PM Kamla thanks business community for support

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was not well enough to attend Wednesday's business luncheon sponsored by BG energy. However she had a message for the business leaders, which was delivered by her energy minister, Kevin Ramnarine.

This is the PM's message:

“We have also had to deal with crime, which is a concern of the business community.

"It is that reason that we are happy for the support that we receive from the business community for the state of emergency. Crime impacts on our competitiveness and, as a country, impairs our way of life.

"The business community in T&T continues to demonstrate their solidarity with the Government and is prepared to make short-term sacrifices for long-term gain...

“We commend the business community for their patience and understanding. We are grateful for the support the business community has given to the Ministry of National Security...

“Corporate T&T also has a role to play in the fight against crime. I am pleased for the support BGTT has given to the Ministry of National security. Earlier this month, I launched the Meeting Life Importance Initiative in the Beetham Gardens.

"This initiative is from the Ministry of National Security that BGTT supported. I encourage other like-minded corporate citizens to do the same,” she said.

“I have been advised that the state of emergency has not generally impacted on the output of the energy sector. Some companies have had to make adjustments in signing off their shifts, while others have written to the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Chamber to get passes for critical purposes.

“We will continue to work with these companies so that there will be a minimum impact on their operations.”