MP Mohit: Budget 2025 – A Betrayal of the Poor and Vulnerable

Member of Parliament for Chaguanas East, Ms. Vandana Mohit,

Arising from the contents of the 2025 Budget, I am compelled to address the harsh realities facing the poor and vulnerable in our nation, realities that have only been exacerbated by the measures outlined in the 2025 Budget. This budget, which the Government has touted as a path to recovery, fails to account for the struggles of those who are already battling the devastating effects of economic hardship.

The Government’s plan to limit social support allocations will have a crippling effect on families who rely on these lifelines to survive. Programs like the Food Support Programme and the General Assistance Grant, vital for those who cannot make ends meet, have faced cuts and delays. The rising cost of living, coupled with limited job opportunities, means that families in Chaguanas East and across Trinidad and Tobago are left with even fewer means to put food on their tables.

It is deeply troubling that the Government, amidst celebrating economic recovery, has chosen to leave the poor and vulnerable behind. What kind of recovery is this when single mothers, the elderly, and our youth are forced to choose between paying their rent and purchasing basic necessities? Is this the progress they boast of when so many are living without access to the basic resources they need to thrive?

The unemployment rate remains stubbornly high, and the promised job creation initiatives have yet to materialize. The Government’s decision to impose new taxes while failing to address inflation will only deepen the burden on the average citizen. It is a reality that many of our constituents know all too well: their incomes have stagnated while the cost of living continues to soar.

The hardships faced by those living in rural areas, like parts of Chaguanas East, have also been disregarded. Communities in these areas have suffered from long-standing infrastructure deficiencies, poor road conditions, inadequate access to water, and insufficient support for agricultural workers. Yet, this budget provides no meaningful relief or initiatives to address these issues. It is as if the Government has turned a blind eye to their suffering.

While the wealthy are afforded opportunities to benefit from certain tax breaks and incentives, the poor continue to bear the brunt of the Government’s short-sightedness. This budget further deepens the divide, creating a society where opportunity is a privilege for the few and struggle is the reality for the many.

As a representative of the people, I stand in solidarity with those who feel the weight of this budget. I call on the Government to reconsider these draconian measures and to prioritize the needs of the poor and vulnerable. It is not too late to craft a budget that truly serves all citizens, one that uplifts the most disadvantaged among us and fosters a more equitable and just Trinidad and Tobago.

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