The Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo, has expressed concern over an article published in the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian on Wednesday October 22nd, 2025, titled “No funds in budget for public servants’ payments—Tancoo.”
A statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday said the report does not accurately reflect Minister Tancoo’s comments made during the Standing Finance Committee meeting held on October 21st.
“At no time did the Minister state that funds were unavailable for the settlement of wages to public officers. In his remarks before the Committee, the Minister clearly explained that the Budget provides sufficient allocations to meet current obligations and that the Government will follow the proper procedures to secure any additional resources that may become necessary.”
The Ministry said during the exchange with Opposition Members, Minister Tancoo responded to several questions regarding whether provisions had been made for a proposed 10% salary increase and explained that:
- Government cannot include an unconfirmed figure in the Budget for negotiations that have not yet started;
- The responsible approach is to appropriate funds for current liabilities and, once negotiations are completed, to bring any additional requirements to Parliament for approval through a Supplementary Appropriation;
- This process reflects good financial management and ensures that all spending is properly authorised and transparent; and
- Sufficient funding exists for ongoing salary and wage payments within the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year.
The Ministry said Minister Tancoo emphasised that budgeting is based on facts, not assumptions and speculative amounts cannot be inserted for wage negotiations that are still pending.
“Once a settlement is reached, the Government has well-established mechanisms to provide the additional funds through Parliament, as has been done by previous Administrations. The Minister also reminded the Committee that this approach upholds accountability and prevents overestimation of expenditure before obligations are confirmed.”
Further, the Ministry said Minister Tancoo’s statements in Parliament were intended to assure public officers and citizens that there are adequate provisions in the Budget and that the Government remains fully committed to meeting all its obligations.
“If additional funds are needed, they will be sought through the proper and transparent parliamentary procedures.”
