Morning Edition: 06 December 2023

CCNTV6

Watch Morning Edition: 06 December 2023 - CCNTV6 on Dailymotion

Transcript

00:00:00 [Music]

00:00:15 Well, a very good morning Trinidad and Tobago.

00:00:18 Well, it has been a very wet one in the Republic.

00:00:21 I'm Aurovishi Tiwari Ruknarain.

00:00:23 Welcome to The Morning Edition.

00:00:25 It's December 6th, 2023.

00:00:28 I'm going to thank you so much for joining us.

00:00:30 And also, if you are on the roadways, please exercise caution.

00:00:34 As I mentioned, a little bit of rain this morning has made the black carpet, as we call it, a little bit wet.

00:00:40 So, you would want to exercise more caution.

00:00:43 Well, it's time to tell you what's happening in Trinidad and Tobago.

00:00:47 And for that, we go straight to the front pages of the Express newspaper.

00:00:51 Government BP and Shell sign new revenue deal for Atlantic. More money, more LNG money for T&T.

00:00:59 And we see in that picture there, done deal.

00:01:02 Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Energy Minister Stuart Young,

00:01:05 they hold up a commemorative plaque in honour of the signing of an agreement

00:01:10 for a new unitised commercial structure for ALNG in London, England yesterday.

00:01:16 They were flanked by gas and low-carbon executives at BP,

00:01:21 executives at Shell, BP TT president David Campbell,

00:01:27 and president of the NGC Mark Loquan, senior vice president and country chair of Shell, Adam Loomis.

00:01:36 What else is happening?

00:01:38 Well, an army of beggars. We'll get to that in a short bit.

00:01:42 But interestingly, another story there in the Express. Mom goes to police as boy five,

00:01:48 is force-fed toilet biscuits.

00:01:52 This mother reported to police her son was bullied and force-fed a pack of biscuits

00:01:57 which were dipped in a toilet at the Edinburgh Government Primary School last week.

00:02:03 So, to get the details of that story, please grab your copy of the Express newspaper now,

00:02:09 why not log on to www.trinidadexpress.com.

00:02:14 An army of beggars. Activist says local and migrant parents exploit children.

00:02:21 A proliferation of migrant and local beggars and their children on the nation's streets

00:02:26 has been observed in recent times and advocates are now calling for state intervention.

00:02:33 What's happening in sport? Well, let's go to the back page.

00:02:38 All over, women warriors go under 1-0 to Mexico and they fail to qualify for the 2024 World Gold Cup.

00:02:48 A full stretch there. That picture by Xiumin Crickxiang, Trinidad and Tobago's Shona Lee-Govia, right?

00:02:56 Puts in a tackle as she defends against Mexico's Scarlett Camperos

00:03:01 during their CONCACAF Nations League A-Series qualifier last night at the Haisley Crawford Stadium in Mocorapu.

00:03:09 So, to get the details of all these stories and so many more, grab your copy now.

00:03:14 Well, it's now time to remind you of our TrinBago, your nice feature.

00:03:18 To participate, as you know, it's very, very easy.

00:03:21 You WhatsApp your videos and your images to that number on your screen, 737-3778

00:03:27 and we get to share that with Trinidad and Tobago.

00:03:30 We look forward to hearing, to getting and receiving your Christmas pictures and videos.

00:03:36 In the meantime, we share with you this positive quote.

00:03:39 Stay positive. Some of your best days haven't happened yet.

00:03:43 Well, we've got a very packed show for you this morning.

00:03:49 Let me see. We're touching with the economic landscape.

00:03:53 Wendell Long, he's a lecturer of economics, writer and Caribbean studies.

00:03:58 He will be joining us via Zoom to talk about the economic landscape

00:04:02 and more interestingly, this new deal signed by government BP and Shell as it relates to ALNG.

00:04:12 We'll be following a little more the Guyana-Venezuela controversy.

00:04:16 I just viewed a Facebook message issued by President Irfan Ali,

00:04:21 who responded to threats and statements made by President Maduro.

00:04:28 So we will share that with you in a short bit.

00:04:30 We'll be touching base with an editorial consultant at Newsroom Guyana

00:04:34 to find out what's happening on the ground.

00:04:36 Reggae family fest, well, that's coming up.

00:04:39 Edwin Glasgow, event consultant, he joins us shortly.

00:04:42 And if you are young and you'd like to find out about the Youth Agriculture Homestead Program,

00:04:48 well, we've got Anisha Beach, who is program coordinator

00:04:52 from the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service,

00:04:55 will be joining us to tell you a little bit more about that.

00:04:59 So stay tuned. We'll be right back after this break.

00:05:02 Before you choose a life of crime,

00:05:14 know that the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are fed up of you.

00:05:18 More than 22,000 have already provided anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers.

00:05:22 You will never know who they are.

00:05:24 But with Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tips to System,

00:05:26 everyone will soon know you.

00:05:29 Call Crime Stoppers Anonymously at 800-TIPS today.

00:05:34 [Music]

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00:06:27 This Christmas, get ready for the most enchanting holiday experience of the year.

00:06:31 Journey into the heart of the season with Believe, Christmas Around the World,

00:06:36 a mesmerizing Christmas concert spectacular.

00:06:40 Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas like never before,

00:06:43 as melodies from every corner of the globe fill the air with joy and wonder.

00:06:49 Experience the magic at two iconic venues.

00:06:52 Catch the spellbinding performances at Naparima Bowl on the 15th and 17th,

00:06:57 and feel the holiday chill light up Queens Hall on the 22nd and 23rd.

00:07:03 Tickets are available now at islandetickets.com or at Queens Hall box office.

00:07:08 Don't miss this unforgettable celebration of unity, love, and the true meaning of Christmas.

00:07:13 Believe in the magic of the season and let the world's harmonies inspire you.

00:07:18 John Thomas' Believe. See online platforms for details.

00:07:24 [music]

00:07:27 to have some fun in this land of sea and sun

00:07:32 Soca Santa's only a ball of toy

00:07:36 from what they get to share it with every girl and boy

00:07:40 Soca Santa don't want to write no play

00:07:43 in a big tent or yurt like a lava pit all day

00:07:47 Soca Santa

00:07:49 Riva!

00:07:54 Soca Santa

00:07:56 Riva!

00:07:57 Riva!

00:08:01 Welcome back TNT

00:08:02 We'll be taking a look at the local economy

00:08:06 Wendell Long, lecturer of economics

00:08:08 He's also a writer of Caribbean studies

00:08:10 He'll be joining us shortly

00:08:12 In the meantime, let's talk a little bit about

00:08:14 this new LNG deal signed in London just yesterday

00:08:19 Well, under the old structure

00:08:21 Shell and BP respectively owned 54%

00:08:25 and 40% of Atlantic trains 2, 3 and 4

00:08:30 While NGC had 11.1% in train 4

00:08:35 but no stake in trains 2 and 3

00:08:39 Under this new agreement, as we mentioned

00:08:41 signed yesterday in London

00:08:43 the four trains are treated as a package

00:08:46 in which NGC has 10% across all trains

00:08:50 with Shell's stake at 40% and BP's stake at 45%

00:08:57 The new shareholding is expected to give

00:08:59 Trinidad and Tobago increased revenue

00:09:02 Train 1, in which NGC had 1%

00:09:06 BP had 34%

00:09:08 Shell 46%

00:09:10 and the Chinese investment corporation 10%

00:09:13 has been idled since 2020

00:09:19 Well, a very good morning to you, Mr. Long

00:09:22 Thank you so much for joining us

00:09:24 Good morning

00:09:30 Oh, we seem to be getting a little bit of a feedback

00:09:33 If you do by chance have on your television

00:09:38 or radio where you can tune in to our program

00:09:42 could you take it off?

00:09:47 Are you there, Mr. Long?

00:09:50 We're just trying to sort out a little technical difficulty there

00:10:03 Technology these days, huh?

00:10:07 Sometimes it just freezes up when you don't expect it

00:10:12 So we'll try to connect with Mr. Long

00:10:16 while our team works on that

00:10:18 We'll talk a little bit more about this deal

00:10:22 Also, we'll be chatting with Mr. Long

00:10:24 about free movement across CARICOM

00:10:27 and regional integration

00:10:30 as soon as he joins us in a short bit

00:10:32 But getting back to the Prime Minister's statement

00:10:35 Interestingly, the Prime Minister said

00:10:37 multinational and hydrocarbon companies do have a heart

00:10:42 He said we want to be a partner

00:10:47 and a shareholder in this business

00:10:50 particularly given what is happening in the world at this time

00:10:54 We have to be a partner and we have to be involved

00:10:59 Government was saying that we didn't just want to be

00:11:03 a tax collecting office

00:11:06 I think we've sorted out that issue with Mr. Long

00:11:08 Mr. Long, good morning again to you

00:11:10 Thank you again for joining us

00:11:12 If you are muted, Mr. Long

00:11:19 could you try to unmute your device?

00:11:23 In the meantime, we're going to take a quick break

00:11:25 Yes, hear me now?

