4. 318 Billion Budget Presented by the THA

In what can be seen as the largest budget presentation by the Tobago House of Assembly- THA, Dr. London, Secretary of Finance and Enterprise Development  called for a whopping 4.318 Billion dollars to run the affairs of Tobago for fiscal 2013. Four hundred million more than the sum for fiscal 2012. This figure was revealed on Monday 25th June, under the theme 'Developing Tobagonians In a Developing Tobago, The Next Frontier'. Dr. London was extremely critical of the Central Government, and made many reference to what he describe as 'disrespect' to the people of Tobago. Further, for a third year in a row, he lambasted the Central Statistical Office (CSO) for its inability to provide him with Tobago specific GDP estimates and Inflationary figures, mere days after he displaced the CSO-Tobago staff. 

Identifying the need to fill the positions vacant in the public sector, he pledged that the THA would work with service commission to aggressively fill the all vacancies. Vaunting  about the completion of the Victor E. Bruce Financial Complex and the extended new date of completion for the Scarborough Library later this year, he indicated that the Shawpark Cultural Complex looms large in 2013, a building which would be the signature of Tobago alike the Eiffel Towers of France and the NAPA building in Trinidad. Further, he dwell on the issue of land distribution which is to become a reality later this year, and indicated that persons who would have joined the young initiative saving program lunched by the Assembly would be given preference. He took great objection to that of the two (2) mile radius proposed by the central government as economic maritime space, as it does not conform to the international standards, and labeled the under-funding of URP and CEPEP as Fiscal blackmail. He further noted that the stifling of funding to Tobago is a normal strategy used by the UNC to Tobago both in Hochoy's administration and now the PNM. Continuing he stressed that the Central Government's message remains clear, that where ever possible Punish Tobago. 

The Minority  leader Ashworth Jack will deliver his response to the budget on a special sitting of the  Chamber on Thursday.

Further information can be viewed at the link below:-

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-06-25/43b-tha-budget-targets-development

    

Written by O.J.Noel
26th/06/2012 

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) budget day is carded for June 25th 2012. The budget allocation for fiscal year 2013 would be advanced by the current Secretary of Finance and Enterprise Development in the THA Dr. Anselm London. Last year the Tobago House of Assembly presented a 3.9 billion budget on June 21, and received $2.199 billion from the national budget. In the wake of the Prime Minister's announcement of making Tobago exclusively a tourism Duty Free zone, how would the Secretary, doctor, economist London navigate around this crucial development, as he has already taken the position that it is nothing but absurd, vacuous, and cannot see the light of day. In addition, how would he treat with the $100 million, appropriated by the parliament, which have not be given to the Assembly to date? I await with baited breath to see what would be presented in this budget debate.   

Written by O.J. Noel

21st June 2012

Victor E. Bruce Financial Complex Opened

On Monday June 18th the Victor E. Bruce Financial Complex was formally opened. The gala event was hosted by the Secretary of Finance and Enterprise Development in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).  In what was viewed as an auspicious occasion, Tobagonians was made to wait  seven (7) long years for the promised of the Financial Complex to be fulfilled. The 103 million dollars, four story building, is the idol and the new face of the island's capital Scarborough. Indeed, the building is the epiphany of modern working conditions, including sick bays for members of staff should any one fall ill, supervised study room for  children of staff of the division to help with home work and many other modern luxuries. Notably missing was the Minority Leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People, as he believes that there is nothing to celebrate. Although the time frame of delivery should be questioned, we should take pride in this new achievement.  Lets Celebrate if we can. 

Attendees, Chief Secretary of Tobago House of Assembly Orville London, Secretary of Finance and Enterprise Development Dr. Anslem London, Governor of the Central Bank Ewart Williams, and former Chief Secretary Hochoy Charles, Other Secretaries of the Tobago House of Assembly.

written by O.J.Noel

19th June 2012.