THA, Howai talk Tobago budget

Members of the Tobago House of Assembly last Monday met with Finance Minister Larry Howai and his team to discuss upcoming national budget matters.

On June 24 Finance Secretary Joel Jack presented a $4.95 billion budget for Tobago.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing THA Chief Secretary Orville London said one of the main areas of focus was the development thrust for the people of Tobago, including housing, the ANR Robinson Airport and the Cove Eco and Industrial Estate.

The Comprehensive Economic Development Plan of the THA was presented to the minister and his team.

“I think the development plan gave a clear idea of what we have done over the past five years or so, our shortfalls, our achievements, our accomplishments and of course, recommendations on the way forward, what our plan is for the next four years and the implementation process. So we are able to make the case to the minister and his team,” London said.

So will Tobago get what Tobago wants?

London said the issue was not about the allocation but went deeper.

“Is more than whether Tobago would have the capacity to do for Tobagonians what Tobagonians deserve, because what we put to the Minister of Finance is not a matter of giving us all the money we ask in the budgetary allocation to the THA, but buying into our developmental thrust, and partnering with us, so we source the resources that will allow us to achieve our objectives,” he said. London was speaking at last Wednesday’s weekly media briefing in Tobago.

Source:trinidadexpress