00:11:28 Hearing you loud and clear

00:11:29 Thank you so much for your patience

00:11:31 No problem, good morning, Ombudsman

00:11:34 Good morning to you, Mr. Long

00:11:36 Let's get straight to this big deal signed in London

00:11:41 Long-term benefits for T&T

00:11:43 Your take, your perspective on this

00:11:45 Yes, it's a very important deal

00:11:49 It really signifies an advanced stage in globalization

00:11:54 Normally, you don't expect a Prime Minister to be negotiated with a CEO

00:11:58 But it just shows how these multinationals are so big

00:12:01 that they sometimes rival the GDP and exports of entire countries

00:12:05 especially small island developing states like ours

00:12:08 So it's a very significant deal, especially

00:12:10 I know the critics will say

00:12:12 how come the Prime Minister is negotiating with the CEO

00:12:15 and not the head of state or head of government

00:12:17 But again, it shows the world we are in today

00:12:21 where these multinationals are really major players

00:12:24 So do you think it was just a personality thing?

00:12:28 I don't know, the Prime Minister being there

00:12:31 We did have Stuart Young, who the Prime Minister has reposed confidence in

00:12:36 saying that he's an excellent negotiator

00:12:38 What made the difference? His presence?

00:12:41 Well, yes, it's a combination of factors

00:12:45 So we do have the Minister of Energy there

00:12:48 and the Prime Minister

00:12:50 The mere fact that we have these senior officials

00:12:52 going to a corporation

00:12:55 is a difference in itself

00:12:57 So the executive, the CEO, the others will see this

00:13:00 as a step up in that they matter

00:13:03 It's not just a corporation negotiating with another corporation

00:13:06 It's an entire government, the key players

00:13:09 So even part of the discussion was saying that

00:13:12 the Prime Minister hinted that

00:13:15 these hydrocarbon multinationals have a heart

00:13:18 They see themselves on that table as more than just a corporation

00:13:23 They're seeing their corporate social responsibility

00:13:25 They're seeing their ability to really have good PR there

00:13:29 So those combination of factors make it a great initiative

00:13:34 and most likely could be very successful going forward

00:13:37 Do you think really, I mean, you and I talking

00:13:40 Prime Minister, multinational corporations aside

00:13:43 Do you think they really did have a heart

00:13:45 given that this agreement had been idle for three years

00:13:48 So they were basically going nowhere with A.L. and Xi

00:13:53 And it had been idle over this very thing

00:13:58 Negotiations, how much we get from the sale of LNG or natural resources

00:14:04 Yes, agreed, and which brings a bigger question

00:14:08 Has it really been idle or is it just behind closed doors

00:14:11 Because there's a lot of controversy of the secrecy of these deals

00:14:15 Which is all good because a lot of these things hinges on

00:14:20 aspects that may not be in the best interest of BP's shareholders

00:14:25 and stakeholders

00:14:27 So I think it was not dormant, it just was a prolonged negotiation

00:14:32 behind closed doors, very sensitive for the corporate entity of BP

00:14:37 And thus I think that it appeared dormant

00:14:40 but it wasn't really dormant, it was really behind closed doors

00:14:42 to reinforce this corporate entity that's BP

00:14:47 But they have a primary responsibility to their stakeholders

00:14:50 which of course is to make as much profit going forward as they can

00:14:54 So they gave in a little bit, but I mean just my Lehman's perspective

00:14:59 They didn't have much of a choice

00:15:01 because they still have investments, it's not so easy to pick up and leave

00:15:06 and government was playing and GC was playing a little bit of a hard ball with them

00:15:12 Yes, that's correct, that's correct

00:15:14 And if Toti is correct, we call that a lot of sunk costs

00:15:17 It's not like BP just pick up and leave

00:15:20 It gives the government a lot of wiggle room

00:15:22 And it also shows that small island developed in states like ours

00:15:26 do have a say and do have some kind of influence over these multinationals

00:15:30 So it's a step in the right direction, not just for us

00:15:33 but for other small island states in the Caribbean

00:15:36 And even Guyana, which today is now considered a major player, yes?

00:15:40 What do you think about this new agreement?

00:15:44 How much of a difference does it make that NGC now has 10% across all trains?

00:15:52 Yes, this is significant because as you know, we are oil and gas economy

00:16:00 Basically, our last statistics from the review of the economy 2020

00:16:05 showed that we are in about 58% component of GDP in terms of oil and gas

00:16:11 and upwards of 40+% of our export

00:16:14 So the more input we have in this sector, and NGC being a major player in our gas aspect

00:16:22 then oil goes well and better for the country when that happens

00:16:26 I mean, it all speaks to our lack of economic diversification

00:16:29 It's a whole other topic, right?

00:16:31 But at least if we are in it, we might as well maximize our returns

00:16:35 which is what is happening now, so NGC is coming out really good

00:16:38 I'm not sure if I got that out of the statement

00:16:42 but how soon will the country, how soon will NGC be reaping these benefits?

00:16:47 Is it from the next set of gas extracted? How soon?

00:16:52 Right, so that's very complicated. We're talking about short, medium and long term

00:16:57 So going forward, of course, energy being a major way in which we get our gas out

00:17:03 we could probably see some returns as early as 2024, probably second to the quarter

00:17:10 but generally these things are more long term and innate here

00:17:14 and we definitely have to see that play out in terms of how it trickles down

00:17:18 especially as we know these things have a problem in trickling down to the ordinary man and woman on the street

00:17:24 and sometimes it's stuck at the upper level

00:17:27 so that's a problem in itself, the distribution of that wealth may not be felt by the ordinary man and woman in the short run

00:17:35 Well, that was my actual next question, I mean NGC, when will they benefit?

00:17:40 and really, when will we start to feel the effects of this?

00:17:44 When will we be able to do more, purchase more, have more foreign exchange and so on?

00:17:51 Right, so that again, yes, so falling off is a problem that we do have

00:17:57 not just with NGC, but with the oil revenue trickling down to the ordinary man and woman

00:18:05 so it's something that's systematic, that it has to be done in terms of these renegotiations

00:18:11 so we need more of these type of negotiations with our multinationals, we have Shells, we have others

00:18:17 so that at least we can have a bigger slice of that pie to redistribute to our people

00:18:22 as you know we have a huge transfers and subsidies, so that's how the people mainly get it

00:18:29 maintaining our transfers and subsidies, whether it's welfare or even subsidizing electricity, gas and water

00:18:36 even though those things have been reduced, it's still pretty low on international standards

00:18:41 so in other words, it will continue to maintain our way of living, our quality of life

00:18:47 but may not significantly improve it because of our over-dependence on this sector

00:18:52 And would a development like this increase activity within that sector, within the energy sector?

00:18:59 Gas specifically, can we see more executives coming, staying in our hotels, being transported across the country

00:19:07 having that spend, would there be more jobs?

00:19:11 Right, yes, so the whole idea of trickle down and the whole idea of multiply effects of this deal comes into play

00:19:20 The oil sector in itself, the oil gas sector is very capital intensive

00:19:25 so the jobs that will be created are more indirect, where the wealth from this sector, what we call rents

00:19:31 can be transferred to government programs, as you know government is our major employer

00:19:37 so if the government has more revenue, then it can allocate that to the various aspects of job creation

00:19:43 and public sector expansion, which may be up for debate if we really need our public sector expansion

00:19:50 That's the problem of focusing on a hydrocarbon sector

00:19:53 Direct employment is really low because of its reliance on machines and equipment more than labour per se

00:20:00 So we have to look at the spillover or the indirect effect where the states with a heavy hand

00:20:04 will be increasing its employment directly or indirectly

00:20:09 Let's talk a little bit about developments in the Essequibo given this controversy

00:20:16 How do you expect that to affect, will it affect drag and gas, will it affect our economy in any way?

00:20:24 Well, Trinidad and Tobago is now in a very fragile position

00:20:29 I'm seeing a lot of skillful diplomacy being employed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, etc

00:20:35 of not being overreaching in terms of pronouncements

00:20:38 Yes, we are committed to carry it on, but we also want the Dragon and the other deals to go through

00:20:43 So the tension on the Essequibo area is really something that we have to be very mindful of

00:20:50 as it will affect us in terms of our future of gas, especially Loran, which is at an advanced stage with Venezuela

00:20:59 So it's interesting to see, probably you can have some popcorn with this

00:21:03 to see how this play out in terms of Trinidad and Tobago's skillful diplomacy

00:21:07 between Venezuela and our Caribbean brother or sister in Guyana

00:21:12 You know, it's quite interesting, Mr. Long, because even just yesterday

00:21:20 President Maduro would have issued a statement saying that state-owned companies buy Venezuela

00:21:29 He gave them permission to go out and explore and exploit oil and gas mines in the Essequibo

00:21:38 So how is it that you are trying to take over the Essequibo region

00:21:43 but then you have an agreement with TNT, you're allowing us to jointly exploit these fields

00:21:50 It kind of goes against each other

00:21:54 Yes, so that's really complex geopolitics there

00:21:58 So we are all around the same region, of course, the hydrocarbon-rich Venezuela

00:22:04 one of the highest reserves, or biggest reserve in the world

00:22:08 and the fastest-growing economy in the world, which is Guyana

00:22:11 And now this cross-border deal, Trinidad, all appears to be coming up in the air

00:22:17 So the problem really is what is going to happen in that region

00:22:21 As you said, with the open invitation for industry in Guyana to go across

00:22:26 I'm sorry, in Venezuela to go across, what will the U.S. do?

