The third cohort of the Flourish: Empowering Resilience and Integration programme graduated on December 13.
A ceremony was held at Longdenville Basketball Court to mark the occasion.
A release said the programme was sponsored by Republic Bank through its Power to Make a Difference initiative.
It was organised by Women Owned Media and Education Network (WOMEN) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Blue Waters, Kiss Baking company, SMJaleel, Xtrafoods Cares, Domino’s Pizza and Use My Services company.
Graduates from Flourish’s carpentry programme. –
The release added, “The Flourish programme formed part of ongoing efforts to promote social cohesion, skills development, and meaningful integration between migrant and host communities.”
It added that the graduation celebrated 40 participants who completed hands-on training in sewing, carpentry, and hydroponics complemented by entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and integration workshops.
“These components were designed to equip participants not only with income-generating skills, but also with the tools to sustainably manage, grow, and integrate their livelihoods within their communities,” it said.
WOMEN founder Lucia Cabrera-Jones said the programme’s core objective was integration. “Flourish is a project with several components, but all share the same mission: to integrate migrants into local society with the support of host communities, proving that when international, corporative, financial institutions, communities, and individuals come together with shared purpose, transformation happens.”
Republic Bank’s senior manager Davi Samaroo-Singh highlighted the importance of continuity in community-based integration initiatives.
The sewing graduates from the Flourish programme. – Photos courtesy WOMEN
“Partnerships like this matter because they unite institutions that believe in empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity for all and we are delighted to support initiatives that help individuals flourish, uplift families, and strengthen communities.”
She added, “Through our Power to Make a Difference programme, we are committed to creating pathways for women, youth, and vulnerable groups to achieve independence, economic stability, and personal growth. And today, looking at each of you, we see that purpose fulfilled.”
The release said the event was attended by Longdenville community leaders, underscoring strong local and corporate support for inclusive development and social cohesion.
GOVERNMENT departments, civil society and private sector organisations and NGOs have stepped up to launch a series of comprehensive relief efforts for Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread damage and displacement across the island on October 28.
Acting on the directive of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government announced the launch of a national collection drive for Jamaica on October 30. The initiative forms part of a wider humanitarian response supported by businesses and civil society.
In a statement on October 30, the ministry announced the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to co-ordinate national relief efforts.
The committee, including Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen and several other cabinet members, met with permanent secretaries “to advance and align activities to ensure the swift and effective mobilisation of national support,” the statement said.
Collection drives will take place from October 30 to November 4 between 8 am and 4 pm daily at all 14 municipal corporations.
Each disaster management unit has been designated as an official drop-off site for donations.
The ministry said the public could also contribute to the TT National Disaster Relief Fund through First Citizens Bank, account number 3154684, available at any branch or via online transfers.
It said the national response “reaffirms TT’s unwavering commitment to regional co-operation and humanitarian support.”
Chambers get moving
A segment of the private sector, led by four major business chambers, has also moved to support Jamaica.
The Energy Chamber, TT Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), AmCham TT and the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce have jointly opened a relief fund and are co-ordinating with local and regional agencies to send supplies.
In a statement on behalf of the joint chambers, the Energy Chamber said, “We join with the rest of the Caribbean and our local business community in expressing our solidarity with Jamaica following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.”
Financial donations may be made to the Energy Chamber of TT/Joint Chambers at First Citizens Bank, Point Lisas – account number 2818368 (TT chequing) or 2818367 (US savings).
Corporate drop-offs are being handled at Plipdeco Port, Sheds 1 and 2, Point Lisas, which has been designated as the official logistics and receiving centre for containerised donations.
Deliveries are being co-ordinated through the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (Plipdeco).
The joint chambers said disbursements from the fund will only be made by unanimous agreement among their CEOs and will be reported to each organisation’s board.
The Office of the Prime Minister also issued a public appeal encouraging the public to donate to the TT National Disaster Relief Fund 2025 or to drop off supplies at official collection points.
“In this moment of crisis, TT stands with our Jamaican brothers and sisters after being severely affected by Hurricane Melissa,” the office said.
Sewa TT, a non-profit charity, has also launched an appeal in collaboration with Sewa USA, targeting areas in Jamaica where utilities and basic infrastructure have been severely compromised.
The group said it will deploy mobile water systems, off-grid communication hubs, emergency food and hygiene stations. Donations from abroad can be made through Sewa USA’s website, while local contributions can be sent through the TT web page.
The organisation said its goal is to “bypass logistics and get critical help directly to those who need it most,” and asked citizens to stay tuned for further project updates.
Collaboration
Adding to this effort, Massy Stores announced that it had joined forces with NGO Sewa TT to strengthen the ongoing humanitarian initiative.
“Our hearts go out to the victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. They need our help now,” the supermarket chain said in a statement.
Customers can make contributions at any Massy Stores location by informing cashiers that they wish to donate to the fund.
Each donation will go toward assembling essential relief buckets valued at $400, filled with food, hygiene and health items for families who have lost everything.
“Every contribution counts towards providing staples like grains, oil, soap and basic medicine. Let’s show the power of Caribbean solidarity,” the statement said.
As reported in Newsday on October 30, TT Manufacturers Association CEO Dr Ramesh Ramdeen confirmed that government and the private sector had already begun loading 20-25 containers of supplies for shipment to Jamaica.
National Flour Mills has sent over $1 million in goods; other companies, including Blue Waters, SM Jaleel and Advance Foam, have contributed supplies, the TTMA said.
The government has waived port fees and some shipping lines are transporting containers free of charge, the lobby group said.
“It’s a collaborative effort from the manufacturing sector, thanks to the ministerial committee the government has put together, so the private sector can really bring relief to Jamaica.”
