THA Chief Secretary: Tobago Is Entering A New Era Of Development
Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine made a strong statement on his administration’s delivery to Tobagonians on Thursday.
As he kicked off the debate on the THA Budget Presentation 2026/2027, Mr Augustine credited his administration’s success to a harmonious and respectful relationship with the Central Government, the first such relationship since 2021.
In what was the first budget debate of the Farley Augustine-led administration without a minority in the House and with a different central government in place, the Chief Secretary stated that the latter arrangement has been working well for the people of Tobago.
« You know it feels good, man you could just sleep in your bed at night and not know that agencies of State are going to be weaponised against you because there is a measure of respect. »
The results of this, he said, can be seen in the ongoing delivery of projects.
« I don’t want it to be lost on Tobagonians that not so long ago, it was incredibly difficult to have 25 development projects from small to large happening at the same time. »
These projects range from agricultural and fisheries facility upgrades to road-paving, food and transportation hubs, and housing projects.
While work continues on those projects, Mr Augustine shared plans to broaden the tourism sector, with a particular focus on attracting investors for boutique hotels.
« A carrying capacity study was down about 10 years ago which says that Tobago’s best positioning would be boutique hotels somewhere between 75 and 150 rooms. »
Additionally, the administration is interested in investors for a marina in Cove, located in south-west Tobago.
« We are preparing and we are going to go out for tender, public tender, open tender, for those wishing to invest in marina development in Tobago. »
The Chief Secretary also revealed plans for the outfitting of spaces in the new airport terminal, which will house local concessionaires.
« This is where the benne and tamarind people going to be. And you see those lovely tarot leaves above what we will call dasheen leaves, it is to be reflective of our culture in blue food. »
Chief Secretary Augustine stated that the THA will foot the bill for outfitting the check-in and departure lounges to reflect various aspects of Tobago’s natural beauty and culture.
Mr Augustine described the THA budget for fiscal year 2026/2027 as one built on measurable outcomes to allow for the progress and economic transformation of Tobago.
