March 2, 2017: On 2017 March 01, Petrotrin officials detected and contained a line leak at its Pointe-a-Pierre refinery. Further investigations were conducted in response to reports of hydrocarbon odours affecting employees at its Administration Headquarters and environs.

As a precautionary measure and to minimize discomfort to these employees, these offices were evacuated and HSE personnel conducted air quality tests. This exercise continues today (March 2, 2017).

All regulatory bodies have been notified.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Department

Petrotrin 

868-658-4200

March 3, 2017: The National Clean-Up Campaign will continue in the city of San Fernando this weekend, kicking off with a launch ceremony at the San Fernando City Corporation’s Carib Street Complex on Saturday March 4, 2017 at 8:00 am.

This is the second time a Clean-Up Campaign of this nature has come to the city, the first also being an initiative of Minister Kazim Hosein (then Mayor of the city), which took place in November 2015. “We have been progressing throughout the country very well. San Fernando will be the sixth municipality that we clean-up and we will continue southwards and then come back up in the east. Thus far we have cleared over three thousand loads of bulk and white waste since we began in Diego Martin on the 14^th of January. We have also cleared overgrown lots and roadways, removed derelict vehicles and demolished dilapidated structures.”

Minister Kazim Hosein remarked “this initiative has been extremely successful thus far mainly because of the strong spirit of volunteerism from our contractors, volunteer organizations and the participation of the residents in each municipality. We encourage this volunteerism to continue as we work together with the remaining Corporations to create cleaner, healthier and safer communities.”

Residents of the city of San Fernando are asked to put out their bulk and white waste on Friday March 3, 2017 for collection over the weekend.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

868-628–5187 

March 5, 2017: Referencing ‘an important by-product for use in agriculture’, Senator Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries noted to members of the media that ‘in Trinidad and Tobago we suffer with poor quality soil [so] farmers invest a lot of money to purchase lime to increase the yields and the productivity of the soils; and Grand Bay Paper Products is considering the use of a calcium carbonate byproduct of the paper manufacturing process on agricultural lands’.  The paper sludge can boost soil productivity for farmers; provide benefits as a fertilizer, using the inherent fibres made of cellulose, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium.  Its moisture retention capability can also be another benefit.

The Agriculture Minister was speaking while on tour of the plant of Grand Bay Paper Products Limited on Friday March 3, 2017.  He shared that at the Ministry,‘we feel that it is viable and we are moving to the stage of testing and to determine whether it will work and moreso if it meets all the environmental criteria in terms of environmental quality and the way it will interact with the water table and water courses’.Further stating that it is a ‘good opportunity for the farmers’ and makes an excellent case for recycling. 

The purpose of the visit was both to view the success of Grand Bay Paper Products in manufacturing, exports and waste recycling; and for the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries to finalize discussions on pilot farm trials of the calcium carbonate (lime) byproduct on agricultural lands, to boost soil productivity.  With mounds of local newspapers in storage, forming part of the recycling program at Grand Bay Paper Products, the Agriculture Minister also stated that we ‘saw today how paper can be used and re-used’.

Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry noted that the team was‘very pleased to be here’, commending the Company’s Executive for their ‘great efforts in market penetration’, noting that ‘the signs are good for the future’.  ‘Grand Bay is really a success story for Trinidad andTobago, [with] state of the art operations and a highly competitive business’ were the Agriculture Minister’s closing statement. 

‘We are proud that we are creating and pioneering an industry in Trinidad, as we continue to invest and grow and prosper in this business’ said Mr. Kevin Marcilliat, Managing Director and CEO at Grand Bay Paper Products.

The visit included a tour of the Plant and a presentation by the Executive Team on the operations of the business.  Also on tour were Mr. Norris Herbert, Permanent Secretary (Ag.); Mr. John Tang Yian, Chairman, EXIMBank; Mr. Brian Awang, CEO, EXIMBank; and Grand Bay officials.

Grand Bay Paper Products Limited’s vision is ‘to become the leaders in manufacturing, marketing and service with the highest quality products’ and currently operates in 25 markets with 400 members of staff.  Studies have shown that use of sludge in agriculture is beneficial.  Some uses include cattle bedding, filler material in fertilizer and fertilizers.

Executive Team of Grand Bay Paper Products make a presentation to the Ministers of Agriculture, Trade and other officials. 

Farzan Ali, Director at Grand Bay Paper Products explains a stage in the manufacturing process to Senator Clarence Rambharat.

