The Ministry of National Security is informing the public that the second tranche of approved Minister's Permits for 2024, granted to Venezuelan nationals in Trinidad and Tobago who registered under the Migrant Registration Framework, will be ready for collection with effect from Monday (11th March, 2024).
A list of approved Minister's Permits numbers is posted on the Ministry's website: https://nationalsecurity.gov.tt/services/workpermit-exemptionextension, and social media pages. The Ministry notes that issuing of the approved Minister's Permits will be conducted from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Enforcement Unit, 135 Henry Street, Port-of-Spain. Persons will be required to present their previously-issued Registration Card to be updated, and Identification (Passport or Cedula). Registrants will be advised on the Ministry's website when further approvals are granted and collection periods are identified. Please be guided accordingly.
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The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is set to save millions of dollars in rental payments on completion of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) Headquarters.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley officially turned the sod earlier today (Monday 11th March, 2024) for the construction of the new building, which will be situated at the corner of Tragarete Road and Victoria Avenue, Port-of-Spain. The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services is mandated with responsibility for addressing the social challenges of poverty, social inequality, and social exclusion. The 10-story building is proposed to house over twenty (20) of the Ministry’s departments and accommodate 200 parking spaces. In delivering the feature address, Prime Minister Rowley said as the Government continues to develop the country’s infrastructure, there is an opportunity for thousands of jobs to be created. He said the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is working closely with UDeCOTT, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Cabinet to develop urban spaces across the country, especially in the capital city — Port-of-Spain.
Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Hon. Donna Cox, noted in her remarks, “The consolidation of our new Ministry’s Headquarters in a single location will not only save approximately $14.7 million annually in rental costs, but also streamline operations, leading to improved efficiency in service delivery.”
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Hon. Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West, the Hon. Stuart Young and His Worship, the Mayor of Port-of-Spain, Alderman Chinua Alleyne, also attended today’s sod-turning ceremony. The Ministry of Health said it “wishes to draw your attention” to an article captioned ‘Medical Board meets to change regulations,’ with the “misleading subheading” stating, ‘Health Minister to go after unqualified specialist doctors,’ published on page ten (10) of today's print and electronic editions of the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian Newspaper.
In a Media Release today (Monday 11th March, 2024), the Ministry said, “The article's misleading subheading implies that the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, stated that he and/or the Ministry were ‘going after unqualified specialist doctors.’ In fact, when the Minister was contacted for a response on the issue he stated ‘that the matter is to be dealt with by the Legislative Review Committee.’ This statement by the Minister of Health was recorded twice in the article.” The Ministry continued, “The implication that the Minister of Health and/or the Ministry of Health plans to take action against unqualified specialist doctors is erroneous. Doctors are regulated by the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago, pursuant to the Medical Board Act, Chapter 29:50. To further clarify, please note that there is a package of draft legislative amendments to amend the Medical Board Act and these include amendments to the requirements for being registered as a medical specialist. The package of draft legislative amendments was based on recommendations from the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago and is still under review.” In light of the above, the Ministry said it is “calling on the Guardian Newspaper to immediately correct and retract the statements attributed to the Minister.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry remains committed to providing timely and accurate information on all issues relating to health and wellness and sincerely trusts that this error will be speedily rectified.” More on this as it becomes available. Pictured Above: Miss World T&T Aché Abrahams, 24. Following Miss World Trinidad and Tobago, Aché Abrahams, becoming the new Miss World Americas and the Caribbean, after reaching the top four (4) at the 71st Miss World Pageant in India on Saturday (9th March, 2024), both Prime Minister Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar have paid their tributes. In a brief statement via the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on Sunday (10th March, 2024), Prime Minister Rowley said, “Thank you for representing Trinidad and Tobago with such class and poise!” Also on Sunday, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said, “Aché, your achievement is one of the best things to happen to Trinidad and Tobago in a long while, we celebrate you and thank you for inspiring all of us, especially the young people of our country to be a voice, an advocate, and an example for others to follow!” She added, “You uplifted our nation and brought immense national pride at a critical and difficult time in our nation's history. Keep being that beacon of hope and the light that dispels the darkness.” The 71st Miss World Pageant was held on Saturday at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, India. Abrahams, 24, brought Trinidad and Tobago to the closest it has been to the Miss World crown in years.
Abrahams worked her way through the top forty (40) contestants, top twelve (12) and top eight (8) before she beat Miss Brazil to come out on top of the Americas and the Caribbean region. Abrahams, Lesego Chombo of Botswana, Krystyna Pyszkova of Czech Republic and Yasmina Zaytoun of Lebanon, were the top four (4) contestants. Pyszkova was crowned Miss World while Zaytoun was first runner-up.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries (MALF) said it has conducted a comprehensive investigation into the welfare of the Red Kangaroo housed at the Emperor Valley Zoo. A specialised team led by MALF's Chief Technical Officer (Ag), Denny Dipchansingh, and Director of Animal Production and Health, Dr. Michelle Mellows, was deployed to the zoo to assess the conditions and health of the animal in question.
In a Media Release today (Thursday 7th March, 2024), MALF said upon thorough examination, the team determined that the animal, which was the subject of concern, “is in fair health.” Veterinary experts found the kangaroo to be bright, alert, and responsive to stimuli. The assessment report indicated that the animal moves with ease within its enclosure, “indicating a satisfactory level of physical activity.”
MALF said it should be noted that the zoo does not only house wildlife for public display. In different sections of the facility, the zoo keeps animals seized by Game Wardens and used as Court Exhibits; it houses wildlife rescued or recovered from around the country and it houses wildlife surrendered to the zoo by keepers who cannot continue to maintain the wildlife. MALF said this wildlife are in “different physical condition and every effort is made to care for them and improve their condition.”
The Red Kangaroo was brought in January 2023 with physical issues from another facility to the Zoo. Based on the MALF team's observations, the kangaroo is estimated to be between fifteen (15) and twenty (20) years old, “which is consistent with the expected level of muscle loss at that age.” The enclosure which the animal is housed in was deemed “adequate for the animal's movement and activity, ensuring its well-being.” Furthermore, MALF said the investigation revealed that since the kangaroo was brought to the zoo, “it has been provided with a wholesome diet consistent with standard care. This diet includes fresh vegetables and specially-formulated chow supplemented with minerals. Routine checks for parasites are conducted, with all tests returning negative results. Environmental enrichment tests are also regularly performed to assess the animal's responsiveness to its environment.” Key Officials from the Ministry, including Chief Technical Officer Denny Dipchansingh, Director of Animal Production and Health Dr. Mellows, and Dr. Lisa Mossai, along with other Veterinary Officers, were present during the assessment. Representatives from the zoo also participated, “ensuring transparency and collaboration in our efforts to uphold animal welfare standards,” MALF added. In light of these findings, Senator Kazim Hosein, Minister of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to ensuring the welfare and well-being of all animals under its care and supervision. “The health and safety of the animals in our care are of utmost importance to us,” stated Senator Hosein. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action to address any concerns that may arise.” More on this as it becomes available.
The community of Diego Martin and its environs now have access to a state-of-the-art public library. This as Prime Minister Keith Rowley officially opened the Diego Martin Public Library on the corner of the Diego Martin Main Road and Wendy Fitzwilliam Boulevard, today (Monday 4th March, 2024).
According to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the three-story building will serve as a technology hub, offering a wide range of public access capabilities and internet access services. The Diego Martin Public Library features the following:
Delivering his feature address this morning, Prime Minister Rowley said, “What this facility represents as an investment for the people of the entire valley and surroundings of Diego Martin is an opportunity to spend time doing something different, something positive, something uplifting, something valuable.” Addressing the perceptions of libraries as outdated, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of embracing the digital age. He said, “This library is where Diego Martin will meet the digital age, where the digital age would be acceptable and accessible to every citizen, young boy, or girl. P.M. Rowley noted that, “even as the digital age is upon us there is a requirement to be anchored in the basics and the first basic has to be a desire to learn, that eagerness to absorb.”
Prime Minister Rowley encouraged citizens to visit national libraries and to read as much as possible.
Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, and representatives from the Diego Martin Borough Corporation also attended today’s opening. UPDATE (04/03/24): Prime Minister Keith Rowley said on Monday (4th March, 2024) that Government's move to replace the Head of the SSA was based on information provided by the Police. He said Best's dismissal was necessary to ensure this country's national security was not jeopardized. And while he did not provide any specifics on what exactly the Police are investigating, he did reveal it is quite troubling. The National Security Council has recommended to the Cabinet that the Head of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) be replaced immediately and that new leadership and management be installed with despatch.
In a Media Release this evening (Sunday 3rd March, 2024), the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) - Communications said this recommendation has been effected and as of Saturday (2nd March, 2024), “the head of the SSA has been sent on administrative leave.” On Saturday (2nd March, 2024), Ambassador Brigadier General Phillips-Spencer, on the instruction of Prime Minister Keith Rowley, has returned from Washington and on an instrument from the President, has been appointed Acting Head of the SSA. The OPM - Communications said Ambassador Phillips-Spencer is “currently engaged in initiating an extensive review and audit of all personnel, equipment and processes within the SSA.” More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
According to Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, the five (5) missing fishermen from Cedros may have ventured into or ended up in Venezuelan waters. He made the comments this afternoon (Friday 1st March, 2024) in Parliament, while responding to a question on the matter from Oropouche East Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Roodal Moonilal.
Minister Hinds said shortly after 6:00 PM last Sunday (25th February, 2024), the Cedros Police, not the families of the missing men, contacted the Cedros Coast Guard Forward Base to inform them that the caretaker of the vessel the men used (‘Amanda’), made a report that the vessel had gone out to sea the day before (Saturday) to fish in an area known as ‘Green Bush’ or ‘the Mang.’ The caretaker said there were five (5) persons on-board the vessel and they were expected to return that night but never did. The missing men have been identified as 35-year-old Captain Davanand Seepaul, his 60-year-old father David Seepaul, and three (3) others: 18-year-old Jeremiah Pasqual, 20-year-old Shiva Seepersad, and 21-year-old Braiyer Alexander Gonzalez Ali.
Minister Hinds said, however, that it is important to recognize that the area the men ventured into was “well within the Venezuelan territory.” He added, “In fact, the names ‘Green Bush’ and ‘Mang’ refer to the area where the mangrove grows in the River Delta. Therefore, the men would have reportedly gone to an area where Trinidad and Tobago has no jurisdiction.”
He noted further that the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) were advised that searches had been conducted by fellow fishermen along the South coast and therefore their focus too, was more concentrated on the Gulf of Paria and along this country’s maritime border, leading towards the Grand Boca. “It was hoped that the ocean currents would have caused the men to drift towards the Gulf. These searches have not yielded any positive results,” the Minister noted. He also referred to reports that family members of the men were told that the Coast Guard vessels were not working. “That is simply not true,” he said, as he sounded a warning from the Coast Guard that it is illegal for fishermen to venture near the Delta and Venezuelan waters.
Asked further by MP Moonilal whether the Coast Guard will continue with an active search and rescue mission for the men, Minister Hinds assured that will be the case. “Most certainly. The TT Coast Guard is committed to rendering assistance to all and sundry, particularly to nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, and more particularly with our fishermen,” he responded.
