Skip to playerSkip to main content
CCNTV6
  • 1 year ago
Transcript
00:00:00And a very special good morning, Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the world.
00:00:23I'm Arlan Hopkins.
00:00:24As always, welcome to The Morning Edition.
00:00:26It's Monday, 5th August.
00:00:28And thank you very much for joining us today.
00:00:31It's a cold, wet day in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:00:35It was not a very good morning to be driving down to work this morning, right?
00:00:40It was not a very good morning because I thought it was very dark.
00:00:43Not only cold, but very, how do you say, when you could hardly see?
00:00:51Yeah?
00:00:52Poor, poor what?
00:00:53Poor what?
00:00:54Poor visibility.
00:00:55Ah, boy.
00:00:56Who says that?
00:00:57Dominic.
00:00:58Dominic is on the ball this morning.
00:01:00Dominic says, poor visibility.
00:01:02Yes, that is how it was this morning.
00:01:04All right?
00:01:05So, and some of you are still speeding.
00:01:07I don't know why you're still speeding.
00:01:09I don't know if they're giving away money in town.
00:01:11I don't know what it is that they're doing, right?
00:01:14But you all need to slow down.
00:01:16All right?
00:01:17So, I hope that you had a very good weekend and that you are with us this morning.
00:01:21We do appreciate it.
00:01:22All right?
00:01:23Let's check out to see what's on the front page of the newspaper, The Daily Express.
00:01:27Dengue grief, family, co-workers mourn death of pharmacist, 35 years.
00:01:33Dengue is still with us.
00:01:34All right, people?
00:01:35So, Dengue claims pharmacist, 35-year-old died at Mount Hope where he worked.
00:01:40Only one day after he was diagnosed by doctors with a deadly dengue fever, the viral disease
00:01:44claimed the life of 35-year-old Rakesh Darrell-Nanlal, a pharmacist at the Eric Williams Medical
00:01:50Sciences Complex in Mount Hope.
00:01:53Now, he was admitted to the hospital in which he worked for treatment after battling worsening
00:01:58symptoms last Wednesday.
00:02:01All right?
00:02:02So, keep your eye on this dengue situation.
00:02:05Two found dead in Supero River, a very, very sad story.
00:02:09Removing the wreckage, a wrecker removes a van in which two men, Sachin Tilakdari, 27,
00:02:14and Ryan Ramnanan, 29, insect, were found dead yesterday off the Sir Solomon Ho Choi
00:02:19Highway in Golconda, two very, very young men.
00:02:23All right?
00:02:24And two other stories of interest, three teens run away from Rainbow Home.
00:02:29They are Aiden Chance, Zion Matthews, and Narendra or Navendra Mahabir.
00:02:34All right?
00:02:35So, be on the lookout for these three young men.
00:02:38And murder accused Satan escapes from hospital, a 27-year-old man who was in the custody of
00:02:43the state, having been charged with murder, escaped yesterday morning while receiving
00:02:47medical attention at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mount Hope.
00:02:52He is Hakeem Ismail Mohammed, also known as Nelly and Satan.
00:02:57All right.
00:02:58So, we're moving on.
00:02:59UNC responds to Jindal pullout from refinery bid.
00:03:03Good riddance.
00:03:04Of course, over the past few months, there has been a controversy concerning Naveen Jindal.
00:03:11And Senator Wade Mark has said good riddance to Indian businessman Naveen Jindal following
00:03:16his withdrawal from bidding for the Petrotrain Refinery.
00:03:20And let's take in some sport now.
00:03:22What's happening at the Olympics?
00:03:24Dream form from Richards.
00:03:26Dream cruises into Olympic 400 semis with fast 44.31.
00:03:31All right?
00:03:32I'll get to that story because I do believe that I have a different back page here.
00:03:43All right?
00:03:44So, Jareem, the Dream Richards, is in the form of his life and emerging as a genuine
00:03:48podium contender at the Olympic Games here in Paris, France.
00:03:51All right?
00:03:52And to that story, King Noah Lyles edges Thompson for 100 gold.
00:03:58Noah Lyles backed up his hype with a superb come-from-behind victory in the Olympic Games
00:04:04men's 100 meters final at the Stade de France here in Paris yesterday.
00:04:09And it was felt, right, that the Jamaican sprinter, Keshane Thompson, it was felt that
00:04:18he had won the race.
00:04:20Even Noah Lyles had told Thompson he thought that he had won the race, right?
00:04:26And then after, this picture that you're seeing, it has put Lyles in front of Thompson.
00:04:33Yeah?
00:04:34So, Thompson, all I can say is, next time around, right?
00:04:39But Thompson is one of the fastest men in the world at this time.
00:04:42But Noah Lyles is the fastest man in the world.
00:04:46All right?
00:04:47So, that's going to do it for some sports.
00:04:49All right.
00:04:50So, it's time to remind you of a Trinbago Unite feature.
00:04:53Remember to participate.
00:04:54You can WhatsApp your videos or images to trinbagounice at tb6tnt.com, all right?
00:05:03Trinbago Unice, right?
00:05:04So, we do have this for you.
00:05:06That's a beautiful picture there, and a very special good morning to the person who would
00:05:12have sent that to us.
00:05:13All right?
00:05:14So, we do have a very interesting program for you today.
00:05:17You have your coffee.
00:05:18It's a good morning to have a hot cup of coffee or tea or lime bud tea or soursop leaf tea.
00:05:26People still drink that?
00:05:27Studio?
00:05:28You all still drink that?
00:05:29You?
00:05:30You all?
00:05:31You all do?
00:05:32All right.
00:05:33So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:34We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:35So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:36We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:37So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:38We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:39So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:40We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:41So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:42We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:43So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:44We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:45So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:46We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:47So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:48We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:49So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:50We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:51So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:52We're coming back, everybody.
00:05:53So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:05:54So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:06:21So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:06:42So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:08So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:38So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:39So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:40So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:41So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:42So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:43So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:44So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:45So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:46So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:47So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:48So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:49So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:50So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:51So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:52So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:54So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:55So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:56So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:57So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:58So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:07:59So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:00So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:01So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:02So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:03So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:04So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:05So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:06So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:07So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:08So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:10So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:11So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:12So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:13So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:14So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:15So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:16So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:17So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:18So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:19So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:20So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:21So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:22So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:23So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:24So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:25So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:51So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:52So, we are going to have a very short break.
00:08:53個人階段
00:08:54of this morning, we do have a very special program for you today, all right?
00:08:59So, at the top of the program today, he begins his second week of work today as Minister
00:09:03of the Ministry of National Security.
00:09:05We are joined this morning by Attorney-at-Law, Port of Spain South MP, and Minister Keith
00:09:09Scotland.
00:09:10Minister, good morning and thank you very much for joining us.
00:09:13Good morning, sir, and thank you very much for having me.
00:09:17Yes, and Minister, let me say congratulations on your appointment.
00:09:23Since then, since your appointment, Minister, there has been much optimism from certain
00:09:27quarters, some pessimism from certain quarters.
00:09:31I suspect there are mixed reviews to your appointment, but how has the experience been
00:09:38thus far?
00:09:41It has been a very sharp learning curve, but it has been a very rewarding experience, and
00:09:49I think after my first week, I confirmed that I am up to the task and I'm ready to go.
00:09:56I'm still learning a lot.
00:09:58It doesn't help to think that you know everything, and I certainly do not in this ministry, so
00:10:05I'm learning a lot, but the time for learning and digesting is very short.
00:10:12You learn and you work as you go along.
00:10:15Yes, Minister, if you'd allow me, a number, a few things, a few interesting things would
00:10:22have been said.
00:10:23One, when the Prime Minister announced your appointment, so he said that Scotland will
00:10:30focus on policing issues, police response issues, and police problem issues.
00:10:35He says, I can tell you there are a lot of problems in the police service, and minutes
00:10:40after you would have taken your oath of office, you spoke about restoring confidence in the
00:10:46TTPS and also crime reduction.
00:10:50Minister, is there a link between this restoring confidence in the TTPS and also the crime
00:10:59reduction?
00:11:02There certainly is, because the government are not reduced crime alone.
00:11:08One of the first things that I intend to achieve, and I hope to achieve, is the bringing down
00:11:14of the murder rate, particularly the use of illegal arms and ammunition, and we want to
00:11:24improve detection rates.
00:11:25Now, how is that done?
00:11:27There could be intelligence, but there is the element of persons coming forward with
00:11:33information to the police.
00:11:35Now, if these persons do not have confidence in the police service, they will not come
00:11:40forward with any information, and therefore we need to improve the police and improve
00:11:46the community's confidence that they have in the police service for them to bring this
00:11:53information to the police that will assist in the detection of criminal activities, and
00:11:59if there's an increase in the detection rate, then obviously there will be more arrests
00:12:06and there will be a reduction in crime.
00:12:09So it's all linked, but that being said, there must be an attempt, and there is this attempt
00:12:16to improve the people, the community's confidence in the police.
00:12:22You would see that just over the weekend and last week, there was an exercise in the heights
00:12:28of Guanapo from the members of the Arima Police Station that is part of the initiative.
00:12:33That's the immediate initiative of going out there, letting the community see that the
00:12:38police is active and there are areas where the police now can be visibly active so that
00:12:44the people can see that the police is there on the ground, and therefore the confidence
00:12:50will build. People will feel a little more at ease with bringing information to the police.
00:12:56And I say again, we cannot do it alone.
00:13:00This is a collaborative effort, and we need persons to have that confidence in the police service.
00:13:07So is it that it's going to be a more people-centered approach?
00:13:13It has to be a more people-centered approach and it has to improve it.
00:13:18It has to improve the visibility, the interaction with the community, and that will
00:13:26also include community policing in very critical areas in the community.
00:13:34And once I think the people see that presence and they build that confidence, we will have
00:13:41a better collaboration.
00:13:43But you know, Minister, some people may say, well, that has been done in the past.
00:13:47Of course, the police service over the years, they would have implemented community policing
00:13:54in some communities.
00:13:55It has worked very, very well.
00:13:57And in some cases, we have seen a decrease in crime in the area.
00:14:02So is it that is going to be a more intensified approach?
00:14:08It has to be a more intensified approach because the need for action is very imminent.
00:14:16It is now.
00:14:18And we are not saying that it is not there before.
00:14:21What we want to do is to improve it.
00:14:23And coming from the background of chairman of the Joint Select Committee on National
00:14:28Security, the statistics showed that there was an 8 percent confidence of the population
00:14:35in the police service.
00:14:36We need to get that up.
00:14:37If we can get that up just a 50 percent mark, that will mean that there are more people
00:14:42having confidence in the police and therefore we will have a higher detection rate.
