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  • Guyana to launch five-year blueprint for rapid economic expansion

    Guyana to launch five-year blueprint for rapid economic expansion

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Guyanese government has announced the imminent launch of a comprehensive five-year national development strategy focused on unprecedented economic expansion and infrastructure integration. President Irfaan Ali revealed the ambitious plan during his keynote address at the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber’s Annual Awards Presentation Dinner on Friday evening.

    President Ali characterized the forthcoming strategy as unparalleled in both scale and national impact, designed to align with the country’s rapidly accelerating development trajectory. This growth is primarily driven by historic investments across multiple sectors including energy, infrastructure development, logistics networks, and diversified industrial projects.

    “Our national journey is now gaining tremendous momentum,” President Ali declared. “Within coming days, I will present with absolute clarity our economic expansion, infrastructure integration, and development projections for the next five years.”

    The President identified Wales and Berbice as emerging epicenters of a transformed national energy ecosystem. The Wales development zone is slated to receive over US$4 billion in investments during the five-year period, funding critical projects including gas-to-energy initiatives, power generation facilities, industrial fabrication plants, specialized industrial zones, and enhanced marine infrastructure.

    Meanwhile, the Berbice region will anchor a second major gas project featuring a deep-water port facility, industrial expansion programs, and an extensive gas pipeline system valued at over US$2 billion. Collectively, these strategic regions are expected to drive nearly US$10 billion in new infrastructure and energy-linked investments.

    “These figures are truly remarkable,” President Ali told attendees. “If this level of development doesn’t excite us as a nation, I cannot imagine what would.”

    The address included significant production forecasts, with Guyana expected to close the year producing approximately 930,000 barrels of oil daily, substantially increased from 650,000 barrels earlier this year. Conservative projections indicate production could reach 1.3 million barrels per day by 2030.

    President Ali simultaneously issued cautious notes regarding global market conditions, noting that industry forecasts suggest an oil oversupply environment between 2025 and 2030. He emphasized that Guyana must consequently build a competitive, efficient, and technologically advanced energy ecosystem to navigate market volatility.

    “Our industry remains acutely sensitive to price fluctuations, operational costs, technological advancements, and regulatory frameworks,” the President stated. “Every risk inherent in global commodity markets becomes magnified within oil and gas sectors.”

    The President identified human capital development as equally critical to national success, addressing current private sector concerns regarding workforce shortages. He urged workers to embrace upskilling initiatives, higher productivity standards, and a culture of excellence to match the nation’s transformative pace.

    Warning against complacency, President Ali noted that “workforce maturity gaps or operational inefficiencies could threaten our competitiveness and undermine national development.” Despite Guyana’s rapid economic ascent, he advocated for disciplined planning and long-term strategic thinking.

    “While our future appears exceptionally promising, we must temper expectations and avoid being swept away by overwhelming optimism,” President Ali counseled. He affirmed the government’s commitment to converting oil revenues into productive national assets including transportation infrastructure, port facilities, energy systems, human capital development, and diversified industrial capacity.

    Concluding on an assured note, President Ali stated: “Our nation’s economy remains in secure hands—your hands, our collective hands, the steady hands of our nation.”

  • Spain scrambles to limit damage from African swine fever

    Spain scrambles to limit damage from African swine fever

    Spanish authorities are implementing emergency measures to contain an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) detected in the Catalonia region, marking the country’s first cases since 1994. The highly contagious animal disease, while harmless to humans, poses a severe threat to Spain’s substantial pork industry.

    The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that two wild boars tested positive for the virus in northeastern Catalonia, triggering immediate international trade repercussions. Agriculture Minister Luis Planas acknowledged that approximately one-third of Spain’s trading partners have already suspended pork imports, including key market Mexico, which announced its ban shortly after the detection.

    Spain ranks as the world’s third-largest producer of pork and pork derivatives, exporting nearly 3 million tonnes annually to over 100 countries. Minister Planas emphasized the government’s commitment to minimizing economic damage to the agricultural sector while implementing rigorous containment protocols.

    Catalan regional authorities have established dual containment perimeters around the affected zone and restricted outdoor activities to prevent further spread. The ministry is coordinating with regional governments to enhance surveillance and control measures nationwide.

    The outbreak places Spain among several European nations currently battling ASF, including Baltic states and Eastern European countries. Health officials stress that the virus presents no food safety risk to consumers but requires aggressive animal health management to protect the vital industry.

  • Moonilal: Gonsalves paid ultimate price

    Moonilal: Gonsalves paid ultimate price

    In a striking political analysis, Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal has directly linked the dramatic electoral collapse of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves to his criticism of regional security cooperation with the United States. The commentary emerged during parliamentary debates on November 28, just one day after Gonsalves’ United Labour Party suffered a devastating 14-1 defeat against the New Democratic Party in general elections.