Both Agriculture and Trade Ministers view first-hand the ‘Member’s Selection’ brand fresh off the production line.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

March 6, 2017: ‘We do not want people riding the backs of the turtles, rather we should enjoy them as we are very fortunate to have this treasure here’ said Senator Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.  He specifically called on visitors during the Turtle Season to‘do things the right way’, use the services of guides who are trained and registered, and ensure that you have a permit to be present in the protected areas.

The Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Minister led volunteers in Nature Seekers’ Annual Beach Clean Up in Mathura on Sunday 5^th March, in preparation for the Turtle Season.  ‘It should be members of the community, NGOs and the like, taking the lead in clean-up activities’; and Mathura in particular is a close community that in preparation for the turtle nesting season is ‘doing a great job’ in marshalling the forces together to clean up the beach the Minister further noted.  Asked how important it is to preserve the leatherback turtle, Senator Rambharat said ‘it is extremely important and the work of the Game Wardens supports the preservation efforts’.

A highlight of the day’s activities included a Sand Turtle Competition, which saw some 15 teams participating, with the first prize being awarded to Trinidad and Tobago Youth Ambassadors.  The almost two thousand volunteers saw youth involvement from schools and youth clubs including Pathfinders, ASJA Girls, YTEPP, QRC Boys Scouts, Trinidad Sea Scouts, Rotaract Club, Earth Heroes, and many more.

Other participating organisations included the Turtle Village Trust, Environmental Management Authority, Institute of Marine Affairs, among others.

Nature Seekers’ 2017 theme is ‘nature is everyone’s responsibility’ and the Annual Clean up sought to create an opportunity to inspire a new generation of thinkers and doers of our society to connect with nature and take action to support environmental conservation.

Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat presents members of the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Ambassadors with the 1^st Prize for the Sand Turtle Competition.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

March 6, 2017: Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry  along with Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and senior executives of both Ministries toured the facilities of the leading paper converters in the Caribbean Region, Grand Bay Paper Products on Friday March 3, 2017.  This tour is a part of the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s on-going visits to companies across Trinidad and Tobago to lend support to local manufacturers, to view their operations and facilitate their needs in doing business during the country’s current challenging economic times.

In Minister Gopee-Scoon’s opening remarks she commended the executive team of Grand Bay Paper Products on its impressive operations.  She acknowledged the efforts made by the company in restructuring its operations both financially and operationally.  Minister Gopee-Scoon indicated that the company is poised to grow from strength to strength and it is currently a net foreign exchange earner serving several markets in the Caribbean, in particular the Cuban market.  She challenged the executive team to also look closely at the Venezuelan market for market penetration.

Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat stated that, “apart from viewing the success of Grand Bay Paper Products in manufacturing, exports and waste recycling, I am here to accelerate our discussions on pilot farm trials utilising the calcium carbonate by-product of your process on agricultural lands, to boost soil productivity.”

Mr. Kevin Marcilliat, Managing Director, Grand Bay Paper Products in his opening remarks said, “we could not have made it this far without the support of our stakeholders.  We are proud that we are creating and pioneering this industry in Trinidad and Tobago.  We have been converters in the Caribbean for many years and to have a papermill here is historic. We are here to provide employment and grow foreign exchange as well as to increase trade.”  Mr. Marcilliat outlined the major accomplishments for the company in 2016 some of which included the opening of new market opportunities in Cuba and Haiti, increased sales in existing markets such as Jamaica, Guyana, Belize, Barbados and Aruba and sales pipeline growth with Pricesmart Members Selection and America Fresh product lines.

Minister Gopee-Scoon enquires about the operations of Grand Bay Paper Products as Minister Rambharat and Mr. Kevin Marcilliat, Managing Director, Grand Bay Paper Products and Senior Executives look on.

Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry (middle) and Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (right) examine the quality of a piece of tissue presented to them by Mr. Kevin Marcilliat, Managing Director, Grand Bay Paper Products looks on.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Trade and Industry

868-623-8480/623-2931 ext. 2722 

March 6, 2017: The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education is confirming that he will be meeting with various educational stakeholder groups in the coming weeks to discuss how best we could alleviate the spectacle of large numbers of students being away from school on the days following our Carnival celebrations.

Recently, Minister Garcia revealed that 81 percent of secondary school students and 74 percent of primary school students stayed away from classes on Ash Wednesday, whilst the majority of teachers in both primary and secondary schools attended school with 81.3 percent in primary schools and 77.7 percent in secondary schools.

Minister Garcia said his Ministry is trying to distance itself from the phenomenon where many persons stay at home following the Carnival celebrations. He said, “This then reinforces the notion that we do not need to be productive during Carnival week, which is not the message we would like to send to our students. Carnival celebrations end midnight on Carnival Tuesday.  Additionally, we are concerned that students who stay away from school on Ash Wednesday and the preceding days will become adults who will repeat this unacceptable practice.”