00:14:47But, you know, Minister, some people may be assuming this morning or would have perceived
00:14:54or is perceiving your statements as, well, it would seem that it is going to be a more
00:15:02softer approach because there are people in Trinidad and Tobago, Minister, who believe
00:15:07that a more aggressive approach needs to be taken against criminals and there have to
00:15:13be consequences for the actions of criminals.
00:15:17And some people may be concerned this morning that what you are speaking about, it's more
00:15:23a more softer approach.
00:15:26The the approach is multifaceted, that is one aspect of it, increasing the confidence
00:15:35of the population in the police service.
00:15:37They will all and there is and I have the information before me.
00:15:41That is what I did yesterday relative to a more robust approach to issues such as
00:15:47possession of firearms without license and firearm offenses.
00:15:52What we intend to do is to liaise very closely with the police, very closely with the
00:15:58prosecutorial arm of the police, who, of course, is linked to the office, the independent
00:16:03office of the director of public prosecution.
00:16:06But when it comes to offenses, we would want to be more strict, more robust, more
00:16:12aggressive in issues such as bail, such as sentences.
00:16:17So, for example, do you know that the under section six one of the
00:16:24firearms, the firearms act of Trinidad and Tobago, if someone is in possession of arms
00:16:32and ammunition without a license, they are liable to imprisonment for over 20 years.
00:16:40And in those circumstances, if someone is charged, we will be liaising with the police
00:16:45officer, the complainant to insist that if and we would in some instances be objecting
00:16:52to bail. Of course, the final decision lies with the judicial officer.
00:16:56But in light of the prevalence of the offenses, we would be objecting.
00:17:01And in terms of sentencing, we will be more aggressive to get the sentence in line with
00:17:07what the legislation says.
00:17:09So, for example, under section six to the possession of a prohibited weapon, it's a
00:17:14fine of one million dollars and imprisonment for up to 15 years and an indictment
00:17:22imprisonment up to 20 years.
00:17:24We intend to ensure that the police complainants, here's the link with the police, the
00:17:30police will be the ones bringing the charges that will be the complainant.
00:17:34We have and their views will be taken.
00:17:37We will be having meetings, seminars with those officers, that aspect of the police
00:17:42service to insist that one, if you are charged, more robust applications are made to
00:17:49resist bail applications.
00:17:51And if there's a sentencing going on based on the guidelines of sentencing established a
00:17:57long time in Benjamin and our deterrence, deterrence of the particular officer
00:18:02rehabilitation and the penal aspect, we will be insisting that the penal aspect is
00:18:09applied more robustly.
00:18:11Trafficking of firearms and prohibited weapons, section nine, a fine of one million
00:18:18dollars and imprisonment up to 15 years.
00:18:21If you are summarily convicted, which is before the magistrate's call, now called
00:18:26district judges, or if it's indictable, 20 years, we will be enforcing.
00:18:33We will be trying and insisting at any bail application that a more robust attention is
00:18:41paid and any sentencing exercise that the views of the police officers are heard for
00:18:48more robust penalties in order to act as a deterrent.
00:18:52So in answer to your question, the approach is by no means a simple approach.
00:18:59In some instances in building confidence, excuse me, there will be an approach that
00:19:06encourages persons to come to the police, give information that will be used in
00:19:13detection, which will bring down the rates of crime.
00:19:17But on the other hand, there's an approach, a more robust approach dealing with
00:19:25activities, dealing with charges, dealing with deterrent.
00:19:28And that approach does not have a subsidy.
00:19:31It is not a simple dealing with criminality and crime is not is not a simple issue.
00:19:37It is a multifaceted approach, which will, which will involve a mixture.
00:19:44But certainly the robust approach is important at this time because we cannot
00:19:50allow the crime as it exists now to continue.
00:19:53So maybe this is a good time to inform those who are hell bent.
00:19:59And it's a very small amount of persons in this country in not making and not keeping
00:20:05our country as a safe country.
00:20:11Stop now.
00:20:14In speaking about this robust approach, Minister, it gives me the impression I
00:20:20don't know if other people have a similar impression, but it gives me the impression
00:20:24that this is a 24 hour type of exercise that you intend to engage in with the police
00:20:33service. It also requires a lot of monitoring and more so consistent monitoring.
00:20:39So is it that on a daily basis that you would be required to meet with the with the
00:20:44with the police service and and maybe have discussions with them as to what matters
00:20:50that they are dealing with at this time and to give counsel if that is necessary?
00:20:58If that is necessary, it will be done.
00:21:02And the benefits of one of the benefits of covid-19 in terms of interaction is that it
00:21:11promoted what we are doing now.
00:21:13Yes. I'm doing my interview for my study and it's very important.
00:21:19So if not every meeting has to be a physical meeting, of course there will be.
00:21:24But certainly the interaction is 24 seven, because it seems that the criminals, they
00:21:31are not resting. They're not giving the population a chance to exhale.
00:21:35That is unacceptable.
00:21:37So if they are not resting, then we will not rest from the discipline that I've come from.
00:21:43I had a mantra when we're doing a matter.
00:21:46If they file 42 pages, I must respond by 43.
00:21:53That's just doing the matter.
00:21:55If you file 84 paragraphs in an affidavit, I want to file 85 paragraphs.
00:22:03If the criminals are up 24 seven, we will also be up 24 seven.
00:22:08If allowed another hour in the day, we will take that extra hour.
00:22:13There's no time to rest in this matter.
00:22:15But, you know, Mr. Scotland, how does a minister in the Ministry of National Security
00:22:22operate when you have the immediate manager, if I can call it that way, the police
00:22:30commissioner? She or he is responsible for the management of the police service on a
00:22:36daily basis. You also have the Police Service Commission.
00:22:40And now you have you, the minister in the Ministry of National Security.
00:22:45So how do you navigate with navigate carefully?
00:22:51Because I suspect you would want to maneuver in a way that people do not feel that you
00:23:00are trampling on their independence.
00:23:03So how do you navigate?
00:23:04How do you maneuver?
00:23:07The interplay that you spoke of, it's by no means novel.
00:23:13There's an interplay that has existed from the moment we had the Ministry of National
00:23:18Security and the independent office of the police commissioner.
00:23:23So there are clearly defined constitutional rules, even for the Police Service
00:23:28Commission. And in no way do I intend to trample on that.
00:23:33What I do intend to do, however, is to interact certainly with the commissioner and the
00:23:39officers there in order to get optimum output from the police service in response to
00:23:48something that is plaguing us, that has plagued us so much so that the Ombudsman's
00:23:52focus has more than sharpened the focus on it.
00:23:56That is because when we wake up every morning relative to home invasions, these are
00:24:01things that we need to deal with.
00:24:03So it may be, and I would try not to offend anyone's sensibilities, so I would bring
00:24:11hopefully some years of wisdom in terms of interacting, but it will not be a soft
00:24:18approach. It cannot be.
00:24:20So I don't want it to be seen that because we are doing and it really has to be a
00:24:26sophisticated approach with community policing.
00:24:30There's a different stance that you would take in order to encourage people and must be
00:24:34genuine. But in terms of the criminals who continue to plague us with guns, illegal
00:24:40guns, illegal arms, illegal ammunition, we need to be very, very robust.
00:24:47And I've just read what I've just read out to you.
00:24:49Do you know that Section 11 of the Firearms Act, discharging a firearm in a public
00:24:56place, there's a fine on this is summary conviction of half a million dollars, 10
00:25:04years imprisonment and upon conviction in the high court imprisonment for 15 years.
00:25:11So when it comes now to charging, because sometimes these persons, they perpetrate
00:25:17their crime in public.
00:25:19So not only will you charge them with possession of firearm to endanger life, but
00:25:25you will charge them also for these offenses when it comes to being, because this is an
00:25:29offense on the books.
00:25:31And when we do that, so we will have a more robust approach.
00:25:35We will have an approach that lets people know that there is a deterrent aspect of this
00:25:41possession of firearm with intent to injure Section 12 imprisonment for life.
00:25:49For life, that is what is on the books and it does.
00:25:53These are indictable offenses and we intend to be more robust in the prosecution of these
00:25:57offenses. But you know, Minister Scotland, sometimes when you do have a spike in crime,
00:26:03there is a level of hopelessness.
00:26:07And judging from some of the things that you're telling us here this morning and some of
00:26:11the laws that that are in place and the consequences for the for the criminal element.
00:26:20Is it that we do have a problem of enforcement in Trinidad and Tobago as it as it
00:26:28relates to the laws?
00:26:29Is it that we are interpreting the laws?
00:26:34We don't understand the laws.
00:26:36So then what is the problem?
00:26:37Because what you are telling us is that there are mechanisms in place.
00:26:43So then what is the problem?
00:26:45The solution is implementing the laws as they stand now in a more robust manner, and
00:26:56that will be a role that I certainly would play as it relates to the police complainants
00:27:02who would have a say in bail, because if you ever been to court, you know that on the
00:27:08first appearance before a district judge, which is a magistrate or a judge, they will ask
00:27:15the prosecution sometimes in their police officers in the magistrate's court, do you have
00:27:20any objections to bail?
00:27:22They'll have an input that will be done.
00:27:24That will be a deterrent in the high court.
00:27:27The complainant will also be asked by the attorney who represents the independent
00:27:32office of the DPP.
00:27:33But the views of the police will be heard on these matters.
00:27:38That's the first point.
00:27:39The second point that you raise as it relates to that sense of hopelessness that you have
00:27:46mentioned, and I think that we have hope, so I'm not ascribing to any sense of hopelessness.
00:27:51But what we want to do in that regard is if you improve detection rates.
00:27:57That is by getting people with information to come forward, and that is done by building
00:28:03the confidence in the police.
00:28:05Then you will have more persons who will be indicted, more persons who will appear before
00:28:10the court, and that will mean less of those persons on the road.
00:28:14Do you understand? So it's really all linked.
00:28:18And it's really something that we are up to because we have the legislation in place and
00:28:24it's now relative to a more robust, I keep using that word, but it is the word that is
00:28:29most appropriate, implementation, enforcement of what is there on the books.
00:28:34What we have now, what we can work with now.
00:28:37Time is not our friend when it comes to crime.
00:28:41Yeah. So you would have met following your appointment, you would have met already with
00:28:46the police commissioner.
00:28:47You spoke about a spirit of collaboration and a shared commitment to addressing key
00:28:52issues. You also spoke about, you sought an in-depth understanding of the operational
00:28:59dynamics and pressing needs of the police service and that the discussions provided
00:29:04you with valuable insights into the challenges faced by the TTPS.
00:29:09Is it possible, because I know that you were a bit hesitant to speak about some of the
00:29:14issues that were discussed, is it possible to share a little more with us this morning
00:29:19as to what some of the challenges?
00:29:22There would be challenges as it relates to manpower, there'd be challenges as it
00:29:30relates to physical resources, vehicles, etc.
