BUDGET STATEMENT 2014
40
SUSTAINING GROWTH, SECURING PROSPERITY
• opened a COSTATT Campus in Sangre
Grande to service over 800 students in
Sangre Grande and neighbouring environs;
• launched a new state-of-the-art eye theatre
and ward in the San Fernando General
Hospital;
• established a Cardiology Unit and Oncology
Department at the San Fernando General
Hospital;
• commissioned the Navet Trunk Line which
delivered a 24/7 water supply to over
250,000 citizens;
• introduced a minimum pension of $3,000
per month for all retired public servants;
34,000 retired public servants are receiving
the increased pensions;
• increased the Senior Citizens grant to
$3,000 per month; 82,509 senior citizens
are now beneficiaries of the grant; and Mr.
Speaker
• returned the country once again to positive
economic growth.
Mr. Speaker, as we continue to expand our
economy we shall ensure that the fruits of
these benefits are equitably spread throughout
our population.
Mr. Speaker, in a multi-ethnic and multi-
racial society governing is as complex as it is
challenging; yet in this country those in need
receive help and the elderly are valued. Very
importantly, those with potential will continue
to be provided with a wide-ranging spectrum
of opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, I commend this Budget to this
Honourable House and I beg to move.
• enhanced
law
enforcement
and
strengthened the legislative framework
through the enactment of the Interception
and Communications Act (2010), the
Firearms (Amendment) Act, the Anti-Gang
Act (2011), the Bail (Amendment)Act (2011),
the Trafficking in Person Act (2011) and the
Anti-terrorismAct;
• launched theUtilitiesAssistanceProgramme
for WASA and T&TEC: 11,421 lower-income
customers are benefiting;
• increased the Medical Equipment Grant
from $6,000 to $7,500: 1,596 citizens have
accessed this grant;
• increased the Funeral Grant from $3,450
to $7,000: 1,206 families have received this
grant;
• increased the Education Grant from $300
per child to $500 per child per month: 1,535
students have received this grant;
• increased the Housing Assistance Grant for
damage done by natural and man-made
disasters from $10,000 to $15,000: 1,093
families have benefited;
• increased the National Insurance Retirement
Benefit from $2,000 to $3,000 per month;
113,173 citizens are benefiting from this
pension;
• introduced a Rapid Bus Transit System
on the East West Corridor providing a bus
every 15 minutes; 18,000 persons are now
benefiting from this experience;
• introduced a Curepe – San Fernando bus
service with 46 daily trips: 2,000 passenger
are now benefiting from this improved
service;
