GOOD NEWS FOR JANUARY 22, 2K 15 Kamla: Govt to build Point hospital By Ria Taitt Political Editor Story Created: Jan 22, 2015 at 1:32 AM ECT Story Updated: Jan 22, 2015 at 1:32 AM ECT Notwithstanding cuts in expenditure as a result of falling energy prices, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Government would proceed with the construction of the long-awaited Point Fortin Hospital. She said the start-up date is March 26, 2015. It is being funded by a government-to-government arrangement with the government of Austria, which was finalised two months ago. The PM said it is the second hospital for the South being built by her Government. She added since 1958, no hospital had been built in this part of the country, and the last government promised for 25 years to build a hospital in Point Fortin. Persad-Bissessar was responding to a question from Point Fortin MP Paula Gopee-Scoon during the Prime Minister’s question time in Parliament yesterday, at Tower D, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain. In response to another question, this time from Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister revealed the Trinidad and Tobago Government can borrow up to $3.8 billion. This is the limit of borrowing that would allow it to remain within the debt ceiling approved by Parliament, she said. The $3.8 billion limit comprised a $1.1 billion limit under the guarantee of loans, $1.9 billion limit under the development loans and $800 million under external loans. In response to a question from Diego Martin Central MP Amery Browne, the Prime Minister said Government was proposing expen- diture cuts of $3.5 billion to its 2015 budget. She said it was aiming at a $1.6 billion cut from the reduction of expenditure on promotion, publicity, official entertainment and other contracted services, and a $1.6 billion cut from a reduction in transfers to State enterprises and statutory bodies. She said there would be a further cut of $2 billion in the petroleum subsidy. She said this would take care of the $4.5 billion shortfall. But the Prime Minister stressed Government would not be embarking on any “fire sale of shares” of CLICO. She said the funds received from the MHTL (Methanol Holdings) shares have been put in a statutory fund held by the Government. She said it would eventually be used to reduce debt. On the issue of the Constituency Development Fund, the Prime Minister said it was predicated upon appropriate legislation and regulations, and “therefore, even though the allocation (of $410 million) has been made in fiscal 2015” for this to be implemented, “appropriately and transparently and with accountability”, the legislation would have to be put in place. She said the fund offered an opportunity to address the main challenges and deficiencies within the local government system and empower MPs to select high-priority projects for implementation. The Prime Minister appeared to throw an olive branch to Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner during the session. Asked by Rowley who were the “generous donors” who contributed to the Prime Minister’s Christmas toy drive, Persad-Bissessar said this was not a Government initiative using Government funding. “And, therefore, the question would more properly be addressed to those members of the committee who dealt with that matter.” Asked by Rowley whether any persons on Government’s payroll or public servants were involved in this toy drive, the Prime Minister said all the People’s Partnership MPs were involved. Rowley asked whether any public servants or employees of State enterprises were involved, and the Prime Minsiter said the persons involved in this project were volunteers who were not paid for their work by the Government in any way. The Prime Minister said she was sure when Rowley had his senior citizens’ lunch at Balisier House or when PNM (People’s National Movement) MP Donna Cox had her toy distribution, there may have been people who are paid by the Government (public servants) involved, but working voluntarily. “The honourable Member for Chaguanas West, I saw Santa-Clausing and distributing toys. He also had persons who helped him,” she said. Warner quipped: “I was trying to match you.” “Well, at one time, you were very much on my side, helping to distribute toys. Perhaps, one day, we may see that time come again,” the Prime Minister replied, provoking desk-thumping. She said all persons involved in the toy drive did it out of the goodness of their heart, in the spirit of Christmas cheer. Rowley said the persons engaged in PNM activities (of distributing toys) all admit to knowing where the toys came from and who the suppliers were, “which is quite different from the Prime Minister, who is not prepared to tell us who the suppliers are”.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:45:38 +0000
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