UNC congratulates Finance Minister Howai
The United National Congress wishes to congratulate the Minister of Finance, Senator Larry Howai, on the presentation of the fifth budget of the People’s Partnership in its term of office. Budget 2014 provides for every strata of our society.
While there is a lot of focus on the social provisions for less fortunate citizens such as disability grant being increased to $1800, a raise in all public assistance grants by $300 per month, and the introduction of a $500 Baby Care Grant which can be used for milk and other baby related items, it is noteworthy that public officers who served our nation are now entitled to increased pensions and that provisions of a one million dollar estate were made for members of our protective services who may lose their lives in the line of duty.
The volumes of the largest allocations in this budget are very telling. The fact that Education and Training received the largest chunk of the budget tells us that this government is investing in developing this nation’s human capital. The assurance that GATE will continue tells us that the government has kept its promise.
National Security and Health follow closely. We are happy to see our protective forces being given better equipment and resources in the fight against crime. The public Health Care System in Trinidad and Tobago, while far better than that of other nations in the region, will receive further improvement.
The long promised Oncology Centre at Mt. Hope is finally underway thanks to this government, as is the Couva Children’s Hospital and the Point Fortin District Hospital. Certainly the recently completed state-of-the-art San Fernando Teaching Hospital and the El Dorado Nursing Campus will provide more health care practitioners to boost the present cadre.
The United National Congress notes the words of Mr. Orville London, Chief Secretary of Tobago House of Assembly who said he was “heartened” to hear Finance Minister Larry Howai state that in addition to the 5.7% of the budget going to the THA, that there would be support towards programs geared towards the development of Tobago.
The UNC pays tribute to the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. Kamla Persad Bissessar and the people centered governance that continues to be espoused by her government and looks forward to ‘six more years’
For further information, please contact Ms. Khadijah Ameen, Chairman (Ag.)
788-3129