February 2, 2017: Clean-up exercises continue as the National Clean-Up Campaign makes its way to the Borough of Chaguanas on Saturday 4^th February, 2017. Last weekend, the clean-up campaign received an overwhelming response from the residents of the San Juan/Laventille region as they assisted private contractors with loading trucks with debris, clearing overgrown lots and disposing of white and bulk waste.

Minister Kazim Hosein commended corporate partners, residents and volunteer groups such as MiLat, MyPart, and scavenging companies in the San Juan/Laventille region for their cooperation in teaming up to clean up. Special mention was made by Minister Hosein of the dedicated services provided by CEPEP and the unreserved efforts from volunteers, contractors and key stakeholders.

He further encouraged the people of Chaguanas to follow in this spirit of volunteerism by saying “We continue our call for all volunteers, those with equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks, skid steer loaders, tractors and excavators to join efforts by assisting corporate volunteers in loading trucks with bulk and white waste, cutting overgrown lots, removing derelict vehicles, demolishing dilapidated structures, and taking down illegal signage as we restore the aesthetic pride of our country”

The National Clean-Up Campaign moves into the Borough of Chaguanas and will continue southward to the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo region. Chaguanas residents are kindly asked to put out bulk/white waste, old tyres and other items for collection on Friday 3^rd February, 2017.

The Borough of Chaguanas’ Launch Ceremony will take place at Narsaloo Ramaya Road on Saturday 4^th February at 8:30am.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

868-628-5787

February 2, 2017: On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, please allow me to express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of cherished author and historian Angelo Bissessarsingh, who passed away today after a brave fight with a serious illness.

Angelo will be remembered as a man driven by his passion to explore and share the rich history of Trinidad and Tobago and for his national service he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal Gold in 2016. His work as a cultural archivist and author shows us that the task of preserving our country’s history is not only the work of academics and formal institutions only.

He has proven that people with curious minds and a love for knowledge can be some of our most shining examples of citizenship.

Angelo has left us an accomplished body of work through which he will always be remembered. This includes his books: Walking with the Ancestors—The Historic Cemeteries of Trinidad and A Walk Through Time: Snapshots of the History of Trinidad and Tobago.

We celebrate Angelo for his vision, courage, fighting spirit and contribution to Trinidad & Tobago and share his loss with his cherished family with whom we sincerely sympathise.

-END-

February 3, 2017: Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Minister, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat met with His Excellency Arend Biesebroek, Ambassador and Plenipotenciary and Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on Monday January 30, 2017 at his St Clair office. 

The Minister noted that ‘it is in our mutual interest that we work together’ and His Excellency reminded that the EU‘has always been active in the agriculture sector’ in Trinidad and Tobago. The hour long meeting saw both officials talking about agro-processing, youth in agriculture, innovation; legislative and policy support, competitiveness, diversification, fisheries, climate change, the honey sector, forestry, among other.

Thereafter, the Minister Rambharat met with Mr. Claus-Martin Eckelmann, Regional Forestry Officer for the Caribbean of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.  The discussions are focused on technical guidance and oversight for the conduct of a National Forestry Inventory.

In discussions: Minister Rambharat with His Excellency  Arend Biesebroek, Ambassador and Plenipotenciary and Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister Rambharat shares a light moment with Mr. Eckelmann of the FAO.

Minister and his team, engage in meaningful discussions with the FAO experts.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

February 3, 2017: The Water and Sewerage Authority (the Authority) advises motorists and members of the general public that there will be a disruption in the flow of traffic at LP 855 Southern Main Road, Savonetta, Couva (in the vicinity of the entrance to YARA Trinidad Ltd.) on Sunday 5^th February 2017, between the hours of 7:00 a.m.and 8:00 p.m. This has become necessary in order to facilitate the installation of a new 400 millimetre diameter connection to YARA Trinidad Ltd.

Only single-lane traffic would be allowed at the jobsite for the duration of the works. Motorists are asked to proceed with caution in the vicinity of the jobsite and to obey the instructions of the Police Officers on duty.

The Authority apologises for the inconvenience and thanks the public for their patience and understanding.