00:29:34You would note in my first, the first, one of my first official duties, it was my
00:29:41distinct pleasure to, along with Minister Hines and Minister Haji Kazim Hussain, we
00:29:50gave to the Pre-Deal Larceny Squad on Tuesday.
00:29:55They had four spanking new vehicles, the Pre-Deal Larceny Squad, that those are some of
00:30:03the efforts that would be in place that would have come out of the meetings.
00:30:08And this one was not the physical meeting.
00:30:10This was a virtual meeting because I met with the commissioner on Wednesday.
00:30:15But what I'm saying is that as it relates to the issues of challenges, those are some
00:30:23of the immediate challenges that ought to be addressed.
00:30:26You would not know, but yesterday evening I met with DCP Susan Martin as it relates
00:30:32to certain operational issues.
00:30:34And that is Sunday.
00:30:35We really cannot rest on this.
00:30:38It has to be an all hands on deck approach.
00:30:41And as it relates to what was discussed, manpower, resourcing and more visibility of
00:30:50the police, you would see that that exercise in the Heights of Guadalupe, it reaped
00:30:54benefits. Persons express their pleasure in that year of the police coming out and even
00:31:02and there was no issues of people complaining about the police overstepping,
00:31:08overreaching. And it brings us to the next aspect, of course, which is the wearing of the
00:31:14cameras, the body cameras.
00:31:16That is something that we'll be insisting on.
00:31:18And that not only protects the police from false allegations, but it also will give a
00:31:25sense of transparency that will also build confidence in the police service.
00:31:30Judging from what we are seeing in Tobago, is that also engaging your attention?
00:31:36Will we see a meeting sometime soon between you via Zoom or in person to discuss the
00:31:42issue in Tobago with the executive, the TTPS police executive there?
00:31:50Certainly, and that I think that will be Tobago is a flight away or a boat ride away.
00:31:58Sometimes the first important meeting and we don't want in any way to diminish the
00:32:04importance of a face to face.
00:32:06And I think that's the first thing.
00:32:08But I want to let it coincide because I can without talking about Mr.
00:32:13Martin George's travel itinerary, we have already spoken.
00:32:16And as soon as he returns to the jurisdiction, we have set up a meeting with him.
00:32:21And that is the business sector.
00:32:23I'd want to literally do two things in one trip, but if not, I will do two.
00:32:29Yeah, Mr.
00:32:31Scotland, I think it is safe to say that the responsibilities that you have been given
00:32:38and the task that you have been given, it's a it's a mammoth task.
00:32:44And but let me ask this question on behalf of members of the public.
00:32:51So many things that have to be done.
00:32:53And of course, sometimes we do see spikes in crime in Trinidad and Tobago, and I think
00:33:00that we all can agree it's not the conditions that that none of us we want to be living
00:33:06under. So how soon can we expect to see some let up in the situation due to all of the
00:33:14work that that you intend to embark upon?
00:33:17I would say today, you know.
00:33:21And that is why we gave the previous last nice squad their vehicles.
00:33:28We every move is one move too much.
00:33:33I would say today.
00:33:36How soon my answer to how soon will be today, and I will judge myself very harshly if we
00:33:43don't start to see immediate, immediate, immediate effects.
00:33:47And I just wanted to say that, remember, the ministry has been up and running.
00:33:51So it's not it's not as if there's any saviour here.
00:33:55Mr. Hines has been working and it's a collaborative effort and we will just ramp it up,
00:34:01make sure that things are in place, make sure there's a focus and not just a focus, but
00:34:08a focus on areas that we can touch immediately to decrease the level of criminal
00:34:14activities in those areas.
00:34:16Yeah. Mr. Scotland, is that and that and that need is immediate?
00:34:21Yeah. Mr. Scotland, is there anything else you'd like to tell us before you leave us
00:34:25this morning?
00:34:28I'd like to say to Trinidad and Tobago that for the for the most part, we are not
00:34:36for the most part in this country, our citizens are law abiding.
00:34:43For those who are bent on changing that, you have you don't have a window, but you have
00:34:52a message for me to stop.
00:34:55Because if you don't stop, what is allowed within the parameters of the law will be
00:35:02brought to bear to make you stop.
00:35:05You'll be brought before the courts.
00:35:07And I've read there's a reason why I took time to read this out to you, sir, and we
00:35:12will enforce it.
00:35:13We will make our voices heard, not at all trampling on the ultimate power of the
00:35:19judicial officer to make pronouncements.
00:35:22But the views of the police will be heard in these matters.
00:35:26Stop it.
00:35:28Yeah. Minister Scotland, thank you very much for speaking with us this morning, sir.
00:35:31We do appreciate it.
00:35:32As I said earlier, and the facts are that it's really your second week in office and
00:35:38you decide.
00:35:40Yeah. Second week.
00:35:41Yeah. As Minister of Administrative Security.
00:35:43Yeah. Yes.
00:35:45So thank you very much again.
00:35:46We do appreciate it.
00:35:50Thank you very kindly.
00:35:51OK, bye for now, Minister.
00:35:52All right. So it's time for a very quick break.
00:35:54We are coming back.
00:36:01Time. Well, look, I have a story to tell when there's a long, long time now we're
00:36:07fighting for freedom.
00:36:08Victory.
00:36:10Assembly people recite the mission.
00:36:13Let me run through the.
00:36:15I ring the bell, ring the bell, ring the bell down there, ring the bell, ring the
00:36:21bell. At Cruzan Hotel and Yachting Center, we're all about time.
00:36:28In fact, once you check in, there's no time to lose.
00:36:31Reconnect with a little family time.
00:36:34Make a splash with some pool time.
00:36:37Spend some treasured quality time or just immerse yourself in some quiet time.
00:36:43Indulge your senses at dinner time.
00:36:45We even have the perfect venue when it's your celebration time.
00:36:50So it's high time you visit Cruzan.
00:36:53Choose our day pass or call 607-4000 to make your dinner or hotel reservations or to
00:37:00find out more about our event spaces.
00:37:03Take a time out at Cruzan Hotel and Yachting Center.
00:37:09Hola, amigos, Minute Maid and KFC proudly present the biggest circus from Mexico, the
00:37:14Suarez Brothers Circus, celebrating their hundred and fifty second anniversary in a
00:37:19brand new and exciting show specially selected for the summer vacation.
00:37:23Now playing and continuing daily at the Queen's Park Savannah.
00:37:26Advanced tickets on sale at Extra Food Supermarket, Francis Fashion Shoe Locker
00:37:30Outlets, online at Island Etickets.com and the Circus Box Office from 10 a.m.
00:37:35Daily. Showtimes Monday to Saturday, 5 and 8 p.m.
00:37:39Sunday, 2, 5 and 8 p.m.
00:37:41Get ready for a magical experience.
00:37:43Over 30 international artists from five continents come and enjoy our spectacular
00:37:48attractions. The Fantastic Pendulum, Jugglers, Acrobats, The Always Funny Clowns,
00:37:53Guinness Book of Records, The Amazing Strongman and lots more.
00:37:57Powered by NCASH in collaboration with Dairy Dairy, Pizza Hut, Coca-Cola, The Sonny,
00:38:02Extra Food Supermarket, Malta, Kaleidoscope Paints, Carib Malta and Media Partner,
00:38:07Guardian Media Limited.
00:38:09A la nos vemos!
00:38:23The Cura Pentecostal Empowerment Ministries International of 27 McDonnell Street,
00:38:32Cura Trinidad, West Phoenix presents Empowerment to the World.
00:38:37Come with us as we affect humanity with the life transforming power of the gospel of
00:38:43Jesus Christ. We invite you to stay tuned and be blessed.
00:38:53Pretty strong, physically, musically.
00:38:58Oh God, it took a while, it's coming down, it's coming down.
00:39:04We have to clash, we have to clash, so much of time, so much of time.
00:39:08We're going to shake, we're going to shake, the savannah, the savannah.
00:39:12We're going to play, we're going to play, the programma, we're going to play.
00:39:16We're still about to go, we're going to play, we're going to play.
00:39:20All right everybody, so welcome back.
00:39:2118 murders for the year so far in Tobago and there are concerns today that the police need to do more.
00:39:27Joining us now is Senior Superintendent of the Tobago Division, Rod Hill Kirk.
00:39:31Senior Sup, good morning, thank you very much for joining us.
00:39:35Good morning Marlon, good morning to Trinidad and Tobago.
00:39:39Well Senior Sup, I think that it is fair to say that people want to know what is happening in Tobago.
00:39:46We're seeing drive-bys, we're seeing what appears to be a gang activity.
00:39:52I believe on the weekend you had two murders and this is not what we know Tobago to be.
00:40:00So the question is again, Senior Sup, what is happening in Tobago?
00:40:03What is fueling all of this violence?
00:40:07Right Marlon, what we recognize is that these activities are mostly gang related.
00:40:17We realize that there is a fight between rival gangs.
00:40:22Whilst we are out there trying to pass our main objectives, we are geared towards dismantling those gangs.
00:40:32So what we have done so far, we are trying to use the intelligence to improve our intelligence capabilities and we started that already.
00:40:41We increased our presence on the roadways, we started that already.
00:40:46What we recognize is that although the process has started, we are seeing that some of the activities continue.
00:40:54And we know that everything wouldn't happen overnight.
00:40:58But I want the public to know that we are doing all we can so far.
00:41:03We are using the different agencies and this is something that I know and I feel confident that we will have a handle on it very soon.
00:41:15You know Senior Sup, even yesterday the Chief Secretary expressed concern about the situation.
00:41:22And he said the warfare playing out on the streets of Tobago is unacceptable and Tobagonians are running out of patience.
00:41:29The words there of the Chief Secretary, but he did admit that he has met with top level management of the TTPS
00:41:38and that they are in fact pursuing meaningful intelligence and that we will be able to see some positive results soon.
00:41:48Yes and I agree with the Chief Secretary.
00:41:50But Marlon, you know one of the things that we have started, we have started our Zero Tolerance campaign in terms of how we do business.
00:41:59And we have seen even with the collaboration with the licensing officers, we recognize that there was a public outcry.
00:42:08Again, I want to use this platform to say that many believe that the activities with the licensing officers were only geared towards an economic part of prosecution and that is not correct.
00:42:21We recognize that even with all these activities that are taking place, vehicles are being used to convey these perpetrators of this kind of crime.
00:42:30And immediately preceding that activity with the licensing officers and the police, we see that this occurred.
00:42:37Not with standing up patrols in the space.
00:42:40I mean, I would like to say that, you know, again I call upon the crime as a holistic thing.
00:42:51The police alone, the police alone cannot do it.
00:42:56So this is why we, through our community stakeholder engagement, this is why we do all these approaches.
00:43:05As recent as the same Saturday, we were in the Chauvin Road Police District walking about and, you know, creating that comfort among the community.
00:43:17And just as we build one block, we see that the issue in Scarborough occurred.