Carpha activates
Relief agencies and business groups have outlined priority areas for donations, including food and water, shelter materials, medical supplies, hygiene products, protective gear and agricultural support items.
Members of the public can deliver supplies to any of the 14 municipal corporations’ disaster management units across Trinidad, including Port of Spain, San Fernando, Arima, Chaguanas, Diego Martin, Sangre Grande, Princes Town, Point Fortin, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco and San Juan/Laventille.
In a separate statement, Carpha expressed solidarity with Jamaica and confirmed that it had activated its role within the region’s disaster-response system.
“The Caribbean Public Health Agency stands in firm solidarity with the government and people of Jamaica, who continue to endure the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa,” Carpha said. “Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods and with communities now facing the difficult task of rebuilding.”
The agency said it was working closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other partners under Caricom’s Rapid Response Mechanism to deliver medical and public health support.
It said its teams would provide essential health supplies, including rapid testing kits for infectious diseases, vector control materials and equipment to prevent or reduce outbreaks of dengue, leptospirosis and gastroenteritis.
Beyond immediate emergency response, Carpha said it would help Jamaica strengthen its public-health systems, disaster preparedness and resilience.
“In moments like these, the Caribbean’s greatest strength is its unity. Carpha stands resolutely with Jamaica, not only in words, but in sustained partnership and shared action. Together, we will rebuild stronger, healthier and more resilient communities,” the agency said.
ACONO Sauce team were crowned champions of the premier division when the 2024/2025 Norman’s Windball Cricket League 12-over competition ended at the Eddie Hart Savannah in Tacarigua on February 2.
Acono defeated Reload comfortably by 32 runs, thanks to an inspired effort from their bowlers.
Hanuman Moonsammy continued his prolific form this season with 28 off 34 deliveries as Acono posted 94/7 in 12 overs batting first. Antonio Ramrattan contributed 12 off 14. Reload had a sloppy bowling effort, giving up 31 extras, including 17 wides.
Acono players celebrate a wicket against Reload in the Norman’s Windball Cricket League premier division final at Eddie Hart Savannah, Tacarigua.
Shone Davis was disciplined in his effort for Reload, ending with figures of 2/9 with zero wides.
In response, Reload could only muster 62/8 when their overs ran out. The star with the ball for Acono was Renaldo Debi as he snatched 3/4 in two overs.
An Acono batsman looks to pinch a run against Reload in the Norman’s Windball Cricket League premier division final.
Moonsammy also helped to keep the Reload batsmen quiet with 2/6 in his two overs. Michael Harry’s quick-fire 12 off six balls was not nearly enough for Reload.
In the over-40 division final, Campari Anthrax Next Generation 40 defeated Monteco Drifters by 12 runs. In the consolation final, Moondogs grabbed the title with a three-wicket win over Allegiance.
Organiser Norman Mungroo was grateful for the attendance as supporters showed up in their numbers. MP for St Augustine Khadijah Ameen and Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation chairman Josiah Austin attended, along with a representative from Blue Waters.
An Acono batsman looks to pinch a run against Reload in the Norman’s Windball Cricket League premier division final.
Mungroo also thanked the National Lotteries Control Board.
Summarised scores:
Premier division
ACONO SAUCE TEAM 94/7 (12 overs) (Hanuman Moonsammy 28, Antonio Ramrattan 12; Shone Davis 2/9) vs RELOAD 62/8 (12 overs) (Michael Harry 12, Kapil Harry 10; Renaldo Debi 3/4, H Moonsammy 2/6). Acono won by 32 runs.
Over-40 division
CAMPARI ANTHRAX NEXT GENERATION 40 – 86/8 (12 overs) (Kapil Harry 24, Cyrus Balroop 21; Dexter Samuel 4/17) vs MONTECO DRIFTERS 74/6 (12 overs) (Dave Baboolal 23, Clint Williams 10; Kirton Samuel 3/13, Sheldon Balroop 2/5). Next Generation won by 12 runs.
Consolation
ALLEGIANCE 72 (11.4 overs) (Rishi Paheman 16, Damian Peters 15; Andy Briggs 4/5) vs MOONDOGS 75/7 (11.1 overs) (Nirmal Mahadeo 16, Jolon Williams 15; Shaehan De Silva 2/11). Moondogs won by three wickets.
Blue Waters Products started in 1999 with only 12 employees, which included one salesman, and two trucks. Now, some 26 years later, the Blue Waters brand has become iconic in the Caribbean, with its flagship facility in Orange Grove, Tacarigua employing more than 600 people. The company also exports to several countries including Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts, Nevis, St Lucia, St Martin and St Thomas.
The company is also well-decorated, earning awards for its performance from local entities such as TTMA, and the Supermarket Association and international entities such as Deloitte.
Last year it was honoured with the TTMA’s Manufacturer of the Year (large) award and the President’s Award from the Supermarkets Association.
This year the company plans to go even further in its dominance of the Caribbean market. After a tour of the company’s facility with Minister of Trade Paula Gopee-Scoon on January 13, owner Dominic Hadeed and CEO Pradeep Subrian said it plans to install up to three more facilities for distilling water and manufacturing other beverages in the region. The executives said the company intends to continue expanding to achieve its vision of providing a bottle of water for every man, woman and child each day, throughout the Caribbean.
The Blue Waters pipeline
Blue Waters has facilities in St Lucia and TT, from where it distributes distilled bottled water and alkaline water which it gets from its artesian wells.
A line of Alkaline Water is seen on a conveyor belt at the manufacturing facility of Blue Waters in Orange Grove Road, Tacarigua on January 13.
Artesian wells are created when pressure builds up below ground, forcing underground water to the surface.
Blue Waters drills wells into an aquifer, a water-bearing layer of porous rock, to access the water and supply its state-of-the-art bottling plant.
The company is also behind several other brands.
