MP Padarath: Electricity Rate HIKE ‘Unbearable Burden’ — RIC Proposes 124% Increase By 20285/4/2024 Princes Town MP, Barry Padarath, said that the contents of a report in yesterday’s Business Guardian (Thursday 4th April, 2024), headlined ‘RIC Recommends Doubling of Electricity Rates by 2028,’ is “deeply troubling and worrisome for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.” The MP said that this development comes at a time when the cost of living is already so high in the country and against the backdrop of property tax, higher water rates, high food prices and high unemployment.
The current bi-monthly bill for the average residential household could more than double (124% increase) by 2028, if the Cabinet accepts the recommendations of the Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) in its entirety, according to Guardian Media estimates. Residential electricity bills are projected to increase by between 105% (200 kWh per month) and 229% (5,000 kWh per month) across the board, depending on electricity consumption. For example, a customer using 940 kWh every two (2) months (or 470 kWh per month) pays the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) $318 every two (2) months, including VAT, at this time. That would work out to be $159 a month, if the RIC recommendation for T&TEC to issue bills on a monthly basis, instead of every two (2) months, is accepted. By 2028, the same average customer, still using 470 kWh, would pay T&TEC around $356 a month, which is 124% more than the $159 monthly equivalent. This adjustment arises as residential consumers are moved to pay cost-reflective prices by the end of the RIC’s second 5-year control period (PRE2). In a Media Release today (Friday 5th April, 2024), MP Padarath, who is also the Opposition Shadow Minister for Public Utilities, called on the Government to say whether they intend to remove the subsidy on gas that T&TEC purchases for its operations. He added that this has been a question that he has been raising for quite some time, yet the Government has been silent on the matter. MP Padarath stated that it is the Cabinet that sets the price that NGC charges T&TEC for natural gas and once the subsidy is removed, it would drive the cost of electricity up exponentially. He said yesterday’s Business Guardian article stated that “a median household’s residential bill would instead increase as much as 204% if the NGC were to un-subsidize the price of natural gas by 2028.” The Princes Town MP stated that the Government needs to tell the population if this is part of the plan for T&TEC ahead of the next General Election. He added that the citizens must know what they are getting themselves into. The MP stated that the Government was stalling the recommendations of the RIC at the Cabinet in an effort to brace fallout ahead of the next General Election. MP Padarath indicated that the population could not “continue to sustain additional taxes and higher utility rates on an additional three (3) dollars increase in minimum wage.” He further stated that the article clearly pointed out that over 1.4 billion dollars was still owed in outstanding receivables to T&TEC by the State, which compounded T&TEC’s financial situation. The Princes Town MP stated that the Opposition would resist all moves inside and outside of the Parliament to increase utility rates at this time in the country. He called on citizens to stand their ground with the Opposition and added that the Government needed to be “upfront with citizens on their intention regarding the gas subsidy to T&TEC.” He pointed out that once electricity goes up then everything else would go up, therefore further burdening citizens. More on this as it becomes available. [Sources: UNC | T&T Guardian]
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) said it is “deeply concerned” about the recent incident involving a swarm of bees at Palmiste Park, San Fernando, on Easter Monday (1st April, 2024). The bees injured several individuals who were enjoying recreational activities at the park.
