NACTA Poll: Voters reserve judgement on Budget

THERE are split feelings on the national budget, according to a poll conducted by Dr Vishnu Bisram of the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA).

According to the poll, voters were supportive of some aspects of the measures contained in the People’s National Movement Government’s first budget presentation, namely the reduction of VAT; increase in pension; raising the personal allowance in tax returns; waiver of various fees for seniors; and relocation of Agriculture Ministry but were displeased with others such as the removal of the gas subsidy; reduction in allocation to farming and cancellation of laptop program.

A plurality of voters reserved judgement on the budget viewing it as an interim plan that will be recalibrated mid-year.

The poll interviewed 410 voters reflecting the demographics of the population with four (4) percent margin of error.

The poll found almost everyone were displeased with the government’s handling of crime and approved of the increased allocation to Ministry of National Security.

Asked if they approve of the budget, there is an almost equal split among those who approve (32 percent) and are opposed (33 percent) with a plurality (35 percent) reserving judgment saying the budget will be revisited mid-year, according to NACTA.

Imbert praised for ‘fair’ fiscal package Many PNM supporters, NACTA added, praised Finance Minister Colm Imbert for what they described as a “fair and workable budget” given the time constraints in preparing it.

Some 80 percent of the nation opposed the removal of the gas subsidy.

“There is a psychological feeling (real and imagined) that cost of living is going up. People complain they are already feeling the pinch in prices of almost every item (including transportation) going up,” NACTA noted.

The poll also noted almost everyone approved of the 2.5 percent reduction on VAT but opposed the re-application of the VAT on items that were previously exempted.

“Many feel there is no net gain from the VAT reduction since they are paying VAT on previously VAT-free items,” NACTA said.

Little support for Rapid Rail The poll further noted, voters were divided on the proposed rapid rail transit system with 41 percent opposed, 37 percent supportive, and 22 percent had no opinion. “Many voters feel a rapid rail is not feasible and the population is too small to make it economical,” said NACTA.

Almost everyone supported the relocation of the Agriculture Ministry to Central Trinidad and while many viewed it as a politically expedient act, they also felt the move will better serve the national interest.

Respondents were also said to be impressed with the performance of Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat. ‘Farmers are pleased with his policy of engaging them.

However, a majority of voters (55 percent), including almost every farmer, feel the Agriculture’s budget allocation is insufficient to realise goals,” NACTA noted.

Point Fortin highway not a priority The pollsters also reported that most voters said they did not consider completion of Pt.

Fortin Highway as a priority but did not want it to be neglected.

“And they are not very pleased with the decision to end the free lap top programme saying it can be re-organised.

Questioned about the election petition before the court, voters are almost evenly divided (on party affiliation) on whether the election results will be set aside with a significant 22 percent of respondents saying “not sure”.

Many voters display lack of awareness on the petition process.

On approval ratings, NACTA said it was too early to render judgment on the performance of the government, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Attorney General Faris Al Rawi, but noted that persons polled did indicate that they liked “the new (calm and soft tone) Rowley”.

‘The remake of his image has done wonders garnering praise even among PP supporters,” NACTA noted.

Taken from, Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday