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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.

As she slammed the contents of the Budget delivered by Minister Imbert, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the property tax would be challenged.

Speaking with reporters at the Office of the Opposition Leader, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said the package was empty and lack innovation.

The Opposition Leader said the PNM administration had to remove VAT because the policy does not work.

She said the government’s assistance to small businesses came too late.

The government is to remove VAT on more food items, as it seeks to reduce the burden of high food prices.

According to Minister Imbert, among the items to be cleared of the tax are vegetables, cooking oil and bottled water.

He also said low income earning families have been in his considerations.

Minister Imbert explained that rebate cards would be provided for vulnerable families.

The controversial property tax is still in the cards.

The Minister of Finance presents a $52.4 billion US dollar Budget for fiscal 2021/2022.

Colm Imbert’s 7^th Budget was tagged to an oil price of $65 US dollars per barrel:

The Minister gave a breakdown of how the money is to be spent.

Minister Imbert also told of how his administration plans to address the deficit.

He promised all public sector negotiations would be commenced in the next fiscal year.

Reports of fallen trees and blown off roofs in some parts following heavy rains and winds on the weekend.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management say there were also reports of landslides in some areas.

It says one home lost its roof in Cocorite and there were reports of fallen trees in St. James, Cascade, Champ Fleurs, and Lady Chancellor Hill.

In Arima, a roof was blown off a house at Subero Street in Malabar, while there were reports of fallen tress at Jackson Boulevard and Olton Road.

Speaking with Newscenter 5 this morning councilor for the area, Lynette Ramcharan explained that while the structure was vacant, the flying roof was a concern.

She added that an electrical pole was also affected.

In Couva, two home lost their roofs. 

In Siparia there were reports of a landslide near the San Fransique Primary School while one house at Beach Road lost its roof.

One report of a blown off roof at Tattoo Trace in Valencia while there was 1 report of a fallen tree at Tabaquite Road, Rio Claro.

The ODPM says assistance is being rendered to all affected areas and residents.

Police officer Brendon Borel dies at hospital days after being shot during a domestic dispute at his Barataria home.

He was shot in the abdomen on September 23^rd and was warded at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in a critical condition.

He urgently needed of blood.

He died last night.

On the night of September 2^nd police officers responded to a report of a shooting at Eleventh Street, Barataria.

The officers met a woman at the house, who told police that she had an altercation with the officer.

She claimed the officer had attacked her with a knife, and she picked up his firearm and shot him.

He was hit in the right side of his abdomen.

The emergency health services and the police were contacted.

As the nation prepares to hear the details of the National Budget today, one economist says don’t expect too much about rising food prices.

Marlene Atzs this morning said there are several factors, which are connected to the reality of increasing prices on goods and services.

President of the Supermarkets Association Rajiv Diptee has lamented the rising cost of food.

But he says the hike in prices cannot be blamed on retailers.

Mr. Diptee says local retailers and importers have no control over the prices they are being given.

On The Morning Show on i95.5fm Ms. Atzs among the areas, which are likely to be touched by the Minister of Finance, is expenditure, particularly in the health sector.

Ms. Atzs said the government’s spending must be curbed and members of the public will see the need to do the same.