Mr Dookeran says he is now looking at measures to improve the tax regime to encourage more oil and gas exploration.

The Ministry of Energy's determined that opportunities exist in residential, commercial and institutions for the application of renewable energy technology.

Speaking on this morning's First Up on C and Talk City 91.1 FM, she said the agriculture sector is declining and now contributes to less than one percent of GDP.

In March, American Insurance giant AIG decided to sell its assets to repay part of its bailout loan to the American government. It sold ALICO, which is the parent company of ALGICO.

The decision to keep the 'repo' rate at 5% is based on statistics that show headline inflation rose 5.1 percent in March 2010 from 4.8 per cent in February.

Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira blames the Opposition for their failure to support the bill in Parliament.

Despite this, the FIU has already received work from the local financial institutions.

Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams says the Prime Minister's decision to call snap elections has precipitated a wait-and-see approach by the business community.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity today to talk to the business community about what the PNM would continue to do if they're re-elected.