Santokhi: “Finally a small positive account balance”

“We finally have a small positive account balance,” said President Chandrikapersad Santokhi as he referred to the state income at a press conference that was held in the Nickerie District on Sunday. The head of state explained that the austerity measures, the prudent policy and good management have had good results. The government which has even been capable of raising the old age pension, the child allowance and welfare also has more room to fulfill its financial obligations. It also managed to give a bonus of SRD 300 at the end of November and will give it again at the end of December. The government will also be able to adjust the wages of the state employees. The negotiations will reportedly start in January

2021. A letter has already been sent to the Social Economic Counci (SER), asking for advice regarding the salary increase and its effect on the economy and the prices of foreign currency.

The president acknowledged that more must be invested in the fight against poverty. “We are not in favor of handing out food parcels but there is no other option at the moment. The bonuses of SRD 300 have proven that depositing the money provides better opportunities. However, not everybody can be reached with this option. The government will therefore come up with a bigger and more structured program to address this issue,” said the head of state.