Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent face political and fiscal scrutiny

In Trinidad and Tobago, former Prime Minister Stuart Young has accused the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration of being responsible for over 40,000 job losses. Young alleged that the United National Congress (UNC) government has weakened the energy sector and misled the public regarding the economic outlook ahead of the 2027 national budget. He specifically cited retrenchments in various public and private organizations, including Heritage Petroleum and the National Gas Company.

Simultaneously, Finance Minister DavenDRanath Tancoo announced that the 2027 Budget includes an allocation to pay 40 per cent of outstanding arrears owed to Public Services Association (PSA) members in cash. The remaining 60 per cent would be settled through non-cash benefits over three years. The PSA has rejected this proposal, demanding that 60 per cent of arrears be paid in cash.

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the administration of Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday is facing scrutiny over spending priorities. Despite warnings from officials that the government is facing severe financial constraints and mounting public debt, the 2026 Budget Estimates include EC$1.5 million for repairs to the Prime Minister’s official residence and EC$600,000 for official vehicles.