The Ministry of Health, via its Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division, is advising of a voluntary recall notice of Lubricant Eye Drops. The recall, issued by Kilitch Healthcare India Limited, is due to potential safety concerns stemming from unsanitary conditions.
In a Media Release today (Thursday 1st February, 2024), the Ministry said there is a risk of potential eye infections or related harm for patients who use these products. These products should be sterile and contaminated medication applied to the eyes may bypass some of the body's natural defenses. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these products were distributed to wholesalers, retailers and via the product distributor, Velocity Pharma LLC.
While the recalled products are not registered for sale in Trinidad and Tobago, out of an abundance of caution, the Ministry is advising persons who may be in possession of these recalled products, to discontinue use immediately and to return the product to the place of purchase where possible.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Director of the Chemistry, Food and Drug Division at [email protected] or 217-4664 ext. 13101. The Ministry said it will continue to monitor the situation and advise the population as necessary.
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United States Vice President, Kamala Harris, met with Prime Minister Keith Rowley in a closed-door session at the White House on Wednesday (31st January, 2024). The White House said in a statement following the meeting, that they discussed continued progress under the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis (PACC 2030) and other key priorities, including regional security issues and the imperative of addressing firearms trafficking.
The statement added, “They also discussed Venezuela and the Vice President stressed the need for Nicolas Maduro and his representatives to meet their commitments under the democratic electoral roadmap and support the aspirations of the Venezuelan people for a democratic future.”
Prime Minister Rowley also met with National Security Advisor to the Vice President, Dr. Philip Gordon, in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said that meeting provided an opportunity to delve into regional and national security concerns, with both parties reiterating their commitment to continue working closely together.
More on this as it becomes available.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Prime Minister Keith Rowley met with Melissa Dalton, United States Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, at the Pentagon yesterday (Monday 29th January, 2024).
The OPM said discussions focussed on a number of areas, including defence co-operation, border security, partnership with the Delaware National Guard, cyber-defense and cyber-security as well as regional maritime interdiction. Other Officials from the Department of Defense were also present for the meeting, including Daniel Erikson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere.
Also present were 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 Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryl Daniel.
Yesterday evening, Prime Minister Rowley also met with the Director of the CIA, William Burns, at their Langley Headquarters in Virginia.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley met with United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in Washington, DC, today (Monday 29th January, 2024). According to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), today’s meeting with the Secretary of State “underscores the strength of the bilateral relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.”
Both countries continue to partner on several key issues including energy, education, crime prevention, training, and technical assistance. The OPM said discussions focussed specifically on national security and firearms trafficking and the work being advanced through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, which is the U.S. regional citizen security and development programme. Talks touched on the historical and emerging issues surrounding Venezuela as it relates to Trinidad and Tobago’s pathway towards achieving energy security for the region. The agenda also included a conversation on collaborating to strengthen cyber and digital policy and the approach to the ongoing instability in Haiti.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Rowley met with United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, who as a member of the President’s Cabinet, is the chief trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy.
The United States remains Trinidad and Tobago’s largest trading partner. The OPM said the Prime Minister and Ambassador Tai advanced their ideas on “further strengthening the bilateral economic partnership and opportunities to expand trade. This included examining views on improvements that can be made to widen participation in the Caribbean Basin Initiative, secure supply chain management and ensure that trade policies are people-centred.” 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, Minister of Digital Transformation, Senator the Hon. Hassel Bacchus and Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryl Daniel, were also present for today’s meetings. Prime Minister Rowley is expected to participate in further meetings later today. According to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Prime Minister Keith Rowley will travel to Washington, DC, today (Sunday 28th January, 2024), where he will participate in a series of meetings with senior United States Government representatives and officials.
Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Hon. Dr. Amery Browne and Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Stuart Young, will accompany Dr. Rowley on this trip. The OPM said discussions will focus on energy, commerce, cybersecurity, diplomacy, and other issues relevant to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. The delegation will also include the Minister of Digital Transformation, Senator the Hon. Hassel Bacchus, Minister in the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Renuka Sagramsingh-Sooklal and Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryl Daniel. Minister of Finance, the Hon. Colm Imbert, will act as Prime Minister in the interim. The Quaker Oats Company, owned by PepsiCo, recently added more products to a recall that started in December 2023, over possible salmonella contamination, raising the total number of products to more than sixty (60).
