The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce yesterday expressed concern about the potential effect the three month election campaign period could have on business operations nationwide.
In a statement released just hours after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced September 7 as the date of the general election, the Chamber urged the parties to “position themselves so that the elected government can settle down quickly and ensure the country’s business continues to be conducted seamlessly.”
“The T&T Chamber takes this opportunity to remind political parties, especially those who are signatories, of the need for adherence to Code of Ethical Political Conduct.
We also remind those parties and their respective leaders who have so committed to the President of the Chamber, that they will be held to the commitment to participate in the Leaders’ debate being organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission.
“As we go forward, we urge campaigners to run a clean campaign that at all times put the national interest over partisan concerns.”
Ravi Suryadevara, newly elected president of the American Chamber of T&T (AmchamTT), said he hoped the election date does not affect the reading and passage of the annual budget.
“It is a good that a definitive date has been called. This, of course, is good for the business climate. However, the election date is close to the budget reading. We are hoping that it does not affect this,” he told T&T Guardian.
Suryadevara said whoever forms the next government has their work cut out for them.
David Edwards, president of the Tunapuna Chamber of Commerce, does not expect the election to affect the business climate in the country.
“At our recent annual general meeting we had discussed potential dates in September so we are not surprised. The Prime Minister had also signaled to the Muslim community that it would not have been held during their holy month,” he said.
Vivek Charran, president of the San Juan Business Association, expects business to slow down now that the election date has been announced.
While expressing relief that the date had been announced, he said: “Historically business tend to be affected. It affects consumer confidence and people hold back on heavy spending until the election has passed.
Charran wondered how the next two months of vacation with people leaving the country will affect election campaigning.
Noting that the election date is around the time school re-opens, he said he hoped things will be put in place for a smooth transition back to school.