The Minister commended the attendance and presence of teachers in schools on Ash Wednesday and is again asking parents/guardians to ensure that their children are sent to school during this week, as discussions continue on whether the Education Ministry will grant the entire week off. He said, “I will be meeting with the National Parents Teachers Association, the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association and several other bodies to determine the way forward. I will also take into consideration the national discourse on the matter.”

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Education

868-628-6769

March 7, 2017: A multi-disciplinary approach is needed to address the violence in our society. This according to Jillian Bartlett-Alleyne, President of the National Union of Government. She signalled the Union’s intent to play its part in changing our violent culture and dealing with domestic violence issues on our Island. Mrs Bartlett-Alleyne was speaking at a panel discussion on the elimination of violence against women.

The Women’s Executive Council of the NUGFW in collaboration with the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development and other stakeholders hosted a panel discussion on the topic “Elimination of Violence against Women in our Society” at NUGFW’s Tobago Headquarters on Friday, 3^rd March, 2017. This discussion was held as a means of sensitizing attendees on the issues of violence against women on our Island and empowering them to take an active stance against these issues. The attendees were 90% female and included representatives from the protective services, non-governmental organizations and the NUGFW.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Eastlyn Mc Kenzie and also had Mrs. Bartlett-Alleyne, Mrs. Suzette Woods-James – Acting Superintendent, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Mr. Nigel Phillip – Gender Officer, Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development, Ms. Onika Mars – Survivor and Founder of Sit and Chat (N.G.O) and Ms. Kamane Saman – People against Domestic Abuse (N.G.O).

Mrs. Bartlett-Alleyne expressed that “our culture has to change in order to change the violence in our society.” She added that “violence needs a multi-disciplinary approach” to deal with our perpetrators and victims and assured that “the NUGFW is willing to be the change that is needed in our country”. Mr. Phillip stressed that “the Government cannot deal with domestic violence alone” and called for everyone to play their part. He and Mrs. Woods-James also shared the different avenues available to assist victims of domestic violence. Ms. Mars and Ms. Saman appealed to the attendees’ emotions when they gave their personal experiences. They both urged all women being affected by domestic violence to stand up, get out, be empowered and move on.

This collaborative event is one of the ways the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development seeks to educate and empower women, particularly as we approach International Women’s Day, which is annually celebrated on 8^th March, 2017. The theme for this year is “Be Bold for Change”.

Some members of the panel: From left, Mr. Nigel Phillip – Gender Officer, Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development, Mrs. Suzette Woods-James – Acting Superintendent, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Ms. Kamane Saman – People against Domestic Abuse (N.G.O) and Ms. Onika Mars – Survivor and Founder of Sit and Chat (N.G.O). 

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For futher information please contact:

The Communications Unit

Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development

Tobago House of Assembly

868-639-3395 Ext 7271/7272

March 7, 2017: The Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) is aware of the extensive coastal erosion occurring at Quinam Beach and has been actively monitoring several priority sites across Trinidad via its Coastal Protection Unit.

The Ministry’s Critical Coastal Protection Programme has in fact earmarked Quinam Beach along with Cocos Bay (Manzanilla), Cap de Ville and Sans Souci for stabilization works in fiscal year 2016/2017.

The projects and initiatives under the Critical Coastal Protection Programme are closely aligned with the Ministry’s mandate for the management of the vulnerabilities and physical impacts due to coastal erosion. As such, the Ministry will continue working with all its stakeholders, including the Siparia Regional Corporation (with direct responsibility for management of the Quinam Beach Facility) towards accomplishing this mandate.

For further information on the Quinam Coastal Protection Works and other projects under the Critical Coastal Protection Programme kindly contact the Corporate Communications Unit at 625-3091 or visit our website at www.mowt.gov.tt

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Works and Transport

868-625-1225 Ext. 10811/10813

March 8, 2017: Following the advertisement for the post of Police Constable (Range 21/24C) Municipal Police Service which ended on February 24, 2017, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government has already processed over 2900 applications and are currently entering the rest into the database to be sent to the Office of Law Enforcement Policy (OLEP). The application period is now closed and the Ministry is moving forward with the next steps of the process.

Minister Kazim Hosein noted “We have received a wonderful response from the public, with thousands of applicants expressing their interest in joining our protective service. The Human Resources Department at the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government has been working diligently from the very beginning to prepare the advertisement, and continue now as they build the database of applicants and relay the information to OLEP. They must truly be commended for their meticulous efforts.”

