As T&T struggles with COVID, Kamla lays down an aftermath plan

Trinidad and Tobago is experiencing a massive surge in coronavirus cases; on Monday alone, more than 200 people tested positive, and the numbers are growing rapidly. Health Authorities have warned that the 41% of hospital capacities are already full, and many youngsters without comorbidities are losing their lives to the contagious virus. As the situation is getting out of hand, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has imposed stricter actions. Leader of opposition Kamla Persad Bissessar has proposed some points to help small men and women keep their livelihoods afloat after the lockdown. The opposition leader suggested loan deferral schemes in coordination with the Bankers Association and the Central Bank and stated the bank interest rates should also be reduced for a limited period of time. Her revival proposal includes the suggestion of a debt workout scheme for companies that are deemed to now fall below "bank risk" as a result of the deleterious effect of the pandemic can place state-run bank FCB or other takers in the scheme to ensure that businesses get rescued. As per the opposition leader, a renewal of SME fund accessibility via commercial banks for companies that are small and micro and may by nature fall below "bank risk" (unsuitable for bank loans in effect) via NEDCO, Development Finance and other state entity. The United National Congress leader also proposed some VAT rebates for companies that are going to be seeking financing to cover working capital cost during the lockdown; a rebate of VAT at this time could have supported some enterprises. She stated that there are several entities that are not going to be able to reopen, and no support from the government has been announced.