More Drama, More Fun, More Action, More Local – PlayGo Is Anytime, Anywhere, Any Device TV & Movies
There’s a new kid on the block in the entertainment world with the intro of the new all-singing, all-dancing PlayGo app available right now in the Google Play and Apple app stores. PlayGo is much more than your average video streaming service; it’s a cloud-based entertainment platform where users can discover, watch, store, share and replay everything they could want in their TV life. Not only that, PlayGo is anytime, anywhere and any device as they can watch and replay Live and On Demand content on their phone, tablet or big screen via casting.
Jam-packed with must-watch content, PlayGo has something for everyone whether it’s local live TV, international TV and over 2000 On Demand movies and shows. And the Premium package offers the best that the top international studios have to offer on top of all that. And when it comes to local content, PlayGo delivers hyper local content and is set to be the platform for local Caribbean talent to shine across the Caribbean and Diaspora with St. Lucia having its very own tailored content line up.
With PlayGo, the viewer is the boss. Delivering a “second to none” experience, they have the choice of multiple devices to watch on and can watch on, multiple devices at the same time (yes, we’ve all been in the family fight over what to watch – now here’s a solution), the handy Timeshift 24 hours and reminder feature means they can watch any programme from the last 24 hours; HD streaming delivers that crystal clear picture plus there’s a TV Guide and multilanguage feature.
Commenting on the all-new PlayGo app, Siobhan James- Alexander, CEO of Digicel St. Lucia, explains: “At Digicel, we’re on a journey to become a digital lifestyle partner for our customers. And that means being with them every step of the way and providing them with powerful digital experiences all day, every day.”
She continues; “We’re making big moves on that journey. We’ve already given customers music and sports entertainment with D’Music and SportsMax; we’ve given them transparency and control of their digital lives with the MyDigicel app; now we’re proud to tell them that PlayGo is where it’s at for all their TV on the Go needs. There’s a lot to love about PlayGo. More drama, more fun, more action, more local content – PlayGo puts your favourite TV shows and movies right there in your pocket meaning you’ll never miss the drama and the action.”
In keeping with changes in international oil prices and government’s application of the modified market pass-through petroleum pricing mechanism, the retail price of kerosene has changed. The retail price of gasoline, diesel, LPG 20, 22 and 100 lb cylinders remains unchanged. The price changes take effect from Monday, September 21, 2020.
GASOLINE remains unchanged at $2.67 per litre or $12.13 per gallon
Kerosene decreased from $1.57 to $1.24 per litre or $7.15 to $5.62 per gallon
Diesel remains unchanged at $2.37 per litre or $10.78 per gallon
20 Pound Cylinder (9.07 kg) remains unchanged at $28.36 per cylinder
22 Pound Cylinder (9.98 kg) remains unchanged at $31.19 per cylinder
100 Pound Cylinder (45.36kg) remains unchanged at $169.44 per cylinder
The public is informed that the next adjustment of the retail price of fuel products will be on Monday, October 12, 2020.
CARICOM SG holds discussions with US Secretary of State
Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque had fruitful discussions with United States Secretary of State Mr Michael Pompeo at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters, Turkeyen, Guyana on Friday 18 September.
The discussions included exchanges on the Covid-19 Pandemic and the severe economic fall-out being experienced by CARICOM Member States, the renewal of the Caribbean Basin Trade and Partnership Act (CBPTA), the de-risking of regional banks by US financial institutions and co-operation under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).
The Secretary-General took the opportunity to thank Mr Pompeo for the response by him and US Treasury Secretary Mr Steve Mnuchin to the issues raised in a letter to them by the then Chair of the Community, the Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados earlier this year. The Community sought US support for initiatives to assist in combatting among other things, the economic fall-out from the pandemic.
Ambassador LaRocque emphasised the need for CARICOM Member States to have access to concessional development financing which is denied to them due to the criteria applied of GDP per capita and the classification of Member States as middle income in that context. This access, he noted, was critical as the Region sought to emerge from the grave economic crisis brought on by Covid-19 as well as to build resilience to natural disasters.
TTSE Online Platform – Innovation & Digital Transformation at The Exchange!
Ms. Amoy Van Lowe, CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange
If there is one certainty in the world of investments and business, it is that change is inevitable. Add another certainty: saving and investing will always be fuelled by four (4) of life’s essentials, such as Education for your Children, Buying a home, Planning for Retirement, and Catering for Chronic and Critical Illness.