After the compilation of the database, applicants will be asked to take an examination which is administered by the Service Commissions Department. The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government has sought approval from the Service Commissions Department to update the previously used examination to ensure that it is in keeping with the intention of building a modernized Municipal Police Service that is well-equipped to deal with the issues faced in every region, borough and city. After the examination, applicants will be interviewed and undergo a medical that involves both physical and psychological evaluation. The final stage before training begins, will be to publish every potential officer’s photograph in the daily newspapers to complete the vetting process.

The Office of Law Enforcement Policy (OLEP) is partnered with the Ministry in this endeavour and will be supporting in the vetting processes, as well as handling the training. It is expected that by the end of the year, there will be a significant increase in the number of Police Constables in the Municipal Police Service.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government

868-628-5187

March 8, 2017: On behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2017, I take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate the women and girls of Trinidad and Tobago, on the significant contributions you have made and continue to make towards the successful development of our Nation.

Today, in many countries, International Women’s Day offers a platform for women to highlight and promote their social, economic, cultural and political achievements. But more importantly International Women’s Day has become the focal point for the call for greater action towards gender equity.

At the level of the United Nations, in particular UN Women, this year’s focus for International Women’s Day is “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”.

In her message on the occasion of International Women’s Day, UN Women Executive Director said, “we want to construct a different world of work for women…we have to start change at home and in the earliest days of school so there are no places in a child’s environment where they learn that girls must be less, have less and dream smaller than boys. This will take adjustments in parenting, curricula, educational settings and channels for everyday stereotypes such as TV, advertising and entertainment…it will take determined steps to protect young girls from harmful cultural practices like early marriage and from all forms of violence.”

As you know, these are some of the issues currently engaging the attention of this Government. To a very great extent we are fortunate in Trinidad and Tobago in that girls and women have access to equal educational opportunities and may freely participate at all levels of the work force both in the private and public sectors and in all aspects of public affairs.

Where we as a people need to make a stronger effort is in the protection of our children and women from the incidence of domestic violence. We cannot continue to pat ourselves on the back for the local and international accomplishments of our girls and women if at the same time newspaper headlines bombard us with evidence that all is not right in many of our households. This is as much a concern for me as it is for my Government since it points to a real need for increased efforts aimed at re-shaping the behaviour of our men and boys.

As you know, gender related matters and issues affecting our children have been placed by me within the portfolio of the Office of the Prime Minister. The Gender and Child Affairs Division of the Office of the Prime Minister remains focused on facilitating gender equity and equality by developing policies that promote the equal advancement of women and men; by offering programmes which seek to deconstruct stereotyping and more recently, by designing a community based action plan which emphasises the need to reduce Gender Based Violence, specifically violence against women and girls in communities, and to provide help for potential perpetrators and improved support for victims.

There may be challenges as plans are implemented but we must believe that ultimately we will see positive changes in behaviour and attitudes.

Moving forward, I give you the assurance that all avenues will be employed by this Government to maintain a level playing field for our girls and boys, women and men to succeed in fulfillment of their abilities and aspirations, without prejudice for disability and mindful of the fact that gender discrimination, especially in the world of work, may only serve to derail a nation from its own trajectory of economic advancement and progress.

I note that another of the 2017 International Women’s Day themes is to “Be Bold For Change” and to strive for a better working, more gender inclusive world.

As your Prime Minister, I want to encourage the girls and women of Trinidad and Tobago to take full advantage of all the opportunities that are open to you – education, internships, decent work, advocacy, political participation - never give up on your dreams.

As men and women, girls and boys; working together in an environment of mutual respect and understanding, we will build a better and stronger Nation.

Once again, I say with pride “congratulations and thank you” to the women of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

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March 8, 2017: The Commonwealth will today launch a new initiative to help member states of the Commonwealth bring down rates of domestic violence.

Established in collaboration with public agencies, human rights institutions and civil society, Peace in the Home: Ending domestic violence together is part of a larger strategy focused on ‘A Peace-building Commonwealth’ – the theme for the rest of the Commonwealth year. The programme includes a package of special measures and toolkits to help member states build capacity for a multi-sectoral approach to ending domestic violence.

“While women are disproportionately affected as victims of domestic abuse, this stubborn stain on our communities is no respecter of gender, location or social or economic status. When we understand that 38 per cent of women murdered globally were killed by an intimate partner, this should shock us all into action. This is why I will remain steadfast in my commitment to address this issue,” said Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland.

She added: “Peace in the home rests on the premise that we cannot achieve stable and peaceful societies if our homes are war zones, where children, the biggest casualties, are taught that violence is the best way to resolve conflict. There is evidence to show that tackling violent extremism and other forms of organised violence must begin with addressing violence in the home.

