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  • 3 months ago
The Prime Minister clarified her position on T&T's relations with Venezuela

T&T and Grenada held energy talks

and broadcaster and activist Inshan Ishmael passed from cancer
Transcript
00:00Welcome back. The government gave its commitment to push for long-term employment arrangements
00:08for those in the oil and gas sector who have consecutively been given three-month,
00:13six-month and one-year contracts.
00:16The employment situation for far too many in the oil and gas sector has been one of instability
00:22and disrespect, according to Minister in the Ministry of Energy, Ernesto Kizar.
00:28With decades working in the industry himself, he says the practice of short-term contracts
00:34needs to change and spoke directly to state-run Heritage and Paria.
00:39What has happened in Heritage is that the workforce is a mixture of permanent workforce and contract.
00:46And some of those contracts are extremely short-term contracts, three-month contracts, six months and one year.
00:52And some of the people that are being employed are skilled and highly qualified professionals.
00:58I mean, it's very, very, very disheartening.
01:01It is our objective in the next year to change that and to have some of those professionals
01:07return to a more sustainable, more stable type job.
01:12He says more respect needs to be given to citizens, especially skilled, experienced workers.
01:18I am calling on all energy-based companies, particularly our national company, Heritage, Paria and so on,
01:26as they will look and the management persons look at that whole situation,
01:32that they move to come more in line with what the law states, the laws of Trinidad and the labor laws,
01:40and to look at the things from making sure that our citizens return to some sort of stability.
01:47Speaking during a tour of the NESC Drilling Academy on Wednesday,
01:52Minister Kizar says their aim will also be to increase employment in the sector by 100 percent by next year.
02:01He said current figures show around 12,800 people employed in the oil and gas industry,
02:08just 2.3 percent of the country's labor force.
02:12We will do all that we have to do to return this country to the glory that we have had
02:19as being the pinnacle, the hub, the essence in the Caribbean for oil and gas learning,
02:28oil and gas training, and oil and gas insoling.
02:31That is our commitment.
02:33He says to make that happen, the ministry plans to activate an existing national apprenticeship policy.
02:40I wish to encourage all the large companies, Shell, Atlantic LNG, Exxon, Heritage, and so on,
02:49to seek good partnership and to seek out NESC and to use NESC and its experience to, again,
02:59to create opportunities for our young people, but more so ensure that we have the certified,
03:05qualified professionals necessary for what is going to be a seriously expanded oil and gas industry.
03:12In some sad news, broadcaster, activist, and businessman Inshan Ishmael lost his 18-month battle with cancer last week
03:25and was laid to rest on the Muslim rights.
03:28Inshan Ishmael, fearless broadcaster, community leader, and tireless advocate for justice,
03:35became a household name across Trinidad and Tobago through his groundbreaking work on the Islamic Broadcast Network.
03:44As the founder and host of Breaking Barriers, Ishmael boldly challenged societal norms,
03:50tackled pressing social issues, and carved out a vital space for minority voices in a richly diverse nation.
03:58But then he disappeared.
04:01For nearly a year, Ishmael was absent from the public eye, his iconic chair filled by others.
04:07And then, in May, he shocked viewers with a surprise return, visibly gaunt yet unwavering in spirit.
04:16With quiet strength, he revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer and was in the midst of a fierce battle.
04:22In what would become his final television interview with mainstream media,
04:28Ishmael opened up to TV6 about his fight and spoke candidly about what it means to face terminal illness
04:35as a man, a leader, and a human being.
04:39Is that many people don't look at the male side of things.
04:45How this affects the male psyche.
04:49Because here I am right now, I have two daughters.
04:54This may sound like a joke, but it's serious.
04:56I want to be around to see who they pick up as husbands.
04:59So I can know if they hit them licks or not.
05:02I have my son.
05:04You know, I want to see him cross, calm, you know, tread his path too as well.
05:08And at the end of the day, I want to see my children go up.
05:11I want to see all the fruits of my labor.
05:14When he sat down with us on May 19th, he reflected on a life which he said was not marked by regret.
05:22Back in 2004, Ishmael made headlines when he joined the late Sat Narayan Maharaj,
05:28then leader of the Sanatan Dharma Mahasabha, in a landmark high court challenge.
