The Ministry of Health revealed in its daily COVID-19 update this afternoon (Friday 31st December 2021) that there are 579 new COVID-19 cases in Trinidad and Tobago plus nineteen (19) additional deaths. These new patients will be processed for admission at the discretion of the CMOHs. The number of new cases represents a 17.92% increase in reported cases from yesterday.
The Ministry provided the following information about the latest deaths:
There have been a record-breaking 20,538 new cases and 711 deaths in the month of December, making it both the most infectious and deadliest month since the start of the Pandemic. Compared to November, cases are up 46.37% and deaths are up 53.9%. The Ministry reported 491 new cases yesterday plus twenty-five (25) more unfortunate deaths. The country’s death toll has increased to 2,869. T&T’s total positive cases now rises to 91,899 with 15,797 being active cases. A total of 73,233 patients have recovered from the virus to date. 14,590 persons are in home self-isolation and there are thirty-nine (39) persons in total at State quarantine facilities. A total of 663,483 persons have been partially vaccinated with a first dose and 668,717 have been fully vaccinated (including single-dose Johnson & Johnson). 76,184 persons in total have taken an additional primary dose and booster. The percentage of patients in the parallel healthcare system who are NOT fully vaccinated is 86.8% (based on data from 22nd July - 15th December 2021). The Ministry states that the number of positive cases reported reflects the samples taken during a 4-day period between 27th - 30th December 2021 and not the last twenty-four (24) hours. The Ministry also notes that there are currently 462 COVID-19 positive patients being treated at Hospitals with twenty-three (23) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and nineteen (19) in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). 166 patients are in step-down/transition facilities across T&T. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
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Pictured Above: The cast of “The Golden Girls.” Betty White is at the far-right. Beloved actress, comedian, legend and American icon, Betty White, has died at age ninety-nine (99), just weeks before her milestone 100th birthday on 17th January 2022. According to TMZ, Betty passed away at her home on Friday morning (31st December 2021). She had the longest running career in TV as a female prior to her death — having starred in multiple shows over the past eight (8) decades, starting in 1939. Betty is perhaps most famous for her lead role as Rose Nylund in "The Golden Girls," which ran from 1985 to 1992 and is still beloved today by many across the globe. She was the last surviving main cast member of the iconic television series. TMZ notes that she got her start in radio in the 1940’s, making appearances on "Blondie," "The Great Gildersleeve," and "This is Your FBI." She eventually got her own radio program. In 1949, Betty began working on a televised variety show with Al Jarvis called "Hollywood on Television" which she later co-hosted — before breaking out into more TV roles in the 1950’s and beyond. With 115 acting credits to her name, Betty has been in productions such as "Life with Elizabeth," "Date with the Angels," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "The Betty White Show," "The Love Boat," "Mama's Family," "The Golden Palace," "Ladies Man," "That '70s Show," "Higglytown Heroes," "Boston Legal," "The Bold and the Beautiful," "Pound Puppies," "Hot in Cleveland," and many other shows and films. She has received numerous accolades over the course of her career, including multiple Emmys, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Comedy Awards and even a Grammy. She was nominated for several Golden Globes and has also been honored with numerous Lifetime Achievement Awards. During the Pandemic, Betty had been extra cautious, mostly staying at home and passing the time by reading, watching TV and doing crossword puzzles. Rest in peace with your cheesecakes, Betty. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: TMZ]
Retail prices for bread are set to rise again soon despite the Government’s recent intervention to have National Flour Mills Limited (NFM) reduce its proposed increase in flour prices. NFM had initially planned a 19% increase in its flour prices but after meeting with the Ministry of Trade on Thursday (30th December 2021), the company backtracked and reduced some of the proposed increases. NFM said after taking another look at their proposed price increases, they decided to limit the increase in the list price for its retail brand, Hibiscus Flour, to 10%, down from 19%. They also limited the increase in its other retail brand, Ibis Flour, to 17% down from 19%. Shortly after the initial announcement by NFM, Kiss Baking Company Limited issued a statement saying that its bread and associated flour-based products would be increased by 9% from 10th January 2022. In a Media Release, the baking company said, “On December 29th, 2021, National Flour Mills announced an increase in the wholesale price of flour ranging between 15% and 22%, with the corresponding increase in the retail price to the consumer averaging 19%. Flour represents a core ingredient in the manufacturing of bread. As a result of this sharp increase, Kiss Baking Company Limited would like to advise that we will be increasing the retail prices of some of our bread products by an average of 9%.” The Ministry of Trade and Industry said that the import duty on wheat and related enzymes and flour additives are already set to zero per cent and flour and several of the flour-related products including bread, roti skins and crackers are currently zero-rated under the Value Added Tax Act. Kiss previously increased its bread prices in September and faced backlash from customers. The company said then that raw material prices escalated by as much as 30% and it was experiencing supply chain disruptions of its raw materials. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
As 2021 comes to an end, the Ministry of Finance is reminding the public of the Budget Measures that take effect on Saturday 1st January 2022.
