Tobago Correspondent
A visibly upset Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says Tobago has not received its fair share of funding for fiscal 2027.
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) received $2.756 billion for 2027, over $200 million less than the record $2.966 billion it was allocated last year.
Its development budget has also been slashed by 25 per cent, dropping from $201 million to $150 million. Government spending in Tobago is also down this upcoming year, with $716.5 million allocated, $47 million less than the previous period.
Augustine’s mood in the post-budget media conference was sombre compared to last year, when he celebrated a 6.3 per cent overall budget allocation. This year’s THA allocation is 4.35 per cent, while Tobago’s overall allocation is 5.48 per cent.
The Tobago People’s Party (TPP) leader said, “Certainly, what we received is not the worst the THA has ever got. Let us put that on record. But certainly, after the hopeful start of last year, it feels gutted to be reduced to what we accustomed getting in the previous years.”
Augustine hinted at some tension between the THA and central Government over the allocation; however, he stressed their relationship remains strong and more progressive, productive and respectful than the previous People’s National Movement administration.
“It is common that in a household, husband and wife sometimes have disagreements, and those disagreements are expressed sometimes strongly within the household. If you’re married, you should understand that. It does not mean an automatic divorce.”
Augustine said Tobago MPs David Thomas and Joel Sampson will continue to strongly advocate “for better treatment” for Tobago from central Government. He accused previous MPs of toeing the line and not voicing their feelings about past inadequate allocations.
However, he acknowledged the allocation was “far less” than what the THA anticipated.
In June, Secretary of Finance Petal-Ann Roberts requested $4.12 billion for the fiscal year.
Augustine said the THA will press on with some of its plans, including inviting expressions of interest for a marina.
“Tobago, based on its geographical location, south of the hurricane belt, gives us an advantage to cater for the mega yachts and large boats,” he said.
Augustine said Tobago also edges its regional neighbours with cheaper fuel, food and other amenities. He added the Scarborough redevelopment project is also on the agenda with the establishment of a Government Campus Plaza. He said the THA will continue to explore public-private partnerships to expand its spending beyond its allocation.
Augustine noted Tancoo’s excitement in his budget presentation over energy projects in the near future. He pointed out that a few of them are in Tobago’s waters, as he advocated for a fair share of the revenue.
Chamber: THA must be prudent with spending
President of the Tobago division of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Curtis Williams, has called on Tancoo to explain why Tobago’s allocation has been reduced.
“I would really like to know his rationale for reducing it from last year. We thought he would have increased it, but there must be some rationale behind it,” he said.
Williams said the budget raises serious questions about the island’s tourism development.
Williams said he is looking forward to the budget debate and the contribution of the Minister of Tourism, Satyakama Maharaj. With the Tobago airport terminal opening today, Tuesday, he is hoping Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar discusses a plan to attract visitors to the island.
While describing the reduction in funding as a surprise, Williams said he expects the THA will have a difficult task revising its plans and priorities.
“They have to be prudent in their spending. It cannot be business as usual. They have to sit down and spend appropriately.”
Williams said the Chamber will hold the THA accountable for its spending.