05:33They argued that the nation's highest award, the Trinity Cross, failed to reflect the diversity of a secular republic,
05:42symbolically excluding non-Christian citizens.
05:45In his final days, Ishmael had made peace with his illness.
05:50You know, you don't give yourself life.
05:52You don't give yourself death.
05:53And for me to have gotten this, in this late stage, there are children being born with cancer right now.
06:00There are people who got the news today at the age of 18, hey, you have cancer.
06:05There are children who are 6 and 7 years old.
06:08Shouldn't I be grateful that God gave me 56, 57 years to live?
06:13A clock has been put above my head now.
06:15Would God tell me, oh, no, you got the message.
06:18You have limited time now.
06:20Do a, could one organize.
06:21So therefore now, if I was running before, which of course I wasn't,
06:25but at the end of the day, if I was running, I have to move faster now.
06:29He was warned to move boldly, yet unfaithful of the consequence.
06:34In 2007, after calling for a nationwide anti-crime shutdown and rally,
06:39Ishmael was abruptly arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
06:44The resulting backlash ended with his release and widespread criticism of police overreach.
06:50Amid personal health challenges, Ishmael gave his final push to raise funds to build a hospital
06:56at the Baraka Grounds in Chagornas.
06:59He used his last breaths to raise awareness for those in similar circumstances.
07:05I want to thank the oncology team, Trinidad and Tobago.
07:11They are an overwork team.
07:14Not only that, in Trinidad and Tobago, there are so many people who need oncology services
07:20that cannot afford it and are now dying every day.
07:24Something must be done.
07:24In the year before his illness, Inshan oversaw the construction of a security post and barricade
07:46at the entrance of his community in Bamboo following a spate of robberies.
07:51The Tunupuno-Piaco Regional Corporation eventually demolished the post.
07:55And just one day before his passing, a newly instated UNC government agreed to,
08:01upon the request of residents, gate communities.
08:05But beyond media and legal activism, Ishmael invested deeply in community well-being.
08:12He used his platform to raise funds for those who needed it the most.
08:16My purpose is to ensure that before I leave the church, at least I would have touched a
08:22few people and would have made a few difference.
08:25As is quoted in the Holy Quran,
08:27Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.
08:37A reminder that the journey of life is but temporary and there exists a joyful reunion in His presence.
08:46Ravishy Tawwari Ruknarain, TV6 News.
08:49Sport is up next. Keep it here.
08:51In sport, we take a look back at the TKR's victory on Friday after beating Barbados Royals by seven wickets.
09:06The Royals made 178-46 with Shafi and Rutherford scoring 45.
09:11Last year in the eliminator.
09:13Trinbegu Night Riders won the toss and put Barbados Royals into bat in the Republic Bank CPL match in Teruba.
09:19Quinton Dukoc was comprehensively bowled by Ali Khan for 17.
09:28Brandon King and Kadim Alain then had to rebuild the innings.
09:34The two put on a partnership that was worth 56 runs for the second wicket.
09:42King was out for 29 while Alain departed for 41.
09:46He knows he's got a goal but he hasn't got this one at all and comfortably taken by Carty.
09:52Shafi and Rutherford provided some paratechnics by scoring 45 of 22 deliveries.
09:57He's come to play.
09:59And captain Ravman Powell played a cameo with 31 of 15 balls.
10:04He'll go all the way for six.
10:06Mohamed Amir picked up two wickets in the innings.
10:08And Andrew Russell grabbed three as Barbados Royals closed on 178 for six.
10:21In reply, TKR got an opening partnership of 55 and 5.5 overs with Colin Munro doing the bulk of the scoring.
10:28Alex Hales was out for 19 giving Ramon Simmons the scalp.
10:31He should get this or just...
10:36Make that 56 for two with Casey Carty being superbly caught by Kadim Alain of Jamal Warkon for just one.
10:42It's a low right-handed stunning catch.
10:45Munro was joined by captain Nicholas Puran and the two had a good partnership.
10:49Nicky Beats and gets it all...
10:52Their stand was worth 93 runs for the third wicket.
10:54Oh this one is connect.
10:58Full bang connect.
10:59Puran brought up his half-century in style, smoking this for the maximum.
11:04This won't be one.
11:06The captain brings up his 50.