Corporate Communications Department

Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago

868-662-2301/7

February 3, 2017: “For many of us in this country, the crime situation continues to be a cause for concern and it is important that we all play a part. What we really want is for the participants to go back to their own communities and form a RAPP (Resistance and Prevention Programme) interagency group and work with at-risk youth, thereby becoming agents of change in social crime prevention, especially as it applies to targeted “hot spots” where crime is intense.” This statement from Ms Yolande De Leon, the RAPP Country Coordinator for the Pan American Development Foundation, encapsulated the overarching intent of a recently held intervention programme, which included two days of training entitled, “Crime Prevention Among Youth.” The sessions took place at the Police Academy, St. James, consecutively, on January 18 and 19 as well as on January 25 and 26, 2017.

Key personnel from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services participated in the RAPP Session which was targeted at crime prevention specialists from the Police, Defence Force, Prisons, Government Ministries and Civil Society. The Ministry also had the opportunity to present information on the services available at the National Family Services Division, which includes counselling and psychosocial support for issues such as domestic violence, depression, parenting, abuse or incest, marital challenges and drug abuse. A presentation was also made on the Ministry’s Retirees’ Adolescent Partnership Programme which is an intergenerational programme, utilizing the skills and experience of retired persons to provide assistance and supervision for challenged youth (9-21 yrs.).

The training exposed participants to various risk and protective factors for crime and violence among vulnerable groups, as well as the role of multi-agency collaboration in the development of crime prevention strategies. 

Among the topics discussed were the following:

·         Introduction to the Root Causes of Youth Crime & Violence;

·         Multiagency Approaches to Social Crime Prevention;

·         Crime Prevention through Environmental Design;

·         The Role of Evidence-Based Programs.

The initiative forms part of an ongoing regional effort in Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and the Bahamas, which seeks to enhance each of these countries’ social crime prevention efforts by working with at-risk youth, police and other stakeholders. The Resistance and Prevention Programme (RAPP) has been ongoing for the past two-years and sponsored by the United States’ State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services was pleased to be part of this joint effort in addressing crime through a social crime prevention approach.

RAPP time: Yolande De Leon, Trinidad and Tobago RAPP Country Coordinator. De Leon states that the PADF continues to achieve results through capacity building courses, youth experimental learning, community and youth dialogues and community action plans.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Social Development and Family Services

868-623-2608 Ext. 5405/5432 

February 4, 2017: The Ministry of Finance is warning the general public of a phishing scam on social media, which asks them to email personal financial information to the following address: ministryoffinancefortrinidad@gmail.com. This email address is FRAUDULENT.

The Ministry utilises the e-mail domain: ‘gov.tt’ and not domains such as gmail.com, hotmail.com and yahoo.com.

Through the use of fake Facebook profiles associated with the above email address, fraudsters are purporting that grants and loans are being offered by the Ministry of Finance, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and similar bodies. To date, the Ministry is aware of the following aliases used by the fraudsters: “Kathy Ann Thompson” and “Melina Haynes”. In some instances, persons have been contacted by phone and then asked to provide personal information.

The Ministry asks that persons be alert and should anyone require clarification on the services offered by the Ministry, they should contact the Ministry’s Corporate Communications Unit at 868-612-9700 exts.2805/6/8/9 or visit the Ministry’s website at: www.finance.gov.tt

<<End>>

February 6, 2017: Speaking at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s Breakfast Seminar themed “Maximizing Export Potential to the European Union (EU) through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)”, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry urged the stakeholders present to fully exploit the export opportunities available under the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The Seminar which took place on Tuesday 31 January, 2017 saw a number of private sector stakeholders seeking information on the Economic Partnership Agreement and accessing the EU market.  Senator Gopee-Scoon informed those present that for Trinidad and Tobago ‘one of the main objectives of the Agreement is to encourage exports of non-energy goods to the EU market.  The Agreement allows domestic manufacturers to import raw materials and intermediate products at reduced duties, from the European Union. Thus, manufacturers have the assurance that they can obtain their raw materials without delay and at competitive costs without the imposition of high customs duties. In addition, it is the only Agreement that Trinidad and Tobago has signed, which contains enhanced provisions related to the services sector.  This augurs well for domestic service providers, who now have access to the European Union – a vast market with limitless possibilities that also serves as an alternative to the traditional markets of the USA, Canada and Great Britain’.

Minister Gopee-Scoon also emphasized the importance of the EU as Trinidad and Tobago’s trading partner. She said ‘For the period January to September 2015, the EU was our second-ranked export market, accounting for 12% of Trinidad and Tobago’s exports, behind the USA at 34% of total exports but ahead of CARICOM which stood at 11% of total exports.However, it is notable that only three countries, namely Spain, France and the UK, accounted for 63% of our total trade with the EU.  It is therefore necessary for local exporters to consider new markets outside of the traditional Western European economies and underscore the opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago’s goods and services to penetrate new markets in Eastern and Southern Europe’. Minister Gopee-Scoon gave the commitment of the Ministry of Trade and Industry to continue to embark on regional and international initiatives that will allow Trinidad and Tobago to leverage its strengths and effectively compete in any market, including the EU.