00:22:29 Will the U.S. stay and look at that? Will they send their troops or some form of intervention there

00:22:36 to be for protection in that zone?

00:22:38 So this is something that investors see, right?

00:22:41 There's a lot of uncertainty, a lot of risk

00:22:44 So it's negative-negative for all players, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela and Guyana

00:22:50 when it comes to that dispute, and if it's actually actioned out and followed up by the Venezuelans

00:22:56 then the whole negative domino effect will take place on the ocean

00:23:00 There will basically be no winners there

00:23:03 No winners there

00:23:04 Let's talk a little bit about free movement across the region

00:23:08 How do you see this panning out?

00:23:10 We haven't heard much about it since the announcement was made by CARICOM at their recent meeting

00:23:17 But how do you expect that to affect the region?

00:23:22 Well, first of all, I'm very skeptical if this is actually going to materialize in a significant way

00:23:28 For decades we have been trying to operationalize free movement with the CSME

00:23:33 And numerous countries still have a lot of implementation gaps

00:23:37 The main political is our adversarial political system

00:23:40 Not just in Trinidad and Tobago, this Westminster system really puts government proposing, opposition opposing

00:23:46 And a lot of these implementations have to go through the respective regions' parliaments

00:23:52 And that is a major problem, and has been a problem for a long time

00:23:57 So I'm not very pessimistic going forward

00:24:01 Sorry, optimistic going forward on if this free movement of labor will actually materialize in a real way

00:24:08 Now, legally, Dejoy, we kind of have that type of movement

00:24:12 But in reality, we still see a lot of discrimination, a lot of obstacles against certain nationals in the Caribbean

00:24:19 So that is something that I'm very skeptical will materialize next year as it's being advocated

00:24:26 And what will it take to get us there, aside from airlift, as was mentioned?

00:24:34 Well, the huge problem is the Caribbean Sea

00:24:40 You see those two things, it unites us and it divides us

00:24:43 It makes us feel as if we are Caribbean, because we share this beautiful land area, this beautiful water

00:24:49 But yet it makes us divided, surrounds us

00:24:53 Similar to how Britain was surrounded by water compared to the rest of Western Europe

00:24:58 And the rest is history, Brexit

00:25:00 So I often tell my students that we are basically 15 Brexit, 15 members of CARICOM that are yet to unite

00:25:08 So if we can't really get our fundamental issues in terms of unity behind us, then anything after that may not be forthcoming

00:25:16 So the solution really is for the political will, and it has always been the political will

00:25:21 So the pronouncements from Toronto's side is all promising, but we need to get a similar narrative from Jamaica

00:25:28 Who normally say, "Soon come"

00:25:31 And Trinidad, who normally say, "Just now"

00:25:33 I don't know what the Bejangles say, but everybody keeps on being delayed

00:25:37 So it's good that we're hearing that, but we need to hear it from the other leaders

00:25:40 Then once we have the political will, and hopefully the opposing parties in the respective parliaments can be on board for the greater vision

00:25:47 Because we can't do it alone anymore

00:25:49 This whole world is becoming integrated into blocks

00:25:52 So how can we just remain a small island state and expect to achieve a high quality of life

00:25:57 Just to have money trickle down, as we said with all the oil and gas, not trickling down

00:26:02 We really need each other to join and to help us move away from the stagnation that we have as a region

00:26:09 Except for Guyana right now

00:26:11 What do you envision for regional integration?

00:26:14 Well, again, it really has to be similar

00:26:21 In my example, it's similar to what the European Union has

00:26:25 Which is basically about an economic union as well as a monetary union

00:26:34 So eventually we should have one currency

00:26:37 And do away with these blue notes and purple notes and orange notes that are basically of little value in international circles

00:26:45 So we need that greater integration

00:26:48 Where we put aside our nationalistic pride for the greater good of regionalism and for diversification

00:26:57 Because a small island state is hard to diversify

00:27:00 We've talked about economic diversification for decades

00:27:03 But the best way to diversify economically is to specialize

00:27:07 Each island specializes in a few commodities, comes together as one

00:27:11 And then you have that instant diversification that we have been looming to for so long

00:27:17 So that's the vision that I have

00:27:19 We really want to get to the level of a single currency

00:27:22 Operationalize the free movement of labor

00:27:25 Even a single central bank will be needed

00:27:29 So these things sound very idealistic

00:27:32 But sometimes economies have hit rock bottom before they realize this is the only way

00:27:36 So probably we need a rock bottom

00:27:38 COVID was a rock bottom

00:27:39 And yet still after COVID we're still divided

00:27:42 I don't know what else it will take

00:27:44 That's quite interesting

00:27:45 And you know we have attached ourselves to Latin America

00:27:48 You know to try to get that same integration to feed off of their strengths and vice versa

00:27:54 And still that hasn't quite done the trick

00:27:58 Yes, correct

00:28:01 Again, we have deep-seated problems

00:28:03 So even Latin America probably is more united than we are in the Caribbean

00:28:09 So it tells us that even though we are seeing lessons from next door

00:28:13 We like, as we say in Trinidad, we are a bit hard-headed

00:28:16 You know, we're not really realizing that

00:28:19 These times have changed

00:28:21 No longer can we go it alone

00:28:23 David Rudder said it's best in his rally around the West Indies anthem

00:28:27 In a world that needs small islands no more

00:28:31 Together we have to unite to really foster

00:28:34 So we really have to set aside our differences

00:28:37 Our nationalistic pride as Jekans and Trinis and Asians

00:28:41 And see ourselves as West Indians

00:28:43 And then, other than the West Indies cricket team

00:28:46 Then we can see those economic factors coming together

00:28:49 So the politics is trumping the economics

00:28:51 Not until we get our political housing order

00:28:53 Can we reap the economics benefits that could derive thereafter

00:28:58 You know Mr. Long, you mentioned West Indies cricket and we can't even get that right

00:29:02 Yes, correct

00:29:04 So let's talk a little bit about the Christmas season

00:29:06 Fast approaching

00:29:08 We had the Confederation of Business Chambers on yesterday

00:29:13 And they still expressed challenges with accessing Forex

00:29:17 They don't expect any to come in

00:29:19 Well, it's too late now to come in time for them to make purchases for the Christmas season

00:29:25 How do you see things panning out a little better than last year?

00:29:29 Well, I will start with this

00:29:31 That businesses will never tell you if things are really good, right?

00:29:35 You don't need a tax collector to really hear that

00:29:38 So they always kind of downplay it

00:29:40 But on a more serious note, yes, this is a critical problem of Forex shortage

00:29:45 And it has to do with our distributive type of businesses

00:29:48 Where our focus in business is really to secure a license, get a container, bring it down

00:29:53 That model has to change

00:29:55 Because that model literally soaks and sucks up our Forex

00:29:59 We talk about our big mega enterprises that drain a lot of our Forex

00:30:03 And we have distributive indicators

00:30:05 Which simply means that we need to beef up manufacturing, which earns the US dollars

00:30:09 So until we have that structural shift, the business community will always cry shortages of Forex

00:30:16 Especially around Christmas time, where we have peak demand for these foreign consumables

00:30:22 So we need a structural change where we have more manufacturing and less distributive to save our Forex

00:30:29 Mr. Long, is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

00:30:33 Well, yes, yes, you covered many topics

00:30:36 And at my heart is really Caribbean integration

00:30:39 Because Guyana is showing us that yes, they are now hydrocarbon rich

00:30:44 And the fastest growing economy in the world

00:30:47 But if we would just come together in a more serious way and get a political will

00:30:51 Then we can all achieve Guyana's economic growth being very optimistic, right?

