Stakeholders in Tobago are bracing for disappointment in the 2025 budget package, which is expected to be delivered on September 30.
THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, speaking with Newsday on September 20, said he has no expectations.
“Tobago, for most of the last two decades, has been left disappointed. I prefer to approach the budget without expectations. If we are surprised with goodwill, we will take it.”
He said he is not hopeful that the budget measures will redound to the rebounding of the economy.
“Not hopeful that the measures he will present will provide for peace, safety and security for all. Not hopeful that the budget will cause citizens to hope for a brighter future. Not hopeful that Tobago will be treated well in the measures to be presented.”
THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris said he anticipates the THA’s allocation will remain at the traditional 4.3 per cent of the national budget.
Morris said while Tobago undoubtedly requires more resources to catch up with the rest of the country, it was clear that the allocations received over the past three years, despite increasing annually, have not been managed effectively.
“Under proper leadership, these funds can drive real transformation in key areas such as tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and education, sectors crucial to Tobago’s sustainable development.”
He said the People’s National Movement (PNM), under the leadership in Tobago of Ancil Dennis, has a clear vision for Tobago, ensuring every dollar is strategically invested to improve the lives of all Tobagonians, with a focus on diversifying the economy and creating jobs.
“Unfortunately, the current THA administration has demonstrated that more money in the wrong hands only leads to waste and stagnation.
“Over $7 billion has been squandered, with little to show for it. Abandoned projects litter the island and the tourism sector, once our economic lifeblood, remains in decline.”
A new PNM administration, he said, will ensure these resources are directed toward high-impact initiatives: completing long-overdue projects, revitalising tourism, investing in agriculture for food security and fostering entrepreneurship through local manufacturing.
“Tobago deserves leadership with a clear vision, one that prioritises development over politics, and we are ready to deliver the real change Tobagonians deserve.”
Other stakeholders also weighed in, saying they are not eager about the upcoming presentation either.
Head of the Tobago Division of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce Curtis Williams said is hoping for more money for the island.
“We are hopeful of course that we get some more monies,that the THA get some more funds to deal with the outstanding bills they have – when I tell you outstanding, millions of dollars outstanding. So we’re hoping that the central government could give the THA funds to pay those outstanding bills.
“I personally have bills dated 2022/2023 that is owing by the THA and they indicated that they don’t have any fun
