- 10 months ago
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00:00:00All right, everybody, so welcome back.
00:00:15So before we move on to our next interview in the Daily Express today, UNC Skip's EBC
00:00:21Dry Run party yet to pick all its candidates.
00:00:24So while the PNM candidates will be taking part in today's preliminary examination by
00:00:29the Elections and Boundaries Commission, the UNC's candidates will not be presenting themselves.
00:00:34The examination of nomination papers takes place at the offices of the respective returning
00:00:39officers.
00:00:40The preliminary examination is, however, not mandatory.
00:00:44All right, so we do have on the line this morning, we do have incumbent MP for Tavakit,
00:00:50Anita Haynes.
00:00:51Elaine, MP, good morning.
00:00:52Thank you very much for joining us.
00:00:54Good morning.
00:00:55Thank you so much for having me.
00:00:57Yes.
00:00:58I suspect your constituents would want to know, I know that you have been screened already,
00:01:06but has a decision been taken yet as to whether you are going to be seeking another term as
00:01:14MP for Tavakit?
00:01:17Well, you're right, I did take part in the screening process.
00:01:21I am still awaiting the decision of the party.
00:01:24No one has contacted me yet, so I'm awaiting the decision of the party in terms of being
00:01:28selected to run for the constituency of Tavakit.
00:01:31All right.
00:01:32MP, we just have a few weeks again before the April 28th general election.
00:01:40What are the issues for you in this run-up to the elections?
00:01:47You know, I have focused my political career on trying to improve representation across
00:01:54the board for the constituents of Tavakit.
00:01:56So my contributions in Parliament, my requests to the media, everything that I've done has
00:02:02been to try to improve the infrastructural landscape in the constituency.
00:02:07I have also tried to bring, you know, more programs into the rural community so that
00:02:12we have opportunities available to constituents and, you know, ensuring that rural development
00:02:18is a crucial part of national development.
00:02:21And I think it's important that that would be continued because it is critical for us
00:02:27as a constituency to ensure that the representation is able to continue across the board.
00:02:34Yeah.
00:02:36How successful do you think you have been when it comes to rural development in Tavakit?
00:02:42You know, we have gotten our name on the map.
00:02:47Certainly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is when I took office, the constituency of
00:02:53Tavakit was an essential part of that Namdevco food drive with the Greenhampers.
00:03:00We were able to be part and parcel of feeding the nation during that critical time.
00:03:05We've also seen, you know, the reopening of the Brasco Police Station.
00:03:08We have seen increased numbers of school transportation buses coming into the constituency.
00:03:14We've seen some land slip repair, some road repair.
00:03:18But as much work that has been done, there's still so much more to do.
00:03:22Yeah.
00:03:23So, again, in these weeks here before the general election, what is your message to
00:03:33your constituents in Tavakit?
00:03:35Well, to my constituents in Tavakit, as well as to the wider national public,
00:03:40in this general election timeframe, I think it's really important that
00:03:44citizens pay attention to the issues.
00:03:47It is critical that we listen to what is being offered,
00:03:51that we understand whether or not workable situations have been proffered to us as citizens.
00:03:57I mean, I have always attempted to practice my political life in a way to ensure that
00:04:03citizens understand the issues facing us and understand what solutions I am offering.
00:04:08And so it is my real, you know, sincere hope that the election season, short as it may be,
00:04:15be issue-focused and solution-based.
00:04:17Yeah.
00:04:18What have your constituents been telling you as you meet and greet with them?
00:04:22I mean, you know, we are anxiously awaiting the announcement of candidacy, certainly.
00:04:29But we are also equally, I think, focused on how do we get through the election season
00:04:37and continue the work that was done, that has been done before.
00:04:41So, you know, when we go out into the communities, people are, you know,
00:04:45stating that we have this in train, we have these community action programs in train.
00:04:51And that's, you know, one of the reasons, Marvin, that I've always advocated for fixed election dates,
00:04:56because it allows places to prepare, communities to prepare,
00:05:00because you know the election will come on this specific date.
00:05:03You know, when you are able to draw an election from your back pocket,
00:05:06it creates a certain level of, okay, well, what happens next after the election season?
00:05:13Yeah.
00:05:14And I know that during your time as MP, you had a great interest as it relates to education.
00:05:25On several occasions, we did discuss the education system and your concerns about education.
00:05:35Again, as we look at the run-up to the general election here,
00:05:40any issues in education, any niggling challenges you think that we're still facing as it relates to education in Trinidad and Tobago?
00:05:50Of course, a few days ago, the Prime Minister, Stuart Young,
00:05:55he met with various leaders to discuss the issue of education.
00:06:01You think that he has gotten off on the right foot there?
00:06:05Well, I think consultation is always important.
00:06:08And you have to consult before you make any next move.
00:06:11But, you know, what's very interesting is that while we are consumed with the election season,
00:06:16SEA will fall during this time, you know.