Business models have been changing and there will be more change to come, this is squarely due to the fact that technology has rapidly evolved over the past decade, and organisations across all industries have no choice but to innovate and adapt so that they can stay relevant… Essentially, that’s the only way to stay in the game! With the onset of COVID-19, businesses across all industries have placed a heightened focus on their digital transformation roadmap, using digital platforms to build their brands, connect, engage, and collaborate with stakeholders. The Financial Services sector is one of the leading industries when it comes to digital transformation. The adoption of technologies like cloud computing, analytics, and robotics are among the chief innovative digital tools which are almost overhauling the way financial institutions conduct their business.
The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE) is cognisant of the global technological shift, along with the growth of entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), coupled with the spike in online presence; not only because of COVID-19, but because for the past few years, being online has actually meant being present, being current, and being existent in today’s society. The TTSE’s evolution in 2020 is a reflection of how the capital markets and the investment climate in the Caribbean are changing and will continue to change, to meet the demands of new and existing investors, both individuals and companies.
The TTSE’s rebrand, the launch of our eStatement platform, and launch of our online trading platform – TOP (TTSE Online Platform), all in 2020, are testament that the industry is evolving in order to create opportunities, to stimulate the economy, and to strengthen its appeal to the younger generations, the up-and-coming investors who will be the future leaders in this industry.
The TTSE’s new brand was launched virtually at the end of July 2020; and whilst the in-person, traditional pomp and flair of a celebratory event did not take place, the refreshed, modern look of the largest stock exchange in the Caribbean (by market capitalisation) has been welcomed by many across the region. Along with our rebrand is an appealing new website which allows for easy navigation, as the go-to platform for everything TTSE, in addition to our social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
With technology and the demands of investors guiding our strategic initiatives, our online trading platform, TOP was launched in August 2020. At The TTSE, we understand the need to shift from traditional day trading to online trading, allowing technology to drive the business and make it more convenient and accessible to the investor. There are traditional aspects of the process which still apply, such as opening a brokerage account with a Registered Stockbroker; but once that has been completed, trading is literally in the palm of your hand.
Culture in the Caribbean is not an easy aspect to change, and encouraging investors to shift from trading through a brokerage firm to an online platform comes with a few challenges, but the advantages of online trading outweigh these. The TTSE Online Platform, TOP, aims to make the market more efficient, as a faster means to trade, with investors having 24/7 access to view real-time movements in their portfolio and the market. Once a trade order has been put through on a Trading Day, it is queued immediately to be executed. As millennials and Generation Z have become strongly tied to technology, TOP provides a way to encourage and engage young investors in the digital space, where everything is done at their fingertips.
Another new initiative catered to our shareholders is our eStatement Platform, which replaces printed and mailed account statements and notices, and facilitates full online portfolio access, not only saving the environment but saving shareholders’ time. As an initiative of The TTSE’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Trinidad and Tobago Central Depository (TTCD), having a view of your portfolio in an electronic space allows for convenience, especially when time is a significant factor to an investor. We’ve seen the importance of having that secure, online space to manage accounts, especially in the banking and insurance sectors; and we aim to fully furnish our online platforms for our stakeholders to access everything they will need now, and in the future.
The impact of COVID-19, whilst it delayed the launch of some of our initiatives, has offered us the opportunity to spend the time sharpening the tools in our tool box and refining our execution strategies to drive greater traffic to our digital channels. Our rebrand, new website and social media platforms continue to be the collaborative channels between the Organisation, shareholders, and up-and-coming investors. Our new electronic platforms have now set the direction for how The TTSE will continue to evolve, to drive engagement and participation, by boosting innovation through technology. The pandemic has shifted how we operate, but it has not impacted how we operate – we continue to offer the highest standard of service to all stakeholders whether we work from home or in the office and email, Microsoft Teams and Zoom, also serve as collaborative tools to meet the demands of our stakeholders and the investing population.
On the business side of The TTSE, it is no secret that in the Caribbean, and T&T in particular, we have a risk-averse culture, whereby people are reluctant to invest. We have seen a decrease in trading activity across the region due to the financial impact of COVID-19; investors are extremely cautious in what to invest. We will soon be celebrating our forty (40) year milestone and during this time, the Stock Exchange has been and continues to be the bridge connecting investor, Listed Companies, and Participants in various industries, and shareholders’ investments have certainly allowed for the growth and expansion of many these Listed Companies on the stock exchange.
Keeping on the business front, as time goes by, things change; for instance, many family-owned businesses are seeing decreased interest from upcoming generations to take the lead of the business, as personal interests and their sense of purpose change. For a family-owned business to continue running viably, listing on the stock exchange is the solution for divesting the company. This will not only allow for the company to expand but to also encourage young persons to invest and expand their portfolios, allowing the stock exchange to position itself as the entity creating opportunities and financial stability for all.
