Trinidad and Tobago PM rejects recession claims and criticizes opposition

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has rejected allegations from the opposition that Trinidad and Tobago is in a recession. During a 2027 budget debate in the House of Representatives, she cited International Monetary Fund forecasts projecting economic growth of 0.8% in 2026 and 3% in 2027 to defend her administration's performance.

Persad-Bissessar also criticized the People’s National Movement (PNM), accusing the party of fostering a “swine culture” characterized by dishonesty and dependence on state assistance. She argued that previous administrations allowed welfare programs and state contracts to be used for personal gain, undermining the working and middle classes. The Prime Minister stated her government intends to divest from deficit-running state enterprises and dismantle corrupt employment programs to ensure resources are distributed more fairly to law-abiding citizens.