Couva Chamber head wants more tax incentives in budget

Shastri Boodan

The Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce (CPLCC) would like to see more incentives for the purchase of security surveillance equipment in the upcoming budget.

CPLCC president Deoraj Mahase made the suggestion at the group’s Cocktail Mixer in Couva on Friday evening, saying the incentives would assist people in acquiring equipment.

Mahase said the CPLCC is currently partnering with a company that installs CCTV systems for businesses and residential clients. Video from this system is monitored by the police.

Chamber members are expected to meet to discuss the upcoming budget and areas being looked at include incentives for the agriculture sector.

“We would also like to see some level of price control across the board because not only food but all of the hardware materials, the various sectors’ prices are up. Yes, it has to do with some logistic issues external to T&T but if we are able to have some level of control on those prices, it would make things affordable for citizens,” Mahase said.

He also recommended tax reductions for pensioners who receive monies above the stipulated tax allowance ceiling.

Mahase said the CPLCC has not had any feedback on property tax but hopes that there will be a further revision.

He said the CPLCC would like to see monies collected through the property tax system retained by municipal corporations for development work.

“We are looking forward to that. It would be a way to assist infrastructure work in the various corporations,” he added.

He also said the CPLCC is looking forward to the resumption of operations at the steel mill at Point Lisas.

“That would be a big assistance to the area and the national economy, employment and foreign exchange.”

The chamber president also recommended incentives to attract more businesses to the recently opened Phoenix Park Industrial Estate.

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