A vibrant stock exchange will be beneficial to the entire financial services ecosystem and by extension the country. The Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange is prepared to embrace technologies that will boost our operational efficiencies so that we can better serve our clients and the market at large. We stand ready to engage and collaborate with our stakeholders and champion the requisite changes that will bolster the further development of our Capital Market in the Caribbean.
Caribbean Export boosting the International Competitiveness of the region’s services sector
As services industries and providers across the region learn to navigate the global pandemic, Caribbean Export Development Agency in collaboration with the Belize Coalition of Services Provides, the Jamaica Coalition of Services Industries and the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries are stepping in to host a training programme to enhance the export-readiness of services SMEs. Commencing on October 1st, 2020. This
programme will support thirty (30) services providers operating in the business and professional services, and information, communication, and technology sectors (ICT) and is funded by the European Union as part of the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme.
Ten entrepreneurs will be selected from each country to undertake the training and subsequently, six participants from each country will be selected to receive one on one coaching based on their performance during the workshop. The objective of the coaching is to provide them with feedback to complete their export plans.
The training will take place virtually over five days and will provide an opportunity for participating businesses to develop export plans, access regional and international markets and develop their global brands.
The Services Go Global (SGG) programme was developed to optimize the CARIFORUM region’s export of services by building the capacity of service providers to capitalize on opportunities under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), CARICOM Single Market & Economy (CSME) and other existing trade agreements; and developing national capacity through a cadre of certified trainers for the SGG programme, geared to assist SME’s in the services sector. The workshop will be facilitated by master trainers, Michelle Hustler (Barbados) and Dr. Nsombi Jaja (Jamaica).
“Services play a crucial role in the development of the economies in CARIFORUM, not just as a sector but also due to the significant impact on other sectors such as the manufacturing sector. Caribbean Export is deeply committed to the development of the region’s services sector and it is hoped that firms large and small capitalize upon this opportunity to build their capacity to take advantage of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA and importantly during this pandemic build their resilience and their ability to support other sectors to better integrate into the new global economy.” expressed Allyson Francis, Services Specialist at Caribbean Export.
There are currently a number of opportunities for small firms to enter new markets, and it is anticipated these will be increased once they have participated in the SERVICES Go Global programme. This human and institutional capacity building initiative goes hand in hand with another joint project between the development agencies, which aims to enhance the sustainability of the national services coalitions which provide critical business support
services to local service providers including training, advocacy and export promotions.
“SERVICES Go Global is a timely and comprehensive training programme for service exporters, and this training comes at an opportune time as businesses in Trinidad and Tobago seek to pivot their services,” shared Lara Quentrall – Thomas, President, Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries. Dr. Dionne Chamberlain, President, Belize Coalition for Services Providers echoed Ms. Quentrall – Thomas’s sentiments, and confirmed that the course will not only prove valuable to service providers across the region but will enhance their own export efforts in the process.
The programme was developed and delivered by Global Links Network, certified international trade professionals who have delivered services training in over 50 countries worldwide over the past 20 years. To date, SERVICES Go Global is the only export readiness training programme for services exporters and would-be exporters in the world. The programme follows a logical, sequenced approach to exporting – a ‘Roadmap’ – and takes the exporters through four stages and twelve modules of export preparation. With the completion of each module, elements of the service provider’s export plan are developed. Service providers who undertake the course leave having completed the essential elements of their export plan and having gained the valuable skills necessary to
successfully engage in the international marketplace.
Persons interested in registering for the Programme please contact: For Belize:
Dr. Dionne Chamberlain at the Belize Coalition for Services Providers:
email: chairman@bcsp.org.bz For Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago:
Ms. Kavita Chankar at the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries:
email: marketing@ttcsi.org
Travel organizations team up to offer travel protection at Caribbean hotels
U.S. travelers to the Caribbean can breathe easier thanks to a new partnership between the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Trip Mate, offering travel protection if the unexpected happens with a visit booked at participating member hotels.
Trip Mate, one of the global leaders in administering protection to travelers and hotels, will now lock arms with CHTA so that member hotels can offer a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan for covered cancellations, interruptions, delays, baggage mishaps and medical situations that may arise during a guest’s trip.
Frank Comito, CEO and Director General of CHTA, noted that “people planning travel during these unprecedented times are concerned about the unpredictable, but their worries may be eased with coverage under our CHTA Member Exclusive Travel Protection Plan.”
He said the plan helps to protect guests as well as the health of hotel revenues, and comes at a time when more travelers are looking for added assurances to protect themselves before they take to the skies.
