Advertisement
Prime Minister Keith Rowley will be hosting the Post-Cabinet Media Briefing at 2:30 PM this afternoon (Thursday 25th July, 2024) at Whitehall. This was announced earlier today by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Watch the live stream of the Post-Cabinet Media Briefing below when it begins at 2:30 PM, courtesy of TTT. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
0 Comments
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announced a short while ago that Prime Minister Keith Rowley will host the Post-Cabinet Media Briefing at 2:30 PM this afternoon (Thursday 25th July, 2024) at Whitehall.
No further details were provided by the OPM. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. Finance Minister: Inaccurate, Misleading Guardian Article — ‘Government Borrows $14B In 9 Months’24/7/2024 Minister of Finance, Hon. Colm Imbert, MP, said he has taken note of a “very misleading article” in today's (Wednesday 24th July, 2024) Trinidad Guardian newspaper, entitled “Government Borrows $14B in 9 months.”
In a Media Release today, Minister Imbert said, “This article gives an entirely false impression that as a result of massive Government borrowing, the public debt increased by over $14 billion between October 2023 and June 2024. However, this is simply untrue and because of its gross inaccuracy, and the large figure quoted, this misreporting can create confusion in the minds of the general public. What the author of the article and the newspaper fail to realize is that their superficial and flawed analysis of public debt financing has led them into the same trap as the Opposition, who in evaluating Government borrowing, take no account of refinancing transactions or repayments of principal, and their erroneous commentary is thus based on grossly inaccurate figures for Government borrowing.” The Minister continued, “Indeed, over the period October 2023 to June 2024, the Government made Central Government and Government Guaranteed Principal Repayments totaling $9.23 billion, of which Central Government was $6.8 billion and Government Guaranteed was $2.43 billion. These repayments had the effect of reducing the net public debt by $9.23 billion. Further, over the same period, a total of $2.67 billion in debt involved refinancing of Central Government and Government Guaranteed debt, which did not increase the public debt. Principal repayments and borrowing for refinancing must always therefore be deducted from the total Government debt financing for any period to get the true level of borrowing. In this case, for the period October 2023 to June 2024, the public debt actually increased by $4.07 billion, or $10 billion less that the $14 billion figure quoted in the Guardian article.” He added, “It does not assist the public in any way in understanding our true economic situation when sensationalist and inaccurate articles of this nature are published, and the Guardian is urged to do better research and more in-depth analysis of the facts, rather than rushing to print such gross misinformation.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “Finally, it is also necessary for the Guardian writers to understand that the Monetary Policy Report of the Central Bank reflects all primary market issuances; inclusive of issuances of corporates and non-Government Guaranteed debt. Over the period in question, the National Investment Fund Holding Company raised $400 million in February 2024 and First Citizens Investments Services Limited raised US $30 million in October 2023. These issuances are primary market activities but do not add to the Government's debt.” U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle RESIGNS Following Trump’s Assassination Attempt23/7/2024
According to reports, United States Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle, has tendered her resignation amid intense scrutiny of security lapses related to the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on 13th July, 2024.
Investigations are moving forward into the Secret Service’s handling of Trump’s protection and how a gunman came close to the killing the 2024 Republican Presidential candidate at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month.
Cheatle said in her resignation letter that she made the “difficult” decision to leave the agency “with a heavy heart” and that she does not want her departure to distract Secret Service Agents from their mission. “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that, I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director,” Cheatle wrote. She acknowledged that on 13th July, 2024, the day of the shooting, the agency “fell short” of its mission to “to protect our nation’s leaders.”
In a statement following her announcement, President Joe Biden said he and First Lady Jill Biden are “grateful” for Cheatle’s decades of public service and will appoint a new Director “soon.” “As a leader, it takes honor, courage, and incredible integrity to take full responsibility for an organization tasked with one of the most challenging jobs in public service,” Biden said of Cheatle. She was appointed by Biden to lead the Secret Service in 2022. There have been bipartisan calls in Congress for Cheatle’s resignation and a push by Republican lawmakers to impeach her. Lawmakers were particularly incensed after her appearance in front of the House Oversight Committee on Monday (22nd July, 2024), where she was unwilling to answer many of the committee’s questions. During her House Oversight appearance, Cheatle acknowledged that there were “significant” and “colossal” problems with the security at the rally, but still rebuffed demands for her resignation. “I think I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time,” Cheatle said on Monday. In the initial wake of the shooting, Cheatle was emphatic that she would not step down.
In an interview with CNN last week, Cheatle said that the agency was “solely responsible” for the design and implementation of security at the Pennsylvania rally site, where the now-deceased gunman fired shots at Trump from an unsecured rooftop, just a few hundred feet from the rally stage.
A bullet hit Trump’s ear, and the incident left one rallygoer dead and others injured. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CNN]
UPDATE 3: Vice President Kamala Harris issued the following statement, confirming her intention to become the Democratic nominee: “On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.” She added, “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. If you’re with me, add a donation right now.”
