On Friday (24th November 2023), Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Works and Transport, and His Excellency Charles Cooper, Minister of Traffic Transportation and Urban Planning of Curacao, signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in respect of Curacao.
In a Media Release on Friday, the Ministry of Works and Transport said this historic signing “signifies the culmination of bilateral negotiation, which began in 2015 and heralds a new era of connectivity, enabling seamless travel opportunities.” When in force, this Air Services Agreement will create avenues for Caribbean Airlines Limited, and Curacao's designated airlines to enhance their air services, facilitating more extensive commercial route development between the regions. This expansion includes routes with layovers and final destinations spanning key areas such as North and South America. Additionally, the Ministry said this development is set to foster economic growth, bolster tourism opportunities and enhance trade relations between the two (2) countries. Both signatories expressed great enthusiasm on the benefits to be derived from the signing of the Air Services Agreement. Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Works and Transport, commented that “this Agreement allows us to look forward to a future of strengthened ties, increased connectivity and mutual prosperity.” His Excellency, Charles Cooper, Minister of Traffic Transportation and Urban Planning, further reiterated that “the new treaty, which falls under the Open Skies category, aims to regulate aviation connections between Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago, providing the greatest operational and commercial freedom.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “It is anticipated that future Air Services Agreements will serve as a catalyst for greater commercial development that strengthens regionalism and international connections, which will ultimately benefit the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.”
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The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announced this afternoon (Tuesday 14th November 2023) that Prime Minister Keith Rowley will leave for Saudi Arabia today, where he is scheduled to attend the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Summit will be co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Chairman of CARICOM, the Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica. This event will also include the participation of Heads of State and Government from CARICOM, along with the CARICOM Secretary-General. Leaders are scheduled to participate in focused, in-depth, and active engagement on issues of mutual importance at the bilateral, inter-regional and global levels. Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Hon. Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Stuart Young and the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Hon. Kazim Hosein, will also be in attendance. Minister of Finance, the Hon. Colm Imbert, will act as Prime Minister in the interim. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) said it is aware of the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza that continues to worsen and expresses “horror and concern at the mounting death toll on the civilian population, including women and children, particularly in Gaza, but also in other areas of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
In a Media Release on Sunday (12th November 2023), CARICOM said it calls on all States to “respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law in all circumstances in accordance with Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions of 12th August 1949” and “condemns any disregard for international humanitarian law, human rights and the laws of war that have resulted in the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza and deprivation of access to basic necessities, including medical care for the people of Palestine.” CARICOM added that it “reaffirms its conviction that a lasting, two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, can be achieved only by peaceful means, based on the relevant United Nations Resolutions and in accordance with international law.” In closing, CARICOM said it further calls for the following:
Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 11,000 people, including 4,506 children and 3,027 women, following the attack on 7th October 2023 on its territory by Hamas militants. This according to the latest figures available, released Friday (10th November 2023) by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, which draws its figures from the Hamas-controlled territory. Israel’s blockade on essential supplies, including fuel entering Gaza, has deepened a humanitarian crisis as hospitals, water systems, bakeries and other services reliant on electricity, have shut down. International calls for a ceasefire continue to mount as global leaders pile pressure on Israel over the spiraling civilian death toll, and huge crowds gather in cities around the world for pro-Palestinian protests. However, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated to CNN on Sunday (12th November 2023) that the only halt in fighting he would accept is “one in which we have our hostages released.” The Israeli military estimates 240 hostages are being held by Hamas in Gaza, including civilian men, women and children. The militant group has released just four (4) hostages thus far — two (2) elderly Israeli women and an American mother and daughter — while the Israeli forces said they had rescued an Israeli soldier. Israeli troops on Sunday continued their ground operation in Gaza by going deeper into Gaza City, Army Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a Press Briefing. Infantry and combat engineering forces reached the outskirts of al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, Hagari said, which is near Al-Shifa Hospital. Israel has repeatedly claimed there is a Hamas command center underneath Al-Shifa Hospital, which Hamas and Hospital Officials have denied. The Israeli military has also previously accused Hamas of embedding itself in civilian infrastructure. An Israeli military spokesperson told CNN on Saturday its forces were engaged in “ongoing intense fighting” against Hamas in the vicinity of the Hospital complex, but denied firing at the Northern Gaza medical center and rejected suggestions the Hospital is under siege. Meanwhile, army forces in co-ordination with the Navy, raided the Gaza marina area and are currently in the areas to its East. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CARICOM]
The Unicomer Group has confirmed an investigation has been launched into a recent cyberattack against Courts, which is one of its subsidiaries. Speaking to Guardian Media, Unicomer’s Trinidad and Tobago Public Relations Officer (PRO), Shahad Ali, said the breach occurred over a month ago and customers were notified.
