The Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry & Commerce says it would have liked to see more on crime in the Budget.

In a statement on the 2024/2025 fiscal package, the Chamber reminded that crime comes at a cost, since it is a burden on the police service, as well as the court, prison and medical systems.

It adds that every community remains plagued with different levels of crime, as well as unique issues such as gangs, taxation, home invasions and believes a holistic approach starting from within the community is required.

The Chamber says the Budget also failed to address forex availability, especially in light of recent moves by banks to reduce the forex offered on credit cards.

It says this continues to impact businesses and remains a major challenge for bilateral trade T&T.

As for the increase in the minimum wage for public sector workers, the Chamber says it is looking forward to an explanation, since the understanding in the private sector is that the government minimum wage is the national minimum wage on the labour market.

In terms of positives, the GTCIC says it was “heartened” to see the issue of VAT refunds was addressed.

It says many SMEs depend on this tax for its cash flow and believes the benefit of receiving these returns will have an impact on the local economy.