11:08The partnership came to an end when attempting two.
11:12Munro could not beat the return at the striker's end and he was run out for 67 of 44 balls.
11:18Oh that's run out.
11:20Kyron Pollard then entertained the fans with some top shots.
11:24Pollard goes in the gap.
11:26To the right of Powell.
11:27He made 19 not out while Puran was unbeaten on 65 as TKR reached 179 for three in the 18th over to win by seven wickets.
11:37And that's a wrap on the past seven days on six.
11:46I am Vanessa Cutting.
11:48If you didn't catch this segment in its entirety, you can find it on our website www.tv6tnt.com
11:55and you can find all these stories and more on the TV6 mobile app.
12:00Thanks for choosing TV6 and do have a great evening.
12:03We'll see you next time.
12:04We'll see you next time.
12:04Bye.
12:35Happy Independence and welcome to the past seven days on six.
12:40I am Vanessa Cutting. Here's what made the news this past week.
12:44The Prime Minister clarified her position on TNT's relations with Venezuela.
12:50TNT and Grenada held energy talks.
12:53And broadcaster and activist in Chanishmael passed away from cancer.
12:57As per usual, if it was happening, it was on six.
13:01Let's get right into it.
13:03The Prime Minister maintained that she is not in aggression against Venezuela,
13:08even as she welcomed the U.S. deployment of Navy vessels in international waters near the country,
13:13as part of what the U.S. says is the fight against drug trafficking.
13:17We will continue relationships with all our neighbors.
13:20And I welcome again the fight against drug trafficking, human trafficking, drugs, crime.
13:28So we welcome them.
13:29I am not in aggression against Venezuela.
13:32Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Besessa, she responded to questions from the media at the Diplomatic Center on Friday
13:38regarding the deployment of U.S. Navy vessels in the waters near Venezuela.
13:44During a meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's cabinet on Tuesday,
13:48U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio identified Trinidad and Tobago as being part of an international coalition
13:54against organized drug cartels.
13:57Trinidad and Tobago, apart from World War II, we have never been engaged in any war.
14:01So I cannot assess what they want to do or not do.
14:05They will be not on our soil.
14:07They will be in international waters.
14:09I want to make that very clear.
14:10TV6 News posed a question to Prime Minister Passat-Besessa about the latest developments
14:15in the context of Trinidad and Tobago's diplomatic and trade relations.
14:20Prime Minister, as a country of this size, Trinidad and Tobago,
14:24it's always a balancing act, I would think, between powers like the U.S.
14:27You have China that I think has given support for Venezuela, for example.
14:31How do you and your administration manage that balancing act at this particular time?
14:36We balanced it. We balanced well so far. We have not had any war zones with Venezuela.
14:44But it's not just for a country like us. It's all over the world with the new geopolitical architecture
14:49that is forming. We all have to balance and we all have to rethink things that might have happened
14:54in the past. We have to rethink, to chart our way through some very, very difficult geopolitical times.
15:00The Prime Minister said she thinks Trinidad and Tobago thus far has balanced well
15:04as she responded to claims made by Venezuela and Cuba about the U.S. Navy deployment in the region.
15:10We have no evidence of the allegations being made.
15:13And further, we have no discussions of the U.S. actually deploying on Trinidad and Tobago soil.
15:20If they know otherwise or they say there's more, share the evidence.
15:23Because at the moment, it's just rhetoric. It's just rhetoric that did what Cuba is saying,
15:29what Venezuela is saying, give us evidence. We will consider.
15:32Writers reported that a U.S. official speaking on the condition of anonymity said on Thursday
15:38that seven U.S. warships, including one nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine,
15:43were either in the region or were expected to be there in the coming week.
15:47I'm very clear. We have had no agreement for any military attack. If there are any such plans,
15:53we are not part of any of those discussions. And would you ask me again, if they'll be using any of our bases?
16:00Not to my knowledge and not to Melissa's knowledge. There is no such agreement.
16:05What I had said, I maintain it. Should Venezuela move against Guyana,
16:09it is then that we will offer any space here to protect our Caricum neighbor, brother and sister.
16:15The Prime Minister was asked if Guyana's president has welcomed her support.
16:21President Ali, openly I saw him on the media saying yes. So that's out there.
