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Minimum Wages in Trinidad and Tobago

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has presented a compelling case for the government to take immediate action on two critical issues affecting the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. She has proposed a substantial increase in the minimum wage, calling for it to be raised to $25 per hour, and has also urged the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) from all food items.

In a press release addressed to the media, Persad-Bissessar highlighted the inadequacy of the current minimum wage, which stands at $17.50 per hour. She emphasized that when calculated over a standard 40-hour workweek, this wage equates to a monthly income of only $2,800, falling short of the maximum old age pension of $3,000. This stark comparison underscores the pressing need for wage reform in the country.

Against the backdrop of increasing poverty and hardships faced by many citizens, Persad-Bissessar argues that it is imperative for the government to prioritize the adjustment of the minimum wage. She rightly asserts that individuals working at the current minimum wage rate are unable to maintain a decent quality of life. The economic circumstances of tens of thousands of people have been adversely affected over the past eight years, with some struggling to secure jobs that provide outdated salaries, making it exceedingly difficult for them to adequately support their families.

Persad-Bissessar's call for the removal of VAT on all food items is equally crucial. She points out that the prices of essential food items have consistently risen, with some experiencing price hikes ranging from 50 to 100 percent since 2016. This rise in the cost of living is exacerbated by increased expenses in housing, transportation, healthcare, fuel, and education. All the while, the minimum wage has remained stagnant, deepening the financial woes of the average citizen.

To provide historical context, it's worth noting that in 2014, then Finance Minister Larry Howai increased the minimum wage from $12.50 per hour to $15 per hour. Subsequently, in 2019, Finance Minister Colm Imbert raised it to the current rate of $17.50 per hour. However, the persistent economic challenges and rising living costs warrant a more substantial adjustment to the minimum wage to ensure that it aligns with the basic needs of the citizens.

In conclusion, Kamla Persad-Bissessar's call for an increase in the minimum wage to $25 per hour and the removal of VAT from all food items should be seriously considered by the government. These measures would not only alleviate the financial burden on citizens but also contribute to improving their overall quality of life, especially in the face of ongoing economic challenges and rising living costs.

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