“The Commonwealth initiative will build a coalition of governments, businesses, human rights institutions, civil society and individual citizens to choral our efforts to address domestic violence.”

The Secretary-General will announce plans to map the economic cost of domestic violence in Commonwealth countries, and extend ongoing work to strengthen laws that protect vulnerable women and girls.

“Our judicial bench book, which defines what constitutes violence against women, was piloted in East Africa, where judges described it as “essential” for gender justice. We hope this is going to make a marked impact on the fight against cultural practices such as female genital mutilation. We plan to follow this up with an implementation strategy and a roll out to the rest of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific and any other areas in the Commonwealth where the relevant laws do not already exist,” she said.

The Secretary-General added: “We understand that strengthening legislation and shaping policy is not enough. We have to challenge the discrimination, dangerous stereotypes, male chauvinism and institutional sexism wherever they may exist in the Commonwealth. Currently, we are working with the traditional and religious leaders in Africa, in partnership with the African Union and national human rights institutions in countries such as Zambia, Malawi and Ghana, to prevent and eliminate child marriage.

“These activities are all part of a multipronged action plan. The aim is to mainstream gender into all aspects of our work,” said the Secretary-General.

“Ultimately, my aim is to see the levels of domestic violence in the Commonwealth fall by double digit percentages and then progress to elimination in all 52 countries. I know this is possible, because, using a multi-sectoral approach, while I was a government Minister I chaired the inter-ministerial group which, by working together, delivered a 64 per cent reduction in violence against women and a £7.1bn reduction in economic costs in the UK.”

Commonwealth Secretary-General Scotland will officially launch Peace in the Home: Ending domestic violence together, at a high-level panel discussion on International Women’s Day, 8 March. This initiative will continue through the Commonwealth year and is expected to culminate in February 2018 with a Commonwealth accord on ending violence.

Additional notes

The Commonwealth’s Peace in the home: Ending domestic violence together is an integrated, holistic action plan with a package of measures to help governments tackle domestic violence. It is based on the Commonwealth Charter, which promotes human rights, gender equality, tolerance, respect and understanding; and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Peace in the home: Ending domestic violence together includes:

• A series of toolkits to assist governments to adopt a multi-agency approach to tackling domestic violence, ensuring that schools, doctors and hospitals can work effectively with social services, government agencies, law enforcement and the judiciary on the issue.
• The release of a seminal, evidenced-based research, conducted in collaboration with Public Health Wales, into a multisector approach to preventing interpersonal, collective and extreme violence, which will be presented to Commonwealth health ministers at their summit in May.
• Helping countries to highlight and share successful practices and initiatives.
• A mentorship programme for women, in collaboration with Rotary in Canada and Rotary in the Caribbean, the Commonwealth Youth Council and the Commonwealth Youth Gender Equality Network.
• An initiative aimed at promoting women’s full and effective political participation and addressing violence against women in politics and elections.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, and Commonwealth experts are available for media interviews. For more information, please contact:

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For further information, please contact:

The Communications Division

Commonwealth Secretariat

+44 (0)20 7747 6560

March 8, 2017: The Tax Information Exchange (United States of America) Bill, 2016, also known as the FATCA (Foreign Account Taxpayer Compliance) Bill was passed last night in the Senate without a dissenting vote. The vote was twenty-nine (29) in favour, none against and one (1) abstention. This follows the unanimous passage of the Bill in the House of Representatives on February 23rd 2017, where all thirty-nine (39) MPs who were present on that day, voted in favour of the amended Bill.

The Minister of Finance wishes to thank all those who contributed to the passage of the Bill, including all members of the Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament, established to examine the Bill and all stakeholders, interest groups, individuals and organisations who participated in the Committee’s deliberations and commented in general on the legislation.

Special mention must be made of the efforts of the hard-working public servants in the Parliament, the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Finance, who worked tirelessly to provide the required information and to draft the various amendments to the Bill that arose during the progression of the Bill through the Parliament and in the JSC meetings.

With the passage of this Bill, the country can now breathe a little easier because we have avoided the adverse consequences of loss of correspondent banking, imposition of withholding taxes, de-risking and de-banking that would have occurred, had consensus not been reached on the legislation.

