ManningPORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC:
TRINIDAD AND Tobago's Opposition Leader Patrick Manning was generous in his election promises Sunday as he pledged more money for senior citizens, settlement of all arrears to public servants and a one month salary advance and reduction in taxes in the first 100 days if his party wins next month's polls.
Launching the campaign of the People's National Movement (PNM), Manning said if voted into office, a Variation of Appropriate Bill and a Finance Bill will be presented for parliamentary approval by early January to give priorities to several areas in the first 100 days.
He said Old Age Pension will be increased with effect from January 2002, and adjustment to the National Insurance Scheme pension benefits through an Old Age Pension Supplement.
There will be reduction in the tax rates, an appropriation for the settlement of all arrears of income owing to public servants, removal of Duty and VAT on all medication, the exemption of the first TT$ 5,000 of Pension Income from tax, provision of $7.5 million plus accrued interest to the steelband body, Pan Trinbago, and appropriations to implement the programme of repair to all government apartment buildings, the Home Ownership Made Easy (HOME) Plan and the re-introduction of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Geriatric Adolescent Programme.
Manning also promised the creation of 20,000 new jobs opportunities each year while 10,000 new homes will be built over the next two years through state and private sector collaboration.
On agriculture, he said 1,000 acres of agricultural land will be rehabilitated.
"We envision the creation of at least 10,000 small businesses in the next two years. In this regard, we shall reserve 10 per cent of all public sector procurements and contracts for firms and companies in the small business sector," he said.
"Low interest loans at 8 per cent and lower through small business windows shall be available at banks and credit unions. A moratorium on capital repayments will be provided, as well as state grants. More than that, we shall embark upon a programme of making new entrepreneurs especially among those segments of our society who have not traditionally been involved in business."
Manning said the PNM will also focus on attracting foreign investment in the manufacturing and service sectors particularly in the information technology sub-sector while investment in the energy sector will continue to be encouraged.
The committee on trade negotiations will be reviewed and a new Industrial Estate, creating 4,000 jobs in its first two years will be established at Wallerfield in the eastern region.
Stating that the country's economic stabilisation plan will benefit also from lower taxes for all, he said this will be effected by the reduction of tax rates for individuals in the upper level and for corporations to 30 per cent from the current rate of 35 per cent, and to 25 per cent for individuals in the 28 per cent bracket.
"Within the first hundred days of taking Office, the PNM will settle all arrears of income owed to public servants and any other matters pertaining to terms and conditions of service in the public service," Manning promised.
"More than that, we shall provide all public servants, including teachers and members of the protective services and defence forces with an immediate advance payment of one month's salary towards these arrears as a mark of good faith."