    Moonilal asserted that Gonsalves ‘paid the ultimate political price’ for his vocal opposition to Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s support for US military deployment in the southern Caribbean. The minister characterized the electoral outcome as a punishment from voters who have grown weary of drug trafficking and transnational crime plaguing the region.

    ‘Unless I am mistaken, I think he got one seat… his own,’ Moonilal remarked about Gonsalves’ narrow retention of his constituency. ‘By the skin of his teeth… he remained.’

    The Trinidadian official defended Persad-Bissessar’s security stance as demonstrating ‘courage, boldness and the strength to take action against narco-traffickers,’ adding that Trinidad and Tobago was ‘proud within the Caribbean to have taken that leadership.’ Moonilal specifically referenced tensions between the US and Venezuela, noting that negative comments about Trinidad’s foreign policy had ’emanated from the former prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.’

    Moonilal, who also serves as deputy political leader of the ruling United National Congress, advised other Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to heed the political consequences witnessed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He claimed regional populations are ‘fed up of drugs, murder and crime’ and want strong action with international allies.

    The minister concluded by praising Persad-Bissessar’s diplomatic efforts since assuming office six months earlier, stating she has ‘carried the torch of diplomacy and good will in the region’ with ‘a measure of dignity, and integrity uncommon for the last ten years.’

  • Customers shop smart amid Black Friday sales

    Customers shop smart amid Black Friday sales

    Across retail centers in Trinidad and Tobago, Black Friday sales attracted steady shopper turnout while revealing a notable trend of financial restraint among consumers. Despite attractive promotions, many buyers demonstrated disciplined spending habits, focusing primarily on essential items rather than indulging in impulse purchases.

    At PriceSmart in MovieTowne Port of Spain, shopper Daniella Joseph from Morvant exemplified this cautious approach: “The temptation to overspend is real when you encounter numerous appealing deals throughout the store. However, I strictly purchased only what I initially intended and could realistically afford.”

    Retail managers observed similar patterns nationwide. One PriceSmart manager reported that although queues formed over an hour before opening, customers predominantly purchased single high-value items alongside household necessities. The JVC 55-inch LED TV, priced at $2,399, emerged as a popular big-ticket item, yet overall spending remained measured compared to previous years.

    The sentiment resonated across various retail locations. At Courts MegaStore in San Juan, early morning lines diminished considerably within hours of opening. Shopping districts including Trincity Mall, Frederick Street, and MovieTowne maintained consistent customer traffic without experiencing the traditional Black Friday frenzy.

    Despite the conservative spending climate, both consumers and retailers found value in the promotional events. Sandra Bollard from Valsayn reported saving “several hundred dollars” through strategic shopping. She noted the proliferation of Black Friday participation among smaller retailers, where incremental discounts of 10-15% collectively generated significant savings.

    Specialty retailers like Shock N Stock bookstore leveraged the shopping event to stimulate off-season sales. Their manager explained, “These discounts effectively attract customers during non-peak periods. Our current 20% discount on art supplies encourages new creative ventures while driving revenue.”

    One aspiring artist benefiting from these promotions shared: “The timing proved perfect as I’m establishing my personal art studio. Every discount contributes meaningfully to my project’s budget.”

  • Bandits rob woman but returns ID, bank cards

    Bandits rob woman but returns ID, bank cards

    In a startling incident that blends criminal violence with unexpected civility, Port of Spain police are hunting three assailants who robbed an Angostura employee shortly after she departed her workplace on November 27th. The 25-year-old victim was targeted while awaiting transportation on the Priority Bus Route opposite the Vehicle Maintenance Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (VMCOTT) around 7:15 PM.

    The confrontation began when the trio approached the woman, with one attacker seizing her from behind and pressing a curved blade against her throat. Under direct threat to her life, she surrendered her possessions including a black handbag containing a premium Samsung S23 Ultra smartphone valued at $5,000, her company-issued mobile device, and $700 in cash.

    What followed however demonstrated paradoxical behavior from the criminals. As two accomplices fled into nearby vegetation, the remaining assailant—stationed on a distinctive black-and-white bicycle—accommodated the victim’s plea to retrieve her identification and banking cards from a red pouch within the stolen bag. The man complied with her request, calmly returning the critical documents before escaping through the Fernandes compound vicinity.

    In a separate but related development, law enforcement is simultaneously pursuing two additional suspects following an attempted hardware store heist earlier that same day. At approximately 10:10 AM, armed robbers invaded a business along El Socorro Main Road, assaulting the proprietor and stealing a gold chain before employees disrupted the crime through vocal alarms. The startled perpetrators abandoned their plunder and fled in a black Nissan Note vehicle without securing any monetary gain from the establishment.