CHTA’s Travel Protection Plan covers a guest’s hotel booking (non-refundable expenses paid for the portion of a hotel booking that goes unused) and additional transportation expenses if a guest needs to interrupt his or her trip due to a covered reason, which includes sickness. As with medical expense coverage, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related illnesses are included.
The Travel Protection Plan is available to members of both CHTA as well as national and local hotel associations. Properties that are not CHTA members can also take advantage of the offer for a limited time. The plan is applicable only to U.S. citizens or residents.
Comito emphasized that hotels which are not currently offering opt-in traveler insurance to further support their cancellation policies are missing an opportunity to generate more business, as consumers are increasingly looking for added assurances.
A recent survey by Oracle and Skift reveals that with so much uncertainty ahead, consumers are also demanding flexible cancellation and refund policies, which travel insurance helps to address.
The tourism chief also noted that due to the pandemic, “a growing number of countries throughout the world, including several in the Caribbean, now require travel protection to enter their country.”
He said the plan provides both guests and hosts “a way to protect your investment when it comes to travel planning.”
Statement by Honourable Herod Stanislas, Minister for Physical Planning, on housing development within the Pitons Management Area
The Government of Saint Lucia acknowledges the concern regarding the development of a private dwelling house at the base of the Pitons and within the Pitons Management Area. Let me first start by saying that as the Minister for Planning and a proud product of the community of Soufriere, I treasure our World Heritage Site Pitons.
On behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia, I want to reassure the nation that the Department of Planning and the Development Control Authority (DCA) has abided by the laws and the rules governing the Pitons Management Area and at no time was any aspect of the development in question approved that would threaten the designation of the Pitons Management Area as a World Heritage Site.
The guidelines for the PMA were developed by the Government of Saint Lucia and are contained in the PMA and the Soufriere Region Integrated Development Plan, otherwise known as the Hyder report, 2008, and The Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) Study of 2013.
It is important that everyone, however, understand and recognize the history of the estate in question which falls under Block 0025B Parcel 4 measuring 76.6 acres located within the Pitons Management Area (PMA) – an area known as Anse L’Ivrogne.
This property was agreed to be sold by Mondesir Estates to a business senior executive from Canada in January of 2015 under the tenure of the former administration.
In a letter dated October 2015, the lawyers for the new prospective Canadian owner wrote to then Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Kenny Anthony seeking, “Incentives pursuant to the Special Development Area Act.”
In his letter the lawyer indicated that the property was being acquired “from the Mondesir Family in Soufriere for the purposes of constructing a large multi-family villa and other amenities to be used as vacation unit and luxury rental units.”
The lawyer further stated in his letter to Dr. Anthony, and I quote: “Most of the property is located in the restricted no build area of the World Heritage Site and as such it is the clients desire to have designed and erected an eco-friendly luxury property to be enjoyed by visitors in keeping with the area. After reviewing the LAC Report and discussions with the relevant ministry the client is satisfied and as such is looking to close the sale on Friday 30th October 2015.”
By letter dated December 28th 2015, then Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Dr. Kenny Anthony, granted the proposed buyer the status of an “Approved Developer.”
The exact quote from Dr. Anthony’s letter reads: “Subject to the resolution of all outstanding issues regarding the status of that part of the property which falls within the World Heritage Site
I am pleased to advise you that pursuant to Section (4) of the said Act, Mr Geoffrey Robillard has been granted the status of ‘Approved Developer.’”
That designation entitled the property owner according to Dr Anthony to a 50 percent waiver on stamp duty and vendors tax.
The announcement of this decision by Dr. Anthony also appeared publicly in the January 25th 2016 issue of the Saint Lucia Gazette.
The deed of sale for the property is dated 19th January 2016 also during the tenure of the Dr. Anthony administration.
It was not until September 2016, that this current administration became aware of this sale via an application submitted to the DCA for a touristic proposal for land use and concept for approximately 0.4 hectares or one acre of the area which also proposed a long list of amenities to be built.
The technical staff at the DCA conducted an assessment and appraisal of the proposal and made a recommendation for rejection of the plans submitted by the developer. The staff of the ministry made these recommendations on the basis that the proposed development site falls within policy area 1 of the Pitons Management Area and according to the Design Guide of the Limits of Acceptable Change Study of 2013.
Which means that our administration rejected the initial plans of the developer due to the fact that it was not in keeping with the rules which govern the area.