The Ministry of Finance will now work with the Board of Inland Revenue and the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and all other stakeholders to ensure that all necessary systems are in place in our banking and financial system to meet the reporting deadline to the US Treasury of September 30th 2017. A post-enactment communications plan has also been developed by the Ministry of Finance, to ensure that the general public is aware of the requirements of FATCA and its implications for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Department

Ministry of Finance

868-612-9700 Ext. 2804

March 8, 2017: Every year on March 8 we observe International Women’s Day. On this day we recognize the women and young girls who, in the simplest of ways, are making a change in our world. As we celebrate the achievements of women and girls globally, I take the opportunity to recognize the women and young girls of our nation, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the contributions you are making every day towards our national development.

Many are unaware that it was the struggle for better pay, voting rights and decent working conditions that gave birth to this global, annual celebration. In 1908, during the Industrial Revolution, women were lifting their collective voices and demanding to be heard. Their cries and demands gave rise to a march of 15,000 women through the streets of New York City demanding fairer and better working conditions. I dare say, that the genesis of this global day of recognition was borne out of the labour struggle. During the World Wars, when the men went out to battle it was the women who came out to fill the posts- posts in factories, posts in offices whilst attending to their roles of mother and nurturer in the home.

As we cast our eyes closer to home and we examine our local context, figures from the Central Statistical Office will show that women, on average over the last six years, have made up fifty per cent of the local labour force. Women have taken up the mantle and are holding the helm in all spheres of industry. At the Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development, our Vision speaks to decent work, industrial peace and opportunity for all because we believe that everyone is entitled to fair pay for a fair day’s work, to work in an environment free from discrimination and that there is equity for all, because these are basic human rights.

Gloria Steinem, world-renowned social and political activists says, “The story of women’s struggles for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” The recognition of International Women’s Day is a celebration of our basic human rights.

In recent times we have seen an increase in domestic violence against women and young girls and we must denounce violence in all forms against women. We have seen an increase in missing cases of women and young girls and these are issues that are of great concern to my Government. As a mother, grandmother but as a woman, I too feel the impact that this is having on the moral fibre of our society. We have to protect our women and girls at whatever cost.

We are still very fortunate as a country when we compare ourselves to many others. Our women and girls are entitled to the same rights as our men and boys and we must fiercely protect these rights.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2017, let us join the global community, which has issued the theme Be Bold For Change to unite us and let this be our clarion call for the protection of our women and girls and the recognition of the need for a an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

Happy International Women’s Day. 

March 8, 2017: "Celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) every day of the year, not just on March 8^th annually". These were the sentiments of Councillor Dr. Agatha Carrington, Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development as she appeared on the local television talk show, Rise and Shine on Tobago Channel 5 today, March 8 2017. Dr. Carrington was joined by Assemblyman Marslyn Melville Jack, Secretary of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour and Assemblyman Marisha Osmond, Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary, as part of the Tobago House of Assembly’s undertakings to celebrate women on International Women’s Day. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Be Bold for Change”.

Dr. Carrington highlighted some alarming statistics that women need to be “embolden to change”. She shared that in our country “it is estimated that one in every three women has been a victim of domestic or gender-based violence but less than two of every five cases are reported, more than ten thousand women seek restraining orders every year and in the last decade, the police have responded to more than fifteen thousand reports of domestic violence”. She explained that under her stewardship, the Division will place great emphasis on achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Goal # 5, Gender Equality, through targeted public education programmes, meaningful collaborations with necessary stakeholders and the provision of key services to continually protect and empower our women.

Assemblyman Jack continued to encourage women to “be bold and go against the status quo to effect change.” She further asserted that “boldness comes about when women speak up and speak out.” Assemblyman Osmond added “the Government alone cannot eradicate the problems women face, we need a collaborative effort with all sectors of society to empower our women in their communities.” Both Assemblymen called on our men and boys to respect our women and girls. Dr. Carrington concluded “the discourse, lobbying and advocacy on women’s issues should be continuous and not just on March 8^th annually…it is only then we will see serious change”.

This media appearance is one of the ways the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development seeks to educate and empower women on our Island. The Division previously collaborated with the Women’s Executive Council of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers and other stakeholders to host a panel discussion on the topic “Elimination of Violence against Women in our Society”. Additional public education programmes will be conducted throughout the next few weeks to continue to educate and empower women on our Island. Happy International Women’s Day to all women and girls!

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For further information please contact:

The Communications Unit

Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development

Tobago House of Assembly

868-639-3395 Ext 7271/7272

March 8, 2017: If you ate and got ready for school today, then thank a farmer! These were the words echoed by Agricultural Assistant III in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mr. Dexter Samm, during his 'Careers in Agriculture' group presentation at a Career Day hosted by the A.S.J.A. Girls' College in Charlieville on Tuesday 7th March, 2017. During his lecture, he drew reference to everyday dietary and commercial consumables such as shoes, clothing, toiletries, stationary and medicine, as he highlighted the vital linkages of agriculture's extractive / primary sources; a credit he attributed mainly to farmers.

