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.

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.