Statement by Prime Minister Basdeo Panday
On the Tragedy in New York City

The tragedy that has struck the United States of America is beyond imagination. America is our closest ally in several areas of security. At this dark moment in history, our hearts must go out to the American people.

No country on earth is safe from terrorism. Not even the most powerful and the most heavily protected nation. Terrorism is a scourge that threatens all mankind.

Trinidad and Tobago is vulnerable, very vulnerable. Trinidad and Tobago is no safer that any other nation. We have had recent threats to the security of the state. Local links with international terrorism are well known. Our security forces, our protective services are on full alert.

We are taking all necessary security measures at our ports of entry, including our airports. Still, internal and external forces can do untold damage when they mount suicide missions of destruction.

I appeal to the population to be calm and to pray for those who have suffered grief as a result of the terrorist attack on the United States yesterday morning.

I am deeply concerned about citizens and residents who have relatives and friends in the New York and Washington areas. I pray that they are safe.

The government will continue to do all that is possible to establish the circumstances of Trinidad and Tobago nationals who might have been at risk in New York and Washington yesterday morning.

We must face the reality that yesterday’s tragic events can drive the US economy into decline. Such a development could be catastrophic for the global financial system.

Caribbean economies that are tourism dependent can be severely affected in the short term if Americans shy away from flying, even temporarily.

In any event, a consequential worsening of the US economy following yesterday’s terrorist barbarism, will impact discretionary income for the American people. Vacation travel to the Caribbean could thus be decimated.

The economies of small Caribbean countries such as those of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States are already in serious trouble. Their banana industries have been virtually wiped out.

As a matter of fact there is CARICOM proposal for financial intervention from Trinidad and Tobago. It is therefore obvious that this country can face far-reaching repercussions from yesterday’s events in the United States.

It would be understood that fiscal stability can come under serious threat in our region. Now, more than ever, the government of Trinidad and Tobago has to continue to manage this country’s economic and fiscal affairs with great judiciousness, with great responsibility.

Later today, we convene in the House of Representatives for the initial steps in the annual Parliamentary Budget Process. The Minister of Finance will deliver the Budget Presentation on Friday.

The country’s Budget year ends on September 30^th. The 2001/2002 Budget has to be in place for the start of the new financial year, October 1^st, 2001.

Should the Budget not be in place, it will not be possible to fund the services and facilities that the Government must provide to the population.

A deliberate attempt to defeat the Budget will be virtual act of terrorism against the population, particularly the more vulnerable, who are dependent on government’s social programmes. Public Servants and others on the government payroll would also be affected.

In this matter, it is necessary for every one to put the people’s interest above partisan agendas. I take this opportunity to call on all citizens to recognize the obligation to put aside partisan agendas and to unite in the interest of the nation.

Now more than ever we must put our country first.