Blue Waters’ Cran+ is a carbonated, flavoured beverage that comes in Cran/Apple, Cran/Grape and Cran/Lime. Juse is a juice drink with 50 per cent less calories and sugar than other brands, and has added vitamins. Juse comes in six flavours: apple, grape, orange, pink grapefruit, passion fruit and guava pine.
Stamina Energy is a non-alcoholic energy drink with low sugar and no fat or cholesterol, which is enhanced with vitamin B.
Blue Waters’ Malt Beverages is a malt drink that contains Vitamins A, C and E as well as B Complex and is sodium free.
Hadeed said while there may be opportunities for the company to expand outside of the region he is going to focus on growing in the Caribbean.
“There are a lot of opportunities for us in the Caribbean,” said Hadeed on January 13.
“We want to put about two or three more facilities in the Caribbean in the next ten-15 years. I think that would keep us busy for a number of years.”
Hadeed said the company has been pushing a lot of exports, something necessary for its continued growth. He explained that Blue Waters exports more of its flavoured drinks, rather than the water.
He explained that the price of water makes freight expensive.
Blue Waters CEO Pradeep Subrian, left, and owner Dominic Hadeed, speak to reporters at the tour of the company’s manufacturing facility in Orange Grove Road, Tacarigua on January 13.
“A container of water is cheap – US$4,000-US$5,000 – but when you go to some of the islands it is US$2,500-US$3,500 in freight, so it is 40-60 per cent of your revenue. So even though it is duty-free, the freight is a big barrier to entry for the product.”
He said flavoured products would sell for more – a container of flavoured drinks would sell in external markets for close to US$15,000, but the freight would remain the same.
He said for the company to expand its water supply, it would have to establish facilities, such as the ones in TT and St Lucia, in the area it wants to supply.
“Initially the products are from here…so, you will go into the market, see how well received it is and see how competitive you can be if you were to produce there at some point.
“You could export and you may be able to pick up about four or five per cent of the market, but in our kind of business you literally have to set up shop there.”
Its St Lucia facilities supplies water to the OECS countries such as St Kitts, Nevis and Grenada, while TT supplies Barbados, Jamaica, St Martin and the surrounding smaller islands.
A forklift operator moves a crate of packaged water to a storage area at the manufacturing facility of Blue Waters in Orange Grove, Tacarigua on January 13.
“In all fairness, no one can import products and be competitive with Blue Waters or any of the local bottlers, so it would be foolish of us to think that if we were to export you can dominate in the market.”
Despite the challenges associated with exporting water, Subrian said last year, Blue Waters exports grew by 54 per cent and its flavoured, non-water segment exports grew by 45 per cent.
Aside from exports, the company also provides distribution services for imports.
One such brand is Tampico, for which Blue Waters has the sale and distribution rights for all Caricom countries.
Subrian said the company also co-packs (packaging, warehousing, and distribution for products) all PepsiCo brands for local sales and distribution in collaboration with Vemco, a food-and-beverage manufacturer and distributor.
“We are just a water company, we don’t have any other competing brands. Some of our competitors may not want to produce for some of the others because it competes with them. We don’t have a horse in that race, so for us we can say anyone who is importing, paying duties and more forex, bring it to us, we will produce it for you, not only for TT but for the region.
“You can export your materials, you can export your concentrate, you can export your labour, your talents and technical skills. There are other things that you can export. We have to be realistic about how you grow.”
Subrian said over the company’s 26-year history, it has been awarded for its performance, service, practices and business strategy, with last year being no different.
He said in 2022 auditing and business support company Deloitte recognised Blue Waters as one the best managed companies in the region.
The Supermarket Association has, according to Subrian, given Blue Waters 16 awards in the past 20 years.
“When you look at the criteria for the best serviced company it has nothing to do with sales,” Subrian said. “It has criteria such as working relationships, how flexible you are in terms of promoting your product, what kind of relationship you have with the association in terms of accounts receivables. What is the margin, your exchange policy when products are damaged.”
Trade Minister: We want to see new exporters
Gopee-Scoon said the government will continue to support the export thrust of the non-energy sector through the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (TIPA), an amalgam of Export TT, InvesTT and Creative TT.
Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, left, and TTMA president Roger Roach, speak to reporters at the tour of the company’s manufacturing facility in Orange Grove Road, Tacarigua on January 13.
“A lot of push will come through them, with some of the older products being maintained. But what we really want is to see new exporters, new businesses.
“We want to see growth of micro-businesses, small family businesses expanding and that is where the growth is going to come from.”
She said the government’s role in this push is to meet the needs of the businesses.
“The needs will be different at every level. What we have to ensure is that we service the needs of the large manufacturers, in other words, maintain a good relationship, find out what is happening and how we can assist in their expansion plans.
“It also means working with those who want to enter the markets outside of TT, the EU markets and so on.”
She said next week she will accompany 23 businesses and 29 people on the TTMA’s first trade mission to Dominica. She added that TT also now has a direct shipping line into Curacao, which is seeing tremendous growth in its tourism industry.
“All of these markets are growing tourism-wise and so on. That is an expanding market for exports. Once they are growing we are happy because we can grow too.”
TTMA president Roger Roach said Dominica, like many other markets, may not be large but is an untapped opportunity for TT businesses. He said it is important for businesses to go on trade missions if they want to secure export deals.
“What is clear is that you cannot sit in TT and say you want to export, you have to physically travel into the market, meet people and work with the ministry.
“We have to create an enabling environment but at the end of the day we cannot sell for you. Businesses have to meet across the table with distributors and customers, and show and sell their products.”
MINISTER of Trade Paula Gopee-Scoon has said implementing property tax on business is not a consideration of the government for the time being.
She made the statement while answering questions from the media after a tour of the Blue Waters factory on Orange Grove Road in Tacarigua.
