Future Achievers Sport and Cultural Organisation (FASCO), an NGO based in Couva working to improve the lives of young people, wishes to express its support for the 2014-2015 Budget. We are extremely heartened by Minister of Finance Larry Howai’s report on the growth of the economy with reference to a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, the lowest inflation rate in 10 years at 2.8% and a budget surplus realized in June 2014 of 1.967b. In addition we welcome the increase in the old age pension grant to $3500 monthly, the $500 per month Baby Care Fund for low income mothers, and the increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour. These measures speak of a people centered budget and will influence positively our country’s United Nations Human Development 2015 ranking. The budget has also signaled progress with economic diversification, particularly with manufacturing now contributing 9% GDP and Financial Services now contributing 15% of GDP. The removal of VAT and Motor Vehicle Tax to make available hybrid and electric powered motor vehicles shows government commitment to reducing subsidy spending and to also fostering a green economy. The fight against crime continues apace with the construction of eight new state of the art Police Stations in Arima, Piarco, Maloney, Cumuto, La Brea, Oropouche, Brasso and Moruga and the expansion of the Police Service with 1068 additional officers and 1400 reserve police officers. FASCO thanks the People’s Partnership government, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, for a visionary, people centric budget 2014-2015. Denisia Forbes President
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 15:36:25 +0000
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