The Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) is of the view that the Budget presentation was not as compelling as anticipated.  Although the figures presented seemed to be fairly balanced with respect to grants, incentives and austerity measures, there was an obvious dearth of tangible measures for improving the quality of life for ALL citizens in respect of programmes that meaningfully support economic growth, encourage investment in diversification initiatives, improve the efficiency of our public institutions, promote effective waste management and most importantly, ensure the safety of all citizens.

The Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) wishes to congratulate the newly inaugurated President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Her Excellency Paula Mae Weekes. Indeed, the installation of the country’s first female head of state is not only a testament to the progress and maturity of our society but, it is also a reflection of the strength of our democracy and our nation. Moreover, it sends a clear message that anyone, man or woman, boy or girl, can accomplish their dreams and aspirations with the requisite work, dedication and consistent effort as envisioned by our forefathers and encapsulated in our nation’s watchwords.

On August 30th, 1962, Dr. Eric Williams, the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago articulated his vision for what was then an infant nation on the cusp of a new journey. Discipline, Production and Tolerancewere the watchwords bequeathed to a newly independent nation meant to reflect the guiding principles and values in the development of the country and its people.

The Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) wishes to extend its commendation and high praises to the majority of our public servants and citizenry for their patriotism and mature response to the September 7th call for a day of rest and reflection.

It is with great sadness that the Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) learnt of the passing of former President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Professor George Maxwell Richards.

The Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) is calling for good sense to prevail as we collectively strive to overcome the current turbulent economic challenges facing our nation. In this regard, the ECA believes that the recent call by Mr. Ancel Roget, President of the Joint Trade Union Movement, for consumers to boycott businesses owned by the so called “elitist one percent” cannot be seen as a reasonable, responsible, or rational course of action.

It is no secret that our nation continues to face tough economic times. It is therefore the responsibility of every citizen to ensure that decisions on the nation’s economic future are made dispassionately and realistically in all instances.

Given the prevailing harsh economic realities, the Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) wishes to provide its initial reactions following the 2017/2018 National Budget presentation. In general, the budget was fairly balanced with a mix of austerity measures and incentives as we all try to do more with less. The Government must therefore be commended for achieving a reduction in the budget deficit. This is certainly a move in the right direction.

The Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) continues to follow recent heightened activity by the Trade Union movement, following Labour Day observances last month which has led to several joint Union exercises across the country. According to reports, the culmination of this exercise is expected to be a mass demonstration on August 4th in resistance to several social and labour related issues, including retrenchment of workers and the perceived inequity in sharing the burden of adjustment required to survive the current socio-economic challenges facing Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

The celebration of Labour Day should be seen as an opportunity for introspection - introspection on accomplishments, progress made, what could have been done differently and what is required to create a better future. The labour movement in Trinidad and Tobago must be acknowledged for their determined and vigilant pursuit of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) decent work agenda with respect to the rights of workers and improvements in the world of work.