Farley: Govt off to good start

Tobago Correspondent

Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says the new United National Congress coalition Government has done well in its first 100 days since the April 28 General Election. However, he believes, for Tobago, that the real test will come with the national budget expected next month.

“I think we have a Government that seems insistent on delivering on what they have promised. We have a sense of assertiveness from the Prime Minister that we did not get the first time around… very confident in the steps that they are taking,” Farley tolkd the edia during the Courts Business Solutions Showroom launch at Gulf City Mall, Lowlands, on Friday.

He also said he likes the fact that the Government is talking to the public early.

“I do like that they are engaging in (budget) consultations so early on,” he said.

“Sometimes nothing comes out of it, but I hope the Government actually listens to people.”

On crime, Augustine said the problem is still big and hard to fix quickly.

“We certainly have to work harder at treating the issue of crime… but you really can’t solve our problem with crime in 100 days.”

Still, Augustine said he thinks the Government has done well so far.

“Yes, I think in the first 100 days they have done well. They hit the ground running and I hope they can keep that momentum going.”

But Augustine said the next big moment will be the national budget.

“The biggest challenge will come up in about September when the Minister of Finance will have to bring a budget,” he said.

“That will determine what we are able to actually provide for the people of Tobago.”

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has asked for at least 5.9 per cent of the national budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. This is about $3.71 billion. They say this amount is needed to fix the long-standing gap in the economy and to give Tobago the boost it needs, as it shoots toward autonomy.

In her maiden budget speech in June, THA Secretary of Finance and the Economy Petal-Ann Roberts said, “… any allocation to the THA in fiscal 2026 that is less than 5.9 per cent will constitute a non-alleviation of the per capita expenditure inequality that has defined the national budget and its appropriation bill since 1962.”

As such, she said Tobago will not accept anything less than the 5.9 per cent piece of the pie. At that time, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said the request would be considered.

Last week, Augustine said this funding is very important for Tobago to grow and develop. He believes the Government will listen and give Tobago what it needs.

“The country voted overwhelmingly for what they pledged they will do,” he said.

“If they deliver on the things they say they will do, then I think most of the country will be happy.”