PDP deputy: Jamaica travel ban an eye-opener
PDP deputy leader Farley Augustine - Assembly Legislature
THA Assemblyman Farley Augustine is calling on all leaders throughout Trinidad and Tobago to use their influence to remind people about the absolute need to be very careful as covid19 infections soar.
At a virtual news conference on Thursday, Augustine said the covid19 situation is “nowhere where we hope we should be as a country.”
Last week, Health Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine said bed capacity for covid19 patients was at 65 per cent. On Friday, principal medical officer Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards outlined the gravity of the situation in Trinidad. She said the bed capacity at the Caura hospital was 98 per cent full, 75 per cent at Couva hospital, almost 100 per cent at Augustus Long hospital and 60 per cent at the Arima hospital.
Dennis: Huge step back if autonomy bills abandoned
Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis - Office of Chief Seceratary
Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis has urged Tobagonians to resist calls for a restart of the process to get greater autonomy for the island.
At the post executive council news conference on Wednesday, Dennis gave his views about the Joint Select Committee’s two-day public consultation on the Tobago Self-Government Bill and the Tobago Island Administration Bill, held at the Victor E Bruce Financial Complex, Scarborough, on April 30 and May 1.
The JSC, headed by Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, met with representatives of the island’s major political parties and other stakeholders.
Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis has described the latest anti-covid19 restrictions as “necessary.”
Dennis spoke to Newsday moments after the Prime Minister’s announcement of the government’s decision to close all food establishments, including street and itinerant vendors, all non-essential retail outlets. In addition, essential businesses may open only between 6 am and 8 pm.
These measures will come into effect from midnight on Monday until May 23.
In the interim, malls, bars, restaurants, churches, gyms, casinos, cinemas, and theatres will remain closed.
He said: “It is necessary to prevent further calamity.”
In its latest update, the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development said there were no new cases on the island, while there are 46 active cases. One patient was discharged. The release said deaths remained at two.
Tuesday 4 May 2021
Anthony Durham, owner of Gold Teeth Fashion, Canaan is unhappy with the latest anti-covid19 restrictions which will see his business closed until May 23. PHOTO BY DAVID REID -
KINNESHA GEORGE-HARRY and STEPHON NICHOLAS
A Tobago businessman has described the latest anti-covid19 restrictions announced by the Prime Minister as unfair.
The businessman spoke to Newsday moments after Dr Rowley closed all food establishments, including street and itinerant vendors, all non-essential retail outlets. In addition, essential businesses may open only between 6 am and 8 pm.
These measures will come into effect from midnight on Monday until May 23.
In the interim, malls, bars, restaurants, churches, gyms, casinos, cinemas, and theatres will remain closed.
THA Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis. Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis said the only way Tobago would get through the latest anti-covid19 restrictions is if those on the island support each other.
Dennis spoke to Newsday moments after the Prime Minister announced the government s decision to close malls, bars, restaurants, churches, gyms, casinos, cinemas, and theatres.
Flights to Tobago will be reduced, as will seabridge capacity.
These measures will come into effect from midnight on Thursday until May 23.
Beaches are already closed.
Dennis said Dr Rowley’s move was the responsible thing to do, given the serious surge in covid19 cases, and the island can only brace for another economic blow.