The company won the title Manufacturer of the Year Large 2023 at the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association’s awards ceremony in November.
“I can give you the position of the government, that it is not on the table right now.
“When you look at the last budget, there is no mention of an introduction of the property tax on business.”
She said while its implementation might be considered some time in the future, consultations with the private sector would be held at that time.
In the 2021 budget presentation, Minister of Finance Colm Imbert expressed the government’s plans to begin collecting property tax. Imbert said government would start with residential properties, and commercial, industrial and agricultural properties would follow in that order.
The tax is payable on a percentage of the annual taxable value (ATV) of the land owned. Schedule one of the Property Tax Act breaks down the tax rates for each section, with residential land being taxed at two per cent of the ATV and commercial land at six per cent of the ATV.
Industrial land is divided into two categories – industrial land with plant and machinery housed in the building would be taxed at a rate of six per cent; and plant and machinery not housed in a building at three per cent of the ATV.
Agricultural land will be taxed at one per cent of ATV.
Blue Waters on forex challenges: We manage
Owner of Blue Waters Dominic Hadeed said while the company was still seeing some challenges accessing foreign exchange (forex), it is doing well with the assistance of Eximbank, local commercial banks and the efforts of the business to earn its own forex.
“It’s as my uncle used to say, a hair from here and a hair from there would make a beard.
“A little from Eximbank, a little from local banks, a little from export and a little from buying local… we manage. I wouldn’t say that it is smooth sailing, but we manage.”
Hadeed said while the company was getting assistance from financial institutions, it was also growing sales locally and growing its exports.
“I think when the banks are seeing that you are making an effort, I think everyone will work together, because they are hoping that if they give you some support in the short run, in the long run you will be less reliant, or not reliant at all. That is what we are trying to do.”
FED UP with the state of crime and the number of robberies in their community, Aranguez residents and businessowners are praising the police for foiling a robbery and killing one of the suspects on November 18.
Footage from the robbery shows a man parking a Blue Waters truck on the Aranguez Main Road near Mangra Trace at around 1.30 pm on November 18 when a silver Nissan Wingroad pulled up behind it.
Two men got out of the car, accosted the driver and hauled him out of the truck’s cab while they robbed him.
Eyewitnesses said an off-duty police officer who was driving past saw what was happening and intervened, shooting at the men.
The Wingroad drove off, with the suspected bandits running behind it, as the off-duty officer continued shooting at them.
In the video, which was shared on social media, the truck driver was heard shouting, “Kill dem!”
Other police, who had already been contacted, intercepted the suspects’ car less than a minute after the robbery.
The suspects crashed into a culvert before hitting a building on Rambhaju Trace, two streets away from the robbery.
One of the bandits was shot dead during a confrontation with the police. Another initially escaped but was later found as police continued their investigation.
The dead man remained unidentified up until press time.
A third man who was shot during the confrontation was taken to hospital and remains under police guard.
Several residents expressed their frustration over the level of crime they have been witnessing in the community and told Newsday they had “no problem” with police killing the suspected bandit.
One man praised them, saying, “They did their good deed for the day. Well done to them!”
A passer-by who saw the group of journalists, photographers and police asked what had happened.
When told about the incident, he replied, “Good! Let them kill the one who in the hospital too!”
A man who lives nearby and was held up from getting to his home because of the traffic said he did not mind waiting when he found out what was causing it.
He said people are fed up and the police have his full support.
“If that’s what police have to do to bring back law and order, then so be it, because them bandits ent ‘fraid police any more.
“The bandits and dem out here distressing people and shooting at (the police), so police have to do what they have to do!”
The man said residents are “hugely appreciative” of how the police dealt with the situation and the speed with which they reacted.
“We are always vigilant because of the number of strange cars in the area coming and going to the hotel down the street, so it was comforting to see the police respond so quickly.”
Blue Waters: Affected employees coping well
Blue Waters CEO Pradeep Subrian also praised the police.
“We have great appreciation for the police and their timeliness and how they responded. We also appreciate the accuracy of their investigation, because they got all the suspects.”
He praised the employees for keeping cool and quickly notifying the police.
Subrian said they are doing well and the company is supporting them.
“They were thrilled the police responded so quickly and that there were no casualties. They are coping well and we told them to take time off and whatever we could do as a company to support them, we will do.”
He said he was surprised by the incident, as there are seldom any large amounts of cash on their trucks.
“This is the first time we have ever had a robbery in the last 17 years.”
Subrian did not reveal specific security arrangements, but said the company has adopted a proactive approach to minimise the possibility of its trucks and drivers being targeted.
“We have security awareness training for our guys, where they are taught what to look out for and to be aware of their surroundings. We remind them to change their route regularly and all the basic things they should know.”
Police: Quick response is proof measures are working
DCP Junior Benjamin said he appreciated the confidence expressed in the police service.
“This was a collaborative effort with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the DCP Operations task force. So we want to thank all those who were responsible for ensuring we were able to quell the situation.
“The synergy within the TTPS is what is needed to fight crime, and it’s all hands on deck and everyone is contributing to the crime reduction strategy and anti-crime plans we have for Trinidad and Tobago.
“Right through this is the effort (officers give).
“Officers are putting their lives on the line and we will continue to do that ,because we have made an oath to protect and serve without fear or favour, malice or ill will. So we will continue to do that.”
He suggested the timely response was proof that the various policing measures being implemented across TT are bearing fruit.
A crime scene investigator places a marker on the pavement where an alleged bandit was killed by police who foiled a robbery on Rambhaju Street East, Aranguez on November 18. – Photo by Faith Ayoung
“The police are upping the patrols in the area and every so often, we have officers doing different mobile and foot patrols, and also what we call quasi-patrols.
