OPPOSITION Leader Dr Keith Rowley has slammed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, for her remark to regional leaders that Trinidad and Tobago should not be seen as an ATM machine.

Rowley said the statement the Prime Minister made in Jamaica was an insult to Caricom leaders and could cost many Trinidad and Tobago citizens their jobs.

The People's National Movement (PNM) Political Leader was addressing supporters at a meeting at the Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra Theatre at Coffee Street, San Fernando, on Tuesday evening.

"I know many of you are of the view that the PNM was being excessive when it came to assisting our Caricom neighbours and that Mr (Patrick) Manning was trying to be Caricom's godfather," Rowley said.

"Caricom is the largest market for manufacturers in Trinidad and Tobago.

"Our jobs here are largely dependant on what they spend on our products over there.

"Those of you who travel will know that when you go to Barbados, St Vincent, St Lucia, Antigua, (and) Jamaica, all the shelves are stocked largely with products that say 'made in Trinidad and Tobago.'"

He added, "As long as those products are made in Trinidad and Tobago, it means jobs for the people of Trinidad and Tobago. When they (Caricom islands) cannot buy and we assist them to have an economy to allow them to be able to buy, it is not because we are throwing away Trinidad and Tobago's money, it is because we are protecting the Trinidad and Tobago market and our jobs."

Rowley said Caricom neighbours are doing this country a favour when they buy our products over theirs.

"So when the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago goes abroad to a Caricom Heads of Government meeting and she wants to say that we are not as liquid as we used to be, we can't give you as much as we used to give you and you can't come to us as you used to come to us because things are not bright, ... she didn't have to tell them that Trinidad and Tobago is not an ATM machine."

Rowley said many local jobs are now at risk if Caricom citizens decide to boycott the buying of our products as a result of feeling insulted.

He said Persad-Bissessar was "quite out of place" to have said what she said in the manner in which she said it.

Rowley said he wants Caricom leaders to know that Persad-Bissessar does not speak for Trinidad and Tobago when she insults the Caribbean.