According to Ali, “We are aware of the breach, having notified our customers about the same in September 2023. We are continuing our investigations and we will release further updates on the matter as soon as possible.” Courts T&T released the following statement this evening (Sunday 12th November 2023) in response to the alleged cyberattack: At Courts, our customers come first, and we value the trust they have placed in us and our brand throughout the years.
Meanwhile, Cyber Security Consultant, Gavin Dennis, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday (11th November 2023), that hackers allegedly infiltrated the Shop Courts website and stole data on up to 200,000 orders. The data reportedly included customers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, account passwords, purchasing data, billing addresses, shipping addresses, payment methods and more. Dennis further claimed that some of the data was leaked, showing records of customer purchases from 2013 to 2023.
— Arshad Y. Khan (@youthere1web) November 12, 2023
Aside from Trinidad and Tobago, several Caribbean countries were also said to be affected by the breach, including Jamaica, Belize, St. Lucia and Barbados.
Investigations are continuing. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CNC3] Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) is the Official Airline of Tobago Carnival 2023. In a Media Release today (Wednesday 25th October 2023), CAL said, in partnership with the Tobago Carnival Commission (TCC), it will host a Carnival Welcome Home activation to welcome visitors at the ANR Robinson International Airport, Tobago, on Friday 27th October 2023. Arriving passengers will be treated to a special celebration of traditional Tobago culture and creativity with music, live entertainment, and costumed masqueraders. The Airline is also a contributing sponsor of several signature events including, Soca Monarch, RoxGlo, Pan & Powder and the Parade of the Bands.
Tobago Carnival runs from 23rd - 29th October 2023, and in addition to its core capacity, Caribbean Airlines said it has increased flights between the islands with forty-two (42) additional services from 18th - 31st October 2023, offering a further 4,144 seats (POS/TAB/POS) for the Carnival period. Airbridge Core Capacity (October 18 - 31)
Airbridge Capacity For Tobago Carnival (October 18 - 31)
Caribbean Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Garvin Medera, stated, “Caribbean Airlines is happy to be the Official Airline for Tobago Carnival and we are poised to welcome both local and international visitors, to the island. The air bridge is a significant part of our operations and this partnership with the Tobago Carnival Commission and other stakeholders, is key to showcasing Tobago's Carnival to the world.” Commenting on the arrangement, Alicia Edwards, Executive Chairman of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) said: “TTAL is thrilled to partner with Caribbean Airlines for this celebratory activation, ensuring Tobago's vibrant culture and warm hospitality greets visitors from touchdown. We welcome the increased capacity, reflecting the Airline's commitment to seamless travel during this festive week and will continue collaborating with key sector partners to create a sustainable, competitive, and accessible destination, ensuring Tobago's tourism success beyond Tobago Carnival.” Caribbean Airlines said it is also proud to collaborate with PanTrinbago as the exclusive branding partner for the following local bands competing at Pan and Powder:
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we can expect partly cloudy to cloudy conditions today (Friday 20th October 2023), with a few light to moderate showers and a medium (60%) chance of a few heavy showers/thunderstorms.
Gusty winds and street/flash flooding may occur in/near heavy showers and thunderstorms. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami has upgraded Tropical Storm Tammy to Hurricane Tammy, which is expected to bring Hurricane conditions to portions of the Leeward Islands late tonight and Saturday. Heavy rainfall and flooding are likely over much of the Lesser Antilles. In its eight official statement, the Met Office said as at 11:00 AM this morning, the centre of Hurricane Tammy was located near 14.1N 58.6W, or about 385 Km Southeast of Guadeloupe. Hurricane Tammy is moving toward the West-Northwest near 11 Km/h and this general motion is expected to continue through this afternoon. A turn toward the Northwest is anticipated by this evening, followed by a North-Northwestward and Northward turn by Saturday night (21st October 2023), through Sunday night. On the forecast track, the center of Tammy will move near or over portions of the Leeward Islands tonight and on Saturday, and then move North of the Northern Leeward Islands on Sunday.
Data from a recent Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter mission indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 120 Km/h with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 Km from the centre and Tropical-Storm-force winds extend outward up to 220 Km.
The minimum central pressure estimated from reconnaissance aircraft data is 992 mb.
THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO ALERTS, WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO. The Met Office said it will continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Tammy and will issue an update at 6:00 PM today (Friday 20th October 2023) or earlier if the situation warrants. Meanwhile, the forecast maximum temperature today will be 34°C at Piarco in Trinidad and 32°C at Crown Point in Tobago. Seas are moderate, but rough in the Northern Windwards and the Leewards with waves 2m to 2.5m, but up to 3.5m in the Leewards in open waters, and up to 1m but choppy in the Leewards in sheltered areas. Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS. Pictured Above: Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley is greeted by Prime Minister of Canada the Hon. Justin Trudeau, at the opening of the Canada-CARICOM Summit in Ottawa on Wednesday. Prime Minister Keith Rowley is currently in Ottawa for the Canada-CARICOM Summit. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said this morning (Wednesday 18th October 2023) that the Summit is co-chaired by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the current Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Dominica, the Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit.