“We recognise that when these things come up, especially in the hotspot areas, they’re able to respond quickly.”
He added police are never happy to engage in a gunfight with criminals and called on people to convert their support into actionable intelligence so criminals can be brought to justice.
He said this would help increase the response time as well.
“We want to ask the public to continue to support us and if you see something, say something.
“The faster we get the information, we are able in real time to dispatch that information to officers that are on patrol and therefore there’s a quicker response.
“We’re really working on really increasing the response time so that we can catch perpetrators in the act and be able to at least bring them before a competent court of justice for the actions that they seek to perpetrate on innocent victims.”
Businessowners: We are sitting ducks, give us guns
Newsday spoke with several businessmen in the area, who, while praising the police, called on the government and Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher to make it easier for them to get firearm user’s licences (FUL).
A businessman said the authorities needed to “go full steam ahead” with issuing FULs.
A shop owner said, “We are sitting ducks. We should be allowed to have our legal firearms so that we could defend ourselves, because it’s only so much the police could do. (The police) can’t be everywhere.”
Another store owner said he was concerned not only for his business but also for his family, as he lives above his business.
“Nothing you can do can stop a bandit. If they want to rob you, they not going to let some burglarproofing stop them, so we need to have something of our own to stop them.”
Several businessmen said although they have implemented their own security measures, including cameras and door buzzers, they still feel it is not enough.
A foreign national running a business near where the robbery took place told Newsday he believes the time has come for the tenants on the compound to have a serious conversation with the landlord.
“We need to do something about this. The tenants spoke and we have decided we need to get an armed security guard to protect us.”
He said at least one business on the compound had been robbed since he has been there and coupled with the crime in the area, the other businessowners are uneasy.
“We are pleased with the police presence (in the area). It is okay. But we are also speaking with the community council about what more can be done to keep the area safe.”
Despite being competitors, Blue Waters, Caribbean Bottlers TT and Nestlé TT have partnered for the first time to address recycling. Along with the recycling company Every Bottle Back TT, they partnered under the Catalyzing and Connecting the Circular Economy project.
Launched in 2022 by the Inter-American Development Bank Lab (IDB Lab), in collaboration with the Cropper Foundation, the project sought to promote circular thinking in the private sector.
The circular economy system is based on reusing materials and products to continue production in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways.
The project aimed to execute this by improving TT’s waste management. Its main focus was creating a sustainable, private-sector-driven recycling model that targeted waste from food and beverage containers.
“Companies can’t continue to put plastics, tetra, aluminium and glass into the marketplace…and not have solutions for the recycling of these products,” said Vashtie Dookiesingh, private finance operations lead specialist at the IDB, during her remarks at the project’s closing symposium on October 29 at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business.
“This project was just a pilot and it was successful, but we have to collectively find ways to take the solution forward.
“There is no reason that we in TT can’t develop a world-class solution to some of the pressing problems that plague our region and our world, especially with the talent we have.”
Beverage containers being deposited at the Every Bottle Back Collection Centre on Charlotte Street, Port of Spain in 2023. – Courtesy Nestle
Gathered at the Yara Auditorium, executives of the four companies had a panel discussion at the symposium.
José Luis Guillermety, project lead of Every Bottle Back TT, spoke about his role as collaboration moderator.
“I kept trying to be a mediator in terms of explaining that being fierce competitors doesn’t mean that we cannot work together.
“It started as a pilot. We didn’t know if it was going to work or if it was going to grow big, but in this project, the word ‘catalysing’ rings true because it forces a conversation…and even though we’re not at the levels that we want to be…this is the start of something.
“Now we’re bringing in a baler that can probably process 20-25 per cent of all the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) in the country.”
Lillian Rodriguez Lopez, director of government affairs at Caribbean Bottlers TT, spoke about the importance of the collaborative project.
“We are fierce competitors but it doesn’t mean we don’t all get along. We recognise that we are a robust industry that needs to work together.
“Some call it climate-change adaptation, I call it climate-change catastrophe, because we have to do something globally to turn the tides of what’s happening.
“We had an unprecedented opportunity, after 20 years of discussion, to work together and do something meaningful as an industry and to play our part in taking producer responsibility.”
Pradeep Subrian, CEO of Blue Waters Products Ltd, said companies must collaborate in these efforts.
“It is an international best practice for success. With any company you have your internal strategies and your external strategies, and with your external strategies you have to collaborate, no matter with who. You have statutory and international obligations.”
Mathew Jardim, agricultural services and ESG manager of Nestlé TT Ltd, said the company is implementing internal education efforts and circular thinking to achieve its sustainability goals.
“The goal goes towards a totally net-zero (emissions) company by 2050 through efforts in recycling our post-consumer products.”
Accomplishing this goal would see the company reaching an ideal state of removing just as much pollution and waste from the environment as it produces.
In 2018 then Public Utilities minister Robert Le Hunte said legislation like the Beverage Container Bill aimed to enhance this by putting a monetary value on plastic waste returned by consumers and the responsibility of recycling it on manufacturers and importers.
Cherisse Braithwaite-Joseph, CEO of the Cropper Foundation,, delivers opening remarks at the Catalysing and Connecting the Circular Economy in TT project closing symposium. – Mya Quamie
“It’s not just about saying, ‘Oh, here’s recyclable content, do what you want with it.’ It’s about taking that content back and recycling it so we’ll have generations of this recycled material,” said Lopez, as the panel discussed the legislative aspect of recycling.
“We’re looking at a (plastic waste) deposit system. We’re looking at strengthening our role and the many facets of the legislation.
“What I think is important is to recognise that the industry is willing and able and wants to take a leadership role in this. Especially for Coca-Cola: they’re looking globally to make these investments in taking back the single-use plastic waste they’re putting into the world.”