00:06:20So we have our standard five students preparing for their examination.
00:06:25We have as well, you know, parents who may be paying attention to the political landscape,
00:06:33but also equally thinking about how to properly prepare the students for the SEA.
00:06:38And so I think, you know, as we go through, my mind is on certainly the SEA students,
00:06:45on the discussions we've had around the SEA exam and the pressures that it puts on students.
00:06:50And I hope that that also forms a part of the campaigning season as we discuss
00:06:57what is the best way forward to assess our students ahead of a secondary school experience.
00:07:03Are we optimising the education sector so that more persons are equipped for success,
00:07:09that more persons are able to equitably participate in the education sector?
00:07:14And I think, again, those things ought to form part of the election campaign,
00:07:18certainly because parents will be paying attention,
00:07:21because the SEA is, you know, front and centre during the election season as well.
00:07:26How well do you think that the school curriculum has benefited us in Trinidad and Tobago?
00:07:33Because I think that there could be the argument that while there are a number of programmes in place,
00:07:41but in some cases it is still being seen as discriminatory.
00:07:46In some cases it is being seen that a number of persons are still falling through the cracks.
00:07:53Is there then need for a review of the school curriculum, you think?
00:07:57Absolutely. There's an absolute need for a review of the school curriculum.
00:08:02And there's an absolute need for an ongoing review.
00:08:05I mean, I've raised as Shadow Education, particularly in my private member's day in Parliament,
00:08:11the question of whether or not the curriculum will be creating persons coming out of the school system
00:08:18who are equipped for the world of work that they are meeting.
00:08:22When you are focused on an antiquated education system,
00:08:27as opposed to creating persons who can function in an increasingly digital and technological world,
00:08:34you know, we are not allowing our students the best chance at the best.
00:08:38And so what we've been seeing are persons are coming out very well-educated,
00:08:42even at the patient level, and unable to find employment.
00:08:46And, you know, we see an employment rate in terms of young adults that is abysmally low.
00:08:52I've also encouraged as well the need for a more targeted approach.
00:08:57So while you are within the school system, we do the necessary assessment
00:09:01so that we can tailor the education experience to the student,
00:09:05as opposed to just trying to make a one-size-fits-all.
00:09:09Yeah. I want to return a little bit to your constituency.
00:09:15What does the constituency of Taberkeet,
00:09:21what can Taberkeet offer to the wider Trinidad and Tobago public?
00:09:27And earlier you used the word optimizing.
00:09:31And I want to ask it in this context.
00:09:33You feel that the potential of communities such as Taberkeet, rural communities,
00:09:41you think that we have optimized the resources enough, the opportunities enough?
00:09:48When we speak about rural communities, we usually speak about a lot of land, fertile land.
00:09:53And, of course, there are opportunities for such as agriculture and so on.
00:09:58And there are skilled people in the community when it comes to agriculture and other types of skills.
00:10:04So have we optimized, you think, communities such as Taberkeet enough?
00:10:09No, I don't think so.
00:10:11You know, I referenced that we were the food basket of the Trinidad and Tobago agriculture community.
00:10:18Within the constituency of Taberkeet encompasses not just the village of Taberkeet or that community,
00:10:24but we have Montserrat cocoa farmers, we have farmers in Tortuga,
00:10:28we have Gasparillo in the Lightbourne area.
00:10:31So there are a number of foods who can show us how resilient our agriculture sector can be.
00:10:37And it is about bringing these voices on board to ensure that they are also participating in the conversation.
00:10:44Because, like I said, you know, with little to no intervention, they have been able to do remarkable things.
00:10:51And, you know, in my advocacy, they are requesting simple things like changes from our wooden bridge to a more sturdy structure,
00:10:59as is the case with the Baptist farmers.
00:11:02But they can bring so much in the table in terms of innovation, how they've managed the terrain,
00:11:08how they've managed to create, you know, the amount of crops that they are bringing to the table.
00:11:14And I think that we can bring that within the developmental sector.
00:11:18There's also the space for ecotourism.
00:11:21The hills of Tortuga, which includes Our Lady of Montserrat Church, which is the oldest church in Trinidad.
00:11:29And, you know, these are spaces, picturesque, gorgeous spaces that can be brought into the national development.
00:11:36When you look at Flanagan Town, Lhasa Town, there are spaces that can be utilized to show the beauty of Trinidad,
00:11:46beyond the sun, sea, and sand tourism.
00:11:49And so, you know, I have been in conversation with the Minister of Tourism.
00:11:54We have been in conversation with the Minister of Agriculture to say,
00:11:58let us move away from just thinking about what the government can do in terms of subsidies, et cetera,
00:12:06but let us optimize our investment and ensure that the constituency, the communities,
00:12:11are contributing to national development in a meaningful way.
00:12:16Why are you the best candidate to represent Tabakit in the next general election?
00:12:24You know, I am fully invested in my community.
00:12:28I have immersed myself in the constituency.