On March 13th 2017 the applicant submitted another application to the DCA for Approval in principle for land use and concept to construct a one storey single family residential building on 264.4 sq m or 2846 sq. ft. on the same area. This was a completely redesigned structure which the DCA advised had met the criteria of the LAC, hence approval was granted for a structure which keeps to the guidelines and aesthetics of the area. The approved construction was in an area which had already featured an Estate House.
I wish to make it clear that at all times the DCA and the Ministry of Planning have been monitoring this development to ensure it is in keeping with the guidelines. As regards this property, at no time has the DCA approved any new development within the no build zone of the Pitons Management Area.
I wish to reiterate: The property under discussion was sold and the purchaser declared an “approved developer” in 2015 during the Kenny Anthony administration.
Our Government has simply ensured that the development is in keeping with the guidelines of the Pitons Management Area.
CARICOM congratulates St. Kitts and Nevis on Independence Anniversary
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated St. Kitts and Nevis on its 37th Anniversary of Independence, noting that it values the country’s contribution to integration, particularly through its leadership in the areas of Human Resource, Health and HIV AIDS. The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Timothy Harris is the Lead Head of Government in CARICOM for those areas.
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Harris said the impressive progress made since the attainment of nationhood is a reflection of the commitment of the people of the Federation to the country’s motto of “Country before Self”.
He said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Resilience, Innovation and Security for Independence 2020” is indicative of the requirements necessary to ensure the continued development of the country.
“CARICOM joins with the Government and People of St. Kitts and Nevis in celebrating this milestone, and assures its support in the country’s efforts towards sustainable development,” the Secretary-General said.
St. Kitts and Nevis marks its 37th Independence Anniversary on Saturday 19 September 2020.
Up to €15,000 in grant funding available to CARIFORUM MSMEs
The Caribbean Export Development Agency in collaboration with the European Union has launched the Direct Support Grants Programme, a newly developed grant facility in response to COVID-19 and the need for CARIFORUM firms to access finance during a time when cashflow has been significantly restricted. CARIFORUM firms will now be able to submit proposals or applications for a Direct Support Grant (DSG) of up to €15,000.
“Caribbean Export is pleased to be able to address the needs of the CARIFORUM firms during this unprecedented time of uncertainty with a grant facility that enables firms to receive funds on a non-reimbursable basis rather than as in previous programmes, under the Direct Assistance Programme” announced Anthony Bradshaw, Officer in Charge at Caribbean Export.
“The Direct Support Grants Programme was developed in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. In collaboration with the European Union we have been able to increase the overall amount of funding made available to CARIFORUM firms, to help towards mitigating the impact of the pandemic.
A total of €500,000 has been made available through the European Union as part of the 11th EDF European Development Fund, Regional Private Sector Development Programme.
“The European Union is pleased to see that our regional grant funding is going towards assisting Caribbean entrepreneurs getting back on their feet after a harrowing COVID_19 experience which has severely affected businesses. We also hope that they take this opportunity to capitalise on this initiative as they seek ways of re-engaging with their customers”, said Charge d’Affairs of the EU Delegation in Barbados Ovidiu Naftanaila.
This current allocation will be supplemented by additional resources given there is a high demand for this service among SMEs as highlighted in our recent survey of four hundred and eighty-two (482) CARIFORUM firms.
From today, CARIFORUM firms can apply for a grant valued between €5,000 – €15,000 for the implementation of projects in the following categories;
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Marketing & Promotions
Business Recovery
Equipment Purchase & Upgrade
Certification
Capacity Building
Business Continuity Planning
Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
Caribbean Export will be accepting official applications until October 2, 2020. For more information about the Direct Support Grants Programme, visit www.carib-export.com/directsupportgrants
CARICOM SG congratulates Trinidad and Tobago’s re-elected Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has congratulated Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley on his victory in the General Elections of 10 August 2020. Dr Rowley and his Cabinet were sworn into office yesterday.
The Secretary-General also congratulated the people of Trinidad and Tobago on the conduct of the elections under the difficult circumstances occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Prime Minister, your success at the polls is an indication of the confidence that the people of Trinidad and Tobago have in your stewardship and the plans you have outlined for their future,” Ambassador LaRocque said in his congratulatory message to Dr. Rowley.
“As you begin this new term of office, you can be assured that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and its Secretariat offer full support as your Government seeks to build upon the achievements of this first term, and continues its efforts to improve the lives of its citizens and the wider Community,” the Secretary-General said.
“I look forward to your on-going involvement and guidance as a member of the Conference of Heads of Government as you continue your service to Trinidad and Tobago and the Region,” he said.
Prime Minister Rowley led his People’s National Movement (PNM) to a 22 – 19 victory in the 10 August 2020 elections.