His Excellency Aad Biesebroek, Head of the European Union Delegation to Trinidad & Tobago and Mr. Gabriel Faria, Chief Executive Officer, Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce in their Remarks both endorsed the Trade and Industry Minister’s call for greater utilization and implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement. 

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Trade and Industry

868-623-2931 ext. 2722 

February 6, 2017: In a very fruitful and candid discussion, a number of key challenges and proposed solutions were highlighted during a meeting held with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services and representatives of the business community to discuss the issue of street dwelling in Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting took place on Monday 30, January, 2017, at the Ministry’s Head Office, Port of Spain.  The meeting came on the heels of the Ministry’s recent High-level Stakeholders’ Meeting on Street Dwelling on Thursday January 19, 2017, in which the Minister of Social Development and Family Services, the Honourable Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn met with the Ministers of National Security, Major General(Retired), Edmund Dillon, Rural Development and Local Government, The Honourable Kazim Hosein, and Health, The Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, to initiate talks on finding a solution towards the street dwelling issue.

The meeting was chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, Mrs Jacinta Bailey-Sobers, and was attended by the Mayor of Port of Spain, His Worship, Joel Martinez and other key personnel from the Port of Spain Corporation, the President of the Down Town Owners and Merchants Association, Mr Gregory Aboud, President of San Juan Business Association, Mr Vivek Charran, Mr David Edwards, Immediate Past president of the Greater Tunapuna Chamber and Business Development Manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association Mr Marc Sandy.

The meeting underscored the need for a combined, but consistent approach to the issue of street dwelling. PS Bailey Sobers emphasised the important role of the business community in providing tangible and moral support for the national efforts toward a sustainable solution to the problem. DOMA President, Gregory Aboud cautioned that any plan to effectively deal with the issue of street dwelling should include an approach which will encourage the street dwelling population to want to participate, sighting that these persons “will not be a part of anything that will compromise their freedom.”

The first inaugural meeting of the Committee established to develop an immediate strategy to address the street dwelling issue in Trinidad and Tobago was held on Friday February 3, 2017.

In discussion: Members of the Ministry and the business community engage in talks to address street dwelling in Trinidad and Tobago.

For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry pf Social Development and Family Services

868-623-2608

February 6, 2017: Minister of Works and Transport calls on PTSC to improve its service following new NP-CNG agreement Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Works and Transport has called on the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) to improve the level of service offered to the public, following the signing agreement between PTSC and NP-CNG for a permanent fuelling station at South Quay on Thursday 3rd February, 2017.

The call was made at the Ministry of Works and Transport in the presence of PTSC’s Chairman Mr. Edwin Gooding and General Manager Ronald Forde; President of NGC-CNG Mr. Curtis Mohammed, Chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company (NP) Mr. Sahid Hosein, and NP’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Bernard Mitchell. The collaboration between PTSC and NP CNG will facilitate the fuelling of PTSC’s CNG-powered buses in a permanent home and significantly reduce operating costs for the corporation.

Minister Sinanan in his brief remarks noted that the new agreement will enable PTSC to improve its service and efficiency to the nation.

The Minister of Works and Transport has placed customer service high on the agenda across all state agencies under the purview of the Ministry of Works and Transport. “Now that PTSC has this permanent station there and with more buses coming on stream we expect that some of the shortfalls we see happening at PTSC in terms of the service will be addressed.

All authorities under the Ministry of Works and Transport have to improve on the service that they offer to the population,” he said. “I expect PTSC to come up to a much higher level of service than they are offering now to the public and I will be holding PTSC Chairman and the Board to that going forward.”

ABOUT THE PTSC NP-CNG AGREEMENT

Currently, a temporary CNG station is in operation at the PTSC, Port of Spain compound. It has been fuelling the Corporation’s CNG buses since 2012. At the time of this temporary station’s commissioning, the PTSC and NGC agreed to eventually build a permanent state of the art CNG service station that efficiently served the needs of the PTSC’s fleet. February 2nd, 2017’s signing, marks considerable continuity in the promise agreed upon by the PTSC, NGC CNG, and NP.

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February 6, 2017: ‘It is ours to preserve’, words of Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries as he delivered the Feature Address at a Ceremony in celebration of World Wetlands Day 2017, under the theme ‘Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction’ held on Friday 3^rd February, 2017 at the Nariva Swamp.  The event was hosted in collaboration with the Environmental Management Authority and the Green Fund.

His words highlighted the main timbre of his Address which stressed ‘action and impact’, calling on officers to ‘do what they have to do in support of the farmer, the fisherfolk, the hunters’.  Echoing the refrain of the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago who is often heard saying ‘when we do that’ or ‘if we do that’, the Minister said that ‘do’ is one of the most powerful verbs.  ‘There has been a lot of talk about the environment, sustainability and protected areas; and these protected areas are critical to this country … what we need is to put an end to the talk, what we need now is convergence … some of this can be achieved through the newly established Protected Areas Working Group … meant to sift through legislation, draft legislation, all that has been discussed re. policy changes, etc. and provide for the Government a clear path ahead in terms of what we need to do … what is the form of the legislation so that we can manage our protected areas’.  The Minister also noted that there must be a framework which secures our country’s assets – both environmentally and economically, whilst including community engagement and involvement.

Mrs. Christine Newallo-Hosein, Member of Parliament – Cumuto/Manzanilla; Mr. Glen Ram, Chairman, Mayaro Rio Claro Regional Corporation; Ms. Judy Daniel, Deputy Chairman, Environmental Management Authority; Dr. Stephen Ramroop, Chief Executive Officer, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management; Mrs. Neila Bobb-Prescott, Chief Technical Advisor, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations; and Mr. John Radgman, Conservator of Forests all spoke at the event.  Mrs. Newallo-Hosein urged all to become ‘an eye and an ear to protect our wetlands since they sustain lives’; noting that ‘we won’t have a future if we do not have the environment’.  Dr. Ramroop reminded all that ‘risk is proportional to exposure’; and Mrs. Bobb-Prescott noted that the plans on forestry management is simply to ‘ensure that we do not overdo it’ and maintain what is ours.

Students were very much a part of the event, with Kleene Trotman, Joanna Andrews and Josiah Woods, Standard Four students of the Mayaro Government Primary starting off the morning’s session when they represented the audience in prayer; the national anthem was played on pan by young Farhanah Seemungal, a Standard Five student of San Fernando TML Primary School; a poem titled ‘Save our Wetlands’ was performed by Alisha Housend, a Standard Five student of the St Thomas RC School; and young Jayden Francois with four of his classmates, all Standard Five students of the Ortoire RC School, delivering a stirring performance with a calypso on Cyber Bullying.

In the audience were Senator Avinash Singh, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mr. Claudelle Mc Kellar, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mr. Andre Laveau, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mr. Hayden Romano, Managing Director, Environmental Management Authority; Directors and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; Representatives of International and Regional Agriculture Organisations; Chairmen, Directors, Management and Staff of State Agencies; Community Representatives; and School Principals, teachers and children from various surrounding schools, including Mayaro Government Primary, Mayaro Secondary, Ortoire RC, St Thomas RC, Mafeking Early Childhood Centre, Biche Presbyterian Primary, Biche RC Primary, Plum Road Presbyterian Primary, Plum Mitan Presbyterian Primary and Biche High School.

Fun activities for the students included a Mobile Zoo, access to the Forestry Bus and an iterative tour of the Nariva Swamp in the Conference Room of the Field Station.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2^nd February which commemorates the day governments of countries across the globe signed the Convention on Wetlands in the city of Ramsar in Iran in 1971.  This convention is commonly known as the Ramsar Convention. Its mission is ‘the conservation and wise use of wetlands by national and international cooperation as a means of achieving sustainable throughout the world.’

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vkqkdapij8cogxz/SOTs%20%26%20VOs.mp4?dl=0​

See above link for interviews.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

February 6, 2017: Minister of Social Development and Family Services, the Honourable Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn answered the call for a meeting with the NGO-Persons Associated with Visual Impairment otherwise known as (PAVI), to address the issues and concerns expressed by the organization earlier this week. The meeting took place on Thursday February 2, 2017 at the Ministry’s Head Office, CL Building, 32-43 St. Vincent Street Port of Spain.

Following the very productive meeting, the Minister was quite pleased to note that both the Ministry and PAVI are now on the same page in addressing the issue of the organization’s subvention. Minister Crichlow-Cockburn further stated that PAVI has been informed and now understands that the information required for the 2013-2015 period was critical to informing consideration of reinstating a subvention.

