The Opposition United National Congress (UNC) said it shares the concerns of 15 regional business chambers about an impending increase in electricity rates and its detrimental effect on businesses.

This was indicated by the party after Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and three UNC deputy leaders met with the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers on Thursday. The Confederation represents 15 chambers throughout T&T.

It was the second round of meetings held by the UNC with business entities. Last week, deputy leaders Jearlean John, Roodal Moonilal and David Lee met with representatives of the T&T Chamber, Energy Chamber, Amcham and the TTMA.

On Thursday, in keeping with Persad-Bissessar’s stated aim of having the UNC listen to the concerns and proposals of various stakeholder groups, the party’s leadership delegation held talks with a Confederation delegation headed by chairman Vivek Charran and vice chairman Ricardo Mohammed.

According to a UNC statement, they exchanged ideas on national crime prevention, creating an enabling environment for economic growth and expanding educational opportunities for young people.

“The UNC also shared the concerns raised by members of the Confederation on the impending rise in electricity rates and the detrimental effect this will have on businesses and the employment rate,” the party said.

Persad-Bissessar stressed that stakeholder meeting are part of a continuous programme and meetings with the Confederation and other organisations will be ongoing. —GAIL ALEXANDER