link : http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,30964.html
Clint Chan Tack Wednesday, October 19 2005
TRADE AND INDUSTRY Minister Ken Valley said former Caroni (1975) Ltd workers would form an integral part of Government’s efforts to ensure the food security of Trinidad and Tobago.
Speaking during debate on the Provisional Collection of Taxes Order 2005 in the House of Representatives on Monday evening, Valley disclosed that the Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Business Development (which is chaired by Prime Minister Patrick Manning) had identified seven food commodities which could be grown on the two-acre agricultural plots allocated to 7,247 former Caroni employees. Those persons would receive the technical assistance they require to grow the crops and produce them for the export market.
Reiterating that food security was of paramount importance to the Government, and measures were being taken by Government in this area, the minister said the initiatives would "ensure there is a transition out of sugar into new profitable ventures."
He dismissed assertions from the Opposition that Government was caught off guard when the recent sugar shortage occurred.
"Three weeks before the noise start, the Cabinet had approved the importation of sugar because we are pro-active at (the Ministry of) Trade (and Industry)," Valley stated.
On earlier allegations by Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar that he discussed the benefits of tax-free cars, salaries and diplomatic passports with three magistrates, Valley said he viewed the relationship between MPs and members of the public as sacrosant, and people throughout the country have visited him in his capacity as Diego Martin Central MP. Valley also said the change in the thinking of the Tax Act was due in part to Manning’s foresight, and UNC political leader Winston Dookeran was aware of how competitive this country’s economy was in contrast to statements to the contrary.
Fyzabad MP Chandresh Sharma called for the population to be provided with subsidies for basic housing construction materials in order to encourage more people to build their own homes and reduce the burden on the nation’s housing sector.
Sharma also called for special counselling services to be provided to members of the Police Service because of the rigours of their job. The House passed the Taxes Order.