00:43:21And although we had the intelligence that something like that was likely to occur and we would have reached out to the victim, that victim perceived.
00:43:31And even the response from the victim was uncooperative.
00:43:35I mean, my condolences to his family.
00:43:38What we did try our best in preventing this from happening, but we did not get the cooperation from the victim himself.
00:43:47So this is something I, you know, I put out there.
00:43:50I know that our officers have been working continuously.
00:43:56I know that we are expected to do more with what we have, and that is exactly what we are doing.
00:44:05Senior Soup, has this, has this problem been, how do I put it?
00:44:14Let me put it this way, because in recent times we have seen this sort of activity, this sort of activity bubbling over into Bagel.
00:44:25So the question is, is this a new situation or have the criminal gangs been operating in Tobago for some time now?
00:44:42Well, Marlon, whilst I don't have all the data, what we recognize is that there have been alliances and there have been alliances between gangs in Trinidad and prisons in Tobago.
00:44:55So it may be correct to say that it has been bubbling over.
00:45:01The thing about it is that the criminals are becoming more brazen, and we know that based on the intelligence gathered, we have our homegrown prisons as well,
00:45:15who formed that alliance with the prisons from Trinidad.
00:45:19And the thing about it, they are networking the same way.
00:45:23They have that network in which they move easily.
00:45:29We have intelligence, but which I cannot reveal, about some of the activities and which, you know, very soon, we will, we will, and I say it again, we will put all our efforts towards dismantling these activities.
00:45:45I know the public may seem, it may seem a bit coming across oppressive, but it's not.
00:45:51I just want the public to bear with us that when we implement the operations in the way in which we intend to do it, we don't have that level of activity or resentment as it occurred last week in terms of the licensing officers being here.
00:46:07So I told the public that, just give us that opportunity, let us do what we have the responsibility of doing, and this is to make every space safe within the island.
00:46:20Is there greater need for the policing of what is happening at the port?
00:46:28Because last week we would have spoken to the transport commissioner and he was speaking about the licensing divisions presence in Tobago.
00:46:38And he was speaking about there is now happening in Tobago some sort of increase as it relates to car thefts and the trade of vehicles between Trinidad and Tobago and the use of false number plates and things like that.
00:47:01So the question, is there need for a greater policing of what is happening at the port?
00:47:10Yes, I agree, because yes, from the information that we have, some of these incidents, these shooting incidents which occurred, vehicles were brought from Trinidad.
00:47:23We also recognize, yes, in fact, that there are times that in the Tobago space we have seen vehicles have been taken, and when they do turn up, they turn up in activities like this.
00:47:36The most recent, the vehicle was stolen from someone, and actually the color was changed, the number plates were changed, and that is the vehicle that was used in the last incident.
00:47:52So yes, in fact, there have been some sort of increase in that kind of activity.
00:47:58And we know that is a concern for us, and we know that is something that we need to get on top of our game with, but at least also we are asking persons, owners of motor vehicles, to take extra effort in protecting your asset or securing your asset.
00:48:14Because quite often we see these vehicles have been taken, persons using, leaving the keys, et cetera, within those vehicles, and that creates an opportunity for persons to just take it and go away.
00:48:25And next thing it turns up on a crime scene.
00:48:29So this is something that we have seen, it's something that we intend to put a lot of effort into, because in respect of even the false number plates, I find that in these activities, number plates is like easy access.
00:48:46Anybody could go into a shop and order a number plate, and I find that, you know, there must be some greater level of security put in place in respect to that, and the persons who do this kind of business.
00:49:01Yeah, so Senior Soup, I think it is safe to also say that a lot of responsibility, new responsibilities, are being put on the police's shoulders.
00:49:10In fact, the Chief Secretary would have also said that the strategies of the police must bear fruit sooner rather than later.
00:49:18The people of Tobago want firm action against those who choose this gang lifestyle.
00:49:24Augustine said while the police are yet to get a handle on the crime situation in Tobago, criminals remain calculated and well organized.
00:49:34But Marvin, what I can also tell you is that the flip side of this is that even in respect to some of the past incidences of shootings, we have prosecuted people.
00:49:45The Speyside incident, persons are charged. The Scarrow incident where the four persons were shot, there are persons before the court.
00:49:55The Turtle Beach incident, there are persons before the court. So we are saying that the police have been doing their part.
00:50:01Notwithstanding, because of the frequency in which the incidents have occurred, people may overlook that the police have been making small steps in how we prosecute or investigate and detect some of these shootings.
00:50:17But again, most of it is because of the cooperation that we receive from members of the public.
00:50:25And this is why this is one of our targets. That is why we continue to maintain that level of partnership, because we can't wait alone.
00:50:35And this is why we urge people again to be more vigilant in your space, be more observant as to what is happening.
00:50:43Because these persons are there sometimes surveilling you. So I am saying in the activities, what we recognize most of all, and this is why I'm saying, in keeping with our violent crime reduction plan, part of the objective now, we have to eradicate most of these job blocks.
00:51:04And this is what we have started it. We recognize that we need to ramp up the game and this is what we are going to do.
00:51:12So I just want to urge you, this is what we are going to do, because we recognize that most time when we go to the job blocks, the persons that have the quantities within the legal limits, but they continue to remain in the area even after the police intervene.
00:51:28And this is something in terms of cleaning up those pieces. We know where they are and we are going to deal with that as of today.
00:51:38Can we, judging from what you would have said, so is there a serious situation concerning drug blocks in Tobago?
00:51:47Well, again, what we have seen in every single village, there are the groups, the small pockets of groups that gather doing these activities.
00:51:57And the thing about it, we had a little challenge sometimes with sustainability. But again, I'm saying we have to move to level two.
00:52:08We tried the soft approach. We tried direct targeting. We are going to up the game. I cannot see the measures that we are going to use, but we are going to up the game.
00:52:20And that is the assurance I want to give the Tobago people that we are going to do.
00:52:26Senior Superintendent of the Tobago Division, Roderick Kirk. Sir, thank you very much for speaking with us this morning. We do appreciate it.
00:52:34Thank you for having me.
00:52:36Bye for now, sir. We wish you all the best. All right. So it's time for a very quick break. We are coming back.
00:53:04It's the right choice. And I will see the optical get complete single vision lenses with frames or two ninety nine single vision lenses with transition and designer frames.
00:53:12Eight ninety nine and get your progressive transitions with designer frames for forty ninety nine at CV Optical affordable eyewear for everyone.
00:53:19Plumbing problems. Don't guess. Call plumbing solutions at six to eight four six four six.
00:53:28Proud to be serving Trinidad and Tobago for over 20 years. We do it all. Maintenance and repairs. New construction. Sewer lines. Inspection. Drain cleaning. Leak detection.
00:53:43We are licensed and insured. So call plumbing solutions at six to eight four six four six.
00:53:51Trader is a line of true botanical based skin healing products.
00:53:56Our eczema fast healing is a product that specifically helps relieve itchy cracked skin from irritations like eczema.
00:54:04It helps provide intense soothing relief while effectively helping to heal the skin.
00:54:09We are true fast healing with no prescription and no side effects.
00:54:14And we're here to help you.
00:54:20What's up you guys. I'm Ren and I'm Kim. Welcome to Conversations with Ren and Kim.
00:54:25On our show we dive deep into the stories that matter.
00:54:28From inspiring individuals making a difference.
00:54:31To experts sharing their insights on the latest trends and topics.
00:54:35We're here to spark conversations that challenge, inspire and entertain.
00:54:40Whether it's about art, culture, technology or everyday life we've got you covered.
00:54:45So join us every Saturday for conversations on unforgettable moments.
00:54:50See you there.
00:55:16Maybe you could afford to pay up to $22,500 in fines and lose your license permanently.
00:55:25No? Then don't drink and drive.
00:55:29A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
00:55:33This time check is brought to you by Flo.
00:55:36Rediscover Flo at discoverflo.co.
00:55:39Flo, inspired by you.
00:55:45Good morning. With your TV6 News update to the hour.
00:55:54I am Renessa Cutting.
00:55:56Economist Marla Duke-Reynolds called out Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley for, quote,
00:56:02unbecoming behavior in light of his response to our assessment of this country's forex management.
00:56:09This after she claimed that TNT is losing billions in foreign exchange each year.
00:56:14Which no one is accounting for.
00:56:17I just read the headline and the first paragraph.
00:56:21I don't have to read the rest of the story to ask what kind of jackassness is that?
00:56:26Resorting to ad hominem attacks and obscene language is first of all unbecoming of the leadership of any country.
00:56:34And so I'm very disappointed to hear that this is the kind of response that the prime minister of all people would give.
00:56:44And I and I continue to hope for a meaningful, respectful response.
00:56:56And now for a look at the weather forecast.
00:56:59Partly cloudy to cloudy conditions will persist today with periods of showers or rain.
00:57:05There is also a medium to high chance of thunderstorm activity.
00:57:09So be reminded that gusty winds and a street or flash flooding can occur in the event of heavy showers or thunderstorms.
00:57:17The maximum temperature for today is coming in at 31 degrees Celsius for Trinidad, 30 degrees for Tobago.
00:57:30In life, there are those that walk with us.
00:57:36They guide us with love and wisdom.
00:57:42In moments of joy.
00:57:46And in moments of pain.
00:57:50Their love never changes.
00:57:55As time goes on, when life takes unexpected turns, love blossoms and a new chapter begins.
00:58:05One with promises and commitments.
00:58:09But during the joy of our happiest moments, there is an absence.
00:58:16Even though they might not be present, their love, guidance and legacy live on in every moment.
00:58:26Charles Jordan Almonds make every moment extraordinary.
00:58:32Are you diabetic, pre-diabetic or at risk for diabetes?
00:58:36You need Berberine Plus by Aja Nutrition.
00:58:39Two doses a day keeps the blood sugar at bay.
00:58:43Cholesterol levels in check and your immune system strong.
00:58:46Made with ancient Ayurvedic ingredients, Berberine, Bitter Melon and Banaba Leaf.
00:58:51Berberine Plus is clinically proven to improve glucose metabolism, enhance insulin sensitivity and slows glucose absorption in the gut.
00:58:59Berberine Plus, providing a natural path to a healthier you.
00:59:03Pick up a bottle today at Pennywise and all leading pharmacies nationwide.
00:59:12Some of us like to test limits.
00:59:42But there won't always be second chances.
00:59:45Obey the speed limits.
00:59:48Maybe you don't value your life, but others value theirs.
00:59:58A message from the TTPS.
01:00:01How am I? I'm cool. I'm real good.
01:00:04I try to be invisible when they reach home, but they see me. They always see me.
01:00:10Oh, how about my parents? They're doing great. Everybody's well.
01:00:14I have bruises and marks that I have to make up stories about when people ask.
01:00:19What do they say? I fall off my bike.
01:00:23They beat me up and I'm tired of lying.
