Chambers give thoughts on LGE, tax rebates

The Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce president Angie Jairam believes the population of TT has reached the point where they are fed-up with both major parties and the "fools' promises."

Reacting to the outcome of Monday's local government elections, Jairam said, "By the low turnout of voting, all political parties and the government should go deeply into introspection and re-examine the functions and purpose in their roles and responsibilities..like employees are called upon to do from time to time."

On Tuesday, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) said the voter turnout for Monday's election was 30.34 per cent, the lowest turnout in 43 years. The turnout in 2019 was 34.71 per cent.

Jairam said with the local government election out of the way, payment of tax rebates, repairing roads and addressing social ills to the public should be done continuously and not just as inducements to the public for votes.

"The strategic moves may have increased some votes to one party, but none of the parties were able to convince or attract the large voting population with their campaign strategies. There were very little mentioned on the responsibilities of local government and its present functions."

Jairam said the campaigns did not offer solutions in matters such as building regulations and development, local environment issues, public health, local road construction, waste disposal or facilitating delivery of quality municipal services in order to contribute to sustainable socio- economic development of communities. She added that if there was, the narrative did not attract voters.

"With yet another 7-7 result, maybe the EBC has to re-examine the boundaries of districts in the wider communities in the rest of country. Now that the local government election is behind us, we look forward to the experience of good local government and rural development, the only way to attract voters."

Jairam added that she believed there must be a call for constitutional reform.

In a reaction on Wednesday, president of the Greater San Fernando Area of Chamber of Commerce Kiran Singh said if anything was won in the local government election, it was democracy.

On the low voter turnout, he said, "I think the low voter turnout speaks to the two main contenders and even the smaller parties, as to what a low voter turnout means in the next two years leading up to a general election. Is it a reflection of the public's lack of motivation and enthusiasm or lack of understanding the importance of local government?"

He applauded the Prime Minister for his statement on Monday night when he said, "Let us build a nation together."

Singh said, "I interpret that to mean all hands on deck. Local government reform is highly important and I advise all involved to maintain dialogue with the people."

He extended his congratulations to the newly elected councillors and assured them that they had the chamber's support.

As for the tax refund announced by Finance Minister Colm Imbert on Saturday in which over 30,000 people will receive tax refunds of $20,000 or less during the week, Singh and TT Manufacturer's Association CEO Ramesh Ramdeen shared their thoughts.

Singh said, "The issuance of tax refunds, although late, is welcomed. Many have been patiently waiting for these funds and it will create an immediate injection into the cash flow of the lower income individuals to meet recurrent expenditures; utility bills, groceries and gas."

He said the funds could also assist with back-to-school expenses with the new school term starting in less than a month.

Singh added, "Our hope is that the same system be used to distribute outstanding VAT (value added tax) refunds to businesses that comprise the micro, small and medium enterprises sector to enable them to adequately prepare for the upcoming Divali and Christmas shopping seasons."

Ramdeen said the TTMA was appreciative of the income tax payout and called it a welcomed initiative for all of TT.

He added, "However, our major concern from a business perspective is the payout of VAT, we noted that the Ministry of Finance indicated this would be facilitated by the end of August.

"We are continuing to monitor this situation and liaise with Minister of Finance and BIR (Board of Inland Revenue) to get these payments, be it in cash (for those owed less than $250,000) or bonds.

"From what we are advised, it is work in progress and we are continuing to monitor and remain optimistic that these payments would be made sooner rather than later, for our members, especially the small to medium enterprises."