Below are sixteen (16) of these new measures: 1) 5% reduction in tax rate for significant exporters of local goods for three (3) years. 2) 50% tax exemption on the first $100,000 of chargeable income for new companies whose core business activities are digitization and technology solutions. 3) 5% reduction in tax rate for three (3) years for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) companies whose core business is technology solutions and digitization. 4) A full tax holiday for the first 5-year period to new SMEs listing on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE). 5) $8,000 fine for overweight trucks. 6) 5% reduction in tax rate for manufacturing sector for two (2) years on qualifying projects. 7) Reduction in the rate of withholding tax to 8% on any distribution made and 3% where such distribution is made to a parent company, subsequent to the amendment of the Income Tax Act. 8) Increase limit to $30,000 on mortgage interest paid by first-time homeowners for five (5) years with effect of date of acquisition. 9) Increase the relief granted on approved pension and annuity plans to $60,000. 10) 100% exemptions on VAT, motor vehicle tax and customs duty on the importation of battery-powered electric vehicles with age limit of no more than two (2) years. 11) 100% exemptions on VAT and customs duty on specified therapy equipment for the hearing impaired, visually impaired and physical disabilities. 12) 10% increase in utility rebates on bills $300 or less. 13) 100% exemptions on VAT and customs duty on all remaining computer hardware, software and peripherals. 14) Research and Development Capital Allowance (tax relief) of up to 40% of expenditure (in calculating taxable profits) incurred by companies in Research and Development. 15) Tax Credit of 30% of the cost of investment up to a maximum of $500,000 for companies that invest in Carbon Capture and Storage and Enhanced Oil Recovery. 16) 150% tax allowance of up to $1 Million on corporate sponsorship to Heritage properties under the oversight of the National Trust. For further details on Budget 2022 initiatives, visit www.finance.gov.tt. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is saying goodbye to yet another Officer. No. 8014 Police Constable Marcus Henry (pictured above), last attached to the Eastern Division Task Force, passed away on Wednesday (29th December 2021) due to complications from the COVID-19 virus. He was thirty-two (32) years old. This is now the 25th Police Officer to succumb to the virus.
PC Henry, who enlisted on 9th September 2013, leaves his wife, three (3) children, his mother, brother and sister to remember him. He is remembered by his colleagues as a dedicated and helpful person, willing to go the distance for anyone. The TTPS notes that PC Henry’s favourite statement, “love in the house” was reflected in the love he had, especially, for his children. The TTPS said, “The Executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, extends its sincerest condolences to the family members, friends and colleagues of PC Henry. His memory and dedication to service will be cherished.” Additionally, the TTPS lost two (2) other Officers in the last twenty-four (24) hours due to heart conditions. No. 6701 WPC Cheryl Ann Joseph suffered a heart attack and passed on Wednesday (29th December 2021), after ailing for some time. She was fifty-three (53) years old. WPC Joseph dedicated twelve (12) years of service to the public of Trinidad and Tobago after enlisting on 14th June 2010 and leaves three (3) children to cherish her memory. Sergeant Stanley Joseph, who was fifty-four (54) years ago, died due to heart complications while driving home from a Doctor’s visit on Wednesday (29th December 2021). Sgt. Joseph had just over thirty-one (31) years’ service. He enlisted in April 1990. He leaves to mourn his wife and two (2) daughters. In a Media Release on Thursday (30th December 2021), National Flour Mills Limited (NFM) said it would like to “provide additional details in support of the decision to increase flour prices.” The new statement comes a day after the company announced its plan to increase the retail price of flour by 19% on 3rd January 2022. The announcement was met with widespread concern from customers and food vendors, including doubles vendors, who depend heavily on flour. NFM said in its latest statement that, “The most important point to note is that wheat accounts for over 60% of our raw material imports and, during the past 18 months, the price of wheat has increased more than 100%. The price of Spring Wheat moved from as low as US $5.00 per bushel in 2020, to as high as US $10.91 per bushel this year. In fact the price today is US $10.06 per bushel.” The company said, “Additionally, the cost of freight has increased