    Police Constable Cyril of Besson Street Police Station is leading the investigation into the Angostura employee robbery, while PC Ball continues inquiries regarding the foiled hardware store incident. Both cases highlight concerning patterns of violent crime affecting Trinidadian citizens and businesses.

  • Young: Government running scared from truth

    Young: Government running scared from truth

    A heated parliamentary debate unfolded in Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives on November 28th as Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young launched a vigorous defense of Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles against government attempts to amend her private motion regarding US-Venezuela tensions in the Caribbean.

    Young characterized the government’s actions as “cowardly behavior” designed to embarrass Beckles and deflect attention from their controversial foreign policy decisions. He expressed gratitude for Beckles’ “courage and fortitude” in bringing the motion forward while delivering scathing criticism of Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal’s attempted amendments, which he labeled as “immature and pathetic” political maneuvering.

    The MP challenged the government to “face the motion in its original form” rather than engaging in what he described as political theater. Young revealed concerning developments in Trinidad and Tobago’s international relations, noting that conversations with CARICOM leaders indicated strained relationships due to the government’s support for US military deployment and rejection of the Caribbean’s traditional zone of peace principle.

    Young emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to the UN Charter principles of non-intervention and peaceful negotiation, questioning when citizens had authorized the government to abandon these fundamental safeguards. He warned that the nation is entering “a very, very dark period” due to the government’s apparent obliviousness to global geopolitical realities, citing suspicious activity at Tobago’s airport as evidence of external influences contrary to official government statements.

    The parliamentarian concluded that sophisticated diplomacy remains essential to protecting national sovereignty, suggesting current approaches are jeopardizing Trinidad and Tobago’s standing in the international community.

  • Same-day surgeries start at Couva Children’s Hospital

    Same-day surgeries start at Couva Children’s Hospital

    In a significant healthcare development, Trinidad and Tobago’s long-dormant Couva Children’s Hospital commenced same-day surgical procedures on November 28th, marking the initial phase of its operational activation. Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe confirmed the milestone following an inspection at the facility, revealing that the inaugural surgeries targeted patients from waiting lists across all regional health authorities.

    The surgical interventions specifically addressed renal dialysis patients requiring arteriovenous shunts and individuals with severe venous leg conditions needing radio frequency ablation procedures. Minister Bodoe indicated that specialized pediatric outpatient clinics would represent the next service category to become operational, though no precise timeline was provided beyond ‘the near future.’

    This activation aligns with Prime Minister Keith Rowley’s mandate, with the Health Ministry emphasizing its commitment to a ‘smooth, well-coordinated transition’ as additional services gradually come online. However, questions regarding full operationalization timelines remain unanswered, as decisions pending include which regional health authority will ultimately assume management responsibilities.

    The hospital’s activation occurs against a backdrop of substantial surgical backlogs, with a September Udecott report documenting approximately 11,300 citizens awaiting procedures nationwide—primarily in ophthalmology and general surgery.

    Despite progress, the initiative faces staffing challenges. Trinidad and Tobago National Nurses’ Association president Idi Stuart recently opposed the opening plans, citing insufficient nursing personnel. Minister Bodoe acknowledged these concerns, confirming ongoing efforts to resolve staffing deficiencies.

    Originally constructed and opened by the People’s Partnership administration in August 2015, the facility remained largely non-operational during the PNM’s subsequent decade-long administration. Current renovation activities were visible during a November 28th site visit, with workers repainting buildings and removing previous signage while maintaining the Ministry of Health’s identification.

  • Swaratsingh: ‘TT will hear soon where $$$ to pay PSA workers will come from’

    Swaratsingh: ‘TT will hear soon where $$$ to pay PSA workers will come from’

    The Trinidadian government confronts a substantial financial challenge as it seeks to secure $3.8 billion to fulfill back payment obligations to public servants following a recently concluded wage agreement. Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh has indicated that funding details will emerge “soon enough,” offering limited commentary while entering the Red House on November 28.

    The breakthrough occurred on November 27 when the Public Services Association (PSA) and the Chief Personnel Officer finalized an agreement granting union members a ten percent salary increase—a commitment originally made by the United National Congress during April’s general election campaign. The compensation package allocates one percent for each year between 2014 and 2018, plus five percent for 2019, collectively adding approximately $420 million to recurrent annual expenditures.

    Chief Personnel Officer Dr. Daryl Dindial confirmed plans to formalize the agreement through a memorandum of understanding with PSA representatives on December 1, preceding Cabinet submission for ratification. The Cabinet Secretary has reportedly expedited the process, allowing for consideration via an ad hoc note during the December 4 session.

    Opposition figures expressed cautious optimism alongside fiscal concerns. Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales acknowledged satisfaction with the resolution while emphasizing the need for transparency regarding funding mechanisms. Former Finance Minister Colm Imbert raised alarms about potential domino effects, projecting that similar settlements across public sector unions could escalate liabilities to approximately $20 billion in back pay and $2 billion in additional annual wage expenditures.

    Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities Clyde Elder cautioned against renegotiations, stating that unions which previously accepted four percent agreements should not expect retrospective adjustments based on the PSA outcome. Elder highlighted the PSA’s particular struggles during previous administrations and noted that payment scheduling would fall under Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s purview.

  • Comrade Ralph falls

    Comrade Ralph falls

    The Caribbean political landscape has undergone a seismic shift with the decisive electoral outcome in St Vincent and the Grenadines. On November 27, voters delivered a stunning rebuke to incumbent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and his United Labour Party (ULP), ending their 23-year governance with a resounding 14-1 parliamentary victory for opposition leader Godwin Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP).

    This electoral result marks the most conclusive victory in the nation’s history since 1989, when the NDP previously secured all parliamentary seats under James Mitchell’s leadership. For Dr. Friday, aged 66, this triumph represents the culmination of a methodical political ascent. Conversely, for the 79-year-old Dr. Gonsalves, the defeat signals the conclusion of an extraordinary political era that began in 2001.

    While regional leaders including Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar celebrated the outcome as a “resounding democratic mandate,” constituency-level results reveal a nation characterized by deep political divisions. Despite his party’s overwhelming defeat, Dr. Gonsalves retained his own seat with 2,577 votes against 996 for his opponent. The ULP secured 27,148 total votes compared to the NDP’s 37,002, with overall voter participation declining to 62% from 67% in the previous election.

    The incoming administration campaigned on ambitious promises including economic revitalization, job creation with improved wages, addressing escalating crime rates, and enhancing national infrastructure. Potentially most significant internationally is the NDP’s historical commitment to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of establishing ties with China—a geopolitical maneuver that would reduce Taiwan’s diplomatic partners to merely 12 nations worldwide.

    Dr. Gonsalves leaves behind substantial shoes to fill within CARICOM frameworks, where he served as a prominent advocate for climate justice, slavery reparations, and regional mediation efforts—most notably contributing to the Argyle Decree. His departure, combined with potential foreign policy recalibrations in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and now St Vincent, may signal broader geopolitical realignments within the Caribbean bloc, all while the United States under the Trump administration maintains its assertive stance toward Cuba and Venezuela.

    The veteran leader’s legacy includes steering the nation through multiple crises including the global financial downturn, COVID-19 pandemic, La Soufrière volcanic eruption, and Hurricane Beryl. He also presided over the development of the country’s inaugural international airport. However, his implementation of vaccine mandates eroded support among certain constituencies, and many voters ultimately believed his time in leadership had naturally concluded. Dr. Gonsalves’ anticipated role as opposition leader now presents an intriguing dynamic for the nation’s political future.

  • Eve proud of Naps’ title: I came to make a statement

    Eve proud of Naps’ title: I came to make a statement

    In a thrilling conclusion to the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership division season, Naparima College captured their sixth league title under the current format with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Signal Hill Secondary on November 27th. The championship marks a triumphant return for head coach Angus Eve, who previously guided the southern school to back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015 before his stint with Trinidad and Tobago’s national teams.

    The title race came down to the final matchday with three teams separated by just three points. Naparima’s victory at Lewis Street in San Fernando propelled them to 37 points, narrowly edging out southern rivals St Benedict’s College (36 points) and Signal Hill Secondary (34 points). The Tobago-based Signal Hill squad saw their championship hopes dashed despite a late consolation goal from Raevion Marshall via an 83rd-minute penalty.

    Eve, who concurrently coaches TT Premier Football League side Club Sando, acknowledged the challenges of returning to school football after his time with national teams. ‘There were a lot of adjustments for me,’ Eve told reporters amid the celebrations. ‘I thought there were a lot of good teams in the league. There are a lot of well-organized teams and you saw that with four teams fighting for the title up to the last day.’

    The veteran coach implemented a strategic shift in his approach this season, emphasizing both defensive solidity and attacking freedom. Naparima conceded just eight goals in 15 matches while scoring 42—the fourth-highest total in the division. ‘We want to play efficient football,’ Eve explained. ‘We allowed the players in the front part of the pitch to express themselves and have the freedom to play within the structure of the team.’

    Eve paid tribute to previous Naparima coaches Reynold Carrington, Travis Mulraine, and Anthony Sherwood while emphasizing the importance of understanding the school’s football culture. ‘Sometimes, if you don’t know the culture of the place, you may not perform to the optimum in the environment,’ he noted.

    The championship victory demonstrates Eve’s continued coaching prowess as he balances multiple roles while maintaining his reputation for developing organized, difficult-to-beat squads capable of delivering results when it matters most.