Unemployed persons will get relief in the sum of TT$1,500 monthly for the next three months, according to Finance Minister Colm Imbert at a news conference on Monday afternoon.

The following are the measures announced by the Minister:

• The TTMF and the Home Mortgage Bank- have agreed to payment deferrals for three months in the first instance and up to six months.

• The HDC is looking at payment deferrals for mortgages and rentals for two months in the first instance

• For Small and Medium Businesses – The Chamber of Commerce and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association  (TTMA)  will ask their members to keep people in jobs for the next three weeks and we are hopeful they will rise to the occasion

• Tobago hoteliers will get TT$50 million to upgrade their hotel rooms.

• Money Lenders have agreed to provide deferred payments to members as well as interest rates reduction

• TT$100 million will be administered by Credit Union members to support their members
• who will be allowed to access funds on favorable interest terms.

• Persons who are owed TT$20,000 or less in income tax refunds will be paid immediately

• Every business  that is owed a VAT refund of TT$250,000 or less will be paid. Payments will start on March 31^st.

• Unemployed persons will get TT$1500 grant for the next three months from the NIB data base.