Diabetes Association Calls For Taxation of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Ultra-Processed Foods28/2/2024 The Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT) is commending the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, for his “bold statements” at the U Health Exposition at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Trinidad, on Monday (26th February, 2024), highlighting the critical issue of our nation's addiction to high-sugar drinks and fatty foods. In a Media Release on Tuesday (27th February, 2024), the DATT said Minister Deyalsingh’s recognition of the role international fast-food brands play in feeding this addiction, “underscores a growing concern that demands immediate action. The Minister's naming of these popular brands for the first time deserves high praise. In response to the Minister's call for collaboration to combat the unhealthy lifestyles leading to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the DATT reaffirms its commitment to support the Government in implementing regulations, policies, and legislation aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods in Trinidad and Tobago. Our dedication to this cause is rooted in the alarming rise in diabetes and other NCDs, which are significantly impacted by dietary choices.” In 2023, the DATT said it conducted a ‘Junk Food Survey’ as “part of our ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate the consumption of unhealthy foods among our population, and particularly our young people. The results highlighted a pressing need for concerted action to address the obesogenic environment contributing to our nation's health crisis. This comprehensive survey engaged 954 young individuals across Trinidad and Tobago, covering a wide age range from eleven (11) to thirty-five (35) years. The findings reveal a significant inclination towards fast food consumption among the youth, with a staggering 88.4% admitting to eating fast food at least once a week. Alarmingly, more than one-third of these respondents reported consuming fast food more than three (3) times per week. The survey also shed light on dietary habits concerning fruit and vegetable intake. Despite universally accepted recommendations suggesting the consumption of four (4) to five (5) servings of fruits and vegetables daily, the survey results were far from meeting these guidelines. Only 23% of respondents met the target for vegetable intake, and a mere 13% did for fruit. Furthermore, about half of the participants failed to include a fruit or vegetable in their diet on more than one day of a typical week, highlighting a significant gap in nutritional adherence.” According to the DATT, fast food preferences among Trinidad and Tobago's youth were dominated by well-known chains, with the popularity rankings as follows: KFC (88%), Doubles (78%), Chinese (72%), Subway (68%), Churches (65%), Royal Castle (63%), Pizza Hut (61%), BBQ (59%), and Gyros/Burgers (54%). “This preference hierarchy indicates a diverse palate but also underscores the dominance of fast food in the young population's daily diet.” According to the American Heart Association, women and children should not consume more than six (6) teaspoons (24 grams) of added sugar per day and men more than nine (9) teaspoons per day (36 grams). However, based on the nutrition facts panel of most popular Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB), the majority contains ten (10) to sixteen (16) teaspoons of added sugar or more — more than the entire daily recommendation is just one bottle. “Our survey showed that the most popular soft drink, one (1) in three (3), in T&T were the colas or ‘black soft drinks,’ with more than 75% of young people consuming soft drinks at least twice in a typical week. Interestingly, the survey delved into the reasons behind the preference for fast food, with taste and convenience emerging as the primary factors. Most respondents perceived the price of fast food to be comparable to healthier food options, suggesting that cost is not a deterrent. Instead, the appealing taste and the convenience of fast food were the main attractions driving their consumption patterns.” The DATT notes that these findings from its ‘Junk Food Survey’ paint a “concerning picture of dietary trends among the youth in Trinidad and Tobago towards unhealthy ultra-processed foods. This signals a need for concerted efforts to promote healthier eating habits and address the underlying factors contributing to these choices. Drawing on the successful strategies discussed at the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), ‘Accelerating the Removal of Ultra-Processed Products From Caribbean Schools - The Food in Our Schools Matters’ meeting in July 2023, we advocate for a comprehensive approach to removing ultra-processed products from our schools and communities.” According to the DATT, these strategies include:
The DATT added, “It is well known that fast food companies continue to infiltrate our schools through sponsorships of sports teams, scholarships, and other school-related activities. This must be stopped to protect our children from the allure of unhealthy food choices. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of increasing access to and availability of healthy foods. By enhancing the infrastructure and policies that support the production, distribution, and marketing of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods, we can create an environment that encourages and facilitates healthier eating habits.” The DATT said it is “particularly concerned about the impact of ultra-processed foods on our youth and working-age population. Focusing on young people, the largest and most vulnerable segment of our population, on marketing tactics, is crucial. Evidence from around the world, endorsed by PAHO/WHO and the HCC, supports the effectiveness of these measures in creating healthier food environments. We look forward to working closely with the Government, other civil society organizations within the TTNCDA (Trinidad and Tobago NCD Alliance), and other stakeholders to implement these strategies. By doing so, we can make significant strides in combating the NCD epidemic and fostering a healthier future for all Trinidadians and Tobagonians.” Prime Minister Keith Rowley will be hosting a Press Conference at 2:30 PM this afternoon (Wednesday 28th February, 2024) to discuss several important matters concerning Trinidad and Tobago. Today’s Press Conference was announced earlier today by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Watch the live stream of the Press Conference below when it begins at 2:30 PM, courtesy of TTT. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
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