While Guillermety, who has worked on recycling initiatives internationally, says TT still has a long way to go, he expressed optimism about the future of waste management.
“I’ve seen what the future looks like, and the efforts that are being put in TT around beverage-container recycling are fantastic. I think it is going to take us to a good place. We have an industry committed to supporting all the people creating this legislation.”
Subrian was also optimistic as he spoke about the potential of newly passed policy.
“We have seen very intense dialogue that started five years ago, and in the last year the (National Integrated Solid Waste/Resource Management) policy was passed in cabinet, which was a major milestone, and I think that’s the critical part that would lead us to execution.”
Jardim emphasised the importance of education.
“I notice that so many people are just unaware. When we have these events and when we engage with people they indicate to us that they are not too sure what can and can’t be recycled.
“Collaboration is key as well, but I think education is the most important thing, and maybe we can collaborate with the Education Ministry.”
The project’s recycling initiatives also included community engagement. In April, the Cashew Gardens Community Recycling Programme launched the Macaulay/ Hermitage Village Recycling Programme engaging hundreds of young people.
The project educated community members on sustainability and resulted in a bench being made from 13,000 recycled plastic bottles courtesy of Flying Tree Environmental Management. Added to these efforts the project eventually went beyond recycling.
On only her second day as CEO of the Cropper Foundation, Cherisse Braithwaite-Joseph spoke about the project’s evolution at the symposium.
“We realised that another campaign strictly around recycling was not needed at this time.
“We felt what the country really needed was positive, uplifting messages around existing options in support of the five Rs: reduce, reuse, repair, repurpose, recycle. Messages that emphasise the good habits we grew up with, the good work of those already addressing the issue of waste and all the many good reasons we must do our part.”
In her speech, Braithwaite-Joseph explained how the project established its revised goals around driving behavioural change, piloting a recycling process and supporting circular economy businesses. Backed by multi-stakeholder engagement, the result was a wide range of sustainability initiatives.
The project’s behavioural change efforts saw the creation and execution of the Daz Good Ting digital campaign that encouraged households to minimise waste. Launched in 2023, in collaboration with the EMA and others, the campaign emphasised the value of waste in overflowing landfills that could instead be repurposed and reused.
The campaign reached over 300,000 people across social media platforms, and participants went beyond digital promotion by presenting their Circular City showcase at this year’s Trade and Investment Convention (TIC).
As the convention’s first co-ordinated sustainability presence, the Circular City was designed to show the wide range of sustainable business options in TT. The pavilion presented over 20 entities, including non-profit organisations, small businesses and state agencies, eventually winning the convention’s award for best booth pavilion. At the project’s end, the advertising company Lonsdale Saatchi & Saatchi offered to “adopt” the project, as it recognised the need for continuous investment and promotion.
Braithwaite-Joseph said, “To the Lonsdale team, consider this a signal that your proposal is under active review.”
FOR JUST over a month, the website of the Guyana Cricket Board has been quite visibly defaced by hackers who demanded US$1,000 in Bitcoin.
The defacement took the form of a warning and demand, stating partly, “Your company was hacked due to major security issues and your documents, contracts, work correspondence ended up in our possession, we would love to forget this incident but we cannot, so your business partners should not suffer because of your negligence to security.”
It’s kind of weird when a definitive statement about the importance of cybersecurity comes from the people who broke into your digital house.
I’ve been trying to understand the studious calm that’s followed the TSTT breach. What collective noun to describe an industry-wide gathering of potential victims ardently burrowing for good soil to stick their heads into.
So I’ve decided on apathy, as in an apathy of cybersecurity concerns.
Consider the Blue Waters breach in December 2023, which dropped 10GB of that company’s data on the dark web.
The circle of individuals affected by the public distribution of personally identifiable information in that breach was significantly smaller than hundreds of thousands affected by the TSTT data breach, so there was little cause for public concern.
Almost nobody would have been concerned about Mrs Hadeed’s company-related Amazon purchases or the appalling salary of the company’s lone IT employee, but Blue Waters should have been concerned, because what got dumped on the dark web in that breach was a financial and organisational blueprint of how the company does business.
If a competitor decided to create a rival company, say, Black and Blue Waters, they had a ready-made roadmap, from raw materials acquisition to distribution systems to work from.
And that’s probably one of the reasons why the Government has sensibly decided to incentivise a national hardening of the TT digital presence through a tax allowance of $500,000.
In an amendment to the Corporation Tax Act in December, the Government further clarified that the allowance would cover cybersecurity investments between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025 up to a maximum of $500,000 for both years. The allowance is a deduction on chargeable taxes allowable over the two-year period, and qualifying businesses can file multiple claims during that window of opportunity.
According to iGovTT, since the announcement was made, the agency has fielded questions from accountants responsible for the tax returns of multiple large business clients and questions from smaller businesses seeking a better understanding of how the allowance applies to them.
At a TTMA webinar on Tuesday, Charles Bobb-Semple, deputy CEO of iGovTT, explained other caveats. Companies must be in full compliance with the Registrar General’s office and other necessities of doing business in TT to be eligible for the facility, and successful companies may be audited to ensure that the purchased are actually deployed.
“Our focus is not on the product or the brand, it is not on who the vendor is,” explained Bobb-Semple.
“Does the thing that you’re purchasing abide by certain international standards? The spirit of the allowance is to defend the (cybersecurity) posture of the country.”
Regarding future incentives for improving cybersecurity, he said, “I am certain that the Minister of Finance and Minister of Digital Transformation will look at this as we progress, but I think what will encourage government is our uptake. So I’m really encouraging you to utilise it as much as possible.”
“We want businesses to think about this the way they plan for disaster preparedness,” said Nicole Greene, team lead for corporate communications at iGovTT, in an interview. “You want to plan and prepare in advance to reduce the impact of potential threats and have the fastest return to normalcy should the unthinkable happen.”