more than 110%. The landed cost of Spring Wheat in our silos as at November 2021 is 46% higher than the cost in January 1, 2021. And if we had to buy the same wheat today, it would cost us 62% more. This translates into an increase in cost of TT $47.5 Million dollars using the cost of the last shipment and TT $64.7 Million using today’s prices. In addition, the cost of packaging materials has increased by over 30% and the costs of other raw materials, including enzymes and other additives, have increased dramatically.” NFM added, “It should be noted that several internal initiatives were undertaken to improve operating efficiency and reduce processing costs in an attempt to contain costs and maintain the price of flour. These initiatives resulted in a reduction in labour cost per metric ton of 9%; a decline in administrative costs of 7%, and a reduction in finance costs of 58%.” Unfortunately, the company says these cost savings have not been sufficient to offset the soaring prices of wheat and shipping. Continuing its grim outlook, the company added, “As a result, we expect to lose over fourteen million dollars ($14 Million) from our flour division in 2021 compared to a profit of over six million dollars ($6 Million) in 2020. And if prices are not increased we can expect this loss to grow exponentially.” NFM went on to say, “Operating a loss making business benefits no one and compromises the sustainability of the company and its ability to produce a quality product with the right nutritional content for our customers in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Despite this, we have taken another look at the proposed price increases and have decided to limit the increase in the list price for our retail brand, Hibiscus Flour, to 10%, down from 19%. We will also limit the increase in our other retail brand, Ibis Flour, to 17% down from 19%.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “This forces us to continue to find ways to improve the efficiency of our operations and to keep our milling and processing costs as low as possible. We will continue to monitor the supply chain and wheat prices and will adjust prices downward if at all possible. We would like to remind our customers that NFM has not increased the price of flour since 2008 and, while this was not an easy decision, it was necessary for the sustainability of the enterprise, and to maintain a reliable and affordable supply of quality flour to our customers.” This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
The Ministry of Health revealed in its daily COVID-19 update this afternoon (Thursday 30th December 2021) that there are 491 new COVID-19 cases in Trinidad and Tobago plus twenty-five (25) additional deaths. These new patients will be processed for admission at the discretion of the CMOHs.
The number of new cases represents a 5.59% increase in reported cases from yesterday. This is the sixth consecutive day in which cases have been below 500. The Ministry provided the following information about the latest deaths:
There have been a record-breaking 19,959 new cases and 692 deaths so far in the month of December. The Ministry reported 465 new cases yesterday plus sixteen (16) more unfortunate deaths. The country’s death toll has increased to 2,850. T&T’s total positive cases now rises to 91,320 with 15,863 being active cases. A total of 72,607 patients have recovered from the virus to date. 14,733 persons are in home self-isolation and there are thirty-four (34) persons in total at State quarantine facilities. A total of 662,242 persons have been partially vaccinated with a first dose and 667,723 have been fully vaccinated (including single-dose Johnson & Johnson). 72,380 persons in total have taken an additional primary dose and booster. The percentage of patients in the parallel healthcare system who are NOT fully vaccinated is 86.8% (based on data from 22nd July - 15th December 2021). The Ministry states that the number of positive cases reported reflects the samples taken during a 4-day period between 26th - 29th December 2021 and not the last twenty-four (24) hours. The Ministry also notes that there are currently 476 COVID-19 positive patients being treated at Hospitals with twenty-five (25) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and nineteen (19) in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). 163 patients are in step-down/transition facilities across T&T. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. The Ministry of Works and Transport is advising the general public that there will be a transition period of six (6) months for the gradual enforcement of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Windscreen and Window Tint) Regulations, 2020 (the Regulations), effective 1st January 2022.
