PLANNING Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie says that the Government will go after illegal hillside developers and will soon make “hard decisions” in dealing with these persons, especially those who illegally clear the hills of the Northern Range.

THE process that recommended a consortium of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and Sinopec to begin negotiations with the Ministry of Energy for two energy projects was transparent and open.

ALTHOUGH the ship-building contract for the offshore patrol vessels was terminated in 2010, the State is to date still paying millions in relation to financing arrangements put in place to fund the acquisition because the deal was secured via billion-dollar loans taken out under the last PNM administration.

THE Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) is demanding a meeting with Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine, to discuss the possible privatisation of Trinmar’s acreages and increase the farm out and lease programme in Petrotrin.

UNITED NATIONS Under-Secretary General Helen Clark, a former three-time prime minister of New Zealand says there is no evidence to suggest the death penalty serves as a deterrent to crime.

PRIME MINISTER Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced the creation of a “Criminal Justice Action Group” to help strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies and the country’s criminal justice system to bring crime under control.

MINORITY Leader in the Senate Pennelope Beckles-Robinson has accused the ruling People’s Partnership Coalition Government of taking credit for the work the then People’s National Movement. Beckles-Robinson made this observation when she addressed a People’s National Movement (PNM) meeting started prior to the 2010 general election.

TRADE Minister, Steven Cadiz, accused the former PNM government of spending millions of dollars on world summits and industrial projects that will not generate any returns. He used debate on Wednesday on the Finance Bill 2012 in the Lower House to contrast his initiatives to those of his predecessors.