00:12:33Their issues are my issues.
00:12:35When we go on community walks, when we do our visits, it is not just a cursory meeting.
00:12:42I am fully invested in my community.
00:12:44And I think that brings a real difference to the representation because I am not divorced from the community.
00:12:51And so, I think that I am able to do work with a level of passion and commitment that would be unique.
00:12:58So, I believe that is why I am really equipped to represent the constituency of Tabakit.
00:13:04What does the next few days look like, the next few weeks look like, with your campaign?
00:13:12You know, we await the decision of the political party.
00:13:17But in the meanwhile, the work continues.
00:13:19My constituency executive has continued doing the work that we are mandated to do.
00:13:25We are still in touch with community groups.
00:13:28You know, we will also face the Easter season, which is our number four day, et cetera.
00:13:33So, we do have a lot of activities going on.
00:13:36And so, we want to keep our communities close and ensure that we remain engaged.
00:13:40Yeah. MP, any final comments?
00:13:42You know, again, I just want to urge citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to pay very close attention in this election campaign.
00:13:50Our country depends on us making a very informed decision.
00:13:54Yeah. MP, it is always a pleasure speaking with you and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
00:13:59Thank you very much.
00:14:00Bye for now.
00:14:01All right, everybody. We are going to a very short break. We are coming back.
00:14:11My friend, if you don't want democracy, opposition is guerrilla activity.
00:14:21If you don't want democratic improvement, you have to want a revolutionist government.
00:14:29And yet, when Gilead went in the hills with Jennifer Jones, you let them get killed.
00:14:37All you're doing is owning a skyrocket.
00:14:40You come like the ass in the lion's skin.
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00:15:19The following is a paid political advertisement.
00:15:24The UNC will deliver 50,000 new jobs when we form the government.
00:15:28The UNC will stop the P&M property tax.
00:15:31The UNC will deliver laptops and tablets to our children in school.
00:15:35Tell them the UNC will reduce food prices.
00:15:38Tell them that the UNC will deliver on reducing murders and solving crime.
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00:15:55That was a paid political advertisement.
00:16:31So you have big plans for the year, eh?
00:16:49A trip in July, birthday in November, and fete after fete this carnival.
00:16:55But you know where to stop plans?
00:16:58A $22,500 fine.
00:17:02You know what else could really stop your plans?
00:17:06Five years imprisonment and suspension on your license for three years.
00:17:11Don't drink and drive.
00:17:28Alright, everybody.
00:17:56So welcome back.
00:17:57Just incidentally, before we move on to the interview,
00:18:01Attorney General Camille Robinson-Ragy says
00:18:03she's reviewing the decision of the Privy Council
00:18:05in the matter of former Chief Magistrate Marcia Cesar's lawsuit
00:18:08against the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
00:18:12Alright, so again, we're moving on.
00:18:15So we are discussing now the Global Climate Change Alliance.
00:18:18And we do have on the line this morning,
00:18:21Head of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements,
00:18:23Ministry of Planning and Development,
00:18:25Mr. Kishan Kumar Singh.
00:18:27Mr. Kumar Singh, thank you very much for joining us this morning.
00:18:29We do appreciate it.
00:18:31Thank you very much and good morning to you and your viewers.
00:18:35Yes, so Mr. Kumar Singh, let's get right into it
00:18:38and speak a little bit about the Global Climate Change Alliance.
00:18:43Okay, so the Global Climate Change Alliance,
00:18:46which is now the Global Climate Change Alliance,
00:18:49is a European Union initiative
00:18:53that aims to assist vulnerable countries in particular,
00:18:57particularly the climate change,
00:18:59but more so to assist them in achieving their commitment
00:19:03under the Paris Agreement.
00:19:05As you know, every country has to submit a commitment
00:19:09to the Paris Agreement of their intention and targets
00:19:12to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
00:19:17to achieve the global temperature goal of the Paris Agreement.
00:19:21In particular, the EU initiative really helps
00:19:25mainly small island developing states
00:19:27and inter-developed countries,
00:19:29including to increase their climate resilience.
00:19:33So the EU takes this to be a process as well.
00:19:37Suppose this group of countries
00:19:39in implementing their commitments as well
00:19:41are at this presently funding two projects in Sudan and Tobago.
00:19:45One has the construction of a ground-mounted
00:19:48500 kilowatt solar park at Tiapu,
00:19:51which has been completed and operational,
00:19:54and as well a project managed by UNEP
00:20:00that focuses on small-scale roof-mounted solar installations
00:20:05and providing technical assistance to the government,
00:20:08increasing the enabling environment for renewable energy
00:20:13as well as raising public awareness on renewable energy.
00:20:17That is the seminar.
00:20:19Yeah, let's speak a little bit about the benefits
00:20:21to the various stakeholders.
00:20:24Okay, so primarily the...
00:20:27Well, let's start with the first one.
