The Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is commending the Central Government for presenting a Budget that it says gives due consideration to Tobagonians.
Following Monday’s Budget presentation, the Chamber’s Tobago Division hosted a Press Conference where its representatives highlighted areas with which they are pleased.
According to its Chairman, Curtis Williams, the Budget is a promising one overall.
“Overall we see the budget as being a good budget and we ask now upon the Tobago House of Assembly now do the prudent thing now and show us how you’re going to spend that money in a wise situation. We know we have challenges with vendors not being paid. We have challenges with contractors that haven’t been paid so I know the Finance Secretary, she is a technical person and she will come up with solutions on how she’s going to treat with paying off these debts.”
The Chamber’s Tobago Division Chairman is also pleased with the tourism plans outlined in the Budget.
“We must say the direct flight to Tobago from the US, that’s a real plus for the Tobago tourism sector. We’ll be really, really happy about that. This is going to spark, just a stir in Tobago, a buzz in Tobago. And we are speaking about the full opening of the ANR Robinson Airport, the new terminal, that in itself is a spark for next year.”
Committee member Brendon Gray expressed that tourism stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the opening of the airport terminal.
“It now affords us the opportunity to market to the United States. It now affords the opportunity to really market really in Europe and in the Caribbean, so we can then really expand the tourism arrivals on the island.”
Mr. Williams also praised the Finance Minister’s announcement about Tobago representation on the Boards of First Citizens, EximBank, and Republic Bank.
“I wish that he extends that courtesy to the rest of the State Boards that Tobago has an input in, or that Tobago has to rely on. For instance, the Port Authority Board and the Airports Authority Board. So we want to look at all those other Boards.”
He said the Chamber applauded the Government for presenting a budget that gave consideration to Tobago’s affairs.