In a Media Release on Tuesday (2nd April, 2024), MALF said upon receiving reports of the incident, “the Ministry mobilized a team from its Regional South Administration Office to assess the situation and assist the affected community. The safety and well-being of the public, particularly in recreational spaces where families and individuals gather for leisure activities, remain our top priority.” In light of the incident and subsequent safety concerns, MALF notes that the Bee Abatement Unit of County Victoria (Regional Administration South Division) conducted a surveillance exercise. “The exercise identified seven (7) hives within the park premises that have the potential to pose further harm to park users if disturbed. Given the serious risks associated with bee stings, citizens are urged to exercise caution and avoid the park until further notice.” These hives are located in trees at heights of 10m (30 feet) or more. The Ministry said it has been collaborating with the San Fernando City Corporation (SFCC), and arrangements have been made to address this imminent threat to public safety. Technical teams from MALF and the SFCC are scheduled to return to the site on Wednesday (3rd April, 2024) and commence activity at 8:30 AM. MALF's Bee Abatement Unit will remove accessible hives and conduct abatement activities on those hives that are difficult to access but pose a high risk to park users. Citizens are advised to heed the authorities' warning and refrain from entering the park until further notice. Furthermore, MALF said it is ‘essential to exercise due vigilance and refrain from disturbing the bees if using the park. The safety of our citizens remains our top priority, and we appreciate the co-operation and understanding of the public during this time.” Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, emphasises the importance of public safety in light of this incident: “I urge all citizens to heed the advice of the authorities and avoid entering Palmiste Park until further notice. Bee stings can cause serious injury or even death, particularly for those who are allergic. We are taking proactive measures to address the situation and ensure the safety of park users. Let us all exercise caution and prioritise safety in our recreational activities.” Please be guided accordingly. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has announced that Prime Minister Keith Rowley will travel to Ireland for vacation today (Tuesday 2nd April, 2024). Mrs. Sharon Rowley will accompany the Prime Minister.
Minister of Finance, the Hon. Colm Imbert will act as Prime Minister in the interim. “I have taken note of the false narrative and misleading claims that the UNC has not been holding the Government to account over its very worrying failure to lay the 2024 EBC Report in Parliament. This is furthest from the truth.” This from Leader of the Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP.
In a Media Release on Monday (1st April, 2024), Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said, “The UNC has been consistently raising this matter and will continue to do so, in and outside of the Parliament. As per the Hansard record, on 18 March 2024, I stated in the House of Representatives: The Government is in breach of the Constitution once again, by its failure to lay in this House, the report of the Elections and Boundaries Commission which was due in March. (Hansard, Unrevised House Debate - Monday March 18, 2024 - 1:30 p.m. https://www.ttparliament.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hh20240318u.pdf). The Opposition Leader continued, “Further, a Motion on the Adjournment of the Senate by Senator Wade Mark was accepted by the President of the Senate on 22 March 2024, regarding: The need for a status update on the Report of the Elections and Boundaries Commission on the Review of Constituency Boundaries pursuant to Section 72 of the Constitution. Also, following the ongoing ominous silence from the Rowley Administration on this critical issue, by letter dated April 1, 2024, I have had cause to formally write to the CEO and Commissioners of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, seeking explicit clarification of whether the EBC has fulfilled its mandate in law to supply the relevant report to the Government, stating, in part, that: We are of the view that the EBC’s deadline for the submission of the 2024 Boundary Report to the Prime Minister and the Speaker has passed. In light of the passage of the EBC’s constitutional deadline to submit the 2024 Boundary Report, can you confirm the following:
This will clearly identify where specific responsibility lies in regard to the failure to have the overdue EBC report laid in Parliament and will guide the UNC’s subsequent steps to ensure public accountability in this matter. It is therefore false and misleading to claim that the UNC has not questioned the Government on this report.” Mrs. Persad-Bissessar added, “I reiterate that this issue is a matter of grave national concern and significance. It can affect the outcome of the next general elections, and the overall political stability of Trinidad and Tobago, given the possible highly questionable changes to electoral boundaries that the report may propose. Notably, there is recent precedent for this. In 2021, following the 6 - 6 deadlock tied results in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Elections, the Rowley Government arbitrarily and very questionably passed the highly controversial THA Amendment bill in Parliament, to increase Tobago’s electoral seats from 12 to 15. Back then, in a statement condemning this move, dated February 1, 2021, I stated: Prime Minister’s Rowley’s suggestions for ending the THA impasse are contrary to the existing law of Trinidad and Tobago and contrary to the democratic will of the people of Tobago. We do not support the suggestions made by him. The Prime Minister is totally wrong. There is no need for Parliamentary intervention to change the law. There is no need for EBC intervention to change boundaries. The existing law as contained in the THA Act and the THA Standing Orders is very clear and explicit about what needs to be done in the current situation. The use of the existing law to break the THA tie will permit a new Executive Council to be appointed, thereby ensuring that the democratic will of the people is respected. In this context, I remain adamant that any new arbitrary boundary changes by the EBC can have negative effects on who forms the next Government of Trinidad and Tobago.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “Notably, in the past decade, the UNC has consistently, and successfully, challenged several of the EBC’s arbitrary decisions regarding general elections. I confirm that we are employing similar vigilance regarding any upcoming proposed, arbitrary boundary change of EBC that can be deemed biased towards the PNM, and contrary to our democracy and Constitution. The UNC will continue to hold the Government and the EBC to account for the 2024 report and advise the national community accordingly.” UPDATE: Watch the live stream of the Post-Cabinet Media Briefing right here. 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 1:00 PM this afternoon (Wednesday 27th March, 2024) at Whitehall in Port-of-Spain.
