Tobago Chamber Sees “Light At The End Of The Tunnel” In $4.12 Billion THA Budget
A “light at the end of the tunnel” is how the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce is describing the Tobago House of Assembly’s $4.12 billion budget.
On Monday, THA Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts presented the 2026–2027 budget with a commitment to creating a pathway to prosperity – an approach Chairman of the Tobago Division of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Curtis Williams, believes aligns with the Chamber’s expectations.
« You know our hopes were dwindling, and now you see some kind of a… I think the Secretary, through her delivery of this budget, I see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. »
The budget was delivered within the context of a broader 20-year development strategy, called The Blueprint for Tobago, which has already received the Chamber’s endorsement.
« Based on the roadmap, the Blueprint, we read the Blueprint, we understand the Blueprint as a Chamber and we are willing to work with Assembly within the Blueprint. »
However, Mr Williams cautions that the real challenge lies in effective implementation.
He said he is eager to hear more details on plans to stimulate the construction sector, which the Chamber views as a key driver of economic growth.
Tourism remains another critical area.
While the announcement of additional airlift from Toronto, Miami and Guyana is encouraging, Mr Williams said concerns remain about the island’s capacity to accommodate visitors.
« They are all probably 2-star or even less, and we’re asking that the THA be the enablers. I know the Chief talk about not being there to give grants, etc., and which we don’t expect him to do but we expect him to be some sort of enabler to get these plans up to a standard. »
Mr Williams also supports the push toward community tourism but stresses the importance of establishing a structured framework to ensure wider participation by Tobagonians.
Meanwhile, the Chamber is also in support of the THA’s thrust towards energy efficiency and climate resilient infrastructure, but is calling for meaningful collaboration.
« We’re hoping that the THA really get on board, they mention it in their budget package, so we hope that there is an incentive for sectors or businesses that going into that direction because it is not cheap. »
Mr Williams said he is now looking ahead to Thursday’s budget debate, where he hopes to gain greater clarity on the Assembly’s plans to drive economic growth.