00:30:56 But if we continue to do it alone and not really see the benefits in regional integration

00:31:02 Then we are really at our own peril, we are really taking our own break

00:31:07 So I would really like to see us really seriously, politically be serious about integration

00:31:14 Be serious about integration, couldn't be better said

00:31:17 Wanda Long, of course, lecturer in economics, writer of Caribbean Studies

00:31:21 Thank you so much for joining us here on The Morning Edition

00:31:25 And of course, sharing your views and your expertise

00:31:28 All the best to you, Mr. Long

00:31:32 Well, it's now time for a quick break

00:31:34 And as we head off to that break, we share with you this positive quote

00:31:37 Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference

00:31:41 And we're talking about a good attitude there

00:31:43 We'll be right back

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00:32:45 What were the chances? Donna thought with a blush

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00:34:50 Well, welcome back to Unmapped Antepeka

00:34:52 We continue to follow the Venezuela-Guyana controversy over the Ezequiel region

00:34:57 So just to bring you up to date

00:34:59 Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

00:35:02 On Tuesday, he directed the country's state-owned companies

00:35:06 To immediately begin to explore and exploit oil, gas, and mines

00:35:12 In Guyana's Ezequiel region

00:35:14 A territory which is larger than Greece

00:35:17 And it is rich in oils and minerals

00:35:20 And of course, Venezuela claims it as its own

00:35:24 Now, this announcement came one day after Maduro claimed victory

00:35:29 In a weekend referendum on whether to claim sovereignty over the region

00:35:35 He said he would immediately proceed to grant operating licenses

00:35:39 For the exploration and exploitation of oil, gas, and mines

00:35:45 In the entire area of "our Ezequiel"

00:35:49 Now, of course, Guyana's President Mohamed Irfan Ali

00:35:54 He responded, and we have that response to share with you

00:35:58 Hello, Guyanese

00:36:00 I address you on an unsettling development

00:36:05 In relation to the unlawful claim by Venezuela to Guyana's Ezequiel region

00:36:12 Which constitutes more than two-thirds of Guyana's national territory

00:36:17 Tonight, President Maduro announced several measures

00:36:22 Which his government intends to take

00:36:25 In enforcing the outcome of the referendum held on December 3, 2023

00:36:32 As I made clear from the date the referendum was first announced

00:36:37 This is a direct threat to Guyana's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence

00:36:45 And in violation of fundamental principles of international law

00:36:50 Enshrined in the UN and OS Charters

00:36:53 The measures announced are in blatant disregard of the order given by the International Court of Justice

00:37:01 On December 1, 2023

00:37:04 Guyana views this as an imminent threat to its territorial integrity

00:37:10 And will intensify precautionary measures to safeguard its territory

00:37:16 I have tonight spoken to the Secretary General of the United Nations

00:37:21 And several leaders, alerting them of these dangerous developments

00:37:26 And the desperate actions of President Maduro

00:37:30 That fly in the face of international law

00:37:33 And constitute a grave threat to international peace and security

00:37:38 Also, Guyana will tomorrow bring this matter to the United Nations Security Council

00:37:45 For appropriate action to be taken by that body

00:37:49 So you've heard it from, of course, President of Guyana Irfan Ali

00:37:58 We're now joined on the phone by Neil Marks

00:38:02 He is an editorial consultant at Newsroom Guyana

00:38:06 To give us an update of the situation and sentiments on the ground

00:38:10 A very good morning to you, Mr. Marks

00:38:12 Oh, he's on the phone line

00:38:20 Okay, so we seem to be having a little bit of an issue connecting with Mr. Marks

00:38:30 So we will take your calls and your views, your sentiments, your thoughts on this matter

00:38:35 Our phone lines are now open

00:38:37 The number is 627-1711, extension 1995

00:38:44 We, of course, would love to hear from you

00:38:47 So following that referendum, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

00:38:52 He has really intensified his actions

00:38:55 He has signaled to Venezuelans that basically the Esequibo is theirs

00:39:01 He also ordered the creation of local subsidiaries of Venezuelan public companies

00:39:08 Including all giant paravisa and mining conglomerate, Corporacion Venezolano de Guayana

00:39:17 Now it's not clear how this administration will implement exercising jurisdiction over the territory

00:39:27 Given that he has declared it part of their country

00:39:34 Of course, we are still awaiting the final ruling by the International Court of Justice on this matter

00:39:42 President Irfan Ali did indicate, as you heard earlier, that he considers it a threat to their territory

00:39:50 And they will intensify defense

00:39:52 He did catch the tail end of it when he said that he has spoken to the United Nations

00:39:58 He has spoken to leaders, allies across the world

00:40:02 He intends to speak this morning to the UN Security Council

00:40:06 As of now, their defense force is on full alert

00:40:11 A very good morning to you, caller

00:40:13 A good morning to you and to your viewers

00:40:16 I just want to say to Mr. Maduro, please don't do this craziness and go and try to take away people's property

00:40:24 And I would like to call on the Prime Minister

00:40:26 Mr. Royoli, make the right decisions

00:40:30 Support the CARICOM initiative, where they train support behind Guayana with this whole situation

00:40:35 And to the US, you all come down quick

00:40:38 We are speaking to you now, you all can put all your bases in the US

00:40:42 I find it really irresponsible of Maduro to come up with this referendum

00:40:46 And try to take over the little wealth Guayana just discovered in the country

00:40:50 They will have way more than Guayana

00:40:52 So why are you trying to bully the people and put a little piece of property?

00:40:56 But you know Maduro is a dictator, so he has to face the consequences of whatever decision the UN makes

00:41:01 Or the US and them

00:41:03 Thank you

00:41:04 Thank you very much, caller, for sharing your views

00:41:06 Of course, well, Trinidad and Tobago are kind of on the fence

00:41:11 We are in negotiations with Venezuela over dragon gas and other fields

00:41:18 So we would not, as a country, want to jeopardize or put those agreements in peril

00:41:25 And you know, as Mr. Long said a short while ago

00:41:30 This is where diplomacy comes in

00:41:33 And Trinidad and Tobago really has to step up to the table and show that diplomacy

00:41:38 Things seem to be really intensifying

00:41:41 As President Ali said that he will speak to the UN Security Council

00:41:48 As you all already know, the United States has established a presence in Guayana

00:41:55 We've got a caller on the line, a very good morning to you

00:41:58 A very good morning to you, caller, you can go right ahead

00:42:04 Pleasant morning to you, Ms. Overshetewari

00:42:07 Good morning, sir, you can go right ahead with your comments

00:42:11 Okay, Mr. Tabakit here, Ms. Tuwari

00:42:14 Tabakit, good morning, Tabakit again, thank you so much for joining us, two days consecutively

00:42:21 Thank you

00:42:23 Ms. Tuwari, I would not advise Trinidad to use here as any base for any America

00:42:31 Brazil, i.e. against that, or Trinidad being a base for any international partner to set up here

00:42:41 I would only advise Trinidad will do some sort of diplomacy in terms of talk

00:42:48 But anything to do with using Trinidad for a war base, I am saying no to that

00:42:55 To me, that of itself is going to drive a dagger with the dragon gas

00:43:02 And anything to do with the energy sector

00:43:05 Where Trinidad is at this time, in terms of our gas reserve and so on

00:43:12 You know we've been having a problem with that

00:43:15 So again, I would advise the foreign counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister

00:43:22 Yes, negotiate, but do not use Trinidad as any base for any weapons, anything to do with war

00:43:31 I thank you

00:43:32 Thank you very much, Tabakit, for sharing your views with us

00:43:36 Quite interesting whether or not TNT will establish a base for the US

00:43:41 That will probably not happen, that will be probably unlikely

00:43:47 But it's not to say it hasn't happened in the past

00:43:50 And it will of course entail a lot of discussions and so on

00:43:56 The United States, the superpowers that they are tend to have this heavy hand

00:44:03 When it comes to making clear their allies and establishing their allies

00:44:09 They have of course already, as I mentioned, established a presence in Guyana

00:44:15 They are on the border of the Essequibo and as President Ali said

00:44:20 They will intensify their defense, their defense force is on full alert

00:44:26 And they look forward to the final ruling of the International Court of Justice

00:44:31 But will that make a difference to President Maduro?

00:44:34 Some people have been suggesting that Trinidad and Tobago act as a mediator in the matter

00:44:41 It depends on if parties want to be mediated

00:44:45 President Maduro has not indicated by his statement so far that he is willing to hear from anyone

00:44:53 We've got another caller on the line

00:44:55 Okay, we lost that call

00:44:58 So tension is growing between these two countries, both are neighbors

00:45:03 Caracas, it's said to be that they are preparing legislation

00:45:07 To claim the Essequibo region as Venezuela's

00:45:11 And of course President Maduro called for a bill to create Guyana, Essequibo

00:45:18 A province and he ordered companies, as I mentioned before

00:45:22 To prepare to enter the territory to explore for fossil fuels and minerals almost immediately

00:45:28 Now this move is expected to escalate tensions between these two countries

00:45:35 As I mentioned before, this is an oil-rich region

00:45:39 So he said that, Maduro of course said that he will proceed to be granting these operating licenses

00:45:46 And exploit for oil and gas mines in the region

00:45:50 He said that Guyanese companies working in the territory, he has ordered that they leave within three months

00:45:58 He's given them three months to exit the region

00:46:01 Of course, in direct response, Guyana President Irfan Ali, he rejected those measures

00:46:09 And he signaled clearly in the statement heard earlier that

00:46:13 He considers it a direct threat against his country

00:46:17 And he has taken it to the United Nations Security Council

00:46:21 Now, so to our viewers, we'd love to hear from you on this matter

00:46:29 You can call on numbers on the screen at 623-1711 extension 1995

00:46:37 So if action is in fact intensified, where do we stand?

00:46:42 Some persons have been asking if President Maduro has been able to claim this region

00:46:48 Where else does he set out to claim?

00:46:51 Do we also stand in the way?

00:46:56 Can we be threatened, our territory?

