Chamber wants measures in budget to cut crime

The Couva Chamber of Commerce will like to see the Government implement measures to reduce crime in next week’s national budget. In a statement yesterday, the chamber highlighted a wish list of measures it would like to see in the budget when it is read next Monday by Finance Minister Larry Howai in his maiden budget speech. “We want see greater investment in mechanisms to eliminate white-collar crime, illegal imports and exports and provide real, visible reductions in crime in general.” The chamber said it also would like to see significant increases in allocations to the agriculture and food production sector. It added: “This is to achieve relevant improvements in technology, technical support and supervision, security land-rangers to avert praedial larceny, misuse of land, abuse of drainage and road reserves and erection of unauthorised structures, all in an improved effort to ensure balanced, ecological growth while providing food security and reducing the food import bill.”

 

The chamber also wants Government to provide assistance in both financial and tax incentives for businesses venturing into the non-energy sector in areas like sports and tourism, “for example, there is the creative industry, food production, sports, culture, tourism and entertainment. In addition, companies who host and promote community events, especially in the areas of sports and culture.” It also called on the Government to implement plans for the Couva/Pt Lisas area, for example, port expansion, Couva growth pole, the Sugar Heritage Village and the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. In addition the chamber wants to see a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling station in the Couva/Pt Lisas area, which it called the “home of natural gas.” It also hopes the Government will outline measures to reduce poverty and assist small businesses. The chamber is also calling on the Government to have a 24-hour process time for ease of conducting business for imports and exports by the implementation of an effective and reliable electronic system.