CENTRAL and South Trinidad continue to be neglected in a "glaring and deliberate way" by the Government, and it showed in Monday's budget presentation.

This, according to president of the Princes Town Business Association Taurel Teelucksingh, who said yesterday that in the past three fiscal packages presented by the People's Partnership Government, those areas were neglected.

However, he said the Government must be commended for ensuring the stability of the economy "amidst a global financial crisis, falling global prices of oil and natural gas, as well as our own internal struggles of the CLICO/HCU financial crisis".

Teelucksingh said, "The Government must be mindful that the Global Competitiveness Report for 2012 has revealed that Trinidad and Tobago's economy has slipped to 84th with respect to our competitiveness as a nation, and has been worsening over time."

Teelucksingh said, generally, the budget did not seem to have any "oppressive measures" that would greatly affect business and the lifestyles of citizens.

He said the 44 per cent increase in premium gas was "justified".

"While we will always prefer lower prices to rising costs, the economic rationale for the increased cost is quite justified. The subsidy on gasoline and diesel has to be reduced as it could have become a burden on the Trinidad and Tobago economy. The phased removal or reduction of this subsidy is to be commended once it is continued to be managed well. Alternative fuel as well as a more efficient public transportation service will assist in reducing the burden of the removal of the subsidy."