Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s National Recruitment Drive has garnered significant attention, with over 110,000 applications received, highlighting a long-standing demand for such initiatives. However, the program’s success is overshadowed by unresolved concerns regarding unemployment support, funding, and sustainable job creation. Without addressing these issues, the initiative risks being perceived as merely a public relations exercise. The Prime Minister’s contradictory statements on October 23 about cuts to Cepep and URP programs further complicate matters. During her visit to the National Cycling Centre in Couva, Ms. Persad-Bissessar portrayed herself as a savior, criticizing Cepep jobs for their inability to provide financial stability, likening them to “hand-to-mouth feeding” and even invoking the term “slavery.” Yet, her administration’s abrupt termination of workers without prior notice contradicts her professed empathy. The government’s broad accusations of nepotism and corruption within these programs also raise questions about their selective targeting. Additionally, the lack of clarity on funding sources for new hires and salary increases adds to the uncertainty. While the recruitment drive aims to fill 20,450 positions, it falls short of addressing the broader unemployment crisis. Ms. Persad-Bissessar must provide a comprehensive plan during the Senate budget debate to create new opportunities, not just fill existing vacancies. As a leader elected to serve the people, this remains her fundamental responsibility.
作者： admin
-
Reinventing cauliflower
Cauliflower has emerged as a culinary superstar, captivating the health-conscious with its versatility and nutritional benefits. This cruciferous vegetable, known for its firm white head and crisp green leaves, has become a staple in low-carb diets, replacing traditional carbohydrates in innovative ways. From pizza crusts to cauliflower rice, its adaptability is reshaping modern cuisine. Beyond its culinary appeal, cauliflower is a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in vitamin C, folate, potassium, and vitamin B6. Its high fiber content and low calorie count—just 25 calories per cup—make it an ideal choice for weight management. Local sourcing is encouraged, as fresh, locally grown cauliflower retains more nutrients due to shorter harvesting-to-market times. Recipes like mashed cauliflower with olive oil, creamy cauliflower soup, and cheesy cauliflower casserole highlight its versatility and flavor. Whether steamed, roasted, or pureed, cauliflower continues to inspire creative, healthy dishes that cater to diverse palates.
-
Brightstar strengthens commitment to Just Because Foundation
Brightstar Lottery has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting The Just Because Foundation (JBF) by renewing its sponsorship of the JBF Be Better Bears initiative and enhancing the technological capabilities of the JBF Paediatric Specialty Unit at Mt Hope. The Be Better Bear, a comforting teddy bear, has become a symbol of hope for children diagnosed with cancer in Trinidad and Tobago. Each child admitted to the unit receives one of these bears, and proceeds from sales fund JBF’s outreach and patient care programs. Brightstar’s latest contribution includes a mobile projector, which will be used to facilitate movie time and group activities, providing moments of joy and normalcy during hospital stays. Additionally, Brightstar maintains the computer room at the specialty unit, ensuring children and families remain connected to their schools, friends, and the wider world. Brightstar’s General Manager, Dexter Thomas, emphasized the importance of their partnership with JBF through the After School Advantage (ASA) program, which provides digital learning centers for non-profit organizations. Beyond corporate support, many Brightstar employees personally contribute by adopting Be Better Bears, further aiding JBF’s mission. On October 2, JBF team members, accompanied by mascot Jolly Bear, visited Brightstar’s Port of Spain office to deliver bears and engage employees in packaging them for sale. Chevaughn Joseph, co-founder of JBF, highlighted the symbolic significance of the bears, encouraging adopters to send messages of love and encouragement to children on the ward. The partnership between Brightstar and JBF, which began in 2015, continues to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families facing childhood cancer.
-
Opposition sounds alarm over ‘war games’ in region
The arrival of the USS Gravely, a US Navy guided-missile destroyer, at the Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has ignited a wave of political and public discourse. The vessel’s visit, scheduled from October 26-30, coincides with joint training exercises between the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and the TT Defence Force. While the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs framed the visit as part of longstanding bilateral cooperation, Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles expressed unease, drawing parallels to the 1983 US invasion of Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury. Beckles called for greater transparency, urging the Minister of Foreign Affairs to provide detailed explanations to the public. Government ministers, however, dismissed concerns as fearmongering, emphasizing the visit’s focus on goodwill, humanitarian aid, and training. Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John highlighted the US military’s assistance to local schools and the TTDF, while Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander described the visit as routine. Opposition MPs, including Diego Martin Central MP Symon De Nobriga, countered that the geopolitical tensions between the US and Venezuela have heightened public anxiety, necessitating clear communication from the government. The USS Gravely, armed with advanced weaponry, arrives amid escalating US-Venezuela tensions, with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth deploying additional naval assets to the region. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has appealed for peace, while US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz reaffirmed the partnership’s focus on addressing shared threats like transnational crime. Public opinion remains divided, with some citizens expressing confidence in peaceful resolutions, while others remain cautious about potential regional repercussions.
-
A call for decency in Parliament
The Editor: The ongoing erosion of decorum and respect within the highest echelons of our republic is a matter of grave concern. Parliament, once revered as a sanctuary for constructive debate and national advancement, has increasingly devolved into a platform for hostility, personal vendettas, and blatant disregard for the electorate. Both sides of the political spectrum have exhibited behavior unworthy of the nation’s leaders. The pervasive bitterness, arrogance, and verbal aggression not only reflect a lack of mutual respect but also a profound disrespect for the public, including schoolchildren and citizens who observe these proceedings with growing disillusionment. Parliament is intended to embody service, accountability, and exemplary conduct. However, when elected officials prioritize theatrics over substantive discourse, they undermine public trust and weaken the democratic foundation of our society. The refusal to address legitimate inquiries, the cacophony of shouting across the floor, and the apparent unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue all contribute to the degradation of our republic’s dignity and the principles our forebears valiantly defended. The citizenry deserves leaders who embody grace, humility, and respect—leaders capable of disagreeing without dishonor, debating without disdain, and representing without ridicule. It is imperative that Parliament reverts to a culture of decency, maturity, and national responsibility. Our children are watching, and the future of our nation hinges on the examples we set today. Nicholas Ashby, via e-mail.