00:20:28The ground-mounted 500 kilowatt solar park at Tiapu
00:20:32powers about 4% of the airport's electricity needs.
00:20:37And since its commissioning in February of 2024,
00:20:43it has realized the savings of about 428,000 kilograms
00:20:50of carbon dioxide, or 428 tons of carbon dioxide.
00:20:56Additionally, the roof-mounted component,
00:21:01which is managed by the UNDP,
00:21:04aims to also provide renewable energy capacity
00:21:08to installations that have not previously had electricity supply.
00:21:14What it does as well is not only augments the electricity consumption
00:21:19through renewable energy sources,
00:21:20but it provides an avenue as a demonstrator
00:21:25of the utility of renewable energy,
00:21:29the value in which renewable energy can now be employed
00:21:35to reduce emissions to maintain our trajectory
00:21:39to achieving the commitments under the Paris Agreement.
00:21:42And I think the most important value here really
00:21:46is the demonstration value,
00:21:49because there seems to be some, you know,
00:21:52competition of the value of renewable energy.
00:21:55Can it work? Does it work?
00:21:57Can it work without some, you know,
00:22:00with one big solution, you know,
00:22:01we have example that's in the absence of that.
00:22:06So I think that the value here is not only providing
00:22:09this to those installations that did not have electricity prior,
00:22:14but also to augment what they have to allow for savings.
00:22:21And as well, you know,
00:22:23how we address the true cost of electricity
00:22:27and maintaining a trajectory to increasing
00:22:31renewable energy capacity in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:22:33But you think in Trinidad and Tobago that we are warming up
00:22:38to this concept of climate change
00:22:42and the challenges that face us,
00:22:45and that we in Trinidad and Tobago,
00:22:48that our culture is changing,
00:22:50that we want to contribute to a greener environment,
00:22:55a safer environment, an environment that is,
00:23:00let's say, less toxic.
00:23:03You think that we in Trinidad and Tobago,
00:23:06we are embracing this sort of change?
00:23:10Well, I like your analogy of warming up.
00:23:13If we are not psychologically warming up
00:23:15to the idea of climate change,
00:23:17we are literally warming up to climate change
00:23:20because the ecological records have shown,
00:23:22not only globally, but in Trinidad and Tobago,
00:23:24that the ambient temperature has increased
00:23:26over the past few decades.
00:23:28And with that have come changes in the climate.
00:23:31So essentially, whether we warm up psychologically
00:23:35or literally, we will have no choice
00:23:39but to either adapt to the impacts of climate change
00:23:44if we don't want to contribute to the solution.
00:23:48There is a cost to inaction,
00:23:51and that cost will increase over time.
00:23:54But I think, by and large,
00:23:57there is increasing awareness of the need
00:24:01to contribute to the global effort to reduce emissions
00:24:04because small island developing states,
00:24:06like Trinidad and Tobago,
00:24:08bear a disproportionate impact of the impacts of climate change.
00:24:13Based on their historical emissions.
00:24:16What the Paris Agreement says and allows for now
00:24:19is that no matter how little you contribute to the problem,
00:24:23you do have a responsibility to contribute to the solution.
00:24:27So that if we don't act in concert
00:24:33with the rest of the public group,
00:24:35then we stand to lose a disproportionate amount of amenities
00:24:40and the impacts of climate change will be disproportionate
00:24:43on things like agriculture, food production, food security,
00:24:47health impacts, and so on and so forth.
00:24:51So I think, over time,
00:24:54I've been in this work for the past few decades,
00:24:59and if I compare 30 years before and 30 years now,
00:25:06there has been an increase in awareness,
00:25:09in understanding, and in education
00:25:12regarding this need to address climate change.
00:25:15Not only from an adaptation perspective
00:25:18of coping with the impacts of climate change,
00:25:20but also the need to reduce emissions
00:25:23and to embark on a century of green energy,
00:25:29of green economic growth,
00:25:31and sustainable development broadly.
00:25:33I'm sure that you would admit that a lot more work needs to be done
00:25:36in Trinidad and Tobago,
00:25:38but for persons who are looking at us right now,
00:25:41they may be wondering,
00:25:42well, what can I do as an individual?
00:25:47Well, as an individual,
00:25:49I mean, there are several things that you can do.
00:25:52It may not only come from electricity,
00:25:56but it comes from transportation,
00:25:57it comes from waste generation,
00:25:59it comes from industry.
00:26:01One of the primary things that, as an individual,
00:26:04you can do is really increase your energy efficiency,
00:26:08changing the life of the more energy-efficient models,
00:26:13saving electricity.
00:26:16If you can afford it,
00:26:18then you can invest in an electric vehicle,
00:26:21which reduces emissions from transportation.
00:26:25But not only does the individual have a responsibility,
00:26:29but the state also has a responsibility
00:26:31in ensuring that the enabling environment
00:26:33that can facilitate individual action
00:26:36is also put in place.
00:26:39And the GCPA Plus also aims to do that.
