Dhanpaul hints at senior citizens' grant increase

FINANCE Minister Vishnu Dhanpaul has said there could be an increase in the senior citizens' grant once the PNM is re-elected on April 28.

He did so while speaking to the media after the opening of the National Insurance Board's (NIB) new corporate office at Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando on April 23.

The senior citizens' grant or senior citizens' pension is offered under the Social Development and Family Services Ministry.

The maximum amount of this grant is $3,500 per month, for people 65 years and older with income not exceeding $2,500.

Dhanpaul said, "There will be no adjustments. No interference I should say. Senior citizens' grant. There will be absolutely no interference with the senior citizens grant. The only thing would be any significant upward adjustment."

Asked if this was on the cards once the PNM won the election, he replied, "Very much so."

Dhanpaul elaborated on his statement.

"Once the fiscal allows, we will adjust upwards, depending on the type of fiscal space that we have."

He told the media there was something in the ministry which was defined as mandatory expenditure and explained what that meant.

"We spend $4.5 billion every month without the country earning one dollar."

Dhanpaul said one aspect of that expenditure was "the payment of social services."

He rejected claims by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar at a meeting in St Joseph on April 22 that the PNM would raise taxes and implement harsh economic measures on the population should it win the election.

"The government has no plans of doing that if re-elected. Everything is outlined in our manifesto."

Dhanpaul said the PNM would engage in an unprecedented drive towards economic diversification.

He added that drive would see increased allocations in areas such as agriculture, tourism and sports.

Dhanpaul was confident he would present the 2024/2025 budget in Parliament later this year.

"If I wasn't confident I would not be here."

In a video posted on Facebook later in the day, Prime Minister Stuart Young also rejected claims made by other speakers at the UNC's meeting.

He said Public Services Association (PSA) president Felicia Thomas alleged the PNM planned to privatise the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA).

"I stand here today and categorically give you the assurance that the PNM and the government that I lead has absolutely no intention of privatising WASA or laying off workers.

Young reminded the public WASA was restructured and the authority has been able to boost water supplies with the help of its workers.

He urged people to "reject these lies from the UNC platform and in particular, reject the head of the PSA and all of her falsehood, her lies."