Wednesday, December 10 2008

DESPITE Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s call for all citizens to “tighten their belts” in light of the global economic crisis, a government minister this week reportedly purchased a luxury Mercedes Benz sports utility vehicle (SUV) for an estimated price of $800,000. The SUV, registration “PCL 8” was bought from Sterling Services auto dealership in Port-of-Spain.

All the dealership would reveal was that the vehicle had been purchased “by a minister” but could not confirm who was the government minister in question.

The purchase price for vehicles, such as this SUV, for a minister is $625,000 and upwards.

In announcing adjustments to the 2009 Budget on November 30, the Prime Minister told the population the Government was cutting back on expenditure and advised citizens to save. “There should be no excessive spending especially when you cannot afford it. Restraint is now required.”

According to the 80th Report of the Salaries Review Commission, government ministers are entitled to a $300,000 loan at six percent, repayable over six years to either buy a new vehicle or used motor vehicle tax free.