During a session with the House of Representatives’ Standing Finance Committee on October 21, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen disclosed that her ministry currently has 847 vacancies. She elaborated on the ongoing efforts to fill these positions, emphasizing the role of the Public Services Commission (PSC) in the recruitment process. Ameen projected that approximately 50-60 positions across various salary ranges would be filled this fiscal year, though she expressed uncertainty about the funding adequacy for these roles. Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert questioned the $3 million budget allocation, deeming it insufficient for the intended hires. Ameen clarified that the PSC would handle the recruitment of these positions, with partial funding from the ministry’s short-term vote. She also highlighted that 157 out of 438 contract positions remain vacant, with interviews underway for some. Additionally, 50 municipal police officers have been recently hired. The discussion also touched on the conversion of temporary posts to permanent ones, with Ameen noting the variability based on program durations. Opposition MPs raised concerns about the impact of new surcharges on local government spending, with Ameen anticipating landlords leasing to the government to absorb the costs. San Fernando East MP Brian Manning questioned the increased budget allocation for electricity, which Ameen clarified was intended to address past arrears.