The Ministry of Health is currently reassessing the medications provided under the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP), according to Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health. This announcement came in response to a query from Independent Senator Dr. Desiree Murray during a Senate session on October 29. Dr. Seecheran highlighted that the CDAP drug list was recently updated on October 1, now including treatments for glaucoma such as Timolol Maleate 0.5 percent, Pilocarpine two percent, and Pilocarpine four percent. The CDAP technical committee, established by Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe on June 5, is tasked with ensuring the medications are both cost-effective and aligned with clinical guidelines. The committee employs a methodology based on World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and National Disease Burden Profiles to review all identified disease states. Dr. Seecheran also mentioned that future consultations with the Ophthalmological Society are planned to further modernize the drug list while considering cost-effectiveness. In the same session, Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste assured that the government is committed to improving job accessibility for people with disabilities, stating that all positions are open to them.
作者： admin
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UTC lends support to UWI first gen students
First-generation students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine campus, have received a significant boost in their academic and social development, thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC). The contribution is specifically aimed at supporting first-generation students and participants in the Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) mentorship programme, which assists first-year students in adapting to university life and laying the groundwork for long-term success. UWI deputy principal Professor Derek Chadee and manager of financial advisory services Kristy Mannette-Smith accepted the donation on behalf of the campus. Chadee emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that UTC’s support is an investment in student success and empowerment. He expressed gratitude for UTC’s generosity and praised their shared vision of fostering student growth. The donation includes $45,000 in renewable scholarships over the next three years and a $5,000 one-time bursary. UTC’s chief financial officer, Kerri Maharaj, highlighted that the STAR programme aligns with the corporation’s core values of providing individuals with the tools and guidance needed to build their own legacies. By supporting first-generation students, UTC aims to equip them with the confidence and knowledge to excel in university and become future leaders. Maharaj described the contribution as an investment in the nation’s future, emphasizing its role in cultivating the next generation of thought leaders, innovators, and professionals who will drive Trinidad and Tobago’s economic growth. Mannette-Smith added that the donation will provide life-changing resources for financially challenged students, enabling them to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. She noted that such contributions not only fund tuition but also transform lives and open doors to brighter futures, expressing deep gratitude for the partnership with UTC.
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Senator: Alcohol, beverage sectors pivotal to Trinidad and Tobago
Independent Senator Francis Lewis has raised concerns over the projected $1 billion in revenue from increased excise duties on rum, beer, and tobacco products, as outlined by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. Speaking during a Senate debate on October 29, Lewis challenged the assumption that consumption of these products would remain unaffected by price changes, a concept known as price inelasticity. He cited a historical example from the ‘beer wars,’ where a 33% price drop led to a 45% surge in sales, arguing that the market is more elastic than policymakers assume. Lewis, who has consulted for local alcohol manufacturers, warned against rapid tax hikes, emphasizing the potential harm to businesses still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the sector’s significance, noting it employs approximately 100,000 people, with small bars and rum shops heavily reliant on alcohol sales. Lewis also expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with industry stakeholders, suggesting that sudden tax increases could create uncertainty and hurt revenue. Despite his objections, the Senate approved the government’s proposals to raise excise rates on alcohol and tobacco products.
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Energy minister hails St Andrew’s solar project as model for sustainability
St Andrew’s School has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability by unveiling a state-of-the-art solar power array. The project, celebrated during a commissioning ceremony, was lauded by Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis as a pioneering example of renewable energy adoption and youth leadership.
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TT response to hurricane-ravaged Jamaica: State, NGOs mobilise relief drive
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Jamaica on October 28, Trinidad and Tobago has launched a robust humanitarian response. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar spearheaded the initiative, overseeing the first shipment of relief supplies from the Plipdeco Warehouse Complex at Point Lisas Industrial Estate. The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government announced a national collection drive, running from October 30 to November 4, with all 14 municipal corporations serving as official drop-off points. An inter-ministerial committee, led by Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen, has been established to coordinate efforts, ensuring swift and effective mobilization of resources. The public is encouraged to contribute to the TT National Disaster Relief Fund via First Citizens Bank or by donating essential supplies. The private sector has also rallied, with major business chambers, including the Energy Chamber and TT Manufacturers’ Association, opening a joint relief fund. Plipdeco Port has been designated as the logistics hub for containerized donations. Additionally, Sewa TT, in collaboration with Sewa USA, is deploying mobile water systems and emergency food stations to bypass logistical challenges and deliver aid directly to affected areas. Massy Stores has partnered with Sewa TT, allowing customers to donate towards essential relief buckets. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha) has activated its disaster-response system, providing medical supplies and public health support to Jamaica. This collective effort underscores the Caribbean’s unity and commitment to rebuilding stronger, healthier communities.
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Nearly 50 dead after Hurricane Melissa thrashes Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, claiming nearly 50 lives and leaving a path of devastation in its wake. The storm, which has now moved away from Bermuda, is expected to transition into an extratropical cyclone as it heads toward the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The NHC warned of heavy rain and gusty winds in Newfoundland, while flooding is expected to persist in Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. A study by Imperial College London revealed that human-caused climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely. In Jamaica, the death toll has risen to 19, with significant damage to infrastructure and communication networks. Haiti reported 30 fatalities, with over 1,000 homes flooded and 16,000 people in shelters. Cuba, already grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, faced widespread destruction, including collapsed homes, downed power lines, and severed communications. Over 735,000 people were evacuated in Cuba’s eastern provinces. The United States has deployed disaster response teams to the region, while the UK announced £2.5 million in emergency funding and evacuation flights for British nationals. UN officials described the devastation as unprecedented, emphasizing the urgent need for global climate action.