The OPM notes that climate change and resilience, access to finance and global architecture reform, Haiti, regional security, as well as trade and investment are among the issues that will form part of the Summit’s agenda. More on this as it becomes available. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) said it “abhors the attacks in Israel and the counterattacks in the Palestinian territory of Gaza.” In a Media Release on Monday (12th October 2023), CARICOM said, “Further, the savage nature of the attacks and counterattacks is the antithesis of civilized life and living. Innocent lives are being lost amidst the fervour and violence of the actual combatants. CARICOM thus joins the responsible members of the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and end of hostilities by all parties.” CARICOM added, “The recent round of hostilities reflects the pain and suffering of ancient quarrels. The ongoing harsh conditions under which the Palestinians live in veritable colonialism and Israel’s sense of insecurity will contribute to a cycle of violence until those realities are definitively addressed.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “Accordingly, CARICOM continues to support the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 and the ongoing efforts of the United Nations towards a two-state solution as the best way to achieve comprehensive peace, security and tranquillity between Israel and Palestine.” Israel has now stepped up its offensive in Gaza following Hamas' assault on Saturday (7th October 2023), in which at least 1,200 people were killed in Israel and thousands more injured. Armed militants poured over the heavily-fortified border into Israel on Saturday, raiding homes, rampaging through farms and communities and taking as many as 150 hostages back to Gaza. In Kfar Aza, a Kibbutz in Southern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told CNN that militants carried out a “massacre” in which women, children, toddlers and elderly were “brutally butchered in an ISIS way of action.” Less than 20 kilometers (12 miles) away, the farming community Be'eri was among the worst-hit, with more than 100 bodies recovered and eyewitnesses describing assailants going door to door, breaking into homes and executing civilians.
In retaliation for the atrocities, Israeli jets have been pounding Gaza — the densely-inhabited coastal strip that Hamas controls — with hundreds of airstrikes, reducing homes and neighborhoods to rubble and a “complete siege” has trapped residents, with many cut off from food and electricity. Hamas warned today (Wednesday 11th October 2023) that its electricity generator “will completely stop within hours,” limiting the ability to provide basic services. “All basic services in Gaza depend on electricity, and it will not be possible to partially operate them with generators due to the prevention of fuel supplies through the Rafah gate,” the Government media office said in a statement. The IDF has also bolstered troops and tanks along the border as speculation of a possible Israeli ground incursion into Gaza grows. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he has “released all restraints” for the IDF in their fight against Hamas, saying the response will permanently change Gaza. “They will regret this moment — Gaza will never return to what it was,” Gallant said. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Sources: CARICOM | CNN] According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), an active Tropical Wave is presently traversing the Central Tropical Atlantic and is being closely monitored by the Met Office.
At 8:00 AM this morning (Wednesday 27th September 2023), this Tropical Wave was located near 43W and is associated with an area of low pressure, with a high (90%) chance of cyclone formation in forty-eight (48) hours. Showers and thunderstorms show signs of organization and environmental conditions are forecast to be favourable for development. Thus, the Met Office notes that a Tropical Depression is expected to form in the next day or so. Presently, this area of showers and thunderstorms is moving West-Northwestward at about 10 Kts or 18 Km/hr. The TTMS wishes to underscore that, at this time, this area of low pressure does not pose any immediate threat to Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and its Dependencies. The Met Office said it will continue to monitor the weather situation and will provide an update at 10:00 AM tomorrow (Thursday 28th September 2023), or sooner if warranted. Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), at 8:00 AM this morning (Thursday 14th September 2023), an area of low pressure (Invest AL97) in the Central Tropical Atlantic shows a high (90%) potential of cyclone formation in the next few of days. Invest AL97 is located near 37W with the leading edge of showers and thunderstorms near 44W, or about 1,732 Km East of the Lesser Antilles.
The Met Office notes that environmental conditions appear favourable for development and a Tropical Depression is likely to form in a couple of days. Currently, the system is moving West-Northwest to Northwest at 10 to 15kts across the Central Tropical Atlantic. The TTMS is underscoring that, at this time, this system poses no immediate threat to Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and its Dependencies. There are currently no Alerts, Watches or Warnings in effect for Trinidad and Tobago. The TTMS said it continues to monitor the weather situation and will issue an update at 10:00 AM tomorrow (Friday 15th September 2023), or sooner if warranted. As always, pay close attention to information being issued by the TTMS. |
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