Questions are being raised by the Opposition Leader about government’s ability to address crime, despite a $6.1 billion allocation to National Security in the 2024/25 budget.

Yesterday, Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar gave an immediate response to the budget in a press conference which was a prelude to her official response in Parliament on Friday.

Among the areas she addressed were the allocations given over the past 10 budgets to the area of National Security.

Meanwhile, Mrs Persad-Bissessar was asked about the Finance Minister’s announcement that three companies have been shortlisted, regarding the potential restart of the Pointe a Pierre Refinery.

Minister Colm Imbert yesterday said a formal selective Request for Proposals process will be initiated to determine a winner among the three companies: CRO Consortium, INCA Energy LLC and Oando PLC.

The Opposition Leader also said that the budget announcement of an increase in the minimum wage for public sector workers is an election gimmick.

She says plan to raise the public sector minimum wage from $20.50 per hour to $22.50 per hour does not match the increased cost of living.

This increase is for public sector workers only and is not an increase in the national minimum wage.

Mrs Persad-Bissessar also called the Finance Minister’s offer of a 5% wage increase to public sector workers insulting.

MORE FROM THE BUDGET

National Budget 2024/2025 Summary

Minimum wage increase for public sector workers & other key Budget announcements