In a Media Release on Wednesday (29th December 2021), the Ministry states that during this transition period, law enforcement Officers, through the Fixed Penalty Traffic Ticketing System, will be able to record electronic warnings against the driving permit records of drivers found in breach of the Regulations. The Ministry explains that an electronic warning is a feature of the Fixed Penalty Traffic Ticketing System that provides law enforcement Officers with the ability to issue warnings to road traffic offenders rather than a fixed penalty notice, as well as monitor the behaviour of habitual offenders of road traffic laws. This gradual enforcement of the Regulations, the Ministry notes, also provides the general public with a transition period for adjustment and familiarization with the practical operations of the Regulations. “Further, it is anticipated that this approach would allow motor vehicle owners additional time to become compliant with the Regulations thereby reducing unwanted excessive congregation at businesses such as tint shops and auto garages.” Members of the public are reminded that enforcement of the Regulations through the use of the Fixed Penalty System and Demerit Points System will take effect at the end of this six (6) month transition period. For full details and more information on the Regulations, persons are invited to utilize the following link: https://www.mowt.gov.tt/divisions/transport-division/tint and visit the Ministry's social media platforms for more updates. The Ministry said it looks forward to the full co-operation of the general public, “as we continue to implement measures to create safer roads for all citizens.” The Ministry of Health revealed in its daily COVID-19 update this afternoon (Wednesday 29th December 2021) that there are 465 new COVID-19 cases in Trinidad and Tobago plus sixteen (16) additional deaths. These new patients will be processed for admission at the discretion of the CMOHs.
The number of new cases represents a 29.17% increase in reported cases from yesterday. The number of new deaths matches the lowest for the month. This is the fifth consecutive day in which cases have been below 500. The Ministry provided the following information about the latest deaths:
There have been a record-breaking 19,468 new cases and 667 deaths so far in the month of December. The Ministry reported 360 new cases yesterday plus sixteen (16) more unfortunate deaths. The country’s death toll has increased to 2,825. T&T’s total positive cases now rises to 90,829 with 15,911 being active cases. A total of 72,093 patients have recovered from the virus to date. 14,798 persons are in home self-isolation and there are thirty-two (32) persons in total at State quarantine facilities. A total of 660,888 persons have been partially vaccinated with a first dose and 666,432 have been fully vaccinated (including single-dose Johnson & Johnson). 69,739 persons in total have taken an additional primary dose and booster. The percentage of patients in the parallel healthcare system who are NOT fully vaccinated is 86.8% (based on data from 22nd July - 15th December 2021). The Ministry states that the number of positive cases reported reflects the samples taken during a 4-day period between 25th - 28th December 2021 and not the last twenty-four (24) hours. The Ministry also notes that there are currently 486 COVID-19 positive patients being treated at Hospitals with twenty (20) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and nineteen (19) in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). 162 patients are in step-down/transition facilities across T&T. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. A 43-year-old man was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 on 24th December 2021 after being charged for possession of fourteen (14) bank cards for the purpose of trafficking.
The accused, Anthony Mensah (pictured above), of Ghana, West Africa, who also resides in St. Augustine, appeared before Tunapuna Magistrate, Indra Ramoo-Haynes. He is expected to re-appear on 1st April 2022, pending tracing. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), following several reports of alleged fraud incidents, the North-Eastern Division (NED) Gang and Intelligence Unit conducted investigations into the incidents. On 20th December 2021, after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, Mensah was arrested and fourteen (14) bank cards and other items were allegedly seized. The cards and items were suspected as being fraudulently obtained. Mensah was charged on 23rd December 2021 by WPC Bonnett of the NED Gang and Intelligence Unit. The operation was spearheaded by Snr. Supt. Maharaj and Supt. Ramjohn, co-ordinated by ASP Pariman and Insp. Bharath and supervised by Sgt. (Ag.) Mitchell, Cpl. (Ag.) Gordon, Cpl (Ag.) Dhill. The investigations included WPC Moore, PC Cudjoe, PC Narine, PC Nicome, PC Elwin, PC Mykoo and WPC Bonnett with assistance from the Fraud Squad. |
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