01:00:26Once, just once, I want to say no, I'm not fine.
01:00:30Please someone, just help me.
01:00:52Children have rights.
01:01:23The venue is Tobago.
01:01:29All right, so welcome back, everyone.
01:01:31So we are discussing now investing for your children's future.
01:01:35And we do have in studio this morning.
01:01:37We do have Richard Evans, supervisor for the Spain Investment Center.
01:01:41And we also have Rishma Rangu, customer service representative at Point 14.
01:01:46And, of course, they are here.
01:01:49And, of course, they are representing the Trinidad and Tobago Union Trust Corporation.
01:01:53Thank you very much for coming this morning.
01:01:55I'm breathing the reins, Rishma.
01:01:57Thanks, Marlon. Nice meeting you.
01:01:59Thank you for having us. Good morning to all of you as well.
01:02:01Thank you for coming this morning.
01:02:02Well, Richard, let's get right into it.
01:02:05Sure, no problem.
01:02:06And let's talk about some of the benefits of investing in our children's future.
01:02:10Are parents investing in their children's future?
01:02:13Well, Marlon, investing in our children's future,
01:02:17what it does, it yields significant financial benefits,
01:02:20not just for individuals, but for communities and society at large.
01:02:24And that is why at the Trinidad and Tobago Union Trust Corporation,
01:02:27we take investing so seriously, especially for our young ones,
01:02:30because they are our future.
01:02:32Some of them are our future leaders, our future doctors, our future lawyers, etc.
01:02:37So it's really important that we invest in them from now.
01:02:40So what we're going to do this morning,
01:02:41we just want to highlight a few benefits of investing in our children's future.
01:02:45One of the benefits has to do with future education costs.
01:02:49Now, as a parent, guardian, or loved one,
01:02:52you know, we want the very best for our children.
01:02:54And that is why we say invest in a children's investment startup plan.
01:02:58So what it does, it helps cover some of these future education costs,
01:03:02thus reducing the reliance on student loans.
01:03:05The second benefit has to do with financial security.
01:03:10Now, of course, once you build that financial cushion for those young ones,
01:03:14it helps protect them from financial uncertainties.
01:03:18And then we have compound growth.
01:03:20When you start investing from early, what it does,
01:03:23it allows more time for compound interest to work,
01:03:26thus increasing your initial investment significantly
01:03:29over an extended period of time.
01:03:32And then we also have financial concepts.
01:03:34Now, when we introduce these financial concepts to these young ones
01:03:37from a very tender age,
01:03:39it really helps them to understand the value of investing,
01:03:42the value of saving, the value of money.
01:03:44And these concepts tend to stay with them through their life span.
01:03:47So, Marlon, these are just a few benefits that we wanted to share.
01:03:51And we appeal to all our listeners, invest in your child's future from today.
01:03:55Reshma, how early should parents begin investing in their children's future?
01:04:01Well, Marlon, upon birth of the child, right?
01:04:05But the reality is, is that most times we may miss that.
01:04:09But the best time to invest for your child is really now.
01:04:13And what better way to do so is by investing in UTC's
01:04:17Children Investment Starter Plan, or CISB.
01:04:21So as the name suggests, it's an excellent investment vehicle, Marlon,
01:04:26for parents or anyone who really wants to secure the future financial stability
01:04:33of their child, right?
01:04:36So it's a long-term fund whereby you set aside funds
01:04:40with the objective of leaving it there to build and grow.
01:04:43So it's not monies that you're looking at accessing for preschool or primary.
01:04:47It's really 18 years and over.
01:04:50The fund can be opened by anyone.
01:04:53So it's not only limited to parents.
01:04:55It can be opened by aunts, uncles, cousins.
01:04:59You have ease of investment because the account can be opened
01:05:02with a minimum investment of $100.
01:05:05Just like what Richard was saying, you benefit from capital appreciation,
01:05:09dividends, so you are guaranteed that your funds will grow
01:05:12over the period of time.
01:05:14As well as another critical point is that it helps you beat inflation,
01:05:17which is the increase in prices because the increase in costs erodes
01:05:21everything that we may want to achieve in the future.
01:05:25So if someone opens the CISB today at UTC, you have the minimum investment,
01:05:31which is $100.
01:05:33You benefit from UTC matching that initial investment with $100.
01:05:38So you immediately have 100% return on that fund.
01:05:42During the month of August also, Marlon, we continue with our SCA campaign.
01:05:46So the SCA campaign that we have is where we are actually celebrating
01:05:50our SCA students.
01:05:52So parents can visit UTC.
01:05:55They work with the SCA slip as proof.
01:05:58The UTC is not going to match just $100, Marlon.
01:06:02It's actually $200, so you get double the reward.
01:06:05So we are actually trying to assist the parents in providing that financial
01:06:09boost to their kids' future.
01:06:12And just to add to Rishma, Marlon, this campaign that Rishma alluded to,
01:06:17it's really for the first 500 students.
01:06:20Now the campaign started June 29th, and it runs throughout August,
01:06:24to the end of August, August 30th.
01:06:27So it's really for the first 500.
01:06:29When I last checked with our officers in work,
01:06:32400 students would have signed up already.
01:06:34So we just have about 100 persons left.
01:06:37So we really want to advise our parents, guardian, loved ones,
01:06:40now is the time to come into the corporation and really sign up for that
01:06:44campaign.
01:06:45You can't go wrong.
01:06:46Yeah.
01:06:47Rishma, is investing, because there is this perception that when you talk
01:06:54about investments, that big word to a lot of people,
01:07:00it is seen as only for the wealthy.
01:07:04So I can hear people almost immediately saying, you see,
01:07:07that is not for me.
01:07:09I cannot afford that.
01:07:10Yes, you spoke about the $100 as an initial investment.
01:07:15But speak to that a little bit for me,
01:07:17to people who believe that is just investments,
01:07:22it's just way too much for me.
01:07:24Right.
01:07:25So at the Unitrust Corporation, Marlon,
01:07:27most definitely investments are not just for the wealthy,
01:07:30because of the fact we try to foster a culture of savings and investment
01:07:34through education and through innovative solutions to give persons access
01:07:39to capital markets or investments to have access to the stock markets
01:07:44and the returns that would be generated.
01:07:47In addition to which, yes,
01:07:49our funds can be opened with a minimum of $100,
01:07:52so we do cater for persons from all walks of life,
01:07:56as well as when you do have an account with Unitrust,
01:08:00one of the best ways to invest is by utilizing a standing order
01:08:03or a salary deduction.
01:08:05So you can send funds either from your employers
01:08:07or from the bank directly into your account,
01:08:10because money you do not see gets saved.
01:08:13And it also results in consistency of deposits, Marlon, and discipline.
01:08:19What should we as parents be considering
01:08:23when starting an investment plan for children's future?
01:08:27Well, firstly, Marlon, you should consider the career path
01:08:30that your child wants to pursue.
01:08:32That's the main thing.
01:08:34From that, you will get the cost, right?
01:08:36You will get the time horizon in terms of how long
01:08:39it's actually going to take to achieve that goal.
01:08:42Then you also look at inflation, how it's going to impact the prices.
01:08:46After you plan your budget, you set up realistic contributions, right?
01:08:51Because you set aside a certain sum of money,
01:08:53be it monthly, weekly, fortnightly,
01:08:55in order for you to achieve that goal for your child.
01:08:58So it's pretty much a roadmap.
01:09:01So, Richard, so if parents who are looking at us right now,
01:09:06they are interested, what's the next step
01:09:09or first step for them in investing?
01:09:12Okay, no problem. So once you're interested,
01:09:14and of course we spoke about the Children Investment Startup Plan.
01:09:17It's an excellent fund.
01:09:18So we encourage parents, guardians, loved ones
01:09:21to visit any one of our nine investment centers
01:09:23throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
01:09:25You visit us, you talk to one of our customer service representatives,
01:09:29and they are willing and able to sign you up for one of our accounts.
01:09:32Now, of course, the requirements are easy as one, two, three.
01:09:35At least one valid form of identification,
01:09:38proof of address in the form of a bank statement or utility bill,
01:09:41and proof of income by means of a job letter or recent placement.
01:09:45It's very simple.
01:09:46Yeah. Rishma, speak a little bit about the guidance of your officers
01:09:56when people come to your location and say,
01:10:00look, I want to set up this account.
01:10:03Speak about the conversation and the expertise that you are going to give them.
01:10:10Reinvestments.
01:10:12Right. So Marlon, what we do, we actually have a conversation with our unit holders, right?
01:10:18Because you firstly must have an appreciation in terms of what they want,
01:10:24what their expectations are, right?
01:10:27And we establish the goals.
01:10:29Then we go through the roadmap, similar to what I previously discussed,
01:10:32with the time horizon, the inflation,
01:10:35and we look at the products and services that we do have best suited to assist the customer
01:10:42in achieving their financial goals.
01:10:44Yeah. And Richard, I get the feeling that these packages,
01:10:48if I can call them that, that you're offering,
01:10:52it's not, they are not rigid in the truest sense of being rigid,
01:11:01in that these packages do have something for everyone.
01:11:07Correct. Correct. Because we cater to persons, as Rishma would have rightly mentioned,
01:11:11persons from all walks of life.
01:11:13So the packages are flexible, all right?
01:11:16For example, we have the TT Income Fund, all right, which can act as a savings account.
01:11:22Then we have the Growth and Income Fund.
01:11:24If you are someone interested in equities,
01:11:26stock listed on the stock exchange locally, regionally, and internationally.
01:11:30And then, of course, we have something for retirement.
01:11:33And, of course, the Children Investment Startup Plan for our kids as well.
01:11:37So, Marlon, we have packages for persons from all walks of life.
01:11:40And we just say, come in, we will fix you up nice.
01:11:43Yeah, it sounds from the young to the old, eh? Old people like me, right?
01:11:49Rishma, anything else you'd like to tell us?
01:11:51Yes, Marlon. I just wanted to say once again, guys, viewers,
01:11:55take opportunity to invest in UTC CISB.
01:11:59It's something, it's an investment vehicle that's going to turn your child's dream into reality.
01:12:04So create that pathway to success by investing at UTC today.
01:12:09Yeah, I know that you all have a social media presence and a website and so on.
01:12:14So people can also contact you there.
01:12:16Correct. So definitely we are on TikTok, right?
01:12:19You're on TikTok too?
01:12:20We're on TikTok as well.
01:12:22Right, so we have a Facebook page. We have an Instagram page.
01:12:25We have a website, www.ttutc.com.
01:12:28And, of course, you can give us a call, 625-UNIT.
01:12:31That's 625-8648.
01:12:33All right. Well, thank you very much for coming this morning.
01:12:36Thank you for having us.
01:12:37Thank you for braving the rains and coming to town.
01:12:40Rishma already told me that she came from deep south.
01:12:43So, Rishma, we appreciate you coming here this morning.
