ANDRE BAGOO Friday, September 3 2010

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ON THE PHONE: Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh (right) speaks on his cellular phone while Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma listens as th...

MINISTER OF FINANCE Winston Dookeran yesterday disclosed he signed-off on a $50 million lifeline for the controversial Scarborough Hospital in Tobago, as the Tobago Affairs Minister disclosed that construction is expected to be complete a full year from previous estimates.

Speaking exclusively with Newsday yesterday morning during a pre-Cabinet breakfast at the Coco Reef Resort and Spa, Dookeran said he has signed-off on a $50 million payment to contractors for the long-delayed project.

“We have recently paid $50 million towards this project which is of some concern for us,” Dookeran said, taking a break from his hectic Budget preparations as he breakfasted on scrambled eggs and bacon.

Several other ministers, gathered at the scenic seaside hotel for a four-day workshop, on governance, media relations and team-building, also took the opportunity to grab breakfast before yesterday’s three and a half hour long Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet meeting was followed by a first workshop session at 4.30 pm to 6 pm.

Minister of Tobago Affairs Vernella Alleyne-Toppin yesterday revealed that the new completion date for the Scarborough Hospital, being constructed by Chinese firm China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), is now June 2011.

She, however, added that the hospital will then have to be outfitted, a process which could prolong the delay. “Recently I have heard operations will be up and running by December 2011,” she said. However, she assured that while the State has had to deal with Budgetary cutbacks, the hospital will be completed.

“The Scarborough Hospital will be completed and we have identified the funds necessary,” she said. Also at yesterday’s briefing, the Tobago Affairs minister revealed plans for the State-owned Vanguard Hotel (formerly the Plantation Hilton) to open in the 2010/2011 period.

“The Vanguard Hotel will be up and running for the winter season of 2010. Vanguard will be under new operators and will boost our tourist market,” she said. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at yesterday’s briefing estimated that the Budgetary allocation for Tobago could be about four percent.