00:26:42So it has provided technical assistance to the government,
00:26:47primarily the development of an energy efficiency
00:26:53and renewable energy policy,
00:26:55as well as speed and tariff policy.
00:26:57And what does that mean?
00:26:58A speed and tariff policy, really,
00:27:00would allow citizens to mount renewable energy installations,
00:27:05such as solar panels on their roof,
00:27:08and be compensated for the energy that they produce,
00:27:13which can then be fed onto the natural grid
00:27:15to provide electricity for all.
00:27:18So, you know, there is a responsibility.
00:27:23There is a synergistic and symbiotic relationship
00:27:27where the state has to provide the enabling environment
00:27:31to facilitate individual action.
00:27:33The speed and tariff policy is one of those.
00:27:36And what the GCPA Plus did
00:27:39was support the diminution of energy and energy industries
00:27:43with the development of a speed and tariff implementation plan,
00:27:46as well as a renewable energy policy
00:27:48and associated action plan.
00:27:50And those plans have been handed over
00:27:52to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries
00:27:55and they are ready to move forward with it.
00:27:59Yeah, but why are these policies so crucial
00:28:02at this stage of the game?
00:28:07But, like I said,
00:28:08the enabling environment is particularly important.
00:28:10So we need to have the policy framework.
00:28:14We need to have the legislative framework
00:28:16to make action.
00:28:18We have to have the institutional framework
00:28:21where the institutional capacity
00:28:23to implement the plans and policies.
00:28:26And we have to have the administrative framework
00:28:28to allow for the administering of these policies,
00:28:32which is what I refer to as the enabling environment.
00:28:35And we often say that, you know,
00:28:37we need money and we need finance to do these things.
00:28:40But if we do not have the right enabling environment
00:28:43to facilitate action,
00:28:45that would make it legal and policy-based,
00:28:47then no amount of money that you get
00:28:49is going to help you.
00:28:50So that is why it is critically important
00:28:52that this enabling environment is not put in place
00:28:54as soon as possible.
00:28:56And I think we are probably behind the game already.
00:28:59It is critically important now
00:29:02that as fast as possible,
00:29:04this framework is put in place.
00:29:06That will facilitate not only individual action,
00:29:09as I said,
00:29:10but also facilitate access to financing
00:29:14and access to investment in renewable
00:29:17and green and clean technology
00:29:19that goes with addressing climate change.
00:29:22So that is particularly why it is important
00:29:25for us to have that in place at the moment.
00:29:29Yeah.
00:29:30So I know that you all have embarked
00:29:32on a public education drive.
00:29:34What is the overarching message
00:29:38that you want to relay to members of the public here?
00:29:43The overarching message is that climate change
00:29:47is not a myth.
00:29:51It is real.
00:29:52It is here.
00:29:53It is now.
00:29:54It is getting worse.
00:29:56And every individual, every country
00:29:59has to do something to contribute to the solution.
00:30:03And therefore, greater individual responsibility,
00:30:06greater state responsibility
00:30:08is now required
00:30:11to expect the changes that are necessary
00:30:14that will bring about sustained growth,
00:30:16sustained economic growth,
00:30:18that will bring about sustainable development,
00:30:22looking at things like energy security,
00:30:26looking at food security.
00:30:29Because climate change really does pose
00:30:34an additional risk to sustainable development.
00:30:38And with that risk comes a cost.
00:30:40So integrating climate change
00:30:42into national development is critically important.
00:30:45And therefore, the support of everyone,
00:30:48of every individual and every government uniquely,
00:30:51is critically important.
00:30:53So what is required to be whole of the psyche of food?
00:30:56Because there is no super entity
00:30:58that can, you know, time and proof
00:31:01the country or the world.
00:31:03And for us in Toronto and Tobago,
00:31:05that holistic and whole of the psyche of food
00:31:08is critically important,
00:31:10where everyone needs to have that buy-in.
00:31:12And part of the public awareness and education,
00:31:16and I stress on education,
00:31:18because climate change is no longer a belief system.
00:31:21You know, some people say,
00:31:22well, I believe it is happening.
00:31:23I believe it is not happening.
00:31:25The scientific evidence is clear.
00:31:27It is present.
00:31:28And it provides the evidence
00:31:30that suggests that climate change
00:31:33is a clear and present danger to our own existence.
00:31:38In fact, it is widely accepted
00:31:40that climate change poses an existential threat
00:31:43to small island developing states.
00:31:46So, you know, it's one of those things
00:31:48that is not in your field.
00:31:50If I were to, you know,
00:31:52draw an analogy on human health,
00:31:55it's like China's pressure.
00:31:57It's there. It's slow.
00:32:00It doesn't give you immediate discomfort.
00:32:03But in the long term,
00:32:05it manifests itself in life-threatening symptoms.
00:32:08Similarly, climate change is one of those things
00:32:11where you have a slow but sure impact
00:32:15that in the long term will manifest itself
00:32:18in really bad ways.