UPDATE 2: Former President Donald Trump issued the following statement on his social network, Truth Social: “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve — And never was! He only attained the position of President by lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement. All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t — And now, look what he’s done to our Country, with millions of people coming across our Border, totally unchecked and unvetted, many from prisons, mental institutions, and record numbers of terrorists. We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
UPDATE: President Biden said in a follow-up statement that he is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”
Current United States President, Joe Biden, 81, has just announced he will not be running for re-election in November 2024. The announcement comes weeks after constant calls for the President to drop out of the Presidential race, especially after his recent disastrous debate against former President Donald Trump. Biden, however, had previously dismissed all such calls and insisted he will run for re-election.
It is unclear now who the Democratic nominee will be to face Trump in November. In a statement issued just minutes ago this afternoon (Sunday 21st July, 2024), President Biden said, “My Fellow Americans, Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation. Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We've made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We've provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.” Biden continued, “I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We've protected and preserved our Democracy. And we've revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term. I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.” The President concluded by saying, “For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me. I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can't do when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.” — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
Biden, who has faced criticism for his failing health, tested positive for COVID-19 days ago and has been in isolation.
More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. Pictured Above: Shakeem Charles, 32. Naparima MP Rodney Charles is calling on the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to solve the murder of his 32-year-old cousin, TT RideShare (TTRS) driver Shakeem Charles, and those murdered over the weekend.
Shakeem’s body was found in a forested area off Sunrees Branch Road in Penal on Saturday morning (13th July, 2024). He was last known to have left Port-of-Spain in his recently-purchased Toyota Cross on Tuesday 9th July, 2024, around 12:00 PM, to return to South Trinidad. However, his vehicle was found abandoned on Wednesday 10th July, 2024, along Emon Lane in Valencia. in a Media Release on Monday (15th July, 2024), MP Charles said, “It is indiscriminately hitting closer to home and very soon every family in TT will be affected. Unless decisive, serious, intelligent and visionary action is immediately taken, 2024 will become the new deadliest year with over 600 murders. Life in TT is becoming ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’ as English philosopher Thomas Hobbes famously argued. This murder case is one that should be easily solved considering the plethora of evidential facts that exist.” The MP is asking the following questions:
He continued, “This murder cannot be just written off as another random occurrence. The perpetrators cannot be allowed to feel that they are free to carry out their dastardly acts given poor detection rates and a less than efficient TTPS. We are tired of empty platitudes like ‘leaving no stone unturned’ or ‘increasing Police presence’ or ‘putting Stations on full alert.’ TT has, for example, four (4) times the number of Police per capita than Toronto and their detection rate exceeds ours significantly. Sending more Police to Tobago, for example, means nothing.” MP Charles added, “It is time for the leadership of the TTPS to use its God-given brains, increase the use of modern forensic technology, use the laws that exist to incarcerate criminals, and diligently pursue 24/7, the criminal elements or ‘crapaud smoke we pipe.’ How many more murders does TT have to witness for the TTPS to take urgent action and get a handle on crime? We do not have time for long-winded, pedantic, obfuscatory old talk, broken promises and pie in the sky remedies. We urgently need specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely (SMART) crime fighting strategies. We need them now, not yesterday, not tomorrow.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “For our country's sake, our international reputation, our fear of even walking our streets, our many fatherless children, our misguided youth in need of direction and leadership, our many grieving mothers, and our country that has lost hope, MP Charles calls on the leadership of the TTPS to save TT by asking for international help if they are not up to the task of keeping us safe and secure.” The National Security Council, under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, met with the Heads of the State’s security apparatus on Monday (15th July, 2024), at the Diplomatic Centre, St. Ann’s.
In a Media Release this morning (Tuesday 16th July, 2024), the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said, “Present at the meeting were the Commissioner of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Ms. Erla Harewood-Christopher, Deputy Commissioners of Police, Junior Benjamin, Natasha George and Suzette Martin, along with the Heads of the ten (10) Divisions of the TTPS. Also present was the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshall Darryl Daniel, Acting Commissioner of Prisons, Carlos Corraspe and Director of the Strategic Services Agency [SSA], Brigadier General (Ret’d) Anthony Phillips-Spencer.” The OPM said the Prime Minister “articulated the serious concerns with the incidents of violent crime and the continued use of illegal high-powered assault weapons and discussed with the leadership assembled, the need for a more proactive, intelligence-driven, targeted and robust approach which is focused on those who are known and suspected to be involved in serious criminality.” The Prime Minister also made it clear that the Government supported the services, and in particular, the TTPS, in its carrying out of its duties and responsibilities, provided that they are always done within the legal parameters. There was agreement amongst the services present, that coming out of the meeting, there would be the deployment, in a co-ordinated and collaborative manner, of sustained joint operations, particularly in areas where there is a known concentration of criminal activity. Also present with the Prime Minister were Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of National Security and Minister Stuart Young, S.C., Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Energy Industries. Breaking: Former U.S. President Donald Trump INJURED As Gunshots Heard At Pennsylvania Rally13/7/2024
UPDATE (3:20 AM): The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) named 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the suspect in what they described as the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Crooks, who was killed by a Secret Service Agent, used an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle to carry out the attack, a U.S. Official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the early stages of the investigation. The attack at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally left one (1) spectator dead and critically injured two (2) others.
