MINORITY URGES THA TO ASSIST WITH SCHOOL GRANTS
In an open letter to the public and the Tobago House of Assembly Executive Council, Minority Leader Kelvon Morris has called for the urgent establishment of a Back to School Grant to assist struggling families. Morris highlighted the financial strain parents face each year, with costs for a single child ranging from $3,000 to $4,000 for uniforms, textbooks, and supplies.
Morris noted that this financial burden is particularly heavy for THA workers, who earn an average of $6,000 per month, and for those in programs like CEPEP and URP with even lower incomes. He argued that these costs make it difficult for parents to provide children with the necessary school materials.
The Minority Leader suggested that a grant could be funded, in part, by utilising the $150,000 contingency fund available in each district. He stated that if the THA can allocate millions for overseas travel, it should prioritise funding to support Tobago’s children. Morris urged the THA to put aside political differences and act with compassion to ensure that every child is prepared for the upcoming school year.
He also appealed to the people of Tobago to support the initiative, emphasising that the issue is about ensuring children’s educational futures are not jeopardised by financial hardship.
