Trade Minister Vasant Bharath joined in celebrations at the Treasury Division's Annual Retirees' Awards Ceremony and Christmas Dinner, Celebrating Our Stars, at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre.Bharath commended the retirees on their many years of diligent service to the Government of T&T, saying they had enabled the public to do business transactions every day.
He said he recently attended a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Bali, Indonesia where he was involved in the negotiation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the first ever multilateral agreement negotiated in WTO.
"This agreement will reduce the cost of trading, smooth the flow of goods across borders and provide more certainty for business. It is envisaged that it will benefit all members, but particularly developing countries, which will have access to assistance to improve their systems and procedures." Bharath said.
He added: "Through arrangements such as these which promote international trade, the Government is assured of the financial resources required to continue to conduct its business, such as the payment of gratuities and pensions, something that you would have all played a part in doing in the past and now will be recipients of this service."
Roselyn Ramdin-Doobraj, Comptroller of Accounts, saluted and thanked the retirees for their invaluable service . She said they have "maintained the image of the institution, giving yeomen service over decades and contributed significantly to the development and modernisation of the overall Ministry". Speaking on behalf of the retirees was . Claudette Phipps.
"The successful and enjoyable years in government service is owed to a work environment that encouraged many social events to allow for collaboration and bonding of employees hence making the work experience easier and happier," she said.