UPDATE (1:30 AM): Several world leaders swiftly condemned the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, characterizing the incident as an act of political violence and a threat to the democratic process:
UPDATE (9:10 PM): The suspected shooter used a rifle to carry out the attack, Law Enforcement Officials said. The gunman fired from an elevated position outside of the rally, killing a spectator before being fatally shot by a Secret Service Agent, an Agency Spokesman said. Two (2) other audience members were critically injured.
UPDATE (9:00 PM): Federal authorities are investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt on Trump, according to a Law Enforcement Official.
UPDATE (8:50 PM): Former President Donald Trump has confirmed he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear” when gunfire erupted at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, this afternoon.
In a post on his social media network, Truth Social, Trump said, “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
UPDATE (8:15 PM): Former U.S. Presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, posted statements on X expressing thanks that former President Donald Trump was not badly wounded and decrying violence in politics. “Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics,” Obama said.
Meanwhile, Clinton said, “Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service.”
Former United States President, Donald Trump, was reportedly injured a short while ago this afternoon (Saturday 13th July, 2024) after loud bangs were heard at approximately 6:15 PM, during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
According to reports, Trump fell to the ground after the bangs rang out. Before collapsing, Trump reached for what appeared to be his ear or neck as Secret Service members jumped to the stage and surrounded him. His security personnel stood him back up and he was seen with blood on his face. He was yelling back to the crowd and throwing fist bumps in the air. He was then whisked away to his SUV. Speaking to CNN, a Senior Trump Adviser in Milwaukee said they are working to gather information on the condition of the former President. “We don’t know his condition,” the Adviser said. “We pray he is OK.” A Spokesman later said Trump is “fine and being checked out at a local medical facility.” U.S. Secret Service Spokesman, Anthony Guglielmi, posted on X that the Secret Service has “implemented protective measures and the former President is safe.” The incident is now an active Secret Service investigation, Guglielmi said.
Investigations are continuing.
More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: CNN] A damaged bridge at St. John’s Branch Trace, Fyzabad, in the vicinity of the flood gates, collapsed this morning (Wednesday 10th July, 2024), marooning close to forty (40) residents and isolating some seven (7) homes.
MP for Fyzabad, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, said in a social media post following the incident, “One ill resident was unable to seek medical attention this morning as the bridge is now impassable to vehicles. This has occurred despite numerous representations to the authorities to correct the situation before it became a disaster. A temporary crossing measure was put in place by way of a boat, volunteered by a resident of the village. Crew of the DMU from the Siparia Borough Corporation are on site, cleaning the river bank to allow safer access. Councillor for the area, Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo is also on site.” The MP added, “I am calling for this to be treated as a disaster and for a temporary Bailey bridge to be installed in the shortest possible time to bring urgent relief for the marooned residents, pending a more permanent solution. I am also calling for the removal of the collapsed bridge and clearing of the water course to prevent another disaster in the form of flooding when the rains come. The water connection broke with the collapsed bridge and I am asking for WASA to also intervene urgently to restore the water supply.” Dr. Bodoe concluded by saying, “I urge the residents to exercise all safety at this disaster and remain thankful that there was no loss of life in this morning’s disaster.” More on this as it becomes available. [Source: Loop] UPDATE (12:30 PM): We are still standing by for the start of the Press Conference. Stay tuned. Prime Minister Keith Rowley will be hosting a Press Conference at 12:00 PM this afternoon (Tuesday 9th July, 2024) at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Central Administrative Services, Tobago, to discuss several important matters concerning Trinidad and Tobago. Today’s Press Conference was announced by the OPM only a few hours ago. This Press Conference takes place after a high-level meeting of the National Security Council this morning at the OPM, Central Administrative Services, Tobago, which was hosted by the Prime Minister, following the brutal quadruple murder which occurred early yesterday morning (Monday 8th July, 2024) in Black Rock, Tobago. Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Augustine, along with Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, and members of the leadership of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), were also expected to attend this morning’s meeting. Watch the live stream of the Press Conference below when it begins at 12:00 PM, courtesy of TTT. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
|
AboutYouthere1 is a website focused on providing useful information, breaking news, entertainment and online shopping in Trinidad and Tobago.
AlertsSupportYouTubeContactPrivacyCategories
All
Archives
July 2024
|
© 2024 Youthere1 Enterprises. All Rights Reserved.