PM holds ‘frank’ talks with business

Members of the local business community yesterday met with Prime Minister Patrick Manning at White Hall to voice their concerns about the escalating crime situation in the country. After the hour-long meeting, it was confirmed by President of the TT Manufacturers Association (TTMA), Anthony Hosang, that another meeting would be held today at 4 pm to further the talks. Describing the nature of the meeting as “frank and open,” President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), Gregory Aboud, revealed that they again raised several issues which were discussed at a meeting held on Saturday at the Hilton Hotel. “Everyone is concerned about the crime situation,” he said, “and I assure it exists inside with the Prime Minister and the Government.”

However, they refused to say anything further on the matter. Responding to questions from the media after the meeting, Prime Minister Manning confirmed that the business community had indeed put forward some proposals to deal with the crime situation. However, he noted that they would be discussed further at today’s meeting. He also revealed that he had met with Acting Commissioner of Police, Everald Snaggs and Minister of National Security, Howard Chin Lee. On Saturday, 15 business organisations were also said to have met with Chin Lee and Snaggs at Police Headquarters under an invitation from the National Security Minister.