Trinidad & Tobago Budget 2015-2016
The PNM is in government and the changes they are making are quite big but what is more worrisome is they will lead towards inflation. Property tax will entice landlords to have an excuse to raise rents on already high prices. The increase of gas / diesel means that there will be another excuse for retailers to say it is more expensive to provide goods and services. While I understand the 'logic' behind the moves I am more concerned about society's reaction to it as Trinis generally act with no real concern about where their dollar goes - for example, they will not stop buying something that has increased in price thus allowing that price to stay high.
Well thus far the concerns about inflation has proved to be valid in a small way if one were to look at taxi fares and the price of doubles. The other prices haven't increased that much though for now.
What is a concern to me is the fact that the Ministry of National Security got $10 billion dollars which will be spent on providing an ineffective service while infrastructure is given just $3-4Billion (Both Works and Transport and Local Government) The infrastructure of the island is clearly substandard with a lot of nasty surface drains, broken pavements etc.
Wait for Christmas, the natural inflationary period. You will see things skyrocket and then after Christmas merchandisers and retailers will say the budget changes made so they have to keep the prices right were they are despite record low oil prices!