Couva-Point Lisas Chamber: Govt should move on development in Central

The Couva-Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce (CPLCC) wants the government to speed up its development plans for the area. This call comes from president of the Couva-Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce Lily Herai, when she addressed the opening of the 2012 Sugar and Energy Festival at Gilbert Park on Friday.

Herai said the government signalled its intent since the 2010 budget of Couva being one of the major growth poles of economic activity. She said, “We are looking forward to some more concrete actions being implemented, related to this initiative.”

Herai also wants the government to hold public consultations with the business community and the people of the area in a bid to improve the quality of life in the community. She said the chamber was also looking forward to recently announced plans by the government to put new industries in Point Lisas and the implementation of the action plans related to the Sugar Heritage Village.

Herai said the Sugar and Energy Festival has outgrown Gilbert Park and would be better hosted at the Sugar Heritage Village if it comes into being. Herai said the chamber supports Government’s initiatives in diversifying the economy and reducing the food import bill by encouraging persons to venture into agribusiness. She called on corporate entities and government ministries to contribute to the festival.

Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh said Government is not stalling with its plans to boost economic activities in the area. He said more than $75 million was spent to build an interchange at Preysal that would see the smooth flow of traffic in and out of the area. Indarsingh said the Government has also opened the Energy Institute at the Couva UTT campus and the Workforce Assessment Centre at Point Lisas to certify tradesmen.

Indarsingh said the Prime Minister has announced plans to build an aquatic centre and a cycle track near the Ato Boldon Stadium. Indarsingh also praised the chamber for its efforts to keep the festival alive, even though the PNM government under Patrick Manning closed the sugar industry almost a decade ago.