Farley We Invest in People, Not Just Politics
In a spirited address at a recent Tobago People’s Party (TPP) meeting in Back Hill, Whim, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine defended his administration’s track record, citing tangible support for youth and entrepreneurs as proof of their commitment to Tobagonians. With the 2026 THA elections on the horizon, Augustine used the platform to contrast his governance style with previous administrations, emphasizing that his team has « tripled down » on business development and crisis response.
A key highlight of the address was the administration’s handling of Hurricane Beryl. Augustine revealed that the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) took decisive action before the storm even made landfall in Jamaica, where many Tobagonian students reside. He stated that the administration provided every single Tobago student in Jamaica with $1,000 USD to assist with recovery and essential needs during the disaster, underscoring this as evidence that « we care about our young people ».
Turning to the local economy, the Chief Secretary touted the successes of the Business Development Unit (BDU). While acknowledging that the BDU was originally the brainchild of former leader Hochoy Charles, Augustine argued that his administration has significantly improved the program rather than letting it stagnate. He noted that the current government has tripled its spending on entrepreneurship and business ownership compared to previous years.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted a strategic shift toward inclusivity, particularly regarding the island’s fisherfolk. He criticized past approaches that treated fishing as a casual « hustle » rather than a serious industry. The administration is now actively targeting fisherfolk for grants and supplies to help them establish themselves as legitimate business owners, ensuring they have the resources to invest in and manage their trade professionally.
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