During a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 23, Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young raised critical questions regarding the allocation of funds for small guest houses and the regulation of the scrap metal industry. Young directed his inquiries to Trade, Investment, and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj, emphasizing the potential of small guest houses to generate foreign exchange revenues for Trinidad and Tobago (TT). He questioned whether the $1.5 million allocated to the ministry was adequate to support these establishments, particularly given the rising costs of imported materials due to recent tariffs. Maharaj responded by outlining the ministry’s targeted approach to hotel development, citing ongoing projects such as Tradewinds in San Fernando and Crews Inn in Chaguaramas. He also mentioned efforts to attract private sector investment, including potential collaborations with foreign hotel chains like Best Western. However, Young expressed concerns that the current funding might not suffice for smaller guest houses seeking assistance throughout the year. On the topic of the scrap metal industry, Young inquired about the adequacy of the $400,000 budget for regulatory measures, recalling past efforts to curb criminal activities in the sector. Maharaj assured that the allocated funds would be sufficient, with additional support available if needed. The minister also highlighted the ministry’s broader mission to diversify the economy and strengthen the non-energy sector through strategic planning and robust management.