This year’s Tobago budget package places strong emphasis on sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced public services.
According to THA Secretary for Finance, Trade and the Economy Petal-Ann Roberts, the package outlines strategic investments designed to drive economic growth, strengthen key sectors, and improve the overall quality of life for Tobagonians, while positioning the island for long-term economic resilience and progress.
“What we have done, we have identified the policy areas that will have the impact for fiscal 2027 coming out of 2026. So, we have aligned some of those projects.”
The Finance Secretary noted that a key long-term goal is to adopt a new approach to assessing and addressing Tobago’s needs, which will ultimately shape the budgeting process.
“We are looking at a percentage share of the budget. We want to look at a fair share model so that Tobago gets an equitable share of the national budget and the resources that are vested in Trinidad and Tobago rather than looking at a population share.”
The island’s road to self-determination has not been forgotten. Secretary Roberts noted that this remains a top priority, with key mechanisms already in place.
“We will also seek the collaboration and consideration of all stakeholders. We will seek constitutional autonomy experts, legal experts, some key stakeholders in Tobago’s society. We as the government, we will also engage persons on the Central government side to ensure that what we want is coherent with the government’s legislative framework.”
She noted that the Division of Legal Affairs will lead and assist in drafting the legislation to reflect the priorities of the Tobago population.