Still, there is a clear reluctance by iGovTT to offer even anonymised numbers of applicants for a programme that’s six months into a 24-month window of opportunity, even a month after the official application portal has been opened for a government-funded tax break worth half a million dollars.
It might just be early days for a country that loves its last-minute rush, but what if it isn’t?
“I don’t think people are even bothered much anymore,” said Shiva Parasram, an enterprise risk consultant specialising in cybersecurity and ransomware exposure.
“People don’t seem to care unless it affects services or their finances directly. As more people realise that these things happen globally, they’re not too bothered as long as it doesn’t affect them. (Companies seem to think) we have no legislation, so why are we bothering?”
Mark Lyndersay is the editor of technewstt.com. An expanded version of this column can be found there.
THE Ministry of Digital Transformation says it is “exceedingly difficult” to find and retain cybersecurity experts in the public sector as the salaries offered are not competitive enough.
This was revealed by the ministry’s permanent secretary Cory Belfon during a Public Administration and Appropriations Committee meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
Committee member and Minister in the Education Ministry Lisa Morris-Julian asked if iGovTT – the national ICT company – is operating at its “optimal best.”
The company offers ICT solutions and support for the all ministries in the public sector.
Belfon said the level of resources needed to “optimally respond to a lot of digital projects, and to drive some of the procurement and project management and oversight that iGovTT embarks on, essentially, is stymied to some extent.”
Some challenges, he said, include remuneration levels and retaining talent to “effectively support ministries in various aspects.
“I could give you an example. It is exceedingly difficult to find cybersecurity personnel – simply because you’re competing with the private sector.”
He said with the level of certification some people might have, “the band of remuneration that would be available at iGovTT may not satisfy a particular candidate…
“So they don’t end up taking the job so it leads to a capability and a capacity issue where they may not be effectively resourced to respond in a particular area.”
He said the problem resulted in project delays and unavailability of technical advice for particular projects.
But he assured it was being addressed as discussions were ongoing with the Ministry of Finance.
“…In terms of advocating for and justifying the relevant increases to iGovTT and, as well, the justification as to why we would require a variety of personnel and an increase in resources, not just to support the Ministry of Digital Transformation but the wider public sector in digitalisation and digitisation.”
He said it was a “two-part problem” but one that could be solved through continued collaboration with the Ministry of Finance “to get the fiscal resources made available and pursuing the rapid head-hunting or human resource function to get iGovTT (where it needs to be).
Recently, there have been several cyber attacks at companies including at TSTT (Telecommunications Services of TT), the nib (National Insurance Board), the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Blue Waters, Massy Group, among others.
And in January, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds revealed that there had been 204 cyber attacks in TT between 2019 and 2023.
During the meeting, Belfon also mentioned the issue of understaffing.
He added that there was a shortfall in operational expenditure of $27.8 million, which was used to cover human resource expenditure.
“(A total of) $22m million of that goes towards salaries, probably roughly around $2 million is left in terms of operating expenditure.”
Christine Ferreira, head of finance at iGovTT, said the ministry has been surviving on its operating reserves, which are now dwindling.
“We want to ramp up our human resources so that we can support the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
“To date, we are expected to have another 21 projected positions. Again, all our subvention has been allocated to our salaries and there is not sufficient to bring in these additional positions to support (the) ministry).”
Ferreira said there are currently 139 employees when there should be 175.
BLUE WATERS’ bottled-water products now cost $1-3 more per case, depending on the size.
But that increase is hardly substantial for one of the cheapest products on the market for some 25 years, says the company’s managing director Dominic Hadeed.
The company issued a notice to its customers on January 17, advising of an increase of $1 per case (24 bottles) for the 410ml, 500ml and five-gallon sizes and $3 for the 650ml, 1.5l, 5l and 8l.
Cases of Aqua Pur water (330ml and 500ml) also increased by $1, as well as other products under alkaline water, Juse Cran and Tampico brands, from $1-3 per case. The increases were effective from February 1.
Blue Waters said it had “been faced with varying increases in production costs, driven primarily by raw material increases and other macroeconomic factors.
“As a strategic partner, we have and will continue to absorb as much increasing costs as possible to ensure we provide quality products at affordable prices.
Hadeed told Newsday it was the company’s first general price increase since 2016, and works out to about four cents per bottle.
That said, the prices of bottled water are considerably lower than when he founded the business in 1999.
“Where you may see a (noticeable) change is in the supermarket, by a dollar.”
Still, he said, bottled water is still affordable to consumers, and even more so than two decades ago.
“There’s nothing you could buy for the same price 25 years ago, far less for one-third of the price.
“Bottled water has actually been the cheapest thing ever in Trinidad, and when I started the business 25 years ago, it was as little as $72 a case. And now in the grocery, you can get it for $20.”
Blue Waters managing director Dominic Hadeed. – File photo by Angelo Marcelle
Ultimately, he said the company was forced to make the decision to “keep up with the wages that we had to (adjust) and obviously operating costs have gone up,” he said. He said his workers do not earn the minimum wage, but would have seen their salary increased by $3, the same rate at which the minimum wage was increased.
“We don’t like to raise prices, but I think that one was necessary.”
He said he was surprised the increase even made news.
“It’s so insignificant.”
Hadeed also said there was no shortage of water, and scarcity had not been a factor.
Newsday also spoke with a representative at Blue Mountain Water, who said the company last increased its prices at the end of 2021 and does not intend to do so in the near future.
“Since then, we’ve more or less had a stable price list. (We also) do not have any particular intentions right now to increase our prices. Of course, we try to keep things as competitive as possible and always try to get the best prices for our customers.”
If the company does adjust its prices, it said it will give customers sufficient notice before doing so.
