Some 244 people have been identified by the board of the University of T&T (UTT) for retrenchment this year as the university restructures, Education Minister Anthony Garcia said yesterday.
He was replying to Opposition queries in Parliament on possible staff cuts this year, adding the list of people is being discussed with the relevant union at UTT. Garcia said $18.5 million has been earmarked for severance payments, including for vacation leave buyout.
On security issues, National Security Minister Stuart Young said Cabinet on Thursday approved more resources for the Children’s Authority, which works with the Immigration Division in dealing with children who may be in T&T illegally - such as Venezuelans. He said the authority had been lacking resources.
Young said five Venezuelan children who were detained at Cedros recently weren’t admitted to the Oropouche Police Station’s Child Protection Unit since Immigration officials assessed the situation and released the children into supervision.
He said while current children’s laws apply to minors, Immigration can make decisions on people who enter T&T illegally and the Children’s Authority works with Immigration on issues involving minors.
Young also said agencies haven’t yet ascertained that theft of fishermen’s nets in Cedros were being done by “Venezuelan pirates.” Police are investigating and land and maritime security had been increased, he said.
He also told MPs the ministry has asked the UNDP for three forensic pathologists and also received interest from a recent female graduate. He said if her credentials meet the criteria, Government will offer her a contract.
A new Forensic Science Centre being built with a US$10 million grant assistance from China is expected to be completed at Mt Hope by the third quarter of 2020.
“The designs are being worked on by the Chinese along with the Ministry,” he said.
Young said police are also working with UK authorities probing the $10m stolen last year from the Tobago House of Assembly. Funds had been meant for a contract agreement with Virgin Airlines.