September 12, 2016: On Tuesday September 62016, the National Tripartite Advisory Council (NTAC), chaired by the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Planning and Development, held its sixth (6th) regular monthly meeting.
The main focus of the meeting on this occasion was specifically to afford sector representatives of NTAC the opportunity to present their views and ideas to the Minister of Finance which they expect will be taken into account in his preparation of the 2017 National Budget.
A multifaceted agenda of budget proposals, fiscal measures and development perspectives formed the nucleus of the discussions.
Included among matters deliberated upon and proposals presented to Minister Imbert were: reducing and prioritising national expenditure, expanding Government’s revenue streams, improving the efficiency of revenue collection, solutions to challenges which generally affect business growth and development, enhancing levels of productivity, energy sector downstream development, job creation, and promoting investment opportunities that would assist in Government’s thrust toward systemic economic recovery and an expeditious return to the path of sustainable economic growth and development.
The initiative is in keeping with the Terms of Reference of the National Tripartite Advisory Council and in response to the undertaking given by the Government of Prime Minister, Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley in The Memorandum of Agreement signed with JTUM prior to the 2010 General Elections.
One of the encouraging outcomes of the meeting was the Council members’ reinforcement of their commitment toward the philosophy of the tripartite process specially instituted to deliberate on and advise the Government on serious issues of national endeavour.
NTAC was inaugurated by the Prime Minister at a ceremony which was staged at the Diplomatic Centre, St. Ann’s on March 15, 2016.
Since having been appointed, the Council, comprising representatives of Government, Labour and the Private Sector has ramped up the process of engaging in dialogue, debate and consultation to arrive at consensus among themselves and has been making recommendations to Cabinet to enrich and enhance the overall quality of life for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
At the end of the discussions, Minister Imbert invited the NTAC Sector Representatives to document their budget proposals and forward to him with a view to engaging in more detailed discussions.
The Terms of Reference of the National Tripartite Advisory Council are:
To advise the Government on:
- Effective implementation of Government Policy.
- Identification and review of Sustainable National Development Goals.
- Development of a culture of Innovation, Invention and use of Initiative.
- Enhancing the level of productivity in all sectors of national endeavour.
- Development of a national campaign on productivity and proper work ethics.
- Creation of additional job opportunities.
- Maximisation of the use of Science and Technology.
- Focussing attention on the needs of the poor, the socially displaced and the most vulnerable in our society and
- The maintenance of industrial peace and harmony nation-wide.
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For further information please contact:
The Communications Department
Ministry of Planning and Development
868-627-9700 ext 1457