Three disappointing areas of the Budget

However, although I am in general agreement with the strategies set out therein, there are three areas which I have identified as being in need of revisiting: (1) The allocation to agriculture The less than $900 million allocated here does not reflect the relative importance which ought to be assigned to this sector as the principal engine of growth overall and in diversifying the economy.

Indeed, one forms the impression that the fault could very well lie with the Minister of Agriculture and his advisers who, if they do not display the “push” required, could be finding themselves being “squeezed” in this period of scarce financial resources.

The Minister of Finance himself should not be absolved from blame given the stated overall strategy for this “guava season” and the need to prioritise satisfactorily.

Indeed, he should revisit allocations to some of the loss-making and non- performing State enterprises while keeping within the overall Budget allocations.

(2) Rebate to lower- end electricity consumers This runs counter to the policy of engendering self-reliance throughout the economy.

Indeed, one could very well make out a case for water consumers, bus commuters and travellers on the Tobago ferries, among others.

It is time that citizens be “weened” from this “gimme gimme” syndrome.

This action is nothing but a “political sap” which cannot, in any event, assist.

What is required is for the Regulated Industries Commission (whose duties the minister has usurped) to at long last, after about 18 years, do its work in establishing rate structures which bear some relationship to cost while, if found necessary, introducing some element of cross-subsidisation therein.

Indeed, failing this, this is one statutory authority which could, without injury, be dispensed with.

(3) That proposed 30 percent tax on high-income earners One feels that this proposal will not be effective unless there is, in place, a properly functioning and efficient Revenue Authority.

In any event, I am of the view that, given the clearly observable inequity in income distribution, there is a need for a complete review of the whole spectrum of income remuneration, including “run-away” professional fees, in TT .

In the meantime, the minister would be well advised to have a look at the existing tax structure with the intention of making it more progressive and equitable.

Errol OC Cupid Trincity, Tacarigua