Tobago’s business community has questioned whether the island has received enough funding in Trinidad and Tobago’s 2027 national budget, with concerns centring on a reduced allocation to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the resources needed for major projects.
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced that the THA would receive $2.756 billion for fiscal 2027, representing 4.35 per cent of the national budget. A further $716.5 million is expected to be spent by various government ministries on services and projects benefiting Tobago.
Curtis Williams, chairman of the Tobago arm of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, told the Trinidad Express that he had expected a larger allocation, particularly given the island’s planned capital projects. He said he wanted to examine how the additional ministry spending would benefit Tobago before assessing the overall provision.
THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine also expressed disappointment over the reduction from the previous fiscal year’s $2.9 billion allocation. He said the change meant Tobago’s priorities would have to be reassessed despite what he described as a more respectful relationship between the THA and central government.
Williams identified tourism, destination marketing and health projects among the areas requiring resources. He also urged the THA to concentrate on a manageable number of projects and complete them rather than attempt to advance every initiative at once.
He suggested selecting approximately 15 to 20 projects for focused implementation. In his view, the reduced allocation would require the THA’s Finance Secretary, Petal-Ann Roberts, to revise the spending plan and make difficult choices.
Tourism remains a major point of interest in the discussion. Williams welcomed the opening of the new $1.2 billion terminal at ANR Robinson International Airport and the sod-turning ceremony for a planned $500 million Marriott hotel at Rocky Point. He said the airport’s opening offered a positive signal for Tobago’s tourism ambitions after the new terminal had remained closed for an extended period.
Infrastructure and water security were also highlighted. Williams warned that coastal erosion was affecting roads in areas including Mount Irvine and Lambeau, raising concerns about damage to important transport routes. He said Tobago was receiving assistance from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean for coastal erosion, and argued that vulnerable roads needed attention.
The island’s drought warning has added pressure to the water supply question. Williams said at least three hoteliers had raised concerns about future water availability. While the budget included mention of a desalination plant, he said further information was needed about when it would become operational. He also noted that businesses were increasing their water storage capacity and that the THA had been distributing tanks to vulnerable residents.
The budget debate now leaves Tobago facing decisions about which projects should receive priority under the available allocation. The business community’s concerns centre not only on the total funding but also on how quickly critical tourism, infrastructure and water initiatives can move forward.
