Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the country is already seeing tangible benefits following the return of the United National Congress to government.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Prime Minister outlined several developments she credited to her administration, including Trinidad and Tobago’s removal from the European Union blacklist.
“Trinidad and Tobago is no longer blacklisted. Our country has officially been removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes – a designation applied to countries that fail to meet international standards for tax transparency. This is a major step forward,” the Prime Minister stated.
Mrs Persad-Bissessar also said pointed to the approval of OFAC licences, and what she described as a positive report from the International Monetary Fund.
She also said there was strong investor confidence in Trinidad and Tobago, revealing that nearly one thousand Expressions of Interest have been received for the government’s Blueprint Revitalization Plan.
Additionally, she noted that a recent bond offer on the international financial market was oversubscribed, and there has been increased interest in the nation’s energy sector from overseas investors.
However, the Prime Minister sharply criticised the opposition People’s National Movement, alleging that under its leadership the country would have faced international isolation.
“The previous PNM administration failed to take the necessary actions to secure compliance and removal. Since assuming office, your UNC Government moved swiftly and decisively to fix it,” Mrs Persad-Bissessar stated.
“Blacklisting constrained investment, limited opportunity, and weakened confidence in our financial system. In less than a year, we strengthened our laws, enhanced transparency, and put Trinidad and Tobago back on the right track,” she added.
The Prime Minister said law-abiding citizens are rejecting crime, drug trafficking, and social division, and have instead placed their confidence in the UNC.
“The UNC will continue to govern to benefit the law-abiding citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. The best is yet to come,” she said.