No further details were provided by the OPM. The Prime Minister is expected to spend the Easter long weekend in Tobago. From there, he is expected to leave on Tuesday (2nd April, 2024) to vacation in Ireland for approximately twelve (12) days. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. Prime Minister Rowley Meets With Families of Divers Involved In Tragic Paria/LMCS Incident27/3/2024 Prime Minister Keith Rowley met this morning (Wednesday 27th March, 2024) with the families of the divers involved in the tragic incident which occurred in February 2022 at a facility owned by Paria Fuel Trading Company Limited (Paria). The meeting was held at Whitehall in Port-of-Spain.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in a Media Release, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Stuart Young and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Reginald Armour S.C., also accompanied the Prime Minister to the meeting. The OPM provided the following updates following this morning’s meeting with the families:
More on this as it becomes available. UNC Calls For Retraction, Apology From CNC3 Over ‘False, Misleading Quote’ By Jason ‘JW’ Williams25/3/2024 The United National Congress (UNC) said it “strongly objects to members of the media falsely putting words in the mouth of our Political Leader, the Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC and presenting it as fact.” This from UNC Public Relations Officer, Dr. Kirk Meighoo, in a lengthy Media Release issued today (Monday 25th March, 2024).
According to Dr. Meighoo, “On CNC3’s Morning Brew Programme on Monday, March 25, 2024, host Jason ‘JW’ Williams — defeated former PNM candidate for San Juan/Barataria in 2020 — wrongly ascribed malicious statements to Mrs. Persad-Bissessar.” Dr. Meighoo said Mr. Williams stated the following: I’m actually looking at what your political leader said. Your leader, she would have mentioned ‘wannabes, cowards and outcasts.’ That is what — the adjectives used to describe Mr. Paray and his team who are challenging and basically saying you know what, let’s have the internals. She said ‘wannabes, cowards and outcasts.’ Dr. Meighoo continued, “This is totally false and misleading. At no time did the UNC Political Leader ever utter the words ‘cowards and outcasts.’ At a News Conference on Friday, March 22, 2024, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar, when questioned by the media on the issue at hand, said: Our party is a strong, a very strong party. We remain committed to the party’s constitution and to the laws of the land. And thirdly, you know, we have some wannabes. I wish them good luck and say we remain committed to the party’s constitution. We follow the party’s constitution. Notably, this correct quote was carried in the sister newspaper of CNC3, in an article by reporter Otto Carrington, published in the Guardian on Saturday, March 23, 2024 (https://guardian.co.tt/news/kamla-wannabes-ambitions-outweigh-their-talents-6.2.1957414.4141817719). In light of this false, misleading quote being attributed to Mrs. Persad-Bissessar, the UNC calls for CNC3 to retract, apologize, and correct the record with equal prominence, in accordance with the tenets of responsible journalism, which invokes the strictest adherence to truth, fairness and accuracy.” Dr. Meighoo added, “The second issue is ongoing media reports, based on false utterances by some individuals, that the UNC has taken a decision to not hold its internal elections for the party’s National Executive. Notably, the UNC’s Political Leader, nor any other member of the National Executive, has made any public statement in this regard. In fact, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar has stressed that the party will adhere to its constitution at all times, stating, repeatedly in the public domain that: We remain committed to the party’s constitution and to the laws of the land. We follow the party’s constitution. The issue therefore does not arise. By making these false claims that internal elections have been delayed, when they have not been, these individuals are sowing confusion. We call on them to cease. Thirdly, the UNC takes note of some individuals calling for leadership elections and a change of leadership. The party wishes to clarify that leadership elections for the post of Political Leader are not due until 2025, according to the party’s constitution. In the last leadership election, in 2022, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar convincingly won a resounding mandate from the UNC membership.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “We affirm that members have a right to support whomever they wish for leader, and to contest leadership themselves. However, making public declarations against the constitutionally-elected leader of the UNC, outside of the internal elections process, only serves to destabilize the party. We call on these members to cease from engaging in such activities and work together in unity, constitutionally, to defeat the PNM and secure Trinidad and Tobago.” More on this as it becomes available. The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) is advising that there is no stoppage in the processing of applications for Funeral Assistance Grant, to eligible recipients.
