Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has kicked off Parliamentary debate on the 2024 Budget.

Among other things, she called on the Government to deal with the issue of VAT Refunds.

She said the matter was not addressed in the Budget presentation, as she accused the Government of hijacking the refunds.

Mrs Persad-Bissessar also backed a recommendation from the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Commerce, for serious consideration to be given to replacing VAT with a sales tax.

Meanwhile, she joined trade unions in opposing any increase to the retirement age – she believes this should instead be voluntary.

The Opposition Leader also zeroed in on the current forex situation, calling for “real and meaningful discussions on forex issues”, and she wants answers from the Government as to where foreign dollars have been going over the past few years.

A number of budget recommendations from the UNC were also articulated, especially in relation to crime and national security, and Mrs Persad-Bissessar placed on the Hansard, recommendations from entities such as business organizations, NGOs and Trade Unions.