By Raffique Shah
April 29, 2016
I had planned not to address crime in my columns, to waste valuable newspaper space on an issue that, while it grows grimmer by the day, is seemingly intractable.
When last I tackled it, I admitted to have become inured to the barbarism into which the nation has descended. Decapitation, mutilation, suffocation and now on-the-spot cremation no longer shock me.
Continue reading All ah we dead
Newsday Editorial
Monday, April 25 2016 – newsday.co.tt
WHEN things get tough, Governments always turn to the usual scapegoats. The remarks of Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh are a classic case of shooting the messenger.
But this tack damages democracy as much as it undermines the credibility of the Government.
Continue reading Abortion a matter of public interest
TTUTA president urges reform
By JOEL JULIEN
Monday, April 25, 2016 – guardian.co.tt
The partnership between the church and the state at our schools must be dismantled as it is detrimental to our country, president of the T&T Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) Devanand Sinanan has said.
Sinanan said the Constitution defines this country as a “secular state” and therefore questioned “why should the state give monies to certain religious bodies to perpetuate their faith?”
Continue reading Dismantle church, state partnership
Experts on Imbert’s IMF, World Bank move
By Shaliza Hassanali
Saturday, April 23, 2016 – guardian.co.tt
There was no need for Minister of Finance Colm Imbert to engage officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to provide advice on T&T’s fiscal policy.
This was the view yesterday of developmental economist Dr Ralph Henry and former minister in the ministry of finance Mariano Browne, following Imbert’s announcement on Thursday that World Bank officials are in T&T to assist and advise the Government on pressing matters, including a review of expenditure in all key areas.
Continue reading No need for outside help
By Raffique Shah
April 21, 2016
I find it almost amusing that some grocers who are caught dipping their greedy hands deep inside the inside consumers’ pockets, cry foul when their names and outrageously high prices are exposed through advertisements posted by the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Trade.
In immediate response to being named as selling certain foodstuff way above the norm in the business, they claim the prices attributed to their establishments were wrong, and they issued “corrected” versions that were between $5 and $10 cheaper-per item.
Continue reading Battle against be-suited bandits
By Azard Ali
April 18, 2016 – newsday.co.tt
A CENTRAL Trinidad doctor is being investigated by police for performing an abortion on a 16-year-old girl. Detectives from the Chaguanas CID said the doctor is facing imminent arrest as Section 56 of the Offences Against the Persons Act, states a person is guilty of an indictable offence if he or she uses an instrument to procure the miscarriage of any woman.
Continue reading Doctor under investigation for abortion
Newsday Editorial
April 13, 2016 – newsday.co.tt
THE GOVERNMENT is proposing a seven percent levy on online purchases. Shoppers have described the move as unfair, but Minister of Finance Colm Imbert has defended it, saying it would ease foreign exchange pressures, reduce revenue leakage, and divert buyers to local products. But not so. The levy is one tax too many.
Continue reading E-shopping levy not a right click
By Raffique Shah
April 05, 2016
Posted: April 10, 2016
What I established last week was that Trinidad and Tobago, like most small island states that were once colonised by imperial powers, relies heavily on imported foods for its sustenance.
All our staples-grains (wheat, rice, maize), dairy products (milk, cheese, butter), sugar, edible oils, white potatoes, beans and pulses-come from abroad, mainly North America, the EU, Australia and New Zealand.
Continue reading Descent into imports-dependence
Deyalsingh’s tough message after austere mid-term budget
By Adrian Boodan
Sunday, April 10, 2016 – guardian.co.tt
It’s time that nationals grow up and take some responsibility for T&T, says Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh.
Deyalsingh was at the time fielding questions from the media when he attended a health and fitness fair hosted by the Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce, on Saturday, at the Chamber’s building at Camden Road.
Continue reading Grow up, take responsibility
By JANELLE DE SOUZA
April 10, 2016 – newsday.co.tt
The seven percent levy on online purchases of goods and services scheduled to take effect by September will probably not slow down online shopping simply because local prices are too high.
Some regular online shoppers to overseas retail companies questioned the move by the Government to further tax online shoppers as they already pay a 20 percent duty and Value Added Tax on these items when they arrive in the country.
Continue reading Online shoppers: 7% tax unfair