01:12:46Thanks, Marlon.
01:12:47And we wish you all the best with these packages that you have for children,
01:12:52as I said, from the young to the old people like me.
01:12:55All right? So, again, thank you very much.
01:12:57We are going to a very short break. We're coming back, everybody.
01:13:08Getting together.
01:13:13So should every leader.
01:13:21Triderma is a line of true botanical-based skin healing products.
01:13:25Our eczema fast healing is a product that specifically helps relieve
01:13:30itchy, cracked skin from irritations like eczema.
01:13:33It helps provide intense, soothing relief.
01:13:36While effectively helping to heal the skin.
01:13:39We are true fast healing with no prescription and no side effects.
01:13:44And we're here to help you.
01:14:07This is your opportunity to win with the Trinidad Express newspapers.
01:14:1120 lucky participants will walk away with tickets to one of five TKR home games,
01:14:17plus a hamburger courtesy of Angostura.
01:14:19Simply look for the entry form at the back of the express,
01:14:22fill it out and send us a picture of the completed form via WhatsApp
01:14:26for your chance to win.
01:14:28It's as easy as...
01:14:31So grab this opportunity to win with the Trinidad Express newspapers.
01:14:35Promotion approved by the NLCB.
01:15:06Pero yo no soy trinitario. ¿Y si me meten en la carcel?
01:15:10No, eso no pasará. No importa si estás legal o ilegal.
01:15:14El Ministerio del Trabajo atenderá tu queja sin que seas detenido.
01:15:18Allí pueden ayudarte a resolver ese problema.
01:15:22¿Cómo me acerco a ellos?
01:15:24Tienes que ir al Ministerio de Trabajo aquí, en Puerto España,
01:15:28o cualquiera de las oficinas del Ministerio de Trabajo en Trinidad y Tobago.
01:15:36Vaya, muchas gracias.
01:15:38Me alegro de que haya algún lugar al que pueda acudir en busca de ayuda.
01:16:06Let's take a selfie.
01:16:10It looking good, boy. I'm putting it online.
01:16:16Hey, I thought you said you went to the beach with your parents.
01:16:20Who's you?
01:16:21It's me, Larry, from online.
01:16:36SLAVERY
01:16:41Slavery. A terrible time in our history.
01:16:45The kidnapping, buying and selling of people for profit.
01:16:49The exploitation of another human being.
01:16:52It still exists today. It has a new name.
01:16:55Human trafficking.
01:16:57Anyone can be a victim.
01:16:59There is forced labor.
01:17:02Sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.
01:17:08Human trafficking is a worldwide problem and an emerging concern for us here in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:17:15If you know of or suspect human trafficking activity,
01:17:18call the counter-trafficking hotline at 800-4CTU or 800-4288.
01:17:25Human trafficking is a crime.
01:17:28Identify it. Report it. Stop it.
01:17:31A message from the Counter-Trafficking Unit of the Ministry of National Security.
01:18:02Welcome back, everyone.
01:18:04We do have a number of things to share with you on the program still.
01:18:09But some of the stories in the newspaper today.
01:18:12One very interesting story.
01:18:15Raymond has questions on DEAL.
01:18:17There are hard questions that must be answered regarding the Housing Development Corporation's intention
01:18:23to award China Harbor Engineering Company Limited a $475.8 million contract to build houses in Santa Rosa,
01:18:33says former president of the Joint Consultative Council, Afra Raymond.
01:18:39Now, he was responding to questions from the experts via email last week.
01:18:43Raymond said there is a lack of detail with respect to the project.
01:18:48All right?
01:18:49Okay.
01:18:50So we are moving on.
01:18:51So we are speaking about everything energy and the energy sector now.
01:18:55And we do have on the line this morning former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine.
01:19:00Mr. Ramnarine, good morning.
01:19:02Thank you very much for joining us.
01:19:05Hi. Good morning.
01:19:06Yes.
01:19:07Thanks for having me on the program.
01:19:08Of course.
01:19:09Well, Mr. Ramnarine, a number of things are happening in the energy sector.
01:19:14One of the big stories over the past few hours is the announcement by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley
01:19:24that Indian businessman Naveen Jindal is no longer interested in investing in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:19:33Of course, we're speaking about the chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Limited
01:19:39and his interest in the Petrotrin refinery.
01:19:45Of course, Dr. Rowley blames politics for the businessman pulling out.
01:19:50So we can discuss that, begin with that, and, of course, we will discuss the ongoings in Venezuela and so on.
01:19:57But initially, Mr. Ramnarine, your reaction to Mr. Jindal's pulling out, as it were,
01:20:04from this deal in Trinidad and Tobago, investing in Trinidad and Tobago?
01:20:11Well, I think a lot of people were commenting on this yesterday on social media and so on,
01:20:17and there's the editorial today in the Express, and I agree with the editorial's contents.
01:20:25Which businessman walks away from a good deal?
01:20:28That's the first rule of business.
01:20:31If an opportunity, a business opportunity is sufficiently attractive, a businessman will go after it.
01:20:39There are companies that do business in very harsh environments around the world.
01:20:46One could think about Chevron in Angola. One could think about Chevron in Venezuela, Exxon in Chad.
01:20:54The Canadian company Barrick has gold mining and copper mining activities in some very harsh environments in the world,
01:21:02and those companies aren't turned off by the comments of any opposition party.
01:21:08So if an opportunity is sufficiently attractive, a businessman will pursue it.
01:21:13My opinion, as to what happened here, is that Mr. Jindal or his group of companies would have had a sort of
01:21:22pretty fussy, to use illegal terminology, a pretty fussy look at the opportunity,
01:21:28and they didn't see that it was sufficiently attractive to them for economic reasons.
01:21:35This whole issue of the political climate in Trinidad and Tobago and the comments which were made by the opposition,
01:21:45and I think members of the media too, I don't think that really played a substantial role.
01:21:52Mr. Ramnarayan, doesn't the Prime Minister have a case because he spoke about Mr. Jindal pulling out of this arrangement here,
01:22:04or him looking or interested in investing in Trinidad and Tobago?
01:22:11The Prime Minister also spoke about the Sandals Project.
01:22:14You would remember some years ago, former Prime Minister Patrick Manning,
01:22:19at that time he was speaking about the aluminium smelter.
01:22:23Of course, there were environmental issues and so on.
01:22:26So in that context, does the Prime Minister have a case at all?
01:22:31Well, I think, you see, what happens, and I'm speaking from my experience as a minister in the Cabinet,
01:22:38what happens a lot of times is that there is an inadequacy of communication between the stakeholders,
01:22:47in this case, the government, and I was, I mean, prior to becoming a minister, I was involved in the consultations on Alutrin.
01:22:56And I was there on Ground Zero at Alutrin, and I could tell you a lot of what happened with Alutrin was as a result of inadequate communication with the communities.
01:23:07But coming back to the current situation, I think that ultimately a businessman looks at the economics and looks at the attractiveness of the opportunity.
01:23:19And if it's attractive enough, they will pursue it regardless of, you know, what people say.
01:23:24And, you know, I gave examples of companies that have done that all over the world.
01:23:29So I also think that the bigger question here is how the government has handled this refinery since 2018.
01:23:37You know, I was looking through the records last night, and this seems to be the third attempt by the government to divest or to lease or to get some third party operator to come and to operate this refinery.
01:23:53And thus far, I mean, if you look at the who's who in global refining, you know, the Exxons, the Hesses of the world, the Marathons of the world and so on,
01:24:06we are not attracting that level of company. What we are attracting, what we seem to be attracting, or what, you know, we have been hearing about those who might be interested are really, you know, people you never hear about.
01:24:18And I'm hoping that is not where we are heading again. With the latest exercise, which Mr. Jindal opted not to participate in, but which the Prime Minister says some announcement will be made in the near future,
01:24:32I believe, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Vishnu Dhanpal, now High Commissioner to London, is involved in that process.
01:24:41But I'm hoping that we end up with some entity that has the wherewithal, the financial wherewithal, the balance sheet, the technology, the expertise to restart the refinery.
01:24:53Having said that, you know, I was doing a little bit of back of the envelope economics last night on the refinery, and the refinery has been closed since 2018.
01:25:04And there would be, if you apply, you know, a straight line, if you apply a 20% depreciation over that period of time, that's six years now depreciation,
01:25:17the value of the refinery is obviously, you know, probably less than half of what it was in 2018.
01:25:25So a point is going to arrive where the candle is going to cost more than the funeral for the businessman or the business entity or the company wishing to invest in that refinery.
01:25:39And we are getting dangerously close to that point where the value of the refinery versus the money that is required to restart the refinery, don't make economic sense.
01:25:53I hope I'm getting that across to the population.
01:25:57So, you know, it's akin to having a vehicle which is worth $30,000.
01:26:03And the mechanics tell you that it will require $30,000 to repair it.
01:26:08Yeah, I think what you're saying, what do you do?
01:26:10I think what you're saying is that time is running out. But are you still optimistic?
01:26:15Time is running out, the window is closing on the country very rapidly.
01:26:20I always lament that, you know, two governments spent $1.6 billion US dollars to upgrade that refinery between 2006 and 2014.
01:26:32There are five new plants in the petrochrome refinery, there's an upgraded cat cracker, there is, you know, new labs and so on.
01:26:40And a lot of what is there in point of view was upgraded.
01:26:44That money clearly now has been lost. And I don't know if that depreciation, and I don't think it did, factored into that decision to close the refinery.
01:26:54So the other issue, which is now becoming a political issue is, you know, the efficacy or the wisdom of the closure of the refinery back in 2018.
01:27:04And that is not going away. I don't know if you realize, but the refinery was closed in 2018.
01:27:09And it's still a major topic in 2024. And it's going to continue to be an issue.
01:27:17The OWTU, as you know, was involved in the original attempt to get some entity, Patriotic Energies was the company.
01:27:27I believe they were chosen in 2019. And then they entered into negotiations with the government that didn't work out.
01:27:36So that remains very much an issue because, you know, it was a very strategic national asset.
01:27:44And, you know, the government has made a case for its closure on the basis of it losing money and so on.
01:27:50And if a business is losing money, there's a solution other than shutting it down.
01:27:55You could restructure it. You could, you know, many businesses have done that.
01:27:59But the reason the refinery was losing money was because of all the debt the refinery was carrying.
01:28:06And that debt was moving from the balance sheet into the profit and loss statement, you know, as is done in accounting.
01:28:15So what also concerns me is that we are in an increasingly unstable, volatile world in case anybody was living in a cave for the last couple of years.
01:28:28We have a war on the European continent for the first time since the Balkan Wars in the early 1990s.
01:28:36And we have, of course, conflict in the Middle East, which is escalating as we speak.
01:28:42We have what's happening in Venezuela next door.