PAVI agreed to provide the information as required by the Ministry, by the end of February, 2017. The Ministry also forwarded to PAVI, the templates to assist in providing the necessary information. The Ministry through its NGO Unit remains committed to working with PAVI in ensuring that the organization meets the criteria for funding by the Ministry. 

The meeting concluded on a very cordial note.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Social Development and Family Services

868-623-2608

February 6, 2017: The Water and Sewerage Authority (the Authority) advises customers in parts of South Trinidad served by the Navet Water Treatment Plant that there will be a disruption in their water supply on Wednesday 8^th February, 2017 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

This has become necessary in order to facilitate pipeline interconnection works at the raw water station of the Plant.

Areas to be affected include:

• Princes Town                                                New Grant
• Malgretoute                                                  Barrackpore
• Williamsville                                                  Borde Narve
• Buen Intento                                                 St. Mary’s
• Manahambre                                                Marabella
• Rio Claro                                                       Gasparillo
• Diamond Village                                           Golconda                               
• St. Joseph Village/Vistabella                        Ste. Madeline

The Authority further advises advised that it may take up to 12 – 24 hours for the service to normalize to some affected areas following resumption of production at the facility. Customers are therefore advised to manage their water use efficiently over the period of the supply interruption.

For further information or assistance, customers are encouraged to contact WASA’s Call Centre at 800-4420/4426.

The Authority apologizes for the interruption and thanks customers for their patience and understanding during the period.

Corporate Communications Department

Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago

868-662-2301/7

February 6, 2017: The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts wishes to state that financial assistance was approved for Southex and Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the payment of prize money to the winners of the Chutney Soca Monarch and International Soca Monarch Competitions for Carnival 2017.

Following receipt of proposals from both organizations last year, assistance was provided through the Ministry’s Grant Funding Programme as follows:

• Southex – one million, one hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($1,180,000.00)

• Caribbean Prestige Foundation – one million, three hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($1, 380,000.00)

Representatives from both organizations will be required to sign an agreement with the Ministry, prior to receipt of this funding.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts

868-625-6088 Ext. 5148

February 7, 2017: On Saturday February 4, the National Clean-Up Campaign continued in the Borough of Chaguanas. Corporate partners and volunteers worked arduously alongside the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Chaguanas Borough Corporation and key stakeholders to create cleaner, healthier and safer communities.

Residents and passersby commended efforts made by the National Clean-up Campaign over the weekend. In attendance to Saturday’s launch were Senator the Honorable Avinash Singh and MPs for Chaguanas West, Ganga Singh and Chaguanas East, Fazal Karim who also pledged their support to this nationwide exercise.

Private contractors such as Fides, Laing, Namalco, Kallco, Jusamco, T.N. Ramnauth, Coosal’s, V&V Contracting Co., Seereeram Brothers Ltd., Central Equipment Rentals, Singh’s Group of Companies, Jazco Ltd., and S. Ramkissoon along with the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Civilian Conservation Corps and CEPEP worked tirelessly over the weekend, giving it their all to get the job done.

Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Senator the Honourabe Kazim Hosein reiterated the need for residents and volunteers to come out and support this initiative by saying, “this clean-up campaign will benefit not only the residents of Chaguanas but our entire country, so let’s work together and get the job done through the spirit of volunteerism!”

At the end of clean-up exercises on Sunday, over 800 loads of debris were collected, multiple derelict vehicles removed, slush and garbage was removed from major watercourses and overgrown lots were cleared.

Clean-Up efforts will continue in the Borough of Chaguanas over the upcoming week with corporate volunteers and residents teaming up to clean up!

The National Clean-Up Campaign heads next into the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Region on Saturday February 11, 2017 at Gilbert Park.

Residents are kindly asked to put out ALL bulk/white waste, old tyres and other items for collection on Friday 10^th February, 2017.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

868-628-5187

February 7, 2017: Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries will delivered the Opening Address at a Stakeholders Forum on ‘Modernization of Animal Health Legislation and Regulation in Trinidad and Tobago’  on Tuesday February 7, 2017 held at the Sugarcane Feeds Centre, Longdenville, Chaguanas.  Addressing fifty plus stakeholders the Minister opined that legislation ‘must be workable, implementable and passable’.   Noting that it should treat with both present and future issues; taking into consideration the contributions made by stakeholders, cautioning that the appropriate infrastructure and regulations must also be in place.  Setting the tone for the day’s discussions, he told the audience that the session was intended for ‘you to look at the Draft realistically and ask yourself would this really work?’  .