00:32:19Yeah.
00:32:20Are there any other projects
00:32:22that the ministry is working on right now,
00:32:26re-climate change?
00:32:28Yes.
00:32:30Critically important, as I said,
00:32:32is we are working on creating that enabling environment
00:32:36to facilitate climate action,
00:32:38to facilitate investment in climate action.
00:32:41So, because we are oil and gas
00:32:44and petrochemical-based economy,
00:32:49some of the things that will impact
00:32:51on that kind of economic growth
00:32:55include the European Union
00:32:58carbon border adjustment measures, for example,
00:33:01and the UK carbon border adjustment measures,
00:33:04which will be taxing goods
00:33:08that are proportionate in their carbon intensity.
00:33:13We are the second or third largest exporter of fertilizers
00:33:17to the European Union,
00:33:19and we use natural gas as a peak tox
00:33:22in the development of ammonia
00:33:25and fertilizers, for example.
00:33:27So, those exports will be taxed
00:33:31based on the carbon content of their value chains.
00:33:35The same for the UK carbon border adjustment measures as well.
00:33:38Yes.
00:33:39So, what the ministry has been doing
00:33:41with the Ministry of Energy and Industry
00:33:44is providing direct recommendations
00:33:49for developing the enabling environment
00:33:51to facilitate the transitioning away from fossil fuels,
00:33:55consistent with the decisions taken
00:33:57by the Conference of the Parties in Dubai, for example,
00:34:01at what we call COP28.
00:34:03It is clear in the decision
00:34:05that there will be no transition away from fossil fuels.
00:34:12And being part of that transition,
00:34:15the enabling environment is critically important.
00:34:18So, we have recognized that in that transition,
00:34:22there may be some unintended consequences.
00:34:24And so, we have drafted what we call
00:34:26a just transition of the workforce policy,
00:34:29which means that we'll be looking at the workforce
00:34:32on premise on the principle of no one being left behind,
00:34:37that economic good is maintained in a sustainable way
00:34:42in the new green economy.
00:34:45So, we have also developed
00:34:47what is called a National Transparency System.
00:34:50And the legislative instructions
00:34:52have also been developed under the cabinet at the moment
00:34:56that will allow or mandate rather
00:35:00all emitting entities of greenhouse gas emissions
00:35:04to report the emissions
00:35:07and to also facilitate international reporting
00:35:11because now we will be required internationally
00:35:14to be cross-examined as it were on our emissions
00:35:17and how we are progressing
00:35:19to achieving our commitments under the Paris Agreement.
00:35:23So, again, the enabling environment
00:35:27is where the focus is now at the moment.
00:35:31Similarly, we are partnering with TAP
00:35:37to implement an adaptation project
00:35:41in the South Old Pooch river basin
00:35:44that will seek to build climate resilience
00:35:47in that basin because they are subject to perennial flooding
00:35:51and all that goes with flooding
00:35:53in lots of agricultural land, infrastructure, and so on and so forth.
00:35:57And that is in keeping with the provisions
00:35:59of the National Climate Change Policy
00:36:01which integrate climate change,
00:36:04international development,
00:36:06so that we build climate resiliency over time
00:36:09and we sort of climate-proof the economy
00:36:12and national development.
00:36:14You know, it's a back door development.
00:36:27Bye for now. Thank you for having me.
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00:38:28The following is a paid political advertisement.
00:38:34When UNC wins.
00:38:36Everybody wins.
00:38:38When UNC wins.
00:38:40TrinRi go wins.
00:38:42TrinRi go wins.
00:38:44Everybody wins.
00:38:46Everybody wins.
00:38:48Vote for peace.
00:38:50Vote for love.
00:38:51Vote for hope.
00:38:52Vote for change.
00:38:53When UNC wins.
00:38:55Everybody wins.
00:38:57When UNC wins.
00:38:59TrinRi go wins.
00:39:01TrinRi go wins.
00:39:03Everybody wins.
00:39:05That was a paid political advertisement.
00:39:23All right, everybody.
00:39:24So, welcome back.
00:39:25So, we are taking some of your calls.
00:39:27We only have a few minutes.
00:39:28So, if you want to speak with us, you have to call now.
00:39:31623-1711.
00:39:33The extension, it's 1995.
00:39:35So, if you call, you win a free conversation with me.
00:39:39Oh, that sound.
00:39:41Not very attractive.
00:39:43All right.
00:39:44623-1711.
00:39:45The extension, it's 1995.
00:39:47So, Probe Archie.
00:39:48Say, Southern Lawyers.
00:39:50Oh, we do have a winner.
00:39:51Good morning, caller.
00:39:56Good morning, sir.
00:39:57Good morning.
00:39:58Go ahead, please.
00:39:59Yeah, I am very concerned about some development with Mr. Giazini, Minister of Health.
00:40:07I saw that he intervened in getting a doctor re-initiated.