Mr. Samm explained to students that the industry had the potential to be quite "attractive" given the versatile nature of the agricultural sector and the many lucrative career opportunities available to persons along the value chain. He said: "Many people see agriculture through the tedious eyes of the farmer only, without fully appreciating that the agricultural entrepreneur and technocrat, whilst interdependent, are engaged in very separate vocations."

As the only exhibitors to utilize multimedia technology in its presentation to students, staff from the Ministry’s Regional Administration North Division, brought the sector's many career opportunities to life through their interactive engagement, pamphlets, brochures and attractive promotional rewards / bonuses.

Themed, 'Know your options', the Career Day, which was aimed at targeting the school's Forms Three, Five and Six students, attracted a host of exhibitors from both the public and private sectors. Among these included the: Government Human Resource Services (GHRS); Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development; United States Embassy; University of the West Indies (UWI); University of the Southern Caribbean (USC); College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTATT); Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies (CCLCS); Caribbean Airlines Limited; Pan American Insurance; Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services; Institute of Law and Academic Studies (ILAS); CTS College of Business and Computer Science (CTSCBCS); SITAL College of Tertiary Education Limited; Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, Air Guard and Coast Guard; National Energy Skills Centre (NESC); National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) and the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality Training Institute (TTHTI).

Agricultural Assistant III of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Mr. Dexter Samm, delivers a presentation on 'Careers in Agriculture' to a group of students of the A.S.J.A. Girls College in Charlieville during their school’s Career Day.

AGCF 2: Agricultural Assistant I of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ms. Vidia Maraj, engages a group of students from the A.S.J.A. Girls College in Charlieville during their school’s Career Day hosted on Tuesday 7th March, 2017.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

March 9, 2017: On Wednesday March 8, 2017, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat , Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries met with Professor Brian Copeland, Principal of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus.  The 3-hour long meeting saw discussions on land management, the cocoa industry, ICT, forestry, nutrition, food safety, youth in agriculture, among others.  The main intent of these detailed discussions was to focus on ‘fixing the silos’ and in the words of the Minister, ‘we need to connect the research and development to the practical’.

The Minister was accompanied by Mrs. Angela Siew, Permanent Secretary; Mr. Andre Laveau, Deputy Permanent Secretary; Dr. Lystra Flecther, FAO Representative; Mr. Gregg Rawlins, IICA Representative; Mr. Barton Clarke, Executive Director, CARDI; Mr. Winston Rudder, Chairman, Cocoa Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited; and others.

Minister Rambharat and Professor Copeland share a light moment during ahead of their meeting.

Minister Rambharat (standing) opens the discussions. 

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221

March 9, 2017: To avoid any misunderstanding, the Minister of Finance wishes to clarify the NET amount of taxes and royalties owed by Petrotrin to the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

For the year to date 2017, Petrotrin has confirmed that it owes the Government a total of $2.044 billion in unpaid taxes, made up of Petroleum Profits Tax, Supplementary Petroleum Tax, Value Added Tax, Royalties, Production Levy and Licenses.

Petrotrin has also indicated that its computation of the fuel subsidy owed by the Government to Petrotrin at this time is $775 million.

When these two figures are reconciled, the NET amount in taxes and royalties owed by Petrotrin to the Government at this time is $1.269 billion.

To clarify further, this figure of $1.269 billion is separate and apart from the $4.2 billion in losses in the refinery over the period 2011 to 2016, which must now be properly shown in Petrotrin’s books as a “Loss”, rather than as a “Deferred Tax Asset”.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Finance

868-612-9700 ext 2804-2809

March 9, 2017: On March 8, Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley engaged in discussions with leading advocates for the rights of women and girls.

The breakfast meeting was held at the Diplomatic Centre, La Fantasie, St Ann’s in celebration of International Women’s Day 2017.

The Prime Minister spent the morning engaging with the women and also participated in an open forum where a wide range of relevant issues were examined.

Dr. Rowley used the opportunity to listen to their concerns, as they shared their experiences and made suggestions on the ways the Government can assist in the advancement of their causes.

The Prime Minister spoke to the attendees about the close relationship he shared with his grandmother and how her death impacted his life. In turn many attendees paid tribute to the women who have dedicated their life to activism in Trinidad and Tobago.

He also used the event to reiterate his Government’s commitment to eradicating the many challenges facing women and girls.

Dr. Rowley said Government currently meets with civil society groups on a quarterly basis and is actively looking for ways to strengthen and expand this partnership.

