‘I think the people who may be unhappy are unpatriotic’ – Davendranath Tancoo

By Alicia Chamely

FINANCE Minister Davendranath Tancoo remains silent on whether gas prices would be raised in the 2025/2026 National Budget. He is expected tgo deliver that budget in early October.

He said, however, only unpatriotic persons would be disappointed by the budget presentation.

Tancoo was speaking to the media on Friday before heading into a sitting of parliament at the Red House, Port of Spain.

Questioned over his statement that not everybody would be happy with the budget, he said, “I think the people who may be unhappy are unpatriotic. I think Trinidad and Tobago citizens are aware of how difficult circumstances are that the former government left us in and are expecting to see some changes.”

“The persons who may be unhappy may be those persons on the Opposition side,” he added.

Pressed as to whether gas prices would be raised, Tancoo replied, “No comment.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles, speaking to the media outside of the Red House, called on Tancoo to clarify the bargaining periods for the Public Services Association (PSA) wage increases, whether the 10% starting offer would also be offered to other unions, and what money had been allocated.

Asked to respond, Tancoo said it was a matter being discussed.

As for money allocated to wage increases, Tancoo said Beckles would have to wait for the Budget to be read.

He added, “It’s a pity that when she was in office, she didn’t make the effort to settle this negotiation.”