16:28The Venezuelan ambassador...
16:29Guyana has an election on Monday, please understand.
16:33Jamaica is the chair of Caricum, has an election on a few days' time.
16:37I think that's part of what's happening.
16:39But there was a meeting of Caricum foreign ministers.
16:44There was a casual meeting. It was an unofficial meeting.
16:48There were discussions.
16:49And I think we may have to await these two elections for a more cohesive response based on who is the Caricum chair.
16:57Prime Minister Posadu Sessa spoke with the media following a meeting between a delegation she led
17:03and a delegation led by Grenada's Prime Minister Decon Mitchell, which focused on energy cooperation.
17:10Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
17:13Also happening last week, the prime ministers of TNT and Grenada agreed to advance a framework agreement on energy,
17:20which was signed in 2012 but remains in force.
17:23Their agreement will see the energy ministry signing a data use agreement with Grenada in the next week,
17:29which will provide the government of Grenada with access to seismic and wild data in the north coast of Trinidad and Tobago.
17:37After Grenada's Prime Minister Decon Mitchell met with Prime Minister Kamla Posadu Sessa at the diplomatic centre in St. Anne's,
17:44the media received a brief summary of the talks.
17:46In terms of our partnership, our relationship, there are many, many people who live in Trinidad
17:51who are either descendants of Grenadians or Grenadians, and so whether it's Hannibal, whether it's music, whether it's food,
17:57whether it's culture, we're only 35 minutes away, and so I'm indeed very, very happy that we have given the opportunity to be hosted.
18:04As the Prime Minister said, it was a very good meeting.
18:07The primary of discussion was a focus on energy.
18:10A joint communique was later issued and declared that the government of Trinidad and Tobago
18:14will seek approval and communicate to the government of Grenada, the members of the steering committee for Trinidad and Tobago in the next three weeks,
18:22to activate discussions regarding the framework agreement concerning energy sector cooperation signed in 2012 and is still in force.
18:30It was also announced that Trinidad and Tobago's Energy Ministry will be signing a data use agreement with Grenada in the next week,
18:36which provides the government of Grenada with access to seismic and well data in the north coast of Trinidad and Tobago
18:42so that they can continue work on the regional technical study which is being done over the Grenada acreage.
18:48Trinidad and Tobago's Energy Ministry will also be collaborating with a working group established by the government of Grenada
18:54to assist with development of a regulatory framework for the petroleum sector in Grenada
18:59and also extend the technical persons who can review the study and work being done by the consultants.
19:05The joint communique then also stated Trinidad and Tobago can assist with developing a promotions campaign for Grenada's acreage
19:12and that the government of Trinidad and Tobago will support the participation of multinational companies
19:17in the provision of technical and institutional assistance in the energy sector to the government of Grenada.
19:23After Prime Minister Mitchell's departure, Prime Minister Fassad-Bissessa spoke with the media.
19:28TV6 News posed a question with regard to gas supply in light of Prime Minister Fassad-Bissessa's support
19:34for the deployment of U.S. Navy vessels near the waters of Venezuela
19:38and what the U.S. is calling the fight against drug cartels.
19:42In terms of the issue of gas supply, you had the discussion with Grenada
19:46but I think the government is still having conversations with Venezuela.
19:51Is there any sense of how that could go given the things that are taking place now?
19:55When we know more on that with respect to Venezuela, we'll let you know at the moment we're engaging with Grenada.
20:01I had said it very early o'clock if you remember on my first day when I was swooning that we would engage Grenada
20:06and that is starting to happen.
20:08Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
20:11We are to a quick break. We'll have more news when we return.
20:14Welcome back. Commissioner of Police Alistair Guevaro saluted the efforts of women
20:26for establishing themselves in the police service over the past 70 years
20:30as he hailed the work of all officers in reducing this country's murder rate.
20:35Here's more.
20:35Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants.
20:4270 years ago in 1955, 12 courageous women entered the ranks of the Treantobago Police Service
20:51and were tasked with handling juveniles and female offenders.
20:58But in truth, they were doing something far greater.
21:02They were breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and providing that the call to serve knows no gender.
21:15Guevaro said that the determination and professionalism of those female officers set the tone for generations to come
21:22and for other remarkable women to carry the torch forward in the service,
21:27adding that today some 2,136 female officers, that's about 27%, serve this country in every rank and every division.
