The Ministry of Finance of Trinidad and Tobago issued a media release disputing a Trinidad and Tobago Guardian article that reported the Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo, as saying there were “no funds in budget for public servants’ payments”. The ministry said his comments to the Standing Finance Committee instead indicated that the 2025/2026 Budget includes sufficient allocations to meet current wage and salary obligations, with any additional sums to be addressed through established parliamentary procedures. The clarification relates to questions from Opposition Members about whether provisions had been made for a proposed 10 percent salary increase. The ministry said the minister explained that government cannot include an unconfirmed figure in the Budget for negotiations that have not yet started, and that any additional requirements arising after negotiations conclude would be brought to Parliament for approval through a Supplementary Appropriation. If a wage settlement results in costs beyond current appropriations, the government said it will seek additional resources through the relevant parliamentary process.

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