Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has disagreed with Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London that there have been “serious incursions” by the Tobago Development Ministry into the THA’s autonomy. Speaking at yesterday’s joint press conference with London at the Magdalena Grand Resort, Tobago, the PM said she did not endorse his view. London, who had brought up the issue at a meeting with her a few weeks ago, said she asked for examples and he had compiled a comprehensive report on them. London said the PM had said she would pass it to the Attorney General to advise on and the THA also would seek advice.
He said he found it a little disturbing that Government and THA were working together towards greater self-governing for Tobago, yet there should be “unabashed attack on THA’s limited autonomy”, via the “incursions.” However, Persad-Bissessar said she could not endorse his view on the latter but had asked the AG to see if anyone was breaching the THA’s provisions. London said at yesterday’s joint THA/Cabinet meeting another area of dispute was THA representation on state agencies. While the THA wanted that, he said the PM said it only applied if legally designated, though he feels the mandate of certain agencies—WASA, the Port and Airport Authorities, T&TEC—included the THA.
He will present the PM next week with a list of priority agencies where the THA feels representation is imperative. He said the meeting also discussed air transport, planning, trade and finance issues and an assurance was received that the Government would examine Caribbean Airlines’ systemic and policy issues on Tobago, including getting proposals, with THA input, to treat with regular passengers from Trinidad, visitors and international passengers.
London said the present ticketing system had shortcomings where blocks of seats were said by agencies to have been sold when seats were available. There was also an assurance that work on the ANR Robinson Airport would be complete by the end of next year with improvements in keeping with the demands of Virgin and other airlines. The Finance Minister and his THA counterpart will meet in coming weeks to finalise arrangements for funding modes for THA’s development. There is also government support for a meeting on revitalising Tobago’s economy. Tobago is also getting 25 more buses and another batch to meet its required fleet of 40. There are seven buses in operation.
