Kamla: Kickstart the economy

Earlier in the sitting, Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced that Budget Day will be September 30. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had previously indicated Imbert would present the Budget at the end of this month.

“I would to see them put measures in there to kickstart the construction sector because that will grow jobs and grow the economy,” she told reporters.

Persad-Bissessar added, “I would like to see measures for diversifying the economy.” Asked about specifics, the former prime minister had no idea whether Government would further reduce the fuel subsidy, raise or reduce taxes. Claiming that Rowley predicted “more doom and gloom” for the country in his address to the nation on Sunday, Persad- Bissessar said the country’s current economic circumstances dictated that some harsh measures may be necessary However she said, “I don’t know if they (Government) will be brave enough to do it.” Observing that local government elections will take place shortly after the Budget, Persad-Bissessar wondered if the Budget would be tailored “to buy votes” in those elections. With the Parliament needing to pass the Budget before October 31 and the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) holding its convention on October 30, Persad-Bissessar predicted the election date would be announced then and the elections held in early December.