Finance Minister Colm Imbert is dismissing any suggestion that the Budget he presented to the country was draconian.

Minister Imbert says the core of his proposed measures remains benefiting the people most in need of assistance.

He also says a deficit Budget is unavoidable at this time because there is simply no room to cut State expenditure.

He says the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the slump in energy prices put the country in unchartered waters.

Addressing the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association post Budget webinar yesterday Minister Imbert defended the package.

He said the government must consider those worst affected by adjustments.

He said the subsidy on fuel, cost the country 30 billion dollars.

The deficit is said to be about 5% of the country’s GDP.

On Monday Minister Imbert presented a $52.4 billion dollar Budget with revenue predicted at 42 billion, making a deficit of 9 billion.