“[…] Ultimately policy is made by politicians who of course, may have other considerations which influence their decisions. However, just as it would be folly for politicians to ignore the advice of medical professionals in dealing with the coronavirus public health crisis, so too the laws of Economics are inexorable. …
Read More »Noble: The ‘underbanked’ and the $100 bill; the real solution is accessible electronic banking for all
Much of the discussion about the introduction of the polymer $100 bill conflates the evil of ‘dark’ money with persons who have been shut out of the banking system. The persons who deal in ‘dark’ money have self-selected to operate outside the system; but there are those who are unable …
Read More »Dear Editor: Consumer Affairs must hold banks and cable companies liable for glitches
“It cannot be right that we dutifully pay our bills—plus interest and often at considerable financial sacrifice—for what may be considered essential services in this current era without reciprocal accountability which is not even questioned by the media on most occasions.” The following Letter to the Editor on questionable treatment …
Read More »Dear Editor: Why RBC’s High Court win over BIGWU is a hammer blow for local Unions
“The requirement to keep trade union membership or non-membership confidential is well established as a means of avoiding victimisation of union members. “[…] This judgement argued that, in this case, there were ‘exceptional circumstances to warrant the order for disclosure as requested [by the RBC] and such an order would …
Read More »Day in the life of a loans officer: I have to find $15 million a year for bank; or else
“I feel great satisfaction when I get difficult applications approved for customers who are in tough situations and really need the help. I had a client who brought a market bag filled with provision and also her whole family to introduce them to me after. She was so happy.” Wired868 …
Read More »FATCA or fiction? Live Wire offers perspective on a potential financial Armageddon
Mr Live Wire has heard the questions: “What the arse is FATCA?” “Dem politicians wouldn’t be playing the fool if this so serious, right?” “PNM just trying to scare we again, nah?” “That have something to do with Marlene coming back?” Well, despite the legitimate interest in pompous Pussyfoot’s petty …
Read More »PNM: The UNC is being anti-PNM and not pro-country in FATCA snub
PNM general secretary Ashton Ford has accused the Opposition party, the United National Congress (UNC), of being anti-PNM rather than pro-country in his Letter to the Editor on the Opposition party’s failure to support the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The following is Ford’s full release: The United National …
Read More »Yes, Prime Minister: Colm on economics, distraction and pleb… eh… people power
Scene: Office of the Prime Minister. There is a knock on the door. Dr Keith Rowley: Yes, come in. (The Finance Minister strolls in with a broad smile). Colm Imbert: Good day, Dr Prime Minister. How are you doing today? How is the back? Keithos: Yes, I’m fine. The back …
Read More »A familiar depression: Daly bemoans PNM’s poor communication and belligerence
This time last week, a familiar depression settled on me. It is best described by referring to some of what I wrote in November 2010, six months after the so-called “People’s Partnership Government” was in office. At that time, I suggested: “The bottom line is that a mere six months …
Read More »Modern day Shylocks: Raffique Shah muses over bankers and bandits
I don’t know if we should be more afraid of banks and bankers or bandits and murderers. Seriously. Both strike when we are most vulnerable. They relieve us of our life’s savings, of what we have worked tirelessly to provide for our families, with a callousness that is chilling. Bandits …
Read More »Jwala must go: Fixin’ T&T rejects calls for private resolution with Central Bank governor
Civic watch group, Fixin’ T&T has reiterated its stance that Central Bank governor Jwala Rambarran must leave his post immediately and rejected any suggested that his impasse with Minister of Finance Colm Imbert could be resolved behind closed doors. Fixin’ T&T insisted that Rambarran no longer has the confidence of …
Read More »