The Honourable Minister also spoke to specific issues raised at the Forum dealing with clarifications of proposed amendments/inclusions on the issue of country of origin, disease, definitions.  Mr. Gregg Rawlins, Representative, IICA in his Opening Remarks note that the purpose of the meeting was to disseminate the final draft documents to stakeholders, and host lengthy discussions on the way forward in moving the legislative process to the next stage.

Dr. Michelle Mellows of the Ministry’s Animal Production and Health Division echoed the words of the Honourable Minister, station that ‘the animal health legislative Framework should be robust, unambiguous and fit for purpose’.  Presentations were made on topics, including ‘Animal Health Bill (2017) Outlining SPS Compliance and Veterinary Authority’ and ‘Animal Health Policy, Legislation and Regulations’.

The primary objective of the consultancy was to modernize and strengthen the existing animal health legislation in order to implement Trinidad and Tobago’s obligations under the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).  This Draft Legislation, once approved, is intended to repeal and replace the 1954 Animals (Diseases and Importation) Act, Chapter 67:02 and the 1955 Animals (Importation) Control Regulations.

The main objectives of the Draft Bill are to protect and promote animal and human health; prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases within Trinidad and Tobago; facilitate and regulate trade in animals, animal products and animal-related items; and to establish standards for animal welfare.

Included among the stakeholders were Mr. Robin Phillips, Arawak Limited; Dr. David Kangaloo, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.

This project was made possible through 10^th EDF SPS Project Support to the Caribbean Forum of ACP States in the Implementation of Commitments Undertaken Under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA): Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS).

Minister Rambharat in conversation with a member of the Ministry’s legal team.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221 

February 8, 2017: “The proper and judicious use of pesticides can result in greater food production without compromising the sustainability of the agricultural system and human health”; advice of Senator Avinash Singh, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, in his Address on Tuesday 7th February, 2017 at an FAO-hosted Workshop titled 'Disposal of Obsolete Pesticides (including POPs), Promotion of Alternatives and Strengthening Pesticides Management in the Caribbean', at the Cara Suites Hotel and Conference Centre in Claxton Bay. He praised the timing of the Workshop, citing that there was a need to use safer, less toxic pesticides in farming and an ever increasing responsibility to assure the consuming public that fruits and vegetables grown using pesticides were safe to eat.

Senator Singh said "As a practicing farmer, I know personally that Integrated Pest Management programmes demonstrate that pesticide use can be reduced considerably without affecting yields or farmer profits. What is key is preventing the spread of pests since as this saves crops and reduces the need to use pesticides."

Referencing the findings of Auburn University's Associate Professor, Asheber Abebe, who revealed that "pesticide safety" and "disposal" remained a major problem in the Caribbean, Senator Singh alluded to the Government's recognition of its role "in intervening in the use and disposal of pesticides to protect human health and to ensure environmental protection, mitigating against the possible negative impact on biodiversity." To this end, he announced that in April, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries will partner with farmers and farmers’ association throughout the country to engage in the promotion of proper disposal of pesticides, and discarded and used pesticide containers as part of the National Clean-Up Campaign, launched in January of this year.

Also speaking at the event were Dr. Lystra Fletcher-Paul, FAO Sub-Regional Co-ordinator for the Caribbean and Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname; Dr. Ulrich Thiessen, representative for the Ambassador of the Delegation of the EU in Trinidad and Tobago; and Dr. Keven Antoine, Principal Medical Officer (Environmental Health) in the Ministry of Health.

The Workshop comprised representatives from the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Inspectorate; Chemistry Food and Drug Division; Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management; Institute of Marine Affairs; Environmental Management Authority; University of the West Indies; University of Trinidad and Tobago; and key Agriculture stakeholder organisations.

Dr. Ulrich Thiessen, representative for the Ambassador of the Delegation of the EU in Trinidad and Tobago (left) chats with Dr. Keven Antoine, Principal Medical Officer (Environmental Health) in the Ministry of Health at the Workshop. 

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For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

February 8, 2017: The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education and the Executive Team met with officials of PanTrinbago at the Ministry’s Head Office located at No. 5 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain on Wednesday 8^th February, 2017.

