Government Pushes Through Finance Bill Focused On Crime And Reform
The Finance Bill 2025 was passed in the House of Representatives on Friday, with the opposition voting against it.
The bill, piloted by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, went through 23 clauses that will amend 21 pieces of legislation.
In his wrapping-up statement for the Finance Bill, 2025, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo noted that the package of clauses will go a long way towards fighting criminal enterprises and hence should be supported by all.
He said, unlike the opinion of the opposition leader, the bill is not a punishment plan for law-abiding citizens.
Minister Tancoo said it is a punishment plan for criminals and criminal enterprises and their backers.
« We are seeking to legislate today to stop illegal gambling in this country. That is what we are seeking to do here, and I am appealing again for members of the Opposition to understand the severity of this. Why in the world, if we establish that this is a criminal enterprise, why in the world would any patriotic citizen be against that? Unless Mr Speaker, and I leave the rest for the members of the population. »
Minister Tancoo said he finds it hard to understand the opposition’s lack of interest in supporting a bill that would protect citizens from the criminal element.
He also noted that the opposition was misleading the population on the status of the National Insurance Board and its funding and knew that tough measures needed to be taken.
« It is not like the members opposite did not know; they knew that there was a crisis and they knew what the solution was but Mr Speaker they preferred to do nothing because they do not care what happens to poor people. They do not care what happens to public servants. They come here to talk about small man. Mr. Speaker where was this concern for the small man when they were jamming property tax on people? »
The bill was then taken to the vote.
« Honourable members, the question is that the bill entitled an act to make provisions of a financial nature and other related matters be now read a third time and passed. Those in favor say I. Those against say NO. The I’s have it. »