Folade Mutota, Executive Director, Women’s Institute for Alternative Development (WINAD), in addressing the gathering, commended the Prime Minister for keeping his promise to tackle the issue of child marriage.

Mutota said, “We need timely legislation. We are grateful for the legislation on child marriage. We met with you in March and by January the following year, the legislation was in Parliament.”

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Gender and Child Affairs, the Honourable Ayanna Webster-Roy also attended the event.

Dr. Rowley indicated that he placed this Ministry within his office because it has a key role to play in protecting and supporting vulnerable groups within the society and commended Webster-Roy for her willingness to engage civil society and her commitment to consensus building.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley greets author and activist, Dr. Merle Hodge, at a breakfast forum held in celebration of International Women’s Day at the Diplomatic Centre, La Fantasie, St Ann’s on March.

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For further information please contact:

Office of the Prime Minister

868-622-1625

March 9, 2017: On Monday March 6, the Minister of Works and Transport, Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan, Mr Navin Ramsingh, Director of Highways, and other key Ministry Officials commissioned the traffic lights at the South Trunk Road between Dumfries Road and Lucky Street (PriceSmart) Intersection.

The commissioning of these traffic lights are expected to provide much needed relief to residents and neighbouring vicinities, as it will assist in easing traffic congestion whilst connecting main towns and communities of Penal, Dumfries and Siparia.

Members of the public are asked to pay particular attention to the following change in the flow of traffic:

• South Trunk Road, between Dumfried Road and Lucky Street (PriceSmart) intersection will be opened to two lanes in both directions.

• Northbound traffic will be diverted unto the recently completed section in the vicinity of Lucky street (PriceSmart) Intersection

• All traffic signals located within this stretch will be made operational

Motorists are also advised as follows:

• Proceed with caution and observe all newly installed directional signs and Traffic  signals.

• Comply with instructions of traffic officers positioned on site to facilitate the flow of traffic in an orderly manner.

• Be aware of on-going maintenance works and heavy equipment operating within this section of roadway.

The new traffic lights will benefit many motorists and commuters as it is regarded as a much needed safety measure in the community.

Previously, a large section of the roadway was left undone, making the road unsafe for motorists to manoeuvre, across the inactive construction site.

This project is presently under the ambit of the National Infrastructural Development Corporation (NIDCO) and supported by the Ministry of Works and Transport.

Minister Sinanan speaks with the Director-Highways Division, Mr. Navin Ramsingh following the commissioning ceremony for the South Trunk Road traffic lights on March 6, 2017. 

Minister of Works and Transport, Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan (right) is accompanied by the Traffic Signal Supervisor -Traffic Management Branch (MOWT), Mr Maurice McEachnie as they commission the traffic lights located at South Trunk Road between Dumfries Road and Lucky Street (PriceSmart) intersection.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Works and Transport

868-623-2288

March 9, 2017: Just as the Olympic Torch in 2016 was passed from Athens via several countries before making its way to Brazil, so too will two (2) Balata Plants make the journey throughout several primary schools across Trinidad in a ‘Plant Torch’ activity that will witness a tree planting exercise in Port of Spain, early next month.

The World Food Day Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (WFDNCTT) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, in partnership with Massy Stores, solicited the participation of 4H students from seven (7) primary schools, who will each commit for a period not more than one (1) week, to keep the plants and care for them.

The Balata – which is kin to the Sapodilla – is usually yellow, orange or purple in colour and can be enjoyed from as early as 2 ½ - 3 years after planting. To date, students of the Valencia South Government Primary School have completed the plant nurturing process which they undertook from March 1st – 6th, 2017.

The activity then moved to the Hokett Baptist Primary School on March 6th, 2017, where it will remain until March 9th, 2017, before moving to the remaining five (5) schools.

The Plant Torch activity will culminate in a Tree Planting Ceremony on April 5th, 2017, at the Royal Botanic Gardens and will serve as a precursor to the highly anticipated ‘Run for Food Charity 5k Fun Walk/Run’ event which takes place on April 8th, 2017, at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain.

Other participating schools in the activity are: Siparia Hindu (SDMS) Primary School; Cedros Government Primary School; Sisters Road Anglican Primary School; Exchange R.C. Primary School in Couva and St. Thomas Primary School in Mayaro.

Mr. Krishna Soogrim-Singh of the WFDNCTT (rear left), poses for a photograph with teachers and students of the Hokett Baptist Primary School, following a handing over ceremony of the Balata Plants to the custody and care of the school’s 4H students. Standing at Mr. Soogrim-Singh’s right is the school’s Principal, Mr. Stanley Mahase.

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For further information please contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries

868-622-1221