PP’s visit to Tobago will cost $1 million

A three-day visit to Tobago by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, her ministers and other members of the People’s Partnership Government is estimated to cost at least $1 million. That was the estimate by sources close to the Government yesterday, based on the airfare, accommodation and meals. The entire 33-member Cabinet is expected to meet at Coco Reef Hotel, Crown Point, tomorrow. Major issues affecting Tobago are expected to be determined at the meeting.

On Friday, the Cabinet and non-Cabinet members of the Government, including Senators, are to go on retreat at the same venue. Persad-Bissessar said the retreat was necessary because of the recent Cabinet reshuffle. It is expected to be a team-building exercise, seeking to devise new strategies to ensure economic growth, more jobs and a reduction of crime and poverty.

On Saturday, Government members will be joined by Opposition and Independent members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to take part in a Parliament workshop on its role in providing oversight for the Government. The event is sponsored by the T&T Parliament and the European Union. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader, Dr Keith Rowley, are listed to address legislators at the workshop.

New Finance Minister Larry Howai will make a presentation on The Perspective of the Ministry of Finance during the closed-door session. Opposition MP Colm Imbert will speak on “The Perspectives of the Public Accounts Committee.” Independent Senator Subhas Ramkhelawan will discuss “The Experience of the Joint Select Committees.” Charge d’Affaires, delegation of the European Union, Daniela Tramacere, also is listed to address the workshop  at the Grand Magdalena Resort.