00:40:12Right.
00:40:13About disability board.
00:40:14Right.
00:40:15Right?
00:40:16However, I remember from probably a month ago, he revoked and he asked that a young
00:40:25woman, African descent, to be dismissed.
00:40:29Right?
00:40:30And he has to be careful, you know.
00:40:35These things could be looked at as, you know, ethnic discrimination.
00:40:39Because they're supposed to hire a doctor who was accused of leading some bad treatment
00:40:44and he remained.
00:40:46You know?
00:40:48So, that kind of stuck me for Mr. Giazini's actions.
00:40:54Right?
00:40:55And he's supposed to be perceived by the public and rightfully so.
00:41:00Thank you very much.
00:41:01You're calling us on 623-1711.
00:41:03The extension, it's 1995.
00:41:05So, Probe, Chief Justice Ivor Archie, the Assembly of Southern Lawyers, headed by Attorney
00:41:10Saira Lakhan, is calling on Prime Minister Stuart Young to make a representation to President
00:41:15Christine Kangaloo, requesting that Archie's role leading to the Marcia A. Cesar DeBacal
00:41:22be investigated.
00:41:23We do have another call.
00:41:24Good morning, caller.
00:41:25Morning, Marlon.
00:41:26Morning, sir.
00:41:27Marlon, this is Justice Marcia A. Cesar DeBacal.
00:41:31Marlon, I know that the Chief Justice and the JLSC, because the JLSC is the one that
00:41:40Marcia took to court.
00:41:42Not Justice Archie.
00:41:44He's the chairman.
00:41:45But they had good intention of appointing her, making her a judge.
00:41:51I have no comment on that.
00:41:53And I'm certain that.
00:41:54But there was an issue with the amount of matters that she had pending.
00:41:59Over 28 versus over 50 or whatever.
00:42:03Right.
00:42:04So, this calling on him to resign, there are many other matters that judges have erred
00:42:11on.
00:42:12And nobody asked for Justice C. Passar's resignation when the PB Council ruled against
00:42:17his judgment.
00:42:18Why are we going this way?
00:42:20Because I believe the emotions that Israel Khan had this morning is unfounded.
00:42:26Because you're saying where, in any matter, in any office, wrong decisions will be made.
00:42:34But I believe the Chief Justice did have a good heart to make her a judge.
00:42:40So, it's not that, yes, I'm sorry that it took this long.
00:42:46And this is part of the issues that we have in the country.
00:42:49The delay in justice.
00:42:52But I don't think that it's right to call for, to impeach him or that they have a tribunal
00:42:59under Section 37.
00:43:01The Prime Minister had a decision to make.
00:43:05I'm just putting in my two cents.
00:43:07Thank you very much for your two cents, sir.
00:43:09You're calling us on 623-1711.
00:43:11The extension is 1995.
00:43:12The judgment written by Lord Reed stated that what Archie told Air Caesar had placed her
00:43:17under pressure to resign as the implicit alternative of a disciplinary inquiry, effectively the
00:43:23equivalent of impeachment proceedings.
00:43:26It went on to add that such proceedings would have been damaging to her professional and
00:43:31personal reputation and to her standing among her colleagues.
00:43:35It is unsurprising that she responded by agreeing to resign.
00:43:39Let's take another call.
00:43:40Good morning, caller.
00:43:42Good morning.
00:43:43Good morning.
00:43:47Go ahead.
00:43:52Mm-hmm.
00:43:57Mm-hmm.
00:44:00Mm-hmm.
00:44:02Mm-hmm.
00:44:07Mm-hmm.
00:44:14I agree with you, you know.
00:44:16You're still there?
00:44:18You're still there?
00:44:19You remember when I had a conversation with the president of Pantrene Bagel just before
00:44:24Carnival and we spoke about the prize monies given to the winning band for Panorama.
00:44:31My calculations at the end of the day, it was something like $6,000.
00:44:35You know what she told me?
00:44:36No, no, $6,000 is $3,000, just over $3,000.
00:44:40So, participants in the winning band, that's what you're going away with, right?
00:44:44When we think about the time, the energy, the resources that would have been put into
00:44:50the performance for $3,000.
00:44:52$3,000, one off.
00:44:54Let's take a call.
00:44:55Caller, good morning.
00:44:59Of course.
00:45:06Uh-huh.
00:45:21No.
00:45:32But let me tell you, he's reported as saying he has nothing to do with that, eh?
00:45:43Yeah.
00:45:44All right.
00:45:45Thank you very much.
00:45:46You're calling us on 623-1711.
00:45:49The extension, it's 1995.
00:45:51Yeah, it's really silly season, you know, right?
00:45:54Yeah, it has caused me a bit of anxiety, eh?
00:45:57Yeah, and concern.
00:45:58You're calling us on 623-1711.
00:46:00The extension, it's 1995.
00:46:02So, Trump threatens 25% tariff on countries buying Venezuelan oil, though the U.S. does
00:46:09so itself.