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#MelissaAftermath: Chef José Andrés joins World Central Kitchen relief efforts in Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Esteemed Spanish-American chef and humanitarian José Andrés touched down in Jamaica on Thursday to bolster World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) disaster relief initiatives in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Andrés, the founder of the global non-profit organization renowned for delivering meals in crisis-stricken areas, announced his arrival via a post on X.
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Major groups to sit out Junkanoo
In a dramatic turn of events, the Bahamas’ most renowned Junkanoo groups—the Saxons, the World Famous Valley Boys, Roots, and One Family—have collectively decided to boycott this year’s holiday parades. This unprecedented move, confirmed after a unanimous vote by group leaders on Wednesday, threatens to disrupt the nation’s largest cultural celebration and significantly impact vendors and organizers. Several smaller B groups are also expected to follow suit, with an official announcement from the Junkanoo Corporation of The Bahamas (JCNP) anticipated soon. The decision stems from escalating tensions between Junkanoo leaders and the Davis administration, particularly over the proposed Junkanoo Bill and the government’s decision to transfer control of the parades to a newly established Parade Management Committee. Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Mario Bowleg’s recent declaration prohibiting private or competing events under the new system has further exacerbated the rift. JCNP-affiliated groups have long warned that these changes could fracture the Junkanoo community, and the corporation has hinted at organizing independent events in protest. However, their efforts appear stifled, as the JCNP was reportedly denied permission to practice at the Sports Centre on November 23. The fallout has left food vendors anxious, fearing a sharp decline in turnout and sales. Despite increased seed funding announced by the government in September, including a $10,000 boost for Category A groups, the dispute shows no signs of resolution. Prime Minister Philip Davis, who met with JCNP officials earlier this month, has distanced himself from the conflict, stating, ‘Don’t bring me into it.’
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Historical context behind Trinidad and Tobago’s engagement with US, Venezuela
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s position on Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) involvement in regional security, particularly concerning the escalating tensions with Venezuela, has sparked considerable debate. Critics have labeled her approach as overly aligned with the United States or even “far-fetched.” However, a closer examination reveals that her stance is neither unprecedented nor unreasonable. It is deeply rooted in an 80-year history of strategic cooperation with the US, shared security interests, and a pragmatic assessment of contemporary challenges.
TT’s relationship with the US dates back to the Second World War, when the 1940 Destroyers for Bases Agreement led to the establishment of a US naval base in Chaguaramas and the construction of critical infrastructure, including the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway. These developments not only bolstered the Allied war effort but also laid the groundwork for TT’s modern road network. Although the US presence in Chaguaramas ended in 1963, the two nations have maintained a cooperative partnership through various agreements, such as the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. These frameworks have facilitated information-sharing, law enforcement collaboration, and maritime security, which are vital in combating transnational crime, narcotics, and arms trafficking.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s concerns about Venezuela’s security developments are well-founded. Recent US legal actions against Venezuelan officials, including former intelligence chief Hugo “El Pollo” Carvajal and President Nicolás Maduro, highlight the gravity of the situation. TT is not insulated from the repercussions of Venezuelan instability, as evidenced by the infiltration of the Tren de Aragua gang, now designated a terrorist organization under TT’s Anti-Terrorism Act. This poses a direct threat to national security, border management, and social stability.
When the Prime Minister asserts that any incursion into TT’s territorial waters will be met with force, she is not echoing US rhetoric but reaffirming TT’s sovereignty and right to self-defense. Her engagement with the US on surveillance, intelligence, and counter-narcotics cooperation aligns with the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. This pragmatic approach is aimed at safeguarding TT’s people and borders.
However, this cooperation must be balanced with transparency. TT must ensure that its territory is never used as a staging ground for foreign military operations without full sovereign consent. Diplomatic efforts should continue to prioritize peace, dialogue, and regional stability through organizations like Caricom, while simultaneously strengthening TT’s readiness to defend its frontiers.
In essence, TT’s current engagement with the US is neither subservience nor a novelty. It is a continuation of a historical partnership shaped by shared interests, geography, and the need for security in a volatile region. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s approach is not “far-fetched” but a rational extension of TT’s historical trajectory and its responsibility to protect the republic.
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Ban fireworks once and for all
In a heartfelt letter to the editor of Newsday, D. Maharaj, a self-described educated and law-abiding citizen, has passionately advocated for a complete prohibition on fireworks, firecrackers, and other noise-making devices in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Maharaj argues that these traditional forms of celebration, often associated with holidays like Divali, Old Year’s Night, and Independence Day, inflict unnecessary terror on animals, particularly dogs, and disrupt the peace of countless citizens.
Maharaj highlights the distressing experiences of many pet owners who are forced to spend these holidays indoors, comforting their frightened animals or fearing they might escape in panic. The writer shares a personal account of being unable to leave home during such nights due to their dog’s extreme fear of the loud explosions.
The letter emphasizes that the continued use of fireworks is outdated and unjustifiable, given the widespread suffering it causes. Maharaj calls for immediate action, urging authorities to implement a total ban without further delay. The plea concludes with a resounding message: ‘Enough is enough. No more excuses, no more empty promises.’
This appeal reflects growing concerns about the impact of fireworks on both animal welfare and community well-being, sparking a broader conversation about the need for more considerate and modern forms of celebration.