-
Diversification through eyes of calypso
Trinidad and Tobago, once buoyed by the oil boom, now grapples with the repercussions of mismanagement, corruption, and economic decline. As the nation faces an uncertain future, the voices of calypso artists emerge as powerful advocates for change, offering both critique and solutions. Dara E Healy, a performing artist and founder of the Idakeda Group, reflects on the enduring relevance of calypso music in addressing societal issues and fostering cultural resilience. Despite the government’s persistent neglect of the arts as a strategic economic force, events like Tobago’s carnival demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving and amplifying local culture. Healy draws inspiration from iconic calypsonians who, over decades, have fearlessly addressed systemic failures. Tobago Crusoe’s 1983 calypso, *Don’t Cry Now*, highlighted the nation’s poor decisions, from neglecting agriculture to extravagant spending, while Mighty Chalkdust in 1968 urged a return to local practices to combat economic devaluation. Attila the Hun’s 1937 critique of financial mismanagement and Mighty Shadow’s 1994 *Poverty is Hell* further underscore the enduring inequities in society. These artists, Healy argues, serve as cultural practitioners who compel society to confront its flaws and seek collective advancement. Their messages remain relevant today, urging citizens to take responsibility for the nation’s future. As Trinidad and Tobago navigates its post-oil era, the legacy of calypso music offers a roadmap for economic diversification, cultural preservation, and social justice.
-
#EyeOnMelissa: Paulwell calls on OUR to monitor JPS’ billing actions amid storm
In response to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) warning of potential higher electricity bills due to Tropical Storm Melissa, Opposition Spokesman on Energy Phillip Paulwell has urged the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to intervene and ensure fair practices. JPS CEO Hugh Grant attributed the anticipated cost increase to the more expensive fuel mix required for generators during the storm. However, Paulwell emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in JPS’ billing process. In a recent statement, he called on the OUR to closely monitor JPS’ actions and demanded detailed disclosures, including billing cycles, fuel price averages, and the methodology for calculating fuel costs. Paulwell also questioned JPS’ claim that 20% of power during the storm would come from solar and wind-powered independent providers (IPPs), urging IPPs to verify this assertion. He further highlighted past grievances, such as estimated billing and excessive fuel charges following Hurricane Beryl, and stressed the importance of fair billing practices that balance the interests of JPS and its customers.
-
Nigerian NGO slams Turkish decision to keep rescued baby gorilla
LAGOS, Nigeria (AFP) — A Nigerian conservation NGO has expressed deep disappointment over Turkey’s decision to retain a young African gorilla rescued from wildlife trafficking, calling the move illogical. The primate, named Zeytin, was discovered at Istanbul airport in December, concealed in a wooden crate during a transit from Nigeria to Thailand. Initially taken to a Turkish zoo for recovery, Zeytin’s repatriation to Nigeria was halted after DNA tests revealed he belonged to a gorilla species not native to the West African nation. Turkish authorities announced on Friday that Zeytin would remain in a Turkish zoo, a decision that has drawn criticism from conservationists. The Pandrillus Foundation, a Nigerian NGO, had planned to house Zeytin alongside another young gorilla of the same sub-species before transferring them to a sanctuary in central Africa. Liza Gadsby, director of the Pandrillus Foundation, voiced her frustration, stating that Turkey’s actions contradict its obligations as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). She emphasized that while Turkey’s initial confiscation of Zeytin was commendable, retaining him in captivity undermines conservation efforts. The Pandrillus Foundation is now focusing on repatriating another gorilla confiscated by Nigerian customs over two years ago, reaffirming their commitment to wildlife conservation.
-
Antigua calls off search for boat captain who fell overboard
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Authorities in Antigua have officially suspended the search for Philippe Daniel Jules, a boat captain who went missing after reportedly falling overboard during a voyage from Antigua to Dominica on Tuesday night. The incident occurred as the vessel, carrying five crew members and six passengers, navigated waters northeast of Guadeloupe. According to the Coast Guard, Jules either fell overboard or was struck by the mast while attempting to avoid it. The boat was subsequently diverted to Guadeloupe, where it remains docked. Search-and-rescue operations, involving both aerial and marine efforts, were conducted across the surrounding area. However, after several days of intensive searching, officials have now halted the operation. The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard has expressed regret over the delayed response, noting that official notification of the incident was not received until early the following morning, significantly reducing the chances of a successful recovery.
-
Indian man arrested for stalking two Australian women cricketers
In a disturbing incident during the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World Cup, Indian police arrested a 30-year-old man accused of stalking and inappropriately touching two Australian cricketers in Indore, central India. The incident occurred on Thursday morning as the players left their hotel to visit a cafe. According to police officer Rajesh Dandotiya, the team’s security promptly reported the matter, leading to the swift identification and arrest of the suspect within six hours. The accused, who has a prior criminal record, allegedly followed the players and attempted to harass them approximately 800 meters from their hotel. Cricket Australia confirmed the incident but did not disclose the identities of the players. The Times of India reported that one of the cricketers sent a distress message to the team’s security manager, stating that a man was following and attempting to grab them. Team officials immediately intervened, and a police patrol escorted the players safely back to their hotel. Authorities have filed a case against the man for stalking and inappropriate behavior. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about women’s safety in India, despite recent progress in gender equality and empowerment. The Australian team was in Indore for their pool match against South Africa on Saturday.