The representative said he is aware that competing companies and even many business unrelated to the industry have decided to increase their prices, owing to factors including the increased cost of raw materials, the minimum wage increase and increased T&TEC power rates.
“Of course, that’s understandable, but we’re still trying our best to see how best we can negate that as it relates to our customers and still keep our prices as low as possible across the board.”
He said, perhaps because of the business model and processes, Blue Mountain does not feel compelled to raise its prices.
“I guess it has a lot to do with our specific process as well, which again has stayed static across the board for the past decade and more, and so a lot of the things that are impacting other companies right now aren’t necessarily hitting us as hard.”
Newsday was unable to reach representatives of Oasis (SM Jaleel) and Caribbean Bottlers to ascertain if they were planning any increases in their bottled-water prices.
MP for Mayaro Rushton Paray is calling for urgent action against the numerous cyber security breaches taking place.
The National Insurance Board of T&T (NIBTT) is the latest victim of a cyber attack. NIBTT has closed all its offices, with an undertaking to reopen on a phased basis in January 2024.
In a statement, Paray said, “Considering the recent and alarming cyber breaches within our state-managed digital infrastructure, it is imperative that the Rowley administration takes immediate and decisive action.
“The occurrence of the third major cyber breach is a clear indication of the urgent need for heightened cybersecurity measures and public awareness.
In October, the security of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) was breached, and customers’ data dumped on the dark web.
Before that, PriceSmart was also hacked and recently, the Blue Waters company.
As a parliamentarian with a focus on digital transformation, Paray said, “I have consistently highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity in our increasingly digital world. The recent breaches are not just isolated incidents, they are a clarion call for a comprehensive strategy to protect our national digital assets and the personal information of our citizens.
“The Rowley administration must now prioritise the development and implementation of a robust public awareness campaign on cybersecurity starting with state-sector employees with access to the state digital networks.”
He suggested this campaign should not only inform but also empower citizens to recognise and protect themselves against the myriad digital threats prevalent in today’s interconnected world.
“Educating the public is a crucial step in mitigating these risks. An informed citizenry is less vulnerable to the tactics of cybercriminals, thereby reducing the overall impact of cyber crime on our society.
“Furthermore, public awareness can lead to greater vigilance and reporting of cyber threats, aiding in the disruption of malicious activities.”
Paray said there are exemplary models of public cybersecurity awareness campaigns across the globe which offers valuable insights and can be adapted to TT’s unique digital landscape.
He identified Singapore’s Cyber Tips 4 You initiative and the European Union’s cybersecurity month, which demonstrates the effectiveness of educating the public on digital threats and safety measures.
“The Rowley administration must act swiftly to implement a national cybersecurity awareness campaign. Such a campaign is not merely a reactive measure but a fundamental component of a proactive strategy to safeguard our nation’s digital infrastructure and the privacy of our citizens.
“The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. We must act now to prevent further breaches and to establish TT as a leader in digital security and education within the Caribbean.
“The time for complacency has passed, we must commit to protecting our digital future.”
MINISTER of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon is urging those in the manufacturing industry to continue to “proudly showcase” this country’s talent and capability regionally and internationally.
She was speaking at the TT Manufacturers Association’s (TTMA) 2022 awards ceremony on Tuesday night at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain.
A total of nine awards were given out.
The winner of the lifetime achievement award was ExporTT chairman Ashmir Mohamed.
TTMA CEO Dr Mahindra Ramesh Ramdeen said this award typically goes to someone who has significantly contributed to the growth of the manufacturing sector, the TTMA and the country “by way of service and other tangible and intangible contributions.”
He said his team had a “difficult task” in choosing this year’s winner.
Ramdeen said Mohamed has done “tremendous work for both industry and country,” so he is “most deserving.”
“He’s humble, facilitating, accountable and few persons can follow in his travel footsteps of leadership.”
Ramdeen said Mohamed was responsible for transforming export sales at KC Confectionery, where he was once director and corporate secretary, is a past president of the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce, former TTMA director, among several other feats.
Trinidad Tissues Ltd won the Green Manufacturer of the Year award, CGA Ltd copped Innovator of the Year, and the award for excellence and service went to Ramps Logistics.
For the New Market Entrants – Exporter of the Year award, Lazuri Apparel won in the small and medium enterprises category, while Nutrimix won in the large category.
For Manufacturers of the Year, Resscott Ltd won in the small category, Sheik Lisha Ltd won for medium and Blue Waters, large.
Gopee Scoon said the night was one to celebrate “excellence,” and that she’s “pleased with the growth, strength (and) resilience” of the manufacturing industry.
“…And, therefore, to the awardees, I say by you raising the bar, you encourage the development and application of new ideas based on your best practices and you inspire others to follow in your footsteps on our journey to transform our economy.”
She said the sector’s performance has been exceptional and that this is “clearly demonstrated in the data…With the manufacturing sector accounting for approximately 20 per cent (of our) GDP.”
She said although she’s been saying the sector has employed 52,000 people, she believes that number has since significantly increased. She projected the total output in the sector by the end of the year to be approximately $28.1 billion.
The food and beverage industry, she said, has the “largest component, 28 per cent,” when it comes to the non-energy sector.
Non-energy exports increased by 1.8 per cent and the non-manufacturing sector exports increased by 24 per cent, she said.
She said global disruptions due to the covid19 pandemic have highlighted the need for the development of “diverse, flexible and more integrated supply chains.”
The ministry will do two studies – a diagnostic assessment of links between the manufacturing, creative, tourism and agriculture sectors, “to identify opportunities for improving substitution and manufacturing,” and one mapping the existing regional value chains of the manufacturing sector’s backward and forward linkages to “identify new opportunities to increase regional integration.”
She said trade is a “critical engine” that drives economic and social transformation in TT.
