vulnerable segment of our population, on marketing tactics, is crucial. Evidence from around the world, endorsed by PAHO/WHO and the HCC, supports the effectiveness of these measures in creating healthier food environments. We look forward to working closely with the Government, other civil society organizations within the TTNCDA (Trinidad and Tobago NCD Alliance), and other stakeholders to implement these strategies. By doing so, we can make significant strides in combating the NCD epidemic and fostering a healthier future for all Trinidadians and Tobagonians.” Prime Minister Keith Rowley will be hosting a Press Conference at 2:30 PM this afternoon (Wednesday 28th February, 2024) to discuss several important matters concerning Trinidad and Tobago. Today’s Press Conference was announced earlier today by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Watch the live stream of the Press Conference below when it begins at 2:30 PM, courtesy of TTT. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
A man is dead following a shooting incident in Aripero, Siparia, on Tuesday morning (27th February, 2024). The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Keith Branker, a father of five (5) from Sobo Village, La Brea.
Branker worked with the Siparia Borough Corporation since 2018 as a casual worker. He was recently given a regular position and had just completed his first fortnight when he was ambushed and killed by gunmen while on a construction site at Silver Stream Road.
According to reports, Tuesday was the first day Branker and his crew began working on a drainage project. While Branker was taking a break from digging the drain in front of a house under construction, around 8:15 AM, two (2) men with black t-shirts wrapped around their heads exited some bushes and approached Branker. The men appeared to be dressed to resemble Police Officers.
An eyewitness said, “I just see two (2) men with two (2) rust-colour-looking gun and with that they, we was like ‘Police boy?’ We don't know. It looking weird. When you watch their head is tie up jersey thing and that what make me say, nah boy is something else...with that...bang, the first shot and he [Branker] take off on the side (of the house).” The witness added, “They fire about one or two here [by the drain] and they take off [the workers] with a speed. Run in the house, run back out, run on the side. That man real run for he life. I being real with you...I swear he get away cause I see the gunmen them leaving through the back.” After the assailants fled, the witness said he and the foreman looked for Branker but when they found him at the back of the house, they realized he was not as lucky as they first thought. “As I reach round the house, I say ‘boy you good?’ He was still alive. ‘Dawg yuh good owa?’ But you done know, is head shot." The witness said if the men did not closely resemble Police, they would have known sooner that something was wrong. “We was taking off one time. Cause we know that men in that kinda clothes is gunmen. The way they come, long pants, jersey, looking like they matching nah.” Relating the incident to onlookers, the witness said he recalled Branker saying, “What I do allyuh boy?” during the ordeal. Police have not yet established a motive for the attack. Investigations are continuing. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: Newsday] The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries is advising that the initial investigative hydrographic survey of the wreck area off the coast of Cove, Tobago, has been completed.
In a Media Release on Tuesday (27th February, 2024), the Ministry said the hydrographic survey data was conducted around the wreck and collected water column data, multi-beam bathymetry, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). The data collected from this survey would inform a three-dimensional (3D) wire frame map for imagery of the seabed and charts with localized water depth at the wreck. The Ministry notes that the survey will help identify any hazards and debris to safely allow for the support vessel to be mobilized to location and alongside the wreck. Simultaneously, the response team will begin the deployment of the NOFI Current Buster Technology. The NOFI Current Buster Technology is part of the high-speed oil containment system. The Ministry said it “continues to aggressively progress strategies to contain the hydrocarbon discharge and restore the affected marine space.”
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announced a short while ago that Prime Minister Keith Rowley will be hosting a Press Conference at 2:30 PM this afternoon (Wednesday 28th February, 2024) at the VIP Lounge, Piarco International Airport. No further details were provided by the OPM.
Prime Minister Rowley left for Guyana on Sunday 18th February, 2024, where he participated in Guyana’s 2024 Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, which commenced on Monday 19th February, 2024. He attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and also delivered an address at the opening ceremony, in which he stated: “With the emergence of our region as a significant player in the hydrocarbon industry, we are presented with a valuable chance to proactively utilize our combined knowledge and expertise in order to maximize future prospects. By ensuring our region fully capitalizes on its resources, including human and mechanical, we can guarantee the alignment of energy and industrial transformations with a collaborative economic strategy. For successful implementation, these strategies must be accompanied by efficient and effective public management systems and integration into the local economy through shared infrastructure and value chains. To this end, we in the deep southern Caribbean are currently actively engaged in spawning a cargo ferry service which we are confident can grow into a major catalyst for welcomed regional collaboration, development and diversification.”
While in Guyana, the Prime Minister also attended the Forty-Sixth (46th) Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
Regional leaders focused on several issues, including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, Food and Nutrition Security, Climate Resilience, Energy Security and Regional Security. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Santa Cruz, Mount Hope and Champs Fleurs on Wednesday (28th February, 2024). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.
According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Santa Cruz, Mount Hope and Champs Fleurs are as follows: SANTA CRUZ (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
MOUNT HOPE (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
CHAMPS FLEURS (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
T&TEC says it regrets the inconvenience which may be caused by these interruptions. A man is believed to have drowned at Tyrico Bay yesterday afternoon (Monday 26th February, 2024). The deceased has been identified as 24-year-old Gordon Frimpong. According to reports, Frimpong, who went to the beach with a group of friends, was in the waters around 1:30 PM, when he disappeared. Eyewitnesses notified the lifeguards on duty and Frimpong was subsequently found and removed from the sea. He was brought to the shore where attempts were made to resuscitate him. However, he died before Emergency Health Services arrived. Officers of the North-Eastern Division responded to the scene and are continuing investigations into the incident.
A post-mortem has been ordered. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: Loop] Senior Officers from the Port-of-Spain Division and the Community Oriented Policing Section held discussions with Principals and representatives from over twenty (20) primary schools located in East Port-of-Spain, during a priority meeting today (Tuesday 27th February, 2024). The meeting, held at the Ministry of Education's regional office on Jerningham Avenue, Belmont, was in response to the recent increase in gang violence around schools in the area, including the senseless murder of 11-year-old Ezekiel Paria, who was killed by a stray bullet last week.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Senior Superintendent Harripersad Ramnarine, Ag. Inspector Brathwaite, Sgt. Parris and Corporal Thomas met with the educators to discuss intensifying efforts to protect students as well as staff. During the discussions, the Principals expressed serious concerns over the safety of their schools, students, and staff, who must commute daily through high-risk areas. Snr. Supt. Ramnarine assured the Principals that the TTPS will intensify strategies to address the violence plaguing surrounding communities. He noted that some of these measures would be implemented from today, while additional proposed measures will be forwarded to the Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher, for her approval. “The safety of our schools, staff and students remains the top priority,” said Snr. Supt. Ramnarine. “We are taking swift action using every resource available to contain the violence spilling into school zones, to ensure the safety of our dedicated educators and to secure the future for our beloved and vulnerable children.” The Principals praised the TTPS’ commitment to the safety of the students in the area and recognized the challenges they face in tackling this issue. Also in attendance were Ministry of Education Officials, Ms. Tuitt, School Supervisor II and Mr. Wade Griffith, who oversees school safety. Snr. Supt. Ramnarine agreed to continue to collaborate further and a follow-up meeting with more stakeholders to develop solutions is scheduled for the upcoming weeks. |
AboutYouthere1 is a website focused on providing useful information, breaking news, entertainment and online shopping in Trinidad and Tobago.
AlertsSupportYouTubeContactPrivacyCategories
All
Archives
May 2024
|
© 2024 Youthere1 Enterprises. All Rights Reserved.