Minister Jearlean John Assures “Home First” Approach To Aggregate Prices
Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John has assured there will be a « home first » approach to ensure favourable prices for aggregate.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told citizens to look out for construction equipment dominating outlined areas across Trinidad during the government’s unveiling of the Trinidad and Tobago Revitalisation Blueprint. This sparked concerns in some quarters about the availability of sufficient aggregate to facilitate these projects, as well as foreign exchange generation through exports.
Speaking to the media following the official ceremony, Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John assured that the government is taking a « home first » approach to ensure that all local construction needs are met.
« You heard Chief Executive Farley say ‘home first.’ Chief Executive Farley is a very sensible man. In addition, National Quarries falls under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, for two years they did not have the material to blast, if you understand what I am saying. That was literally professional malconduct, malpractice. So we are going to ensure that we maximise, because this is a new era of construction, of infrastructure. And to the extent that we can ensure that we are ready with our own aggregate, to keep the prices down, that’s important. We have to keep prices down, we don’t want the market to overheat, because then that will not be in the interest of our country. »
The Minister was hesitant to give comments on the recently announced protest by the Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTAPA) on the lack of licences to operate, but noted that discussions are imminent.
« I have no comments about it, because I have not heard from them as yet. So let me hear from them. »
Member of Parliament for Tobago East David Thomas expressed his excitement at the plans within the National Revitalisation Blueprint which will be revealed soon.
« I am looking forward to real partnership. I am looking forward to respect. I am looking forward to growth. As far as I’m concerned, Tobago has suffered and I think we are now creating an environment where we can all flourish and I welcome it. Having seen this presentation today, I think this coming to the Tobago space will bring a whole new meaning to what development is about. It will bring a whole new meaning about what future is about, and it will bring a whole new meaning about caring for people and making the lives of people better and chart a profound way towards prosperity. »
Mr. Thomas also gave high praise to the government on promises delivered to Tobago. He said discussions with the Prime Minister on three key issues are paramount to development and economic stability.
« When she called me here and we had the discussion and she said, ‘Mr. Thomas, tell me like it is. Tell me what you want.’ And I said to her, I want every dollar that the THA has asked for in the budget. And she gave us a little more than every dollar. Further to that, I asked her for the export licence, she has delivered. And thirdly, I asked her to ensure that the autonomy happens. So when that is finished, I think I would have contributed significantly to this first five years. So the next five years is to see the manifestation of everything. »
Construction projects are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
