The long-promised rehabilitation infrastructural works to be conducted in Plymouth will soon be realised. This is according to Tobago People’s Political Leader Farley Augustine.
Speaking at a Political Meeting in Plymouth on Monday, Mr. Augustine highlighted the longstanding Plymouth jetty matter. He reminded residents that the lands in the area were under a private lease arrangement.
“I am happy to announce that all of those lease arrangements have expired, and the Tobago House of Assembly, led by the TPP, has decided that we will not return the lease to the private leaseholders. We will hold on to those lands so that we can now have rights and access to the land frontage to the bay so that we can actually do the work that is necessary to protect the Courlanders Monument, build out the waterfront where the jetty is and ensure that fisherfolk in Plymouth have access to the lands and a decent landing.”
Speaking to the issue of coastal erosion in Plymouth, Mr. Augustine explained that seven years ago the THA received approval for a loan facility from CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean to address this. He added that when his THA administration assumed office, they informed the then Minister of Finance that the THA was ready to start the project. However, this was not done. Mr. Augustine said the current Minister of Finance, Davendranath Tancoo, who is also the Chairman of CAF, has given a commitment to pursuing the project.
“He is about collaboration, we have finally begun to get movement to the extent that the local director of CAF has been to Tobago. We have a team of engineers working along with CAF, and within this fiscal year you can expect us to begin the construction work to prevent further coastal erosion behind the basketball court. So there is no more holding up.”