21:39Administration.
21:40Women hold 35% of senior staff position.
21:44Steering policy and resource management.
21:48Clap for that.
21:49Tactical units, 25% of riot control and special operations teams are women trained and ready for high-risk deployments.
22:03Clap for that.
22:06Operational patrols, women make up 20% of our uniformed front-line officers.
22:12In investigations, 22% of our detectives are women solving complex cases with precision.
22:23Clap for that.
22:25And in technical and forensic services, 18% of our specialists are women advancing scientific-based policing.
22:35Hear me, Trinidad and Tobago.
22:36Clap for that.
22:37The top cop said that since the state of emergency was declared by the government on July 18th,
22:45women have been the driving force in getting illegal firearms off the nation's roots.
22:50Firearms remain the number one driver of homicides in Trinidad and Tobago.
22:56And every weapon seized is a life potentially saved.
23:00Women officers have been at the forefront of all of these operations.
23:03He also boasted of a 41% decrease in murders this year as compared to the same period last year.
23:20Violent crimes are done by 20%.
23:23Tell me a lie.
23:24Clap for that.
23:28Serious reported crimes done by 13%.
23:31And what is nice about it, I would like this figure to be at 100% or at nil at all to investigate.
23:40But murder detection rate has improved from 15% to almost 20%.
23:46And violent crime detection rate is now at 24%, which has now surpassed our own national target.
23:56He urged those in attendance to remember the women who broke barriers in 1955,
24:02those who rose through initial resistance, and those who now lead with distinction in the police service.
24:08To every woman in uniform here today, and those who are rolling the force in the stations while we are able here to do so do,
24:17I want to say you are not just part of history, but you are shaping our future.
24:22Yes!
24:23Charlotte Kisto, TV6 News.
24:27One bandit was killed and a medical doctor injured when a planned ambush in Chamflair was foiled on Saturday
24:33by an off-duty prisons officer.
24:36According to police report, Dr. Doughty Williams Chandler and her husband were ambushed by two gunmen
24:42shortly after leaving a fundraiser just after midnight.
24:45She was driving a great Toyota RAV4 along Daniel Drive, Chamflair, when her path was suddenly blocked by a white Nissan wing road.
24:54Two armed men dressed in dark clothing emerged and opened fire on her vehicle.
24:59An off-duty prisons officer who was driving behind the RAV4 told investigators he witnessed what was happening
25:05and also felt threatened when one of the men pointed a gun in his direction.
25:10Fearing for his life, the prison's officer said he drew his service firearm and shot at the armed bandits.
25:17One was fatally shot and the other, who appeared to have been wounded, ran off.
25:22The dead man was identified as 36-year-old Adam Wheeler.
25:27The medical doctor was rushed to the Monctope Hospital,
25:30where she is being treated in the ICU for multiple gunshot wounds.
25:33A loaded pistol was recovered at the scene.
25:37The Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, commented on the incident during a function this afternoon in the Tunapuna district.
25:44I intend to meet with that prison officer and have a conversation with him.
25:50But all in all, it's about how crime is in and around this country.
25:56And we must be our brother's keeper.
25:58And to me, he protected his sister from another mother with his actions.
26:07It is the beginning because, again, when we pass the Stania Grung laws,
26:13it also speaks to assisting your neighbor in time of need.
26:18So no longer do you have to worry.
26:20The law will protect you when you go to assist your neighbor who is asking for help.
26:26In other news, the government is to set up a committee to come up with a policy
26:35to allow for gated communities on public roads.
26:39The cabinet decision was announced last week by local government minister, Khadijah Amin.
26:44As time goes on, we recognize that because of the national security elements,
26:51there is need to have the Ministry of Homeland Security involved in deciding this policy.
26:57Those communities who have been successful in their application have been successful
27:04because the laws presently allow for public roads to have that restriction
27:12and the regional corporation have jurisdiction over them.
27:16However, we recognize, too, that there are agricultural areas
27:22where farmers, for instance, and those who reside in those areas
27:28are clamoring to have that opportunity to restrict access.
27:34And that is why we have included the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries on this committee.
27:40This is the Past, Seven Days on 6. We'll be right back.
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