00:46:58 So, the Essequibo region accounts for about two-thirds of Guyana

00:47:08 And it has just about 125,000 residents

00:47:13 That's out of Guyana's 800,000 residents

00:47:18 Now, they have, there was an arbitration panel in 1899

00:47:24 Which declared, because of the, which has declared that region to belong to Guyana

00:47:33 And the latest efforts of Venezuela to overtake the territory

00:47:38 That would have peaked in 2015

00:47:41 And that would have been, you remember, when ExxonMobil announced it found oil

00:47:46 In large quantities just off the Essequibo coast

00:47:50 Now, Maduro's statements followed Sunday's referendum

00:47:53 As you know, he held a referendum where he suggested, according to his government

00:47:58 That they got overwhelming support to go ahead and claim the Essequibo region

00:48:03 And all this is happening even as the International Court of Justice is deliberating on this matter

00:48:11 Earlier this week we would have had Minister of Health from Guyana

00:48:18 Right, we would have had Minister of Health from Guyana on our show earlier this week

00:48:22 And just remember, we'd like to hear from you on this matter

00:48:25 Anything that may be getting your attention this morning

00:48:29 Our numbers are 623-1711, extension 1995

00:48:36 So, we've been talking to Minister of Health of Guyana earlier this week

00:48:48 And he did see that Venezuela has been publishing maps claiming the Essequibo region

00:48:55 He claims that the Venezuelan persons are brainwashed

00:48:58 So if you want to talk about this issue, we'd love to hear from you

00:49:02 Do we have a caller on the line?

00:49:04 Caller, good morning to you, please go ahead and share your views

00:49:07 Yes, pleasant, good morning, Ms. Tewari

00:49:10 Good morning

00:49:11 This is Pinal calling in here

00:49:14 Yes, Pinal

00:49:15 I just want to make a short contribution relative to the data agreement between Venezuela and Trinidad

00:49:21 I somehow don't agree too much with Trinidad trading in the process of oil and gas with Venezuela

00:49:32 Because of what is taking place all in the Middle East, sanctions on sanctions

00:49:37 Any little disturbance, Venezuela will have a kind of dominance over Trinidad's supply

00:49:43 I believe that, right?

00:49:45 And I don't think nobody is looking at it from this long term

00:49:49 And trouble is going to stem right in Venezuela and Guyana just now

00:49:56 And what position that will put Trinidad and Tobago relative to gas

00:50:02 And what influence will Russia have being that Venezuela is associated with them

00:50:09 You know what I mean?

00:50:11 Yes, thank you so much

00:50:13 That's my contribution

00:50:15 Thank you very much, Pinal, of course, indicating there that Venezuela and Russia are in fact allies

00:50:22 And how will that affect this impending conflict in that area over the Ezequiel region

00:50:31 Now, of course, just to remind you, the International Court of Justice, they reminded Venezuela

00:50:36 They actually warned Venezuela not to take action in the region, on the region

00:50:43 And Venezuela went ahead with their referendum on Sunday

00:50:48 Very good morning to you, Cola

00:50:50 Good morning

00:50:52 This thing is both economic and also very local

00:50:56 Remember, you have a war in the Middle East

00:50:59 Which is spilling over

00:51:01 And it would seem as though Venezuela is aligned to Iran and Russia

00:51:06 And these other countries that are opposed to the US and Israel

00:51:09 So it's also a form of protection, and I would be saying the resources of the US

00:51:13 But if they have to send something here, then they have to send it to Taiwan

00:51:16 So all this could be applied to, but if I could see it, then they could see it too

00:51:20 And it might be very well that Venezuela will play into the hands of the US

00:51:24 It might be an opportunity to get Maduro and his regime out

00:51:28 Thank you very much to our Cola there from Pinal

00:51:35 Well, Nicolas Maduro is an elected leader

00:51:40 So their country is now a democracy, it's no longer a dictatorship

00:51:46 So he was elected into office, getting him out may not be as easy as seeing that

00:51:53 So Maduro has of course ordered, interesting word, ordered the creation of local subsidiaries

00:52:03 In his country's public oil and gas companies, Pervisa

00:52:07 Which interestingly we negotiate with Pervisa

00:52:10 Pervisa has now been ordered to create local subsidies

00:52:13 And he has given an ultimate arm to Guyanese companies working there

00:52:19 And other international companies working under Guyana's concession to withdraw operations

00:52:26 So very good morning to you, Cola

00:52:28 Good morning

00:52:30 Yes, Cola, you can go right ahead

00:52:32 Yes, this is very serious business

00:52:37 But listening to Camera, we think this is a joke

00:52:40 Are you there, Cola? You seem to be a little bit muffled

00:52:48 Okay, so that seems to be it

00:52:55 Interestingly, the opposition leader last night, as you would have seen in our newscast

00:53:00 Not last night, on Monday night would have said that

00:53:03 No proceeds from Dragon Gas should go to Venezuela purchasing arms

00:53:09 Which I'm not sure how much authority we could have to suggest how they would spend their money

00:53:19 But of course we would be looking for our stakes as well

00:53:22 Do we have another call on the line? Good morning to you

00:53:27 Good morning, I just want to indicate that the entire Caribbean found themselves in a serious situation

00:53:36 And they have found themselves in that situation because

00:53:39 Yes, yes

00:53:41 I just want to indicate that the entire Caribbean country found themselves in a serious situation

00:53:47 Because the Petro-Carib arrangement that was put in place by Venezuela to assist the Caribbean countries

00:53:57 They still owe Venezuela a lot of money and different things like that

00:54:03 So the question is whether or not they would wholeheartedly support Guyana

00:54:08 Knowing fully well that Venezuela, together with the rest of the Caribbean countries

00:54:13 To the Petro-Caribbean, which in Antobago is not a part of

00:54:17 You understand me? So you need to look at that moving forward

00:54:21 What is the real support of CARICOM?

00:54:24 Thank you very much for making that point, Kola

00:54:28 And thank you so much to all our callers for joining us this morning and sharing your views with us

00:54:32 Well it's now time for another break as we head off to 7am news

00:54:36 And as we head off we share with you this image sent by Shanice Charles

00:54:41 It was taken at Long Circular Mall, it's the nativity scene

00:54:45 Thank you so much Shanice

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00:57:00 [Music]

00:57:25 Beyond the Tape, weekdays at 5.30pm

00:57:28 [Music]

00:57:36 Good morning, I am Anselm Gibbs with a news update

00:57:40 With Guyana and Venezuela locked in dispute over the Essequibo region

00:57:46 Opposition leader Kamala Prasad Bissessa has some advice for TNT's government regarding the Dragon Gas Deal

00:57:54 The government doesn't show that that Dragon Gas Deal does go through

00:57:59 But the revenue Maduro collects from it is not used for purchasing weapons to use against the Guyanese people or the Venezuelan opposition

00:58:10 More people in this country are having to turn to social support

00:58:15 That's according to the Ministry of Social Development

00:58:18 We're seeing an increase, not less as yet, not less as yet but we're looking forward to having a decrease

00:58:26 But the reality is even though somebody may be on a grant, even if some of them get a job

00:58:33 It's only when we investigate we know well, oh you're working now

00:58:36 Nobody comes back really to say, well take back the grant, I don't want it anymore

00:58:41 Alright, so that is one of the areas that we have to tighten our investigation

00:58:48 Where you know we would have to, after you're on a grant for a particular time

00:58:53 Then we should be able to come and assess you and figure, realise well you're working now

00:58:58 And you must have sufficient so we can take you off and put on somebody else

00:59:02 [Music]

00:59:04 And in the weather forecast, mostly cloudy and occasionally windy conditions can be expected

00:59:11 With brief spells of light rain or showers in some places

00:59:15 There is a chance of one or two of these showers becoming moderate to heavy at times

00:59:21 Meanwhile, seas are moderate in open waters with swells ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 metres and increasing

00:59:30 Small craft operators and seabathers should exercise caution during this time

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01:02:24 Welcome back TNT

01:02:25 Well we're into the second hour and final hour of our show

01:02:29 And we'll be talking about the upcoming Reggae Family Festival

01:02:33 Joining us we've got event consultant Edwin Glasgow

01:02:38 He says the concept of the event originated after overwhelming requests

01:02:43 From patrons at the 2022 Kings of the Earth concert

01:02:48 And the youth to see living legends

01:02:51 A very good morning to you Mr. Glasgow

01:02:53 Thank you so much for joining us

01:02:54 And of course Hayton Pison

01:02:55 Happy to be here

01:02:56 So tell us how did this concept come about?

01:03:00 Well as you mentioned there was overwhelming requests from patrons

01:03:06 There were overwhelming requests from patrons to bring their teenagers and adolescent children to the concert

01:03:16 But they also expressed concern about the late time of the concert

01:03:21 So the event producers decided to lean into it fully this year

01:03:26 And go full on with the family festival

01:03:30 So the event is on Sunday, the 17th of December

01:03:34 It's at O2 Park, Chakaramas

01:03:36 And the gates open at 1pm and showtime is at 3pm

01:03:41 So going alongside with that, if I could mention

01:03:46 There is a youth talent search

01:03:51 The finals of that is tonight, Reggae Youth Talent Search

01:03:56 The finals is tonight at 145 Lounge and Tragg Ridge Road

01:04:01 We have three finalists right now, they are ages 18, 19 and 15

01:04:08 So again we are keeping with the youth and the family

01:04:13 So the talent search, the winner gets what?

01:04:16 So the winner gets, it's a hefty prize pool

01:04:22 They get a fully funded recording mastered

01:04:28 One song of their choosing, one of their songs

01:04:33 As well as a music video

01:04:35 They also get the opportunity to perform at the Reggae Family Festival

01:04:39 For some exposure

01:04:41 And they also receive a $1000 gift voucher

01:04:46 To be redeemed at any cashier outlet

01:04:49 So that's interesting, so the winner attends the Reggae Family Festival

01:04:54 Not just attends, they get the opportunity to perform there

01:04:57 In front of a live audience

01:04:59 Yes, they actually get backstage passes as well

01:05:02 So they perform and they get the full works

01:05:07 Tell us a little bit about those three persons

01:05:11 Have you been impressed, management, production crew, have they been impressed?

01:05:16 Well, let me say the benefit of this genre

01:05:22 Of choosing this genre for the concert

01:05:25 Is that Reggae is, it is a consistently

01:05:32 It sends a consistent positive message

01:05:34 Of wellness, non-violence and all around community togetherness

01:05:40 Islam unity

01:05:41 Yes, all the time, you know that message

01:05:43 And the benefit of that is that it resonates as well

01:05:47 With not only the local community

01:05:51 But the Caribbean and the Caribbean diaspora

01:05:53 So that also transcends generations

01:05:57 So they are, to answer your question

01:06:00 The talent is astonishing how good they are

01:06:04 You know, they are near professional level

01:06:08 So they would be ready to come out the gates

01:06:11 Just with some minor development

01:06:14 So it's good to give them this opportunity

01:06:16 So, ticket prices

01:06:19 Yes, the ticket prices, I believe they are 400 for adults

01:06:24 100 for children, 12 and under

01:06:28 Children 4 and under, they come in, they are free

01:06:33 Okay, so between 12 and 18 considered adults

01:06:36 Yes, yes

01:06:37 That's 400

01:06:38 Yes, I believe so

01:06:40 How has the feedback been?

01:06:42 It has been tremendously positive

01:06:47 We are very excited about it

01:06:50 We have the artists headlining would be

01:06:54 Sisla and Anthony B

01:06:56 As well as some local artists

01:06:58 Prophet Benjamin and Orlando Octave

01:07:01 We also have some young and upcoming artists

01:07:06 Sharifa Salman and Daniel Bless

01:07:09 Now, we did some crowd work on the scenes

01:07:15 This past weekend

01:07:17 At some of the cashier outlets as well

01:07:21 We spoke to some patrons

01:07:24 They all expressed excitement about being able to bring their families

01:07:28 It was a good choice that we made to go in that direction

01:07:33 To have that family festival

01:07:35 Is it the first?

01:07:36 This is the first

01:07:38 Last year was the Kings of the Earth concert

01:07:41 This is the first launch of the family festival

01:07:45 We plan to have others

01:07:47 We plan to take it up the islands

01:07:50 The next one should be at Easter in Jamaica

01:07:55 So that should be exciting as well

01:07:58 Same family style

01:07:59 Yes, same family festival

01:08:01 I like that

01:08:04 I remember Minnesota Health Terence Yeltsin

01:08:08 During the carnival season

01:08:11 Parents got their kids sick

01:08:13 Dropped them off at the hospital

01:08:15 So that they could go to Lyme

01:08:17 You don't need to do all that

01:08:19 You can bring your kids along

01:08:21 No need to get babysitters or supervision

01:08:24 It's only $100 for kids 12 and under

01:08:28 Kids 4 and under are free

01:08:31 I also noticed that while there is a bar on site

01:08:36 No hard liquor is on sale

01:08:38 Yes, that is correct

01:08:39 No hard liquor

01:08:40 You are allowed to bring your coolers

01:08:42 It is a cooler event

01:08:43 There would be Chaser and Ice on sale

01:08:46 But again, family event

01:08:48 So we don't want to have too much hard liquor at the bar

01:08:52 So that is just in keeping with the theme

01:08:56 It is also, as you mentioned

01:08:59 The minister talking about parents getting their children sick

01:09:02 I like that

01:09:04 This is an opportunity to

01:09:06 Not send a message

01:09:08 But add to that message of family togetherness

01:09:12 Because we know that

01:09:15 That sense of belonging is very important

01:09:19 In a human's development

01:09:21 Not just children

01:09:22 But adults feel that need for family and togetherness

01:09:26 So being able to share that with your children

01:09:29 It is a golden opportunity

01:09:31 I am certain you could call back some memories

01:09:35 Of your mom or dad

01:09:37 Or your family members

01:09:38 Listen to this, listen to these lyrics

01:09:40 So we are looking forward to those moments

01:09:43 Creating those moments for the children

01:09:46 And teenagers, young adults, anybody

01:09:49 To just share with each other

01:09:51 And share that into their memory

01:09:54 Those fantastic moments

01:09:56 There aren't many family type events

01:09:59 That you can go to

01:10:01 When you look at it

01:10:03 Maybe a Christmas concert here or there

01:10:05 But not really anything

01:10:07 A little bazaar

01:10:09 This is the reason the event producers decided

01:10:13 Another reason why they decided to push forward

01:10:17 With this initiative

01:10:20 So what's next for your team after this?

01:10:24 I know you did mention Jamaica

01:10:26 What's next?

01:10:28 What else do you all do?

01:10:29 Well, well, well

01:10:32 We want to use the family festival

01:10:37 As a springboard into other initiatives and projects

01:10:42 That we are in the developmental stages of

01:10:46 Those projects won't just be entertainment

01:10:50 For instance, one of these initiatives

01:10:52 Would be the youth talent search

01:10:55 But we want to, we intend to launch

01:10:58 Other family based activities

01:11:01 Mental health based activities

01:11:03 That can enhance our society

01:11:08 And as I mentioned

01:11:10 The concert would take place in Jamaica

01:11:12 So we intend to start here

01:11:14 Start home and spread up to the wider Caribbean

01:11:18 Why?

01:11:19 Because if you imagine a circle

01:11:22 And you in the center of the circle

01:11:24 A small, small circle

01:11:26 You could say that that immediate circle

01:11:29 Is your family, your parents, your siblings

01:11:31 But you stretch that out

01:11:33 You have your community

01:11:35 And as people say long ago

01:11:38 Your neighbor were your parents

01:11:40 They raised you as well

01:11:42 You stretch that even further

01:11:44 You have your school

01:11:45 Your place of work

01:11:47 Your colleagues that people you become close to

01:11:49 And you share that bond with

01:11:51 So it's family, it's not just DNA

01:11:53 It's not just blood

01:11:55 So if we can stretch that enough

01:11:58 Where we get that sense of family

01:12:01 With the country and the wider region

01:12:06 It would, we would

01:12:08 There's no downside to adding to that

01:12:12 To that positive message

01:12:15 Okay, I mean, yes

01:12:17 We want all the kids to be interested in reggae music

01:12:19 But will there be activities

01:12:21 For like 4 and under, 12 and under

01:12:23 I don't know, to keep them a little bit occupied

01:12:25 Yes, to my knowledge

01:12:26 I don't have the list of activities with me

01:12:28 But yes, because

01:12:30 Probably like a bouncy castle or something

01:12:32 Entertainment

01:12:33 Yes, fun and entertainment, yes

01:12:35 So, gates open at 1

01:12:36 Show starts at 3

01:12:38 When do you expect to go until?

01:12:40 3 to, I believe, about 9pm

01:12:44 Okay, that's not bad

01:12:46 And from the way you envision it

01:12:49 What can people expect?

01:12:51 Well, they can expect

01:12:53 As with the headliners

01:12:55 They can expect

01:12:57 The same classical

01:12:59 Electrifying performance

01:13:01 As always

01:13:03 The same level of entertainment

01:13:05 The same extensive catalog of music

01:13:10 And they can expect to share in that

01:13:12 With their loved ones

01:13:16 So, Anthony B, Sizzla, Orlando Octave

01:13:20 Prophet Benjamin

01:13:22 And the Pornhub Khaki Suit

01:13:24 That's it

01:13:26 Everybody has to come in the Khaki Suit

01:13:28 Sunday 17th

01:13:30 Could you just remind our viewers of the details?

01:13:33 Yes, so it's Sunday the 17th of December

01:13:37 It's at O2 Park, Chagaramas

01:13:40 It's open at 1

01:13:42 It is a cooler event

01:13:44 The show time is at 3

01:13:47 So, I suggest get there early

01:13:50 To avoid the crowd and the bottleneck

01:13:53 There's ice and chaser

01:13:57 But no hard liquor at the bar

01:13:59 On sale activities for the kids

01:14:01 To keep them a little bit occupied

01:14:03 Where can they get tickets from?

01:14:05 At any cashier outlet

01:14:07 Is there a number that patrons can call

01:14:10 To get more information?

01:14:12 Or a website?

