Dr. Keith Rowley kept his answers short and personal at the launch of a new facility in Tobago on Monday, declining to frame the project as part of his political legacy and saying he had not yet reviewed the national budget in detail.
Asked how he felt about the facility, which was described as a major piece of infrastructure for Tobago’s development, Rowley said it was “never too late” and that he was “anxious to have it operationalized.” He added that he expected it to be in use from Tuesday. “It’s a part of the effort that we’ve made nationally, especially local. I live here in Tobago, as you know. I live in Trinidad, and I hope that it will be for the benefit of the people who it was meant for, which is the Tobago community in particular, and Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.
When pressed on whether the project formed part of his legacy, Rowley deflected with a local reference. “My legacy is in Mason Hall, behind my grandfather’s house,” he said.
On the budget and Tobago’s allocation, Rowley said he had not heard enough to comment. “I don’t know enough about it yet. I haven’t heard enough about it yet. I will eventually know it. I haven’t heard enough about it yet,” he said.
Asked about Carnival, Rowley said he would be participating. “I’m playing every band. I haven’t decided yet,” he said. The event was attended by PNM Tobago supporters who had been invited by the party’s Tobago leader, according to the transcript.