00:46:11Uh-huh.
00:46:12All right.
00:46:13Okay.
00:46:14So, it's going to be interesting what happens tomorrow, these discussions with the Secretary
00:46:20of State Marco Rubio and our CARICOM leaders.
00:46:23Let's take another call.
00:46:24Good morning, caller.
00:46:28Yes, good morning, sir.
00:46:45I don't understand that.
00:46:48Later.
00:46:49All right.
00:46:50Thank you very much.
00:46:51You're calling us on 623-1711.
00:46:53The extension, it's 1995.
00:46:57So, it is unsurprising, that's according to the Lord Reed, it is unsurprising that she
00:47:03responded by agreeing to resign.
00:47:05Nevertheless, it is argued on behalf of the commission that it did not bring about the
00:47:10claimant's resignation and that its violation of her constitutional rights in depriving
00:47:15her of a fair hearing does not, therefore, render it liable for the loss flowing from
00:47:20her resignation.
00:47:22The argument is based principally on the contention that when the Chief Justice told the claimant
00:47:27what the commission had decided in relation to disciplinary proceedings, he was not acting
00:47:32on its behalf, but exceeded his authority.
00:47:38So, the judgment stated that if a fair procedure was followed by the commission, so that as
00:47:43Caesar was given notice of the complaint or allegations in question and allowed to respond,
00:47:49then she may have taken the opportunity to receive the advice and to resign, if she considered
00:47:55that appropriate, before formal disciplinary proceedings were initiated.
00:48:00Here's what.
00:48:01We have to go to our break, everybody.
00:48:02Be coming back.
00:48:03Thanks for the calls.
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00:49:38For every age and every stage of life.
00:49:42The following is a paid political advertisement.
00:49:48Every day citizens are being burdened.
00:49:51Central Bank data shows price increases from 2015 to 2024.
00:49:57Bread and cereals, 89.8% increase.
00:50:0045.7% increase.
00:50:03Milk, cheese, and eggs, 51.7% increase.
00:50:07Butter, margarine, and edible oils, 66% increase.
00:50:11That is the legacy of this BNM government.
00:50:14Time to rise up, TNT.
00:50:16Forward UNC.
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00:51:14Alright everybody, so in responding to certain claims,
00:51:21you have the Housing Minister Adrian Lyons.
00:51:24He has categorically denied any corrupt practices or gang affiliation,
00:51:28and is seeking legal advice following claims by an opposition member
00:51:32that he had business with criminal elements now located in the United Kingdom.
00:51:37Now Lyons, the former Lament Hill Eastmover MP,
00:51:41defended his integrity in a statement yesterday
00:51:45where he referred to a social media post by an opposition politician
00:51:49and advised that he has contacted his attorneys.
00:51:52I'm not laughing at this story, it's something else, alright?
00:51:54So the minister said yesterday that he had severed ties with a company registered in 2005
00:52:00in conjunction with a UK resident whom he met through a mutual friend
00:52:04after learning that the individual was the subject of a police investigation.
00:52:09Now Lyons, in his statement, referred to a social media post by an opposition politician
00:52:15whom he did not name.
00:52:17However, in a Facebook video posted last Sunday,
00:52:20the opposition member called on Lyons to provide the public
00:52:23with more details of its business affiliation with the individual in question.
00:52:29So here's what everybody, we must go to a very short break, we are coming back.
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00:53:14You can now support Presentation Colin San Fernando's Green Car Raffle
00:53:18from the comfort of your home.
00:53:20Just go online to islandetickets.com and there you are.
00:53:24Tickets are only $100 as the draw takes place at the school on April 21st, Easter Monday.
00:53:30Card ticket outlets include teachers, pupils, parents, alumni members.
00:53:34Also, islandetickets.com, JTA Supermarkets nationwide,
00:53:38Valini Drugs, Ateliz by the Park, 519 C3 Mall,
00:53:42Sion's Royal Road, Ramsing Sports Cuba and Chaguanas,
00:53:45Sona Jewelers, Chaguanas FB now,
00:53:47All Extra Foods, All Costcutter Supermarkets,
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00:54:08For more info, call 752-9758 or 652-2311.
00:54:20The following is a paid political advertisement.
00:54:27The UNC-built 106 schools gave thousands of free laptops, textbooks, and scholarships.
00:54:33We expanded GATE and Skills Training,
00:54:35constructed the Debe UWI Campus,
00:54:38the Nursing Academy,
00:54:39the Aviation Campus,
00:54:41the Drilling Academy,
00:54:42and the Cuva Children's Hospital.
00:54:44We created the Children's Life Fund,
00:54:46the Children's Authority,
00:54:47and over 55,000 new jobs.
00:54:50Vote for a leader who loves you and your children.
00:54:53Vote UNC.
00:54:55That was a paid political advertisement.
00:55:03For more info, call 752-9758 or 652-2311.
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