24 June

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Chamber wants focus on tourism, agriculture

A reduction in crime, economic growth, access to financing and better inter-island transport are some of the areas the Tobago arm of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Tobago Business Chamber want addressed in today’s Tobago House of Assembly (THA) budget presentation which will be presented by Chief Secretary and Finance Secretary Farley Augustine. “We want to put our eyes on tourism and agriculture, the chamber emphasises the need to invest in tourism, agriculture as these sectors are critical for Tobago’s economic diversification. We advocate for policies that enhance tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable agriculture practices...

16 June

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Tobago Business Chamber: PM’s adversarial stance on EMA laws ill-advised

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THE TOBAGO Business Chamber says the somewhat adversarial stance the Prime Minister has taken in referring to the environmental management laws may not be the best position to adopt if the government intends to develop the country along a particular path. At the post-Cabinet media briefing on June 13, Dr Rowley said the government would have to revisit the EMA Act, as people in the country use it to obstruct development rather than help it. He believes the misuse of the act has robbed Trinidad and Tobago of projects such as a Sandals resort and an aluminium smelter plant. But Rowley said the...

10 June

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George: Repeal ‘repressive’ Foreign Investment Act

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The chairman of the Tobago Business Chamber, Martin George, has reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional repeal of the Foreign Investment Act. In a media release on Friday, George said the chamber had been championing this repeal for many years. This “repressive and obstructive legislation,” he said, represents a palpable absurdity, especially in the face of the severe scarcity of foreign exchange in TT. “Instead of facilitating direct foreign investment like so many other islands in the Caribbean are doing, this archaic and anachronistic Foreign Investment Act has us placing and maintaining hurdles and obstacles in the way of investors. "The...

09 June

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Budget review disappoints business groups

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The Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) has expressed disappointment that several key issues that have affected business and the economy appeared to be ignored during the mid-year budget review. Coordinator of the CRBC Jai Leladharsingh said, "The IMF report indicates that growth is taking place, but to date, Trinidad and Tobago has not reached the benchmark of the 2019 GDP figures as yet." The Confederation however did side with the Minister's stance on the exchange rate, as it said, "the CRBC agrees that any downward adjustment of the exchange rate would only serve to create severe economic stress and bring severe...

01 June

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Couva Children’s Home manager suspended after revealing abuse allegations

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Manager of the Couva Children’s Home and Crisis Nursery Kerri-Ann Leon Sing has been suspended over breaching the terms of her contract and proceeding on unauthorised vacation leave from the facility. Despite this, Leon Sing, who spoke out on reports of sexual abuse at the home, involving a 12-year-old resident, said she does not regret her decision. Leon Sing was issued a letter from the home’s director Linus Rogers on Wednesday, which outlined an apparent breach of contract by divulging matters relating to an internal investigation at the home, referencing her appearance on CNC3’s newscasts. “This represents a direct violation of paragraph 5...

30 May

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Can middle-income earners afford homes in T&T?

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Challenges and opportunities: Can people with an average income between $6,000 and $10,000 buy a home in Trinidad and Tobago? Given the high cost of living and houses on the market costing over $1m, one single mother of two fears her dream of owning a home is moving farther away. And according to one economist, acquiring a home is becoming increasingly difficult for the middle class. However, one organisation argues that it is not all doom and gloom because while you may not be able to purchase your dream home there are other viable options. Similarly, Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Bank (TTMB) assures...

29 May

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Need to improve service industry: George on foreign investment

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Chairman of the Tobago Business Chamber Martin George believes that for Trinidad and Tobago to get more foreign investment from tourism, improvements in the service industry and a repeal of the Foreign Investment Act for Tobago are needed. “We have a lot of work to do. Look at the quality of service that we get, our service industry, and how our staff treats us in restaurants or bars: we don’t understand that culture of proper service and quality service that you get in other islands. So, therefore, we are not just going to magically wake up and reach to that point...

22 May

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Deosaran calls selection of CoP ‘worst system in the world’

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Former Police Service Commission (PolSC) chairman, Prof Ramesh Deosaran, says Parliament should return to the 2006 model allowing it to appoint a Commissioner of Police (CoP), while the prime minister retains veto power. Speaking on the issue yesterday, Deosaran agreed with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley that the current system did not lend itself to creating best practices. Deosaran described it as the “worst system in the world, noting it was convoluted, expensive, caused confusion and was a lengthy process which could be delayed.” He said even Rowley agreed the system was a mistake. Therefore, he called for bravery in Parliament to...

21 May

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George: Tobago Chamber willing to develop young people, curb crime.

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CHAIRMAN of the Tobago Business Chamber Martin George says he is willing to work with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to create jobs in an effort to curb crime on the island. On May 17, THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine held a media conference to address the recent upsurge of murders in Tobago. He said the administration would provide opportunities for young people to find employment within the private sector. He said, “We will look at the registering of all unemployed persons in communities with the aim of ascertaining their core skills, capabilities, and training option needs. While we are doing...

17 May

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Mixed views from Tobago business groups to THA reshuffle

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The Tobago Chamber of Commerce believes the changes in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Executive Council might help the economy get better, which would be good for businesses in Tobago. However, the island’s other business chamber said the reshuffle was a waste. On Monday seven THA members were reassigned with one secretary demoted and replaced by an assistant secretary. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine also announced that he will step down as Finance Secretary. Community Development and Sport Secretary Terance Baynes was moved to the Infrastructure Division as an assistant secretary and appointed deputy presiding officer. He will receive his instrument of...