Quaker Oats initially recalled forty-three (43) products, including granola bars, cereals and various snack foods. The company added twenty-four (24) products to the list on 11th January, 2024. The newly recalled items include Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, Gatorade Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars, Cap’n Crunch Bars, Quaker Simply Granola Cereals, Gamesa Marias Cereal and other cereals. “To date, Quaker has received no confirmed reports of illness related to the products covered by this recall,” the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in December. It is unclear if any illnesses have been reported since then. It was not immediately clear how the potential contamination occurred or how or when it first came to the attention of federal regulators or the company. The company listed the recalled products on its website and provided an option to request reimbursement. This recall does not include the following products:
Customers should check their pantries for any of the products and dispose of them, the FDA said. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms of salmonella include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, which may be bloody. In rare cases, salmonella can get into the bloodstream and result in more severe illnesses, such as infected arteries, according to the FDA. Individuals who are exposed usually start to feel sick six (6) hours to six (6) days later. Most infections are mild and last between four (4) and seven (7) days. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: The New York Times] The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is warning about the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in the Region of the Americas, including the Caribbean.
According to PAHO, its epidemiological update provides “recommendations for maintaining surveillance of these viruses and strengthening health systems response, particularly given the current outbreaks of other communicable diseases.” PAHO said elevated levels of acute respiratory disease were recorded in the region in 2023, “driven by the circulation of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV].” PAHO notes that the Northern Hemisphere is currently experiencing epidemics of all three (3) viruses expected in the Winter, while some countries in the Southern Hemisphere are experiencing incidences higher than expected for the season, due to the circulation of SARS-CoV-2. The health body recommends that Member States maintain surveillance of respiratory viruses “to detect any changes in circulation or severity of disease; be prepared to respond to a possible increase in cases and hospitalizations; and continue efforts to increase vaccination against Influenza and COVID-19, particularly in vulnerable and high-risk populations.” PAHO is also urging regional countries to “keep healthcare systems prepared and alert at all levels in order to respond to a possible increase in outpatient cases and hospitalizations, especially coinciding with the epidemic period for other communicable diseases with high demand for care.” More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CNC3] Former People’s Partnership Minister, Vasant Bharath, has started a petition on change.org to rename the Piarco International Airport to the Basdeo Panday International Airport. The petition, which was started on Thursday (4th January, 2024), has already amassed over 550 signatures as of Friday morning (5th January, 2024). According to the petition’s description, “Basdeo Panday, a Trinidadian and Tobagonian lawyer, politician, trade unionist, economist, actor and civil servant has left an indelible mark on our nation. Serving as the fifth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1995 to 2001, his contributions have been instrumental in shaping the country's political landscape. His legacy is deeply personal to us. Piarco International Airport serves as a significant gateway to our beautiful islands. Renaming it after such a prominent figure would be an apt tribute that reflects his impact on our society. It would also serve as a constant reminder of his dedication towards improving the lives of Trinidadians and Tobagonians. Basdeo Panday was not just a leader; he was one of us — an individual who dedicated his life for the betterment of ours. His work transcended politics; it touched every facet of life in Trinidad and Tobago. We believe renaming Piarco International Airport after him will honour this great man's memory while inspiring future generations about public service's true essence. Let us pay homage to this extraordinary individual by renaming Piarco International Airport to The Basdeo Panday International Airport. Please sign this petition if you agree with this cause.” Bharath believes it is imperative that the Government honour Basdeo Panday’s legacy by naming something after him. “I think it’s important that we honour his life and his legacy, as do other countries and with their heroes and their stalwarts. Because it’s so easy to forget. And we can be a very fickle society, seeking instant gratification,” he said.
