Crime continues to be the number one issue affecting business in T&T and "is a main deterrent to economic development and investment," the president and the immediate past president of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce have said. "Two years ago, when I first took over the helm of the chamber presidency, I stood before the membership and spoke of my hope for the Chamber to focus on a few national issues.
At that time, I said–and I quote: 'I would say to you, number one on everyone's mind has been crime; the economy comes second.' Two years after that statement, it seems that not much has changed. Crime continues to be the number one issue affecting our country and, more specifically, our business community as it increases the cost of doing business and also detracts from new investment," Andrew Sabga, immediate past president of the chamber said.
"As a businessman myself, I understand that crime reduction is of paramount importance to every business, but it is also equally important to every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. I am sure you have heard me say on several occasions in my interactions at our chamber's breakfast meetings or in media interviews that crime is not something that can be tackled by the government alone.
While we continued to lobby for a more holistic approach to combating crime, we also recognise the importance for each citizen to be a part of crime fighting initiatives. My stance today as I move on from chamber presidency, remains the same," he said.
New TTCIC President Moonilal Lalchan echoed Sabga's sentiments: "Crime at all levels impacts society. Whether white collar or blue collar, crime is a main deterrent to economic development and investment–not only investment through foreign direct investment (FDI), but also investment by our local entrepreneurs. The cost of crime to businesses continues to grow and in some cases productivity may decline for those businesses that are located in high-risk areas."