01:28:45And we, Trinidad and Tobago, are vulnerable, very vulnerable, much more vulnerable today than we were in 2018 because we now import all our fuel.
01:28:56So should there be some sort of global conflagration? I don't want to use World War III.
01:29:01But should there be an escalation of global conflict?
01:29:04You know, you wonder, you know, you wonder about our energy security. You wonder about our food security.
01:29:10And these are things that I think policymakers should be concerned about.
01:29:14If it allow me, if we could, let's zero in a little bit on the developments over the past week or so concerning the elections in Venezuela.
01:29:25Of course, there is a bit of dispute over that.
01:29:30Of course, Nicolas Maduro, his party has claimed victory.
01:29:34The opposition is claiming victory there.
01:29:38Over the past few days, we have also seen protests.
01:29:41In light of all of that, what does this mean for Trinidad and Tobago and the deals that we are involved with in Venezuela?
01:29:50Very significant, because Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM have very deep relations, economic relations with Venezuela.
01:29:58There is the issue of migration to Trinidad and Tobago, which is, you know, again, pretty elusive.
01:30:05Everywhere you look in Trinidad, our social and economic landscape has changed in the last five or six years.
01:30:13What I think will happen is that we will get an influx of Venezuelan migrants into this country.
01:30:20I don't know to what extent that could be, you know, carried in Trinidad and Tobago, given I don't know the policymakers.
01:30:30I don't think national security apparatus is looking at it.
01:30:34But the president of Panama, who just came into office, he just became the president, is blocking, as we speak, is blocking something called the Darien Gap.
01:30:44And he's erecting fences.
01:30:47That is to stop the migration of Venezuelans from Colombia, because they go into Colombia and then they go to Panama and they continue going up to the United States.
01:30:57So he's blocking the Darien Gap.
01:30:59The flow of migrants across the U.S. southern border has fallen to, I think, a low that it has not seen in a couple of years,
01:31:08because the government in the U.S., the Biden administration, is now blocking the border or sealing the border.
01:31:14So with that, those avenues now cut off to Venezuelan migrants.
01:31:19There's more pressure on Trinidad and countries like Guyana and countries in the CARICOM.
01:31:24So CARICOM is, CARICOM should be considered.
01:31:28With regard to us, of course, you know, again, we signed two energy deals with Venezuela in the last seven or eight months.
01:31:36There was the December 2023 Dragon license.
01:31:39And then there was the July, I think it was July or June of this year, the Coquina Mannequin license.
01:31:46And, you know, there is a compelling case, I would say, as somebody who has been working on Venezuela and natural gas for the last 15 years prior to being minister.
01:31:59I was also part of working on, you know, Laura Amanity and so on in my private sector life.
01:32:05So there is a very compelling case.
01:32:07And, you know, it's estimated at 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in Venezuela, a lot of which sits on our doorstep.
01:32:15There is a compelling case for the government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Rowley administration, pursuing that gas.
01:32:21And I think that that is something that any government would want to pursue, given the fact that we have a shortage in Trinidad that's becoming worse and will become worse in the next two or three years.
01:32:33But we cannot, of course, you know, look away from the political crisis next door.
01:32:39And that factors into the probability of Dragon and the probability of Coquina Mannequin happening.
01:32:47Naturally, BP and Shell would be very concerned.
01:32:49They are both European companies. The EU, the United States, Canada now has commented, have now of all condemned the actions of the Maduro administration in the last eight or nine days.
01:33:05We've had concerns expressed from the elder statesman of Latin America, Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, you know, who I see as extremely influential in Latin America, probably the most powerful leader in Latin America.
01:33:20We've had Mexico express concerns. We've had Colombia, who is an ally of Maduro, express concerns.
01:33:27So the political risk associated with realizing Dragon and realizing Coquina Mannequin has clearly gone up.
01:33:35And the fact that we have two licenses, you know, which are binding agreements with the Venezuelan state really doesn't, really doesn't, you know, carry much water in terms of getting those projects to finality.
01:33:49But, you know, Mr. Ramnarayan, I think what we have also seen following the election results a few days ago was how uncomfortable some of our leaders in the Caribbean are still, still are.
01:34:09Because when they were asked, of course, yeah, some, some, some were willing to speak about the results. Some were not willing to speak about the results. They were adopting a wait and see approach.
01:34:19And of course, all of this happening and you cannot forget what the situation is between Venezuela and Guyana.
01:34:29And there's that. All right. So Venezuela has, of course, laid a claim, a historic claim to the Essequibo and there is a tension.
01:34:38And then, you know, there are Russian military assets in the region quite recently and Russia is an ally of Venezuela.
01:34:48So it, CARICOM is in a very, a very, a very ticklish position. So most of the CARICOM has adopted a neutral position. Trinidad and Tobago has adopted a, you know, we have no comment.
01:35:02I don't know if that's neutrality. Probably it is.
01:35:06The Rowley administration, of course, has, and you know, I'm putting myself in their shoes.
01:35:15They have to walk a very tightrope because those two licenses, those, those agreements with Venezuela are subject to OFAC, like overarching, you know, OFAC carve out licenses for two years.
01:35:28And those OFAC licenses expire, I think, in 2025 or 2026 around there. So you don't know.
01:35:35So the point is that, you know, these energy deals with Venezuela, Dragon and Coquina Mannequin, are still subject to many moving parts, the largest of which is, you know, how the geopolitics will play out.
01:35:47What is going to happen in Venezuela? We don't know.
01:35:50They are protesting Venezuela. The opposition is out in the street.
01:35:55Results are being published on international, the polling data is being analyzed by international media houses.
01:36:05It's showing that the opposition candidate, Mr. González, won the election. Edmundo González, Ruiter, he won the election.
01:36:14Maria Corina Machado is very much up and about on the streets of Venezuela.
01:36:20So you don't know what's going to happen in Venezuela.
01:36:24And therefore, that affects us in two ways. One, the energy deals are now subject to greater political risk.
01:36:31And two, of course, is the migrant issue, which, as I said, I'm hoping that our national security apparatus is aware of the likelihood of that spillover coming into Trinidad and Tobago.
01:36:44So political risk is really the biggest issue now with those projects.
01:36:50And BP and Shell, when they make decisions, they make decisions on the basis of their assessment of risk.
01:36:58Mariano Brown had a very good article yesterday in the newspaper about that, about how companies look at the whole spectrum of engineering risk, technical risk, economic risk, currency risk, political risk.
01:37:11So clearly, in making their decision or arriving at a decision, they would factor in what has been happening in Venezuela, which doesn't seem to be going away soon.
01:37:22And of course, there's an election in the United States, Marlon, in November.
01:37:28At least we forget that.
01:37:30And the likelihood of a Trump White House is always there because he's still ahead in the polls by one or two points.
01:37:38Yes.
01:37:39Which doesn't mean he's going to win, but there's that possibility and probability.
01:37:43Yes.
01:37:44Foreign Minister, Kevin Ramnarayan, it's always a pleasure speaking with you, sir.
01:37:47Thank you very much for your perspective this morning.
01:37:49Thank you very much.
01:37:50We appreciate it. Bye for now.
01:37:51It's time for a quick break.
01:37:52We are coming back with your calls.
01:37:53You're calling us on 623-1711.
01:37:55The extension, it's 1995.
01:37:59We're coming back, everybody.
01:38:08Forever and ever.
01:38:10Don't let nobody trick you.
01:38:14Blessings flowing over here like a fountain.
01:38:17Don't let nobody trick you.
01:38:21Hands up to the sky.
01:38:26Are you diabetic, pre-diabetic or at risk for diabetes?
01:38:30You need Berberine Plus by Aja Nutrition.
01:38:32Two doses a day keeps the blood sugar at bay.
01:38:35Cholesterol levels in check and your immune system strong.
01:38:38Made with ancient Ayurvedic ingredients, Berberine, Bitter Melon, and Bonobo Leaf,
01:38:43Berberine Plus is clinically proven to improve glucose metabolism,
01:38:47enhance insulin sensitivity, and slows glucose absorption in the gut.
01:38:52Berberine Plus, providing a natural path to a healthier you.
01:38:55Pick up a bottle today at Pennywise and all leading pharmacies nationwide.
01:39:00Make the right choice at Eyewear at CV Optical.
01:39:02Get complete single vision lenses with frames for $299.
01:39:05Single vision lenses with transition and designer frames $899.
01:39:08And get your progressive transitions with designer frames for $1499.
01:39:12At CV Optical, affordable eyewear for everyone.
01:39:32I can feel it in the air, in the air, in the air, in the air, in the air, in the air.
01:39:42You remember, who don't?
01:39:47Don't we remember?
01:39:48You remember the time?
01:39:50I'm alive and I love the game.
01:39:53You remember, who don't?
01:39:56Don't we remember?
01:39:57You remember the time?
01:39:59I'm alive and I love the game.
01:40:02You remember the time?
01:40:04Who don't?
01:40:05Don't we remember?
01:40:07Online here with this weirdo named Larry.
01:40:09I'm getting rid of him now.
01:40:22Let's take a selfie.
01:40:26It looking good boy.
01:40:28I'm posting it online.
01:40:32Hey.
01:40:33I thought you said you went to the beach with your parents.
01:40:36Who's you?
01:40:37It's me, Larry, from online.
01:41:03Sweet type of love.
01:41:04Sweet type of love.
01:41:06Don't give me that sweet type of love.
01:41:09Sweet type of love.
01:41:11Hold me, darling.
01:41:15All right.
01:41:16So welcome back, everyone.
01:41:17So we are taking your calls.
01:41:18You're calling us on 623-1711.
01:41:20The extension, it's 1995.
01:41:22Hiena, those two interviews that we had at the beginning of the program today, both the
01:41:29Minister and the Ministry of National Security, Keith Scotland, and also the Senior Superintendent
01:41:35of the Tobago Division, Officer Rod Hill-Cook, they made a number of serious statements earlier
01:41:44today.
01:41:45I don't know if you realize that, but they are both calling or I shouldn't say call,
01:41:53but they are both promising robust action.
01:41:57So for the situation in Tobago where we have been seeing this uptick in murders and criminal
01:42:03activities and so on, so you do have Officer Cook speaking about a more intensified sort
01:42:11of action by the police, and then you have Minister Scotland speaking about a more robust
01:42:17approach, right?
01:42:18So we do have San Juan on the line.
01:42:20Good morning, San Juan.
01:42:21A pleasant good morning, Marlon.
01:42:23How are you?
01:42:24I'm good, sir.
01:42:25All right.
01:42:26Thank you for having me this morning.
01:42:27What I would say in connection with Venezuela and the migrant influx in Tobago, let me tell
01:42:35you something, Marlon.
01:42:36It doesn't matter what happens in Venezuela.
01:42:38What happens is while we move our security so that we would be able to avoid these things
01:42:45from happening, those relevant in authority do not want to do that.
