00:00Prime Minister Kamala Pesad-Pesasa is standing by her government's decision to increase certain fines under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, effective January 1st.
00:11In an interview with the Sunday Express, the Prime Minister said, quote,
00:14The fines have been increased to tackle this lawlessness because some people's lack of respect for the law and subpar intelligence levels simply cannot accept kindness and mercy.
00:26They can only operate lawfully under fear of punishment.
00:28That's how it goes and I take full ownership of the decision, end quote.
00:34In a media release, opposition leader Penelope Beckles described the move as a desperate revenue-raising exercise and accused the government of misleading the public about the country's finances.
00:46Beckles noted that the 2025-2026 budget projected oil prices at $70 per barrel, while global prices now stand at $56, creating a revenue shortfall.
00:58She argues that punitive fines and taxes unfairly burden law-abiding citizens.
01:04While the demerit point system has been largely scrapped, the opposition says the new fines will disproportionately affect working-class citizens, including taxi drivers who are already struggling to make ends meet.
01:17The opposition is demanding an immediate reversal of the increases and full transparency regarding the nation's finances.
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