Richard Forteau, Acting President and Secretary and Rudo Forteau, Youth Chairman both of PanTrinbago attended the meeting in which they discussed ways in which the Ministry could further support the National Schools Junior Panorama 2017.

Minister Garcia gave the assurance that the competition has the full support of the Ministry, and he acknowledged the significance of the pan instrument as a national emblem that must be preserved, and said he foresees the importance of pan in schools.

He said, “It is our national instrument and we have to do everything to ensure we sustain this important icon of ours. We have a rich history surrounding the birth of this instrument for which every citizen, young and old, must be proud. And we must ensure that the repute of the instrument and its connection to Trinidad and Tobago is not lost or taken from us.”

Minister Garcia said he is committed to keeping the lines of communication open between the Ministry and the pan organisation, and assured that another meeting is planned to discuss the pan movement, how it affects the school system and strategies for safeguarding the future of the national instrument.

PanTrinbago Acting President and Secretary, Richard Forteau said, “We are prepared to meet and keep the lines of communication open and we are hoping that in the end, pan will benefit us and we will be so much richer as a nation.”

Minister Garcia reiterated his commitment to the teaching and development of the National Instrument among students, as a tool to maintain discipline in schools by keeping them busy, focused and off the streets.

The preliminaries are currently being held in schools while the Grand Final of the competition is scheduled for Sunday 19^th February, 2017 at the Queen’s Park Savannah at 9 am.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Education

February 9, 2017: The Turks and Caicos Islands will host the 47^th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Dr. William Warren Smith, CDB President, made the announcement on February 3, during an official visit with the country’s Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson.

Approximately 500 delegates are expected to attend the Meeting, which will take place May 24 and 25, 2017. Participants will include Ministers and Government officials, private sector representatives, members of civil society and academia, and media. The flagship event will highlight the impact of the Bank’s investments in its 19 borrowing member countries (BMCs). In addition, stakeholders will take part in strategic discussions on resolving some of the Caribbean Region’s most pressing economic and social development issues.

“We extend our appreciation and thanks to the Government and people of the Turks and Caicos Islands for agreeing to host the Bank’s 47^th Annual Meeting. This is the second time that TCI is hosting this event.  We see this as a strong show of support for our institution and the work we do in helping to drive economic and social development across the Caribbean Region,” said Dr. Smith.

The Annual Meeting agenda includes a number of fora for sharing knowledge and ideas on topics of regional relevance.

• The William G. Demas Memorial Lecture, a signature event at which a distinguished speaker makes a presentation on a trending economic and social development topic.
• VYBZING, the Youth Outreach Programme, through which the Bank engages directly with the youth of Turks and Caicos Islands on regional development issues. The event aims to inspire attendees to take action to build a better Caribbean.

• Interactive seminars, in which expert panellists and presenters share research findings and data that can improve policymakers’ understanding of and, therefore, ability to, respond more effectively to critical development challenges. This year, the seminars will focus on tourism sector reforms, and enhancing productivity and economic growth.

During the Meeting, the Bank will also convene the annual Governors’ Roundtable. At this event, Governors receive an update on critical operational developments that could have implications on CDB’s day-to-day management, and consider strategic shifts that could enhance the Bank’s effectiveness and responsiveness to its BMCs.

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For further information please contact:

Corporate Communications Unit

Caribbean Development Bank

1-246-431-1886

February 9, 2017: Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe launched on February 07, 2017 the LIME 365 Campaign and the first ever tourism mobile application GO TRINBAGO at NAPA Hotel, Port of Spain. The  LIME 365 campaign showcases the event calendar of Trinidad and Tobago which is influenced  by our heritage, our rich and diverse culture and our unique ability to live in unity despite our various races, economic background and ethnicity.

Upon launching the LIME 365 campaign, the Tourism Minister explained that “my approach to building a tourism product is different... because I believe that a good place to live, is a good place to visit. We have to appreciate and celebrate ourselves first before we can ask others to appreciate us”. Minister Cudjoe urged the stakeholders gathered to provide visitors “with the real deal, the true essence ... and very special Trinbago experience. One country, two different islands, endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment”.

A key component of the LIME 365 campaign is the Go TrinBago travel app which forms part of destination Trinidad and Tobago’s digital marketing strategy.A free, bilingual and interactive destination mobile application, this is the ultimate guide to discovering Trinidad and Tobago and is presently available online on the Google Play Store for Android. The Go TrinBago travel app is 100% offline and allows users to develop a personal itinerary, search for, and find a room, a tour, or a taxi at their fingertips. 

