Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John made her first visit to the Tobago House of Assembly since assuming office.
Minister John, along with representatives of the Port Authority, met with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, Secretary of Tourism Tashia Burris, and Tobago’s business stakeholders on Wednesday.
The meeting was described as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to equality in development plans for both islands.
Minister John stated: “The conversation was very encouraging, led by the Chief Secretary and the various stakeholders who were on the ground, and they themselves said they welcome this change in tone. It doesn’t mean we are not firm and progressive and aggressive. There will be gaps. We have come up with a service mechanism, communication path etcetera and, by and large, what we are saying whatever might not be 100% foolproof but certainly we are willing to work between and within the gaps and to be respectful of each other.”
THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine confirmed that the inter-island connectivity as it relates to the cargo vessel was among the matters discussed.
“The fact that it must go on drydock from the 12th of July and the arrangements that are being put in place to ensure that Tobago’s lifeline and connectivity with Trinidad continues for the 21 days that it will be on drydock from the 12th of July. We brought the stakeholders into the room so we can have the conversations so that they too can agree and bring to bear on the solution their experience which we have taken into consideration and this, I think, is a welcome approach.”
Chief Secretary Augustine said the Tobago MPs will follow up with the various agencies to address concerns of Tobagonians.