Speaking on CNC3’s Morning Brew on Wednesday (3rd January, 2024), Bharath said the Piarco International Airport, which was a project under the Panday administration, is an obvious candidate despite the contention that surrounded its construction. “It needs to be something, whether it’s the Airport — and I know there are issues surrounding that Airport — but there needs to be something that when you arrive in Trinidad and Tobago, whether you’re a foreigner or whether you’re returning home, that allows us to remember what Panday did,” Bharath said. The new Piarco Airport was built during Panday’s administration and was completed in 2000. However, it has been fraught with allegations of corruption and bid-rigging since inception, launching an over 20-year legal battle, costing the State millions of dollars. [Source: T&T Guardian] UPDATE: The body of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday and his family will arrive at Piarco International Airport at 6:00 PM today (Wednesday 3rd January, 2024) from Orlando, Florida. The State will then take possession of his body from the tarmac. Former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, who passed away on 1st January, 2024 at the age of ninety (90), will be given the first State Funeral under Hindu rites in Trinidad and Tobago. According to Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. Amery Browne, the Government offered to have a State Funeral for Panday and his family has accepted. Meanwhile, a statement from the Communication Ministry said, “A State Funeral will be held in honour of the late former Prime Minister. Further details will be conveyed at a later date.”
Browne said he was speaking with “Ms. Mickela Panday and family members” in respect of the arrangements. “Great care will be taken to ensure that Mr. Panday’s family’s wishes are respected and there will be full respect to the Hindu rites associated with deaths and cremations. All details are being discussed and finalised with the family,” Browne added. There is no projected date as yet for the funeral to be held under Hindu rites. Browne said the Government was fully assisting in the return of Panday’s body to T&T, from Florida. Reports state that Panday’s body will be brought home by this Thursday (4th January, 2024). Panday’s family, who were at his bedside when he died, are also expected to return from Florida. Two (2) of Panday’s four (4) daughters live overseas while two (2) live in T&T. Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, speaking at the Prison Service’s First Working Day Interfaith Service at Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, South Quay, Port-of-Spain, on Tuesday (2nd January, 2024), said National Security now has the very crucial role of returning Panday’s body to the country. “National Security has a very critical role to play in ensuring that the body returns with the solemnity and the respect that it deserves from abroad into Trinidad and Tobago through the period of mourning and its interment,” he said. Panday, who was T&T’s fifth Prime Minister, serving from 9th November, 1995, to 24th December, 2001, died on Monday evening (1st January, 2024) at a Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was taken via Air Ambulance on 12th December, 2023 for medical attention. Previous Prime Ministers, including the late Dr. Eric Williams, George Chambers, Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson and Patrick Manning, were reportedly all buried under Christian rites. However, a lot of new ground will need to be covered regarding Panday’s funeral. “This is being done with Mr. Panday’s family and will take a little time to come to a resolution,” Officials said. “Currently, a planning team is handling the matter, the family will make comments on all aspects and logistics are being worked out.” According to reports, the Government fully facilitated and assisted Panday’s recent trip for overseas medical treatment and has worked with his family since he left for Florida on 12th December, 2023. The Government is said to have borne the costs as well for complete coverage at the Florida Hospital where Panday was being treated, as well as matters involving multiple medical agencies in the United States which were also part of the situation. The State is also bearing the cost of repatriating Panday’s body and the funeral. The Government announced on Tuesday (2nd January, 2024), that flags are being flown at half-mast in observance of Panday’s passing. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: T&T Guardian] Following the heinous quadruple murder in St. Augustine on Wednesday (27th December 2023), the United States Embassy in Port-of-Spain has issued a Security Alert, warning its citizens to “exercise caution as there is potential for increased crime.”
According to the U.S. Embassy, “Criminal activity often occurs in crowded public locations such as markets, shopping malls, airports, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, schools, and other areas. Due to recent increased gang activity in St. Augustine, U.S. citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution in the St. Augustine areas of Trincity Mall, Trincity, Grand Bazaar, and Valsayn areas into the new year. The Embassy also advised of actions to take, as follows:
Gunmen opened fire on a vehicle on Wednesday afternoon, which was traveling on the Westbound lane of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, near the UWI traffic lights. The vehicle then flipped over a barrier and crashed into an advertising post. The suspects then pursued the men who fled from the wreckage, killing two (2) in the process. The driver of the crashed vehicle was also shot and killed while he remained trapped in the wreckage. A fourth person was struck and killed by a stray bullet to the head. She has been identified as Lana Sahadeo of Spring Village, Valsayn — a businesswoman said to be in her fifties and owner of Silver Spoons Eatery in Akal Trace. Investigations are continuing into the quadruple murder. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: U.S. Embassy Trinidad & Tobago] |
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