01:14:14 There's Reggae Family Festival

01:14:16 They can check that out on Instagram

01:14:18 The 145 Lounge

01:14:20 They're also promoting the search

01:14:26 Which goes in tandem with the concert

01:14:30 Mr. Glasgow, thank you so much for joining us

01:14:33 Thank you so much for sharing

01:14:35 We wish you all the best

01:14:37 With this event on Sunday 17th of December

01:14:41 It's at O2 Park, Chagaramas

01:14:43 $400 for adults

01:14:45 $100 for kids 12 and under

01:14:47 Those 4 and under get to get in free

01:14:49 Gates open at 1

01:14:51 Concert starts at 3

01:14:53 Should go around 9 or so

01:14:55 Headline acts

01:14:57 They've got Sizzla Kalonji, Anthony B

01:14:59 Orlando Octave and Prophet Benjamin

01:15:01 It's a cooler event

01:15:03 Take your coolers along

01:15:05 There will be a bar

01:15:07 But they won't be selling or serving any alcohol

01:15:09 That's Reggae Family Festival

01:15:11 Thank you so much again for joining us

01:15:13 Thank you, happy to be here

01:15:15 Our viewers are now off to a quick break

01:15:17 And as we head off to the break

01:15:19 Oh, we've got no

01:15:21 I don't have a quote to share with you

01:15:23 So we head off to the break, we'll be right back

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01:19:44 Well, a very good morning Trinidad and Tobago. Welcome back and thank you so much for staying

01:19:49 with us. I really do hope the young persons or youth are tuned in because we're joined

01:19:54 this morning by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Services. They have designed

01:20:00 a suite of programs in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. One of those

01:20:06 programs include, and I'm sure you've heard of it, the Youth Agriculture Homestead Program.

01:20:11 It is delivered to foster youth involvement in the agriculture sector and position our

01:20:17 country and across the region to be food secure while contributing to the social, economic,

01:20:24 and environmental targets. Well, to share more about this program, we're joined by Anisha

01:20:29 Beach. She's program coordinator at the Youth, no, program coordinator of the Youth Agricultural

01:20:36 Homestead Program and of course, Devika Suku. She's the champion of agriculture from the

01:20:41 Ministry of, very good morning to you ladies. I'm so glad to be joined by ladies involved

01:20:46 in, you know, youth development and agriculture.

01:20:48 Yes, good morning to you, Rishi, and thank you for having us this morning and season's

01:20:52 greetings to you and all of your viewers.

01:20:54 Yes, of course. December has started in all its glory.

01:20:57 Yes. So, maybe we could start with you, Miss Beach, Beach, Beach, Beach, like the place,

01:21:04 the beach. Yes. What is the Youth Agricultural Homestead Program?

01:21:08 So, the Youth Agricultural Homestead Program is a strategic social intervention program

01:21:12 aimed at increasing youth productivity and youth involvement in agriculture, as well

01:21:18 as reducing our food import bill. So, we are focused on the youth between the ages of 18

01:21:23 to 35 years and we, you are positioned to have access to two acres of land, a $20,000

01:21:30 grant and a home on that land. How you achieve that is by training for two years at the University

01:21:37 of Trinidad and Tobago and NEDCO as well as NANDEVCO. And when you are, when you have

01:21:42 completed that successfully, then you will receive the resources.

01:21:46 Is it that everyone who participates receive the resources or must you meet a criteria?

01:21:51 Is there some level of testing, attend on something?

01:21:54 Yes, you must meet a criteria, obviously, because agriculture is a serious business.

01:21:58 So, you will receive some measure of examination as well as you must attend a minimum, a max,

01:22:06 minimum of 75% of classes. Of classes.

01:22:09 Yes. So, this morning we are here to specifically

01:22:12 talk about the aquaculture program? No, we are here specifically to speak about

01:22:17 the part-time cohort of the youth agriculture homestead program. We would have begun in

01:22:22 2022 with a full-time cohort and then due to the demand for part-time, because we have

01:22:28 a lot of young people who have good commitments but they are still very passionate about agriculture,

01:22:32 we decided to have, begin a part-time cohort in February. The part-time cohort allows you

01:22:37 to train virtually during the week, Monday to Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. and on weekends in

01:22:43 person at the Akiaf campus in Centennial, that is behind Piako Airport, Saturdays and

01:22:48 Sundays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Okay, so for those youth who, as you mentioned,

01:22:53 who are involved in agriculture but you know you still have those commitments, this option

01:22:58 is for you. This option is definitely for you.

01:23:00 So, Ms. Suku, tell us, how has the feedback been? Tell us a little bit about the participants,

01:23:06 maybe if you have any insight into their backgrounds, where do they come from, what sparked their

01:23:12 interest in this program?

01:23:13 Well, good morning to you and good morning to the viewers. Well, so far, the students

01:23:18 have been very much interested in the program. They have been expressing their interest in

01:23:25 the livestock section. I had a first hand look of what is taking place at the campus

01:23:31 here at UTT and the students were most interested, of all the questions that were asked, they

01:23:38 were most interested in the livestock section of the training course.

01:23:42 Really, livestock? Yes.

01:23:43 That's quite interesting because we hear a lot about predialystic and you hear a lot

01:23:48 about these farmers missing their goats, their sheep, their cattle, yeah?

01:23:53 Yes.

01:23:54 What would spark their interest in that? Is it the turnover or the money that you get

01:23:59 from it more than crops?

01:24:00 Well, I'll tell you just the practical of having to see about the animals, nurture them,

01:24:06 you know, feed them, clean their pens and get them organized for grazing and all of

01:24:12 that. They have been more interested in getting that part of it.

01:24:16 In that part of it. Okay, quite interesting. So you did mention how part-time is different

01:24:21 from full-time. Where is the program site?

01:24:24 The program site is at the EKIAF campus in Centennial. So that is where they will receive

01:24:29 their training and additionally, when they have completed their certificates in agriculture

01:24:34 and agri-processing technologies at UTC, they will engage in internships on farms throughout

01:24:40 Trinidad and Tobago. So any area that they are interested in, like livestock for instance,

01:24:45 as Divika would have mentioned, they will be placed on a farm to get some hands-on training

01:24:50 and hands-on experience.

01:24:51 So that would be on weekends because during the week is virtual?

01:24:53 Yes, that would be on weekends for the part-time, yes.

01:24:56 Okay. Who can apply to the program?

01:24:58 Any national between the ages of 18 to 35 and you must possess a minimum of two CSEC

01:25:05 O-level passes to be able to qualify.

01:25:08 And when does the application process close off?

01:25:11 It closes on December 29th.

01:25:13 Okay, so that's fast approaching. So all those youth out there, please try to apply.

01:25:18 How can persons apply?

01:25:19 So you can log on to our website, mydns.gov.tt, that is mydns.gov.tt and you can complete

01:25:27 an online application. You can visit our head office at number 2 Elizabeth Street, Sinclair,

01:25:32 collect a hard copy application and complete it and submit it.

01:25:36 You are also, as of Friday of this week, we are also opening it up to all of our youth

01:25:41 development centers throughout Trinidad and Tobago. We will be leaving boxes there for

01:25:46 you to collect an application form as well as drop off an application form there.

01:25:50 Excellent. So you're just making it easier for young persons to apply.

01:25:53 Yes.

01:25:54 How many persons can apply during this period? How many openings do you have?

01:25:58 So we leave it open to 200 participants per cohort. So the application process, you know,

01:26:05 is open to all. We usually get about 1,400 applicants, but we are only able to select

01:26:10 200 at a time.

01:26:11 Okay, so you've got a lot of narrowing down to do.

01:26:14 Yes.

01:26:15 Ms. Tuku, what benefits can be derived from this program?

01:26:18 Well, to expand our young persons in terms of being young entrepreneurs, having international

01:26:25 markets, where I am partnering right now with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines to facilitate

01:26:32 export markets to the European Union and have our produce not only here in Trinidad, but

01:26:38 to create that foreign exchange within the islands.

01:26:41 What in particular are these countries, as you mentioned, St. Vincent and so on, what

01:26:45 are they interested in?

01:26:46 They are interested in most of it in the roots and tubers.

01:26:49 Roots and tubers.

01:26:50 Yes.

01:26:51 Okay. So we'll have to get our youth a little away from the livestock, roots and tubers,

01:26:57 because that is what is wanted, that those are the desires of the people out there.

01:27:03 You did mention how persons can get in contact with you. You mentioned your locations and

01:27:07 so on. As we close, is there anything that you would like to add? Start with you, Ms.

01:27:11 Beach.

01:27:12 Yes. So this is an amazing opportunity for young people. And I can attest, as Ms. Suku

01:27:17 would have pointed out, a lot of young people have been engaged and they are really enthusiastic

01:27:22 about the opportunities that are available to them. You can also call us for more information.

01:27:27 So you can call us at 612-9367 extension 5010 and you can speak to any one of us. Our team

01:27:33 is ready to answer any questions that you have.

01:27:36 And make any clarifications.

01:27:37 Yes.

01:27:38 So how would you literally appeal to the young people out there and tell them, come join

01:27:43 this program or at least apply?

