Tuesday, August 31 2010

THIS country needs to develop new economic strategies to overcome the challenges it now faces. This was the view expressed yesterday by Finance Minister Winston Dookeran, one week before he presents the 2011 Budget in the House of Representatives.

In his Independence Day message as Congress of the People (COP) political leader, Dookeran said, “It is accepted knowledge that TT and other parts of the world are currently experiencing economic challenges. This calls for new approaches if we are to successfully craft this new future.”

Dookeran said as part of the ruling People’s Partnership coalition, the COP “through perseverance and partnering with like-minded citizens, has brought new people-centred and value driven politics to our nation. “Our country is now positioned for the best opportunity for that better future.

From this new platform let us work to build this country together as we have never done before. Our nation needs the best efforts of every citizen in order to achieve the prosperity in which we all can share equitably. Together we aspire, Together we achieve,” he said. Dookeran has already indicated that the upcoming budget will be a deficit one.

The minister also said the public should use today’s Independence celebrations to celebrate the empowerment of new central and local government arrangements arising out of the Partnership’s victories in the May 24 General Election and the July 26 Local Government Elections respectively.