Post Cabinet Briefing Summary – Thursday 17th March, 2016

The Minister of Communications, the Honourable Maxie Cuffie, hosted the Post Cabinet Press Briefing today (Thursday 17th March, 2016) at the Office of the Prime Minister St. Clair, Port of Spain.

Minister Cuffie announced that Cabinet has agreed to the reconstitution of the board of the Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG). The board will be chaired by Mr Timothy Affonso. Mr. Affonso previously served as the Vice-Chairman.

The Minister of Finance, the Honourable Colm Imbert, was also present in order to provide clarification on various matters. Firstly, Minister Imbert confirmed that the funds by the European Union (EU) for payment to the sugar workers have not been released. This confirmation follows consultation with officials from the Ministry of Finance as well as the Ministry of Planning and Development.

Minister Imbert also announced that he has extended invitations to the Steel Workers’ Union of Trinidad and Tobago (SWUTT) and representatives of ArcelorMittal to meet with him tomorrow (Friday 18th March, 2016). The Minister of Finance will host a detailed press conference next Monday (21st March) to discuss the outcomes of tomorrow’s scheduled meetings.

Minister Imbert also noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had posted a press release (dated March 17th 2016) on their website following the Article 4 consultations in Trinidad and Tobago.

Additionally, the Minister of Finance addressed statements made by the Leader of the Opposition, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, regarding the Chairman of the National Gas Company (NGC), Mr. Gerry Brooks. Minister Imbert highlighted that it has been the practice for at least twenty (20) years that the Chairman of NGC would also chair the subsidiaries of NGC and receive the associated stipends. However, he noted that the Government is reviewing these arrangements to see whether it is appropriate.