01:27:45 Well, being a young farmer myself, I am very much amazed with so much of programs that

01:27:52 our government is having for young person to help them develop themselves, to bring

01:27:58 young farmers into the sector. So there are a lot of programs. Come into Ministry of Youth

01:28:04 Development, get on board, don't be left out and you'll be another successful farmer just

01:28:10 as I am.

01:28:11 And even if you don't make this cohort, continue applying and you may be in the next.

01:28:15 Definitely. Yes.

01:28:16 All right. So let me thank you ladies so much for joining us. Thank you so much for sharing

01:28:20 this wonderful opportunity with the young people of Trinidad and Tobago. We now head

01:28:24 off to a break. And as we head off, we share with you this quote, you can't always have

01:28:29 a good day, but you can always face a bad day with a good attitude. We'll be right back.

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01:31:50 And welcome back Trinidad and Tobago. Well, we've finally managed to make contact with

01:31:55 Neil Marks. He joins us via Zoom from Guyana. He's an editorial consultant from Newsroom

01:32:02 Guyana. He's going to give us an update on the situation, the controversy between Venezuela

01:32:07 and Guyana. Mr. Marks, thank you so much for joining us.

01:32:11 Thank you for having me.

01:32:15 All righty, so let's go straight into it. There has been developments over the past

01:32:21 24 hours. We did hear some pronouncements made by Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro,

01:32:27 giving Guyanese companies or companies operating under a Guyana license in the Essequibo region

01:32:35 three months to exit. And he has also issued statements to his state-owned oil and mining

01:32:43 companies to go ahead and start exploration and exploitation in the Essequibo region.

01:32:51 How has this news been received by the Guyana people?

01:32:55 Well, I think President Ali, in his almost midnight address last night, described it

01:33:03 as unsettling. There was a decision on December 4th by the International Court of Justice

01:33:10 saying that Venezuela should refrain from trying to modify or change Guyana's borders

01:33:17 as it was laid down since 124 years ago. So yeah, I mean, this news by Maduro is very

01:33:26 unsettling for Guyanese, particularly those who live in the Essequibo region, but nationally

01:33:32 because obviously, you know, nobody wants this sort of controversy between Guyana and

01:33:39 Venezuela, and let alone in the Caribbean for there to be this sort of aggression by

01:33:45 Venezuela. Venezuela has pursued this Essequibo region for – since the early 1960s, but

01:33:53 of course, we didn't think it would come to this today. So as you know, the President

01:33:59 has said that he has informed the United Nations, and Guyana has been working with bilateral

01:34:06 partners on defense strategy if Maduro had decided to violate the ruling of the International

01:34:13 Court of Justice, which he has clearly done in redrawing the Essequibo map, the Venezuelan

01:34:20 map rather, including the Essequibo region and distributing that in Venezuela, and of

01:34:25 course, the other things that you mentioned.

01:34:27 So we did hear from your president, Mohamed Irfan Ali, and he did say that he considers

01:34:35 this a threat to the Guyana territory. He did say that military presence at least will

01:34:42 be intensified, and the defense force is on full alert. Now, we know that there is U.S.

01:34:50 presence, military presence in Guyana, assisting you all as allies. Have you seen an intensification

01:34:57 of that overnight? What is it feeling on the ground along the border of the Essequibo region?

01:35:04 Well, Guyana has a presence, a military presence on the border with Venezuela. It's an area

01:35:13 called Atarinban, and of course, they have been on high alert. And in Guyana overnight,

01:35:19 obviously, the government has been working their phones, doing whatever they can to sort

01:35:24 of gather regional and international support for Guyana in the face of this threat.

01:35:30 How Maduro intends to implement what he says, we don't know as yet, but Guyana has been

01:35:37 seeking partnerships, defense cooperation with a number of its allies, the United States,

01:35:43 Brazil next door, which has increased military presence along their border. You may know

01:35:49 that Guyana shares the southwest border with Brazil, and there's a tri-junction border

01:35:54 between Guyana, Brazil, and Venezuela. And so Guyana has been seeking that sort of support

01:36:00 from the U.S., from Brazil, from France, I believe the president said, and of course,

01:36:06 CARICOM, which has always been in support of Guyana. Guyana is also seeking the cooperation

01:36:13 of the Commonwealth, the OS. These are all organizations which have traditionally backed

01:36:18 Guyana in this controversy since Venezuela raised it.

01:36:22 Now, of course, Mr. Marx, the border, it is long. It is really long. It spans the border

01:36:30 of, the western border of Guyana. It's just, it's really long. Is it, is it possible to

01:36:37 man, to protect the entire border?

01:36:41 Guyana alone, impossible. We, I mean, we don't have that kind of military strength or, that

01:36:50 kind of support from our army or our police. These borders have always been for us. Guyanese,

01:36:56 Venezuelans have been going back and forth across both countries, and that's because

01:37:02 these borders are not man, it's just impossible to do it. These are hundreds of miles. You're

01:37:07 dealing with dense jungle, rivers, mountains. So virtually impossible to know everything

01:37:14 that is going on along it.

01:37:16 You do expect Venezuela to quote unquote invade the Essequibo region. What are we talking

01:37:23 about? Do we just expect military, what is the expectation, you know, of the people?

01:37:28 Do we just expect military to come in, establish? Do we just expect these multinational, sorry,

01:37:35 not multinational, Venezuelan state companies to come and start to do work? What is the

01:37:40 expectation?

01:37:42 I don't know, because that's what I said. I don't know how Venezuela or the Maduro government

01:37:48 intends to undo what he says he will do. In the past, his acts of aggression have included

01:37:55 boats coming up the Cuyuni River that's on the border with, on the border region. At

01:38:01 one time, he also sent in a gunboat to stop a company that was exploring for oil off the

01:38:08 coast of the Essequibo. So how, what strategy he has for doing what he says he will do,

01:38:14 we don't know as yet how that will play out.

01:38:17 All righty. Is diplomacy out the door? Are you hearing any talks of mediators, any companies

01:38:26 trying to talk with the Venezuelan government about their actions?

01:38:35 Mr. Marks, are you hearing me?

01:38:38 Yes. I'm sorry, I missed you there. You're cut off.

01:38:41 Right. I was asking, is diplomacy out the door? Are any efforts being made for dialogue

01:38:48 between these two countries? Are you hearing talks of any mediators coming in?

01:38:54 Not at this moment. But the issue with this has been that Venezuela raised this border

01:39:04 controversy in 1962. The borders were settled in 1899. They respected it for all those decades.

01:39:10 Then in 1962, they said they're going to reject it because the decision, the arbitral award

01:39:15 that decided these borders were rigged. And so they decided to challenge it. A process

01:39:20 was set up. Dialogue took place for many, many decades, and it failed to bring any result.

01:39:26 And so Guyana's position has been, we're done talking. Let's settle it in port. And that

01:39:32 mechanism that was set up in 1966 when Guyana gained independence allowed for the secretary

01:39:38 general to finally determine how this controversy will end if dialogue doesn't work. And so

01:39:44 in 2018, he decided to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice, where

01:39:49 it is at the moment. That case hasn't been heard or determined, and that's why Guyana

01:39:54 went to the court to seek protection after Venezuela decided it was going to raise this

01:39:59 referendum, carry out this referendum to seek to annex the ex-Cecilian region.

01:40:05 So Guyana's position has always been that it will talk with Venezuela on any amount

01:40:10 of issue, just not this border, because it's in the court at the moment. And the international

01:40:15 community has said as much. This matter is in the court. They've asked Venezuela to deal

01:40:20 with it in the court and settle it once and for all the time, and not to engage in this

01:40:25 sort of aggression and threat against Guyana that Venezuela has done. The court was very

01:40:31 clear. Guyana has governed and has exercised sovereignty over the Azucuiba region since

01:40:36 1899, and that should not change unless the court issues a different ruling in the substantive

01:40:43 case.

01:40:44 Mr. Marx, as we close, how does Guyana, how do the Guyanese people, the government, view

01:40:49 Trinidad and Tobago because of our precarious position that we found ourselves in trying

01:40:54 to broker a deal for drag and gas with Venezuela, but yet still we do have friendly ties with

01:41:01 Guyana? How are we viewed?

01:41:06 I think the government of Guyana has always relied on the support, and I think they feel

01:41:11 confident in that support from Trinidad and from the entire CARICOM. And I believe your

01:41:18 opposition leader as well has been, you know, she has issued a statement in support of Guyana

01:41:24 as well. So I think Guyana has always felt confident that Trinidad and Tobago, as being

01:41:29 a member of the Caribbean community, would always back us on this issue.

01:41:34 Mr. Marx, I mean, thank you so much for joining us, for sharing, you know, those sentiments,

01:41:38 the feeling on the ground in Guyana, and let's just hope for a peaceful resolution to this

01:41:43 entire controversy.

01:41:46 Thank you very much.

01:41:47 All the best to you. Well, to our viewers, it's now time for another break, and as we

01:41:51 head off to the break, we share with you this image from summer in San Juan.

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01:55:30 from Gurli Sankar in Newgrange.

01:55:33 grant. Top of the morning.

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