Jack hopes for new fleet of ferries on sea bridge

Problems with inter-island transport system – the sea and air bridges - over the last year negatively affected not only the business community in Tobago but also its residents, as well as people in Trinidad.

So admitted Finance Secretary Joel Jack who, in presenting the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) 2018/2019 budget statement on Monday in the Chamber in Scarborough, cited inter-island transport as one of several socio-economic issues with long-term development implications for the island.

“Over the last year, the inter-island transportation system has been a major cause of concern for Tobagonians. Its impact is far reaching and includes not only the business community but the wider Tobago and Trinidad population.

“Although things have improved significantly, our objective is to ensure that Tobagonians and visitors alike can travel between the islands in a dignified manner. In this regard, we are currently in discussions with consultants to conduct a study on the inter-island transportation system; examining policy, planning and operational issues including the evaluation of the management structures and the possibility of alternate arrangements for improved travel,” he said.

Jack said that he was heartened by news from the Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s recent visit to Australia and plans to acquire two fast ferries for Tobago.

These vessels, together with the Galleon’s Passage, would replace the aging fleet and minimise challenges on the sea bridge, he added.

Jack also spoke about the construction of the Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

“The THA continues to join forces with the central government regarding the construction of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. This project would assist in addressing the existing problem of the shortage of high quality rooms on the island.

“It is estimated that Tobago has a room stock gap of approximately 2,500. The project also has the potential to change the socio-economic landscape of Tobago. The presence of a Sandals Resort on the island would undoubtedly enhance the marketability of Tobago as a premier destination. It would also provide possibilities of increased airlift to Tobago out of the North American markets, as being experienced by our Caribbean neighbours.

“Therefore, there is much to be gained through this Sandals and Beaches initiative as it will not only promote the island, but also contribute to our national diversification efforts. We must adequately prepare to optimise the benefits to be derived from this project,” Jack said.

He said the agriculture sector must be prepared to ramp up production to accommodate an anticipated demand (by Sandals) and citizens must also need to be ready to meet standards of excellence and customer service that would be demanded by these hotels.

He also noted concerns with the location for the proposed Sandals resort in Buccoo.

“As a responsible body, the Assembly understands that the proposed location is environmentally sensitive. Therefore, we will ensure that we will work with central government to provide adequate care and attention to protect our pristine natural environment.

“I want to give Tobagonians the assurance that this Administration is committed to ensuring that there will be no injury to the environment and we will also ensure that Tobago derives optimal benefits from these discussions,” he said.

Jack also raised the issue of crime and security, noting ongoing collaborations between THA and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to maximise crime-fighting efforts on the island.

“Over the last year, 20 additional police officers were assigned to Tobago to assist with crime fighting on the island. In addition, the Tobago House of Assembly has collaborated with the Ministry of National Security on a new initiative titled the National Crime Prevention Programme (NCPP) and an Assembly-led Working Group, was created to coordinate the Tobago community crime prevention strategy,’ he said.

On the issue of self-government, which he described as ‘longstanding and thorny,’ Jack said he hoped the Opposition will support the Bill.

“It is hoped that when the Bill is placed before Parliament for debate, our friends in the Opposition would see beyond narrow partisan politics and would also encourage their friends in Trinidad to support the Bill,” he said, contending that the issue of self-government for Tobago should transcend party politics.

“Self-government goes far beyond party preference, it centres on the development of Tobago and its people. Therefore, I continue to urge all of Tobago to get involved and let us increase the momentum until we achieve self-government for Tobago,” he said.

Jack also reported on several THA/central government projects geared towards the island’s development, including construction of the Old Grange and Roxborough police stations and the construction of the new terminal for the ANR Robinson International Airport at Crown Point.

“The Old Grange Police Station is 50 per cent completed and its expected completion date is November 2018. The Roxborough Police Station is about 23 per cent completed and is expected completion date is April 2019.

“Another project is the construction of the new terminal for the ANR Robinson International Airport at Crown Point. The THA continues to collaborate with central government on this project given its critical role in the expansion of long-term viability for the Tobago tourism sector,” he said