Other notable features include: 

• The ability for users to review local places of interest
• Rate their experiences and read other user reviews
• Recommend “new” places to those who share similar interests
• Capture and posts photographs.

According to a survey of consumer travel trends conducted by Travelport, 66% of leisure travellers and 59% of business travellers used digital means to research travel in 2015. Smartphones, too, are transforming travel industry trends; with 60% of travel searches starting on a mobile device. Travellers increasingly rely on mobile phones when they arrive in a new destination. According to Think with Google, the market research arm of search engine giant, Google Inc, smartphone searches for hotels increased by 30% in 2015. Furthermore, 85% of leisure travellers decide on activities only after arrival at a destination.

In the coming months the Go TrinBago travel app will be able to tap into the area of online sales; with the ability to book tours and accommodation from the touch of a button on your phone. At the click of a button, you can find something to do and somewhere to go every day of the year in Trinidad and Tobago. Our local, regional and international tourists who want adventure, shopping, beach resorts, meeting facilities and a “good lime” can easily do so 365 days in sweet T&T.

The GoTrinBago app will be available for iPhone users by February 10, 2017.  

Also speaking at the Launch of LIME 365 and the Go TrinBago travel application were:

• Mr. La Quan Pearie, the 2016 Junior Minister of Tourism for Trinidad and Tobago and a student of the Manzanilla Secondary School, who indicated that “with the launch of "Lime 365" and the app "Go Trinbago" citizens and tourists will no longer complain of not knowing where to visit and not knowing how to find these places of interest”

• Ms. Carla Cupid, Marketing Specialist of the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC), who gave a demonstration of the Go TrinBago mobile application

At the launch, entertainment was provided by the youngest artiste in history to claim the title of the International Soca Monarch Aaron St Louis (Voice) as well as the St. Margaret Anglican Steelpan, traditional Carnival characters and a tassa band.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Tourism

868-624-1403

February 10, 2017: The identification of the Moruga locust (Coscineuta virens) at the egg bed and hopper stages is critical in the eradication of this pest since at the adult stage, they pose a serious threat to food produce, serve as a public nuisance and can be very difficult to manage once in full flight. This, according to County Agricultural Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ms. Sati Gangapersad, was among one of the major reasons for the hosting of a Public Awareness Seminar on the Moruga Locust on Thursday 9th February, 2017, at the compound of the Ministry's Forestry Division Sub Office (County Victoria) at Saunders Trace, St. Mary's Village. The Seminar which was attended by about twenty (20) staff members of the Ministry's Forestry Division, was co-ordinated by the Regional Administration South Division (Victoria County Agricultural Office) in Princes Town and facilitated by the Agricultural Assistant III (with direct responsibility for the Locust Control Programme), Mr. Rudy Ramdass.

Ms. Gangapersad said that the attendees comprised the "ideal target group" for this type of Seminar in that apart from being employees, residents of the affected communities, and to a great extent hunters - who may have come into direct contact with the locusts whose habitat originated in the forested area between Rio Claro and Moruga - they were not fully aware of the locust's intricate life cycle. She said "This sensitization session is a good education drive since while attendees may be quite familiar with the locusts themselves, they are unaware of critical stages in the life cycle, namely the identification of egg beds. So, if we can enable the creation of an informed network of people who can identify and destroy these egg beds, then we will control, considerably, the populations that emerge into the farming communities as well as the general public."

This point was further reiterated by Mr. Ramdass during his presentation as he alluded to the ease and effectiveness of managing the locust during the egg bed and hopper stages. He said "During the egg bed stage, millions of locusts can be killed in a contained space of about 50 square feet or so. At the hopper stage, the locusts are still [at] ground level so they can be easily treated with mist blowers or cannon sprayers (on wheel tractors) utilizing a solution containing propoxur as the active ingredient. As an adult however, the management of the pest becomes difficult as they are now airborne and pesticide usage lose its effectiveness at this stage." He noted however that during this latter stage, management of the locusts would usually involve surveillance strategies so that the resting place(s) of these pests can be identified for eradication either late evening or early morning, just before they take flight.

Mr. Ramdass revealed that the next sensitization session of this nature will take place in Barrackpore and will capture those communities where Locust-sighting reports were made by residents last year. He stated that it was his hope that the residents of all affected communities will continue to be responsible citizens and report any sighting to the Victoria County Agricultural Office in Princes Town at 655-3428/7526/5637.

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For further information please contact:

The Communications and Events Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221