A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hits south of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince and thousands have died. Rescuers search through the rubble of many buildings in the capital as a large section has been destroyed. In the space of a minute, Haiti's worst quake in two centuries wrecked the headquarters of the UN mission, the presidential palace and numerous other buildings. A "large number" of UN personnel were reported missing by the organisation. The quake, which struck about 10 miles south-west of Port-au-Prince, was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitudes. Many people slept outside amid fear of more aftershocks. Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama has promised unwavering support for Haiti. He mobilized America’s search and rescue services and pledged some US $100 million. In Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Patrick Manning initially pledged US $1 million. Numerous local private and public agencies and organizations have also been setting up relief programmes and opening up accounts in an attempt to help ravaged Haiti. Among them, missions group, Is There Not a Cause (ITNAC), who will be leaving for Haiti soon to assist in relief efforts. ITNAC Director, Avonelle Hector Joseph says they are chartering a plane to carry supplies to the country. She calls on members of the public to bring in non-perishable items at the various drop-off points of the group such as Doulos Concepts, 96 Charlotte Street, Port of Spain and Global Revival Ministries in Arima, among others. Financial contributions can also be made to ITNAC’s account at First Citizens, #1660410...
A war of words over money on the United National Congress (UNC) Campaign trail between Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner and Political Leader Basdeo Panday. Mr. Warner has accused Mr. Panday of conning some 16,000 people out of their application fees after they were told their applications could not be processed before the January 24th UNC internal elections. However, Mr. Panday lashed out at Mr. Warner over, according to him, some unaccounted $30 million collected for the 2007 General Elections. Mr. Panday said after numerous questions over the money, Mr. Warner then began his campaign for change. On the application fees, the UNC executive is claiming that according to party rules someone cannot immediately become a member and that the process takes time. Each person paid an application fee of $5, and it is believed that they are supporters of Mr. Warner and Siparia MP, Kamla Persad Bissessar...
Several UNC members have filed nomination papers for the party’s upcoming internal elections. Senator Lyndira Oudit has filed nomination papers to contest the post of Deputy Political Leader on the slate of Kamla Persad Bissessar, as well as former UNC MP Dr. Fuad Khan for the post of Deputy Chairman. Some 18 persons will be running against Mr. Basdeo Panday’s slate for executive positions including Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner and Tabaquite MP Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj...
Six persons, who failed breathalyzer tests, appear before a Port of Spain Magistrate. Five were ordered to pay from $2,000 to $5,000 while the sixth person pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $10,000. The fines were set based on the levels of alcohol found in their system at the time the breathalyzer test was administered. The six were netted during exercises in Chaguaramas, the Foreshore and Morvant Junction. Acting Police Commissioner James Philbert says the breathalyzer is already producing results and they intend to administer the tests in Tobago soon. And, Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert says there has been a marked reduction in the number of road fatalities over the 2009 Christmas season. He is also warning motorists that they cannot cheat a breathalyzer test...
The price of chicken is down by 50 per cent. So says President of the Pluck Shop Owners Association Rasheed Karim. He told reporters that the price of chicken went down to $2.49 per pound. Mr. Karim hailed the decrease as positive for consumers. However, he says this could mean a severe blow for poultry producers as there are some 5,000 workers employed in the industry. The Association is now calling for an audience with the government to save the industry, which is facing foreign competition. Mr. Karim cited leg and thighs that he says are being imported at a ridiculously low price. Meanwhile... Agriculture Minister Arnold Piggott is boasting that the Agricultural sector is doing well. Speaking at the handing-over ceremony of more leases for agricultural lands, Minister Piggott said farmers worked hard in 2009 to make the country self sustainable in the area of food production. Minister Piggott also attributed the steady decline in the food inflation rate to contributions made by farmers ...
The third session of the 9th Republican Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago is officially commenced with a ceremonial opening. President George Maxwell Richards gave his address to the joint assembly pointing out how Trinidad and Tobago must become more competitive. He said adequate infrastructure is important to development including transportation, telecom and environmental protection. President Richards also noted there was a gap between government’s expressed good intentions and perceptions in the public domain in the debate over property tax amendments. President Richards urged the nation to do what is necessary to increase competitiveness and he said this could be done through developing a habit of learning. He noted that there is need for everyone to be involved in a concerted effort to improve the nation. And the Commander in Chief also championed the cause of pensioners, many of whom are on fixed incomes that have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. He urged leaders to also improve the lot of pensioners especially as many have contributed to the education of their offspring and other family members...