In a Media Release today (Friday 22nd March, 2024), the Ministry said it is “cognizant that this grant is required in times of grief and emergency and so, continues to enhance its systems and processes to ensure that clients have a seamless experience. We remain fervent in the discharge of our remit to provide consistent and reliable safety nets to all vulnerable persons living in Trinidad and Tobago, leaving no one behind.” Persons requiring the Funeral Assistance/Grant, may visit the Social Welfare Office closest to where they reside, to determine eligibility or contact the Ministry toll free at 800-1MSD (800-1673). The Media Release concluded by saying, “Anyone being told by staff of the Social Welfare Division that this grant has been stopped or discontinued, can make a report at 623-2608, ext. 5612.” Please be guided accordingly. Prime Minister Keith Rowley received a courtesy call from Miss World Trinidad and Tobago and newly crowned Miss World Caribbean 2024, Aché Abrahams, at Whitehall in Port-of-Spain on Thursday (21st March, 2024). According to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Senator the Hon. Randall Mitchell, Minister of Youth Development and National Service, the Hon. Foster Cummings and Minister of Education, Dr. the Hon. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly were also in attendance. Co-Franchise Owner - Miss World Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Boodhai and National Pageant Director - Miss World Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Charu Lochan Dass, accompanied the Miss World Caribbean to Thursday’s meeting.
Parents of Miss Aché Abrahams, Ms. Camille Abrahams and Mr. Carl Abarhams were also present at the meeting.
The Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) was conducted at 548 centers across Trinidad and Tobago this morning (Thursday 21st March, 2024).
Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education, has expressed satisfaction with the administration and security measures which led to the efficient execution of the examination, and commends all stakeholders for their active involvement. In a Media Release following today’s examination, the Ministry of Education said this year, a total of 18,246 students were registered to write the SEA examination, comprising 9,170 males and 9,076 females. In Trinidad, 17,248 candidates registered, while 998 candidates registered in Tobago. Students who registered, but were unable to write the examination, will be offered the opportunity to write the supplemental examination on Thursday 18th April, 2024.
The Ministry said it also continues to support Special Education Needs students through the provision of concessions. This year, 447 students received concessions in Trinidad and twenty-one (21) in Tobago. These students were afforded concessions such as extra time, Sign Language Interpretation, large print or Braille scripts, preferential seating and the provision of a writer or reader.
Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education, noted that “the effective oversight of 548 examination centers for the SEA Examination would not have been achieved without the unwavering support of the Ministry's various stakeholders. These include Teachers, Principals, and School Supervisors who offered their services to invigilate and monitor the examination; the staff of Ministry of Education, as well as janitorial staff and, security personnel involved in creating safe and comfortable spaces for the nation's students. Furthermore, our gratitude extends to partners such as the Ministry of National Security, the Commissioner of Police and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), National Maintenance Training and Security Company (NMTS), Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), and other entities whose contributions have been instrumental in ensuring the success and integrity of the examination process.” The Ministry said it expects that the SEA 2024 results will be available for viewing/downloading by students and Principals from the SEA Portal during the first week of July 2024. Further information on the exact date will be released closer to that time. The Ministry is congratulating all SEA students on the achievement of this important milestone, and wishes them a happy Easter vacation. |
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