01:42:50That's why it is not being done.
01:42:53You see, if the government wants something to be done from a national security perspective,
01:42:58it will be done.
01:42:59So when we see all these things taking place from the national security apparatus, really
01:43:04and truly, those at the top not doing what they're supposed to be doing because they
01:43:08have been instructed to not do certain things, right, because it would benefit and facilitate
01:43:15those relevant in authority at the top for a certain level of crime to take place at
01:43:20bottom.
01:43:21Do you understand what I'm saying?
01:43:23Marlon, for Venezuela to be influxed in Tobago, right, that could be stopped.
01:43:30A lot of things are going on right now in the country could be stopped.
01:43:35Marlon, I'll tell you this also.
01:43:39Jindal would have been less than willing to come forward with investments now.
01:43:48This is not a matter deep down inside.
01:43:50This is not a matter of him not only willing to come.
01:43:54This is a matter that Rowley has been blocked from money coming into his pocket.
01:43:58All right.
01:43:59Okay.
01:44:00All right.
01:44:01No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
01:44:02So I can't allow that.
01:44:04All right.
01:44:06Please, let's be very responsible in our contributions.
01:44:12All right.
01:44:13So you're calling us on 623-1711.
01:44:16The extension, it's 1995.
01:44:19So PM's warning to outsiders, Rowley, don't try to change government in Venezuela by force.
01:44:24Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has weighed in on the recent election in Venezuela,
01:44:28saying that outsiders who attempt to forcibly change the government of the South American nation
01:44:33are only asking for trouble.
01:44:36You're calling us on 623-1711.
01:44:38The extension, it's 1995.
01:44:42And Francis sees role for U.N. in Venezuela crisis.
01:44:45President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dennis Francis says,
01:44:50there is always hope for resolution and dialogue among states,
01:44:54even despite incidences of unrest within the Caribbean.
01:44:58Faizabad is on the line.
01:44:59Good morning, Faizabad.
01:45:00Good morning, Marlon.
01:45:01Good morning to the individuals.
01:45:03Morning.
01:45:04Marlon, this smokescreen that the prime minister continues to create
01:45:09by blaming the opposition for Mr. Jindal's position.
01:45:15I can't see that at all.
01:45:17Because let me explain something to you.
01:45:19As Kevin rightly said, Mr. Ram Narayan said this.
01:45:23You know, if people want to invest their money, they go invest their money.
01:45:26A capitalist is a capitalist and will always be a capitalist.
01:45:30And by the very nature of the man, he is a capitalist.
01:45:35The other thing is that, you know, the prime minister is saying that,
01:45:40but if it was supposed to go on a bidding process,
01:45:43how then he could say that they run Jindal from investing $700 million?
01:45:51Is it to say that Jindal was guaranteed the refinery?
01:45:56Because if you have a bidding process, you don't know what the figures would be.
01:46:02You follow what I'm saying, Marlon?
01:46:04I'm listening.
01:46:05So, you know, Delcy was here.
01:46:07The prime minister was unaware of that report capacity.
01:46:11Mr. Jindal was here.
01:46:14Mr. Jindal was in Venezuela.
01:46:17The opposition role is to police the king, Marlon,
01:46:21and that is what they are doing quite effectively.
01:46:25All right.
01:46:26Thank you very much.
01:46:27Speaking on Saturday at the Diego Martin West 51st constituency conference,
01:46:32Dr. Keith Rowley said he received a letter from Jindal on July 26th
01:46:36informing him of the decision to no longer pursue putting in a bid
01:46:40for the mothballed Guaracara refinery.
01:46:43Rowley said the opposition's personal attacks against Jindal
01:46:46were the major reason for his company changing its mind
01:46:49about investing in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:46:52He said this was the sandals project all over again.
01:46:55Jindal had visited Trinidad and Tobago in June and met with Rowley.
01:47:01Gasparillo, good morning.
01:47:03Good morning to Marlon.
01:47:04Good morning.
01:47:06Marlon, you and I would have grown up with information concerning CIA.
01:47:13Concerning who?
01:47:15The CIA.
01:47:16CIA. All right. Okay.
01:47:19So in Trinidad here,
01:47:21we keep on hearing about intelligence-driven policies.
01:47:29Why can't we follow a pattern of taking the intelligence
01:47:33and acting immediately on it?
01:47:37Over the past year,
01:47:39I'm getting fed up of hearing intelligence-driven policies.
01:47:47All right. Is that a contribution, sir?
01:47:49He's gone.
01:47:50All right. How much time do we have again, studio?
01:47:53All right. We have room for one more call, one or two.
01:47:57All right. How long the contributions are.
01:47:59All right. So you're calling us on 63-17-11.
01:48:01The extension, it's 1995.
01:48:03So you can please call us now.
01:48:05The oil fields,
01:48:06Workers Trade Union is calling for a board of directors to be installed at TNTAC.
01:48:11OWTU President General Ansel Roger said the commission has been without a board
01:48:16for the past three months.
01:48:18The union also demonstrated a symbolic burning of photos of line minister Marvin Gonzalez,
01:48:24Energy Minister Stewart Young,
01:48:26Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley,
01:48:28and Fitzgerald Hines outside of TNTAC's head office in Mount Hope.
01:48:33MOVA is on the line. Good morning, MOVA.
01:48:35Good morning, Marlon.
01:48:36Marlon, you will remember that when the union won the bid, right?
01:48:40It was a payment of 700 million U.S. a note,
01:48:44the same amount that Jindal proposed, right?
01:48:47But the prime minister has proposed. People are forgetting that.
01:48:49So how come that the union proposed had that pulse?
01:48:52And when they won the bid, the prime minister ended up turning them down later on.
01:48:55Right? How he had explained that.
01:48:57And the problem that the prime minister is not talking about,
01:48:59what caused the problem with Jindal,
01:49:01is that there's a bidding process that has really taken place and closed,
01:49:05and the procurement legislation rules.
01:49:07The prime minister is supposed to comply to the procurement legislation
01:49:11and not break it and compromise the situation.
01:49:14So that's what he had to console himself with,
01:49:16what everybody was talking about,
01:49:17and also the issues with Jindal, gentlemen from India, have.
01:49:21Thank you very much.
01:49:22All right. Here's what, eh?
01:49:24Let's not mix up the thing and payload the thing and callaloo the thing, eh?
01:49:29The thing is that the gentleman had expressed interest in investing in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:49:37I don't know that it is fact that the refinery was given to the gentleman
01:49:46or preferential treatment would have been given to the gentleman.
01:49:50Right? It was for, how do I say it?
01:49:56It was an offer that the government was considering.
01:50:02All right?
01:50:03So I don't know it is safe to say that the plant had been handed over to the government,
01:50:10because I think that's what some people are intimating this morning.
01:50:13All right. Let's take our last call. Shagwanas.
01:50:16Good morning, Marlon.
01:50:18Morning, sir.
01:50:19Marlon, is this not part of the program where you say have your say?
01:50:24Go ahead.
01:50:25But if it is that somebody is having their say, Marlon,
01:50:28and you may not necessarily agree with something, what right is it to call out the person?
01:50:33Because all of us have the responsibility to be responsible.
01:50:38And I agree with you, Marlon.
01:50:40Yes?
01:50:41But if it is somebody has something to say, right, and it is their opinion,
01:50:44is that not have your say? There are no options.
01:50:47Yes, but having your say doesn't mean that what you are saying is truthful or is accurate
01:50:54or there is evidence to prove what you are saying.
01:50:59That's all I'm saying.
01:51:01You know?
01:51:02You know, some people may say, well, an individual needs to be respectful.
01:51:07It's not about that only, you know.
01:51:09You need to be accurate.
01:51:11You need to have evidence.
01:51:13I mean, every media house in Trinidad and Tobago,
01:51:17they are governed by rules that have been set down, you know.
01:51:21And I don't want to put myself in a situation where they're going to have to take me to court
01:51:26or take the media house to court because of what we broadcast here that may be,
01:51:32that doesn't, it may be not factual.
01:51:36Yeah?
01:51:37So I have to be responsible.
01:51:39Media houses need to be responsible.
01:51:42And everyone needs to be responsible.
01:51:44Yes, you can have your say, but you can't be irresponsible.
01:51:47And that is all I've asked people to do.
01:51:50Yeah?
01:51:51We're going to have a break, everybody.
01:51:52We're coming back.
01:51:54Are you ready for it?
01:51:56Are you ready, ready?
01:51:58Are you ready for it?
01:52:00Don't hold back.
01:52:02Fight it out.
01:52:03Ride it.
01:52:04Run to the back.
01:52:12Welcome to Holiday Inn Express.
01:52:15Do enjoy your stay, sir.
01:52:17Thank you.
01:52:19Do you want some coffee?
01:52:21Do you want some coffee?
01:52:25Can I have the book?
01:52:30Perfect then.
01:52:35That's exactly what we need.
01:52:38Honey, look who is this week.
01:52:42Whatever you're here for, we're here for you.
01:52:45Stay smart at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites.
01:52:52Holiday Inn Express
01:52:56Cleanse and exfoliate in one gesture with new Garnier Micellar Gentle Peeling Water.
01:53:00Glycolic acid.
01:53:01Cleanse, remove makeup and exfoliate gently.
01:53:04Clinically proven to even skin tone and reduce pores.
01:53:06Get baby smooth skin with new Micellar Gentle Peeling Water by Garnier.
01:53:10Naturally.
01:53:11The number one digital news publication in TNT.
01:53:14The Trinidad Express e-paper gives you more ways to subscribe.
01:53:19Whatever your style, we've got you covered.
01:53:21Call.
01:53:22Email.
01:53:23Download the Trinidad Express app for Apple or Android.
01:53:26Or visit digital.trinidadexpress.com and begin your journey into the enhanced e-paper experience.
01:53:33Enjoy bonus pictures and videos with select stories.
01:53:36Get articles translated into 11 languages.
01:53:39Use the convenient voice reader function when you're on the move.
01:53:42Set up customized alerts and never miss a story with access to past editions at your fingertips.
01:53:47The Trinidad Express e-paper gives you more ways to subscribe.
01:53:51Sign up today for a free 90-day trial.
01:54:05No, son, no!
01:54:13No!
01:54:14June, look!
01:54:16Please.
01:54:17No!
01:54:43You must practice hard at all costs.
01:54:45It's why you win at the other slots.
01:54:47Profit!
01:54:48We profit!
01:54:50Well, listen, thank you to all of our guests this morning.
01:54:53Studio, your music a little too high, eh?
01:54:55All right?
01:54:56So, have a good day, everybody.
01:54:58See you right back here tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock.
01:55:00Bye for now.
01:55:01Montreal, gold medal.
01:55:05Montreal, we say go.
01:55:09The fastest human in the whole wide world.
01:55:16The fastest human in the whole wide world.
Be the first to comment
Add your comment