A mid-year review will be done as soon as possible, since many ministries have used up their monetary allocations.

This is according to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who said this was found by several ministers during their first few days in office.

During today’s post cabinet news briefing, she said something must be done to ensure funding.

Mrs Persad-Bissessar also claimed there was evidence that government funding had been used for electoral gain and promised that more will be revealed in due course.

Regarding salary increases accepted by the former Government, she says it is not in her power to backtrack on this.

As for salary increases promised to workers in T&T, she assured that her Government will ensure this is delivered.

WORKING FROM ACROSS T&T AND HOME

The Prime Minister also insisted that she can and will work from different areas of the country, including her own home in Philippine.

Mrs Persad-Bissessar added that the previous Government held nearly 300 cabinet meetings virtually, not all of which took place during the COVID pandemic.

She also sought to allay fears and dismiss rumours about her health, stating that she is “in good health” with “10 toes and 10 fingers”.

CABINET DECISIONS TAKEN

Meanwhile the first Cabinet meeting saw approval for the establishment of two special committees to deal with major crime issues.

One will evaluate and make recommendations for an appropriate “stand your ground” law, while the other will consider approaches and legislation to combat home invasions.

Also, according to Mrs Persad-Bissessar, Cabinet Note #1 is to amend the Children’s Life Fund Act to expand access – instead of just life threatening illnesses, persons can also apply in cases of life limiting conditions.

Another amendment will allow the Health Minister to review the rejection of an application by the Children’s Life Fund Authority Board.

Meanwhile Cabinet Note #2 is for repeal of the T&T Revenue Authority Act, with Government to focus on strengthening the Board of Inland Revenue instead of establishing the Authority.

During the post-cabinet briefing, Mrs Persad-Bissessar also clarified that matters of Gender and Child Affairs will now come under the Ministry of the People, while Communications will fall to Government Information which comes under the OPM.

She also indicated that the following will soon be done:

• Scrapping of the demerit points system
• Review of firearm licence laws for law-abiding citizens
• Assess and decide on the reopening of the Petrotrin refinery
• Laptops for children in September 2025
• Cut back on spending for state-funded security plans and details. She says money will be redirected to the fight against crime.
• Cut back on spending for state-funded housing. She says her ministers have been told not to ask for state-funded houses.
• Assessment to cap the maximum price on vehicles that parliamentarians can purchase using their tax breaks.

PAYMENTS FOR PARIA DIVERS

The Prime Minister also addressed the matter of a one million dollar payment promised to the families of each of the Paria divers as well as lone survivor Christopher Boodram.

She says while her administration will try its best to proceed, a key issue is the matter of the lawyers that have represented Mr Boodram and the families of the divers.