President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), Dale Parson, is welcoming the implementation of a State of Emergency (SOE).
Speaking to TTT News at the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) on Friday, he noted that the move is both ‘targeted’ and necessary.
He said he believes the SOE is not expected to disrupt economic activity or deter investment, but is a calculated and preventative measure aimed at safeguarding national stability.
“People on the outside are going to see this, and even the general population are going to see this as a proactive step to try and deal with the problem before it comes.”
Despite the implementation of the SOE early on Friday, he said it had not dampened the turnout at the Convention.
In fact, he pointed out that the SOE may have the “reverse effect” on encouraging investment.
“I mean, you can look around, the place is crowded. I think this is a targeted SOE and this is specific to a particular group of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago that are causing this disruption. And you know what? I think what they are doing is they are being proactive. I think they are taking the time to make sure that nothing drastic doesn’t happen. So, this is a good thing. And I don’t think it’s going to deter any investors. In fact, I think it’s going to have the reverse effect.”