The proposed increase in the minimum wage from $17.50 to $20.50 per hour is not enough, according to the Opposition Leader.

Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar spoke this evening at a media conference directly following the Finance Minister’s presentation of the 2023/24 National Budget.

She said the fiscal package as presented by Mr Colm Imbert did not touch on the realities facing citizens and is “filled with promises but empty on delivery.”

Mrs Persad-Bissessar, who had called for the minimum wage to be at least $25 per hour, criticized the minister’s proposal, as well as the move to start collecting property tax in 2024.

On the topic of crime, Mrs Persad-Bissessar addressed the announcement that the Police Commissioner has been asked to increase the intake of police recruits from 300 a year, to 1,000 in 2024.

(Photo credit: Office of the Parliament)