As Finance Minister Colm Imbert prepares for his budget presentation, the fishing community is urging for an increase in gas rebates. Curtis Douglas, President of the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association, emphasizes that this move would greatly benefit fishermen.
Furthermore, he is advocating for the government to contemplate the removal or reduction of taxes on duties for the importation of sustainable equipment that can assist them in their trade. In the field of agriculture, Maxlon Roberts, a specialist in farming and agro-processing, is urging the government to boost its investment in food security. He has criticized the government for not allocating sufficient resources to agriculture, despite their call for more farmers. Roberts argues that farmers are frequently left to fend for themselves.
In the private sector, the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is expressing concerns regarding a potential change in the minimum wage. Chairman Curtis Williams has stated that if the minimum wage is raised too significantly, businesses may face difficulties in retaining their current workforce. Williams also pointed out that VAT returns for small and medium-sized businesses remain a source of concern. He noted that ongoing delays have a detrimental impact on their cash flows, and the issuance of VAT returns in bonds does not offer a helpful solution.
Furthermore, the Chamber is hopeful that the government will announce plans to boost foreign direct investment and address long-standing issues, such as the removal of the Land License Act in Tobago.
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