Give and take policy

In the presentation of the 2005/2006 budget on Wednesday September 28, the Prime Minister promised "free" tertiary education for all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago but only for students attending UWI, Costatt, UTT and some private institutions. Which schools are referred to under the ‘some’? What about SBCS (which I attend), SITAL, SAM, CUC and other private tertiary education organisations which offer citizens an alternative route of study that so many young and not so young people are currently taking advantage of? Are we to be exempted from this benefit because we chose a school other than UWI, Costatt and UTT? Everyone cannot attend UWI, Costatt and UTT and these institutions cannot hold everyone even if they wanted to attend. I enquired at my school about this benefit and they are not sure what is happening. Shouldn’t the Government have given more careful consideration to the needs of the people, the current situation in terms of students per school, and consultation with management of these organisations?

Students of private schools need to know if they too will benefit from this promise of "free" tertiary education in 2006 like students in Government schools. Our parents, and we ourselves are contributors to this country through taxes, other deductions, VAT, skills and citizenship like the others. Mr Prime Minister please give us some assurance in the nearest future.

Now let’s talk about taxes and fares. It was promised that many deductions like the homeowners allowance would no longer be applicable, as the personal allowance would be increased to $60,000. Sounds good on the outset, right! But after deeper study the Government seems to have adopted a "give and take" policy.

They give us with one hand like in the case of the taxes and they take from us through increased fare on the air and sea bridge, increased prices on building material (and I understand that gas would soon be increased, which will automatically mean increase in taxi fares). I live in Tobago and attend school in Trinidad on a weekly basis like many other Tobago residents. Now, we have to face a 50 percent increase on the air bridge from $100 to $150 one way. We also have to face 100 percent increase on the sea bridge from $25 to $50 one-way on the fast ferry (which many of use to brakes the air fare). Mr Prime Minister, what are we supposed to do now? This is oppression.

NATASHA ALLEYNE

Tobago