THA Chief Secretary not surprised by smaller slice

Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis said he is not surprised by the allocation Tobago received in the 2021 budget.

The island got $2.134 billion in the fiscal package, some $149 million less than last year’s allocation.

Dennis said this reflected the ongoing impact of the global covid19 pandemic.

“As expected, we got less funding than we got last year. This is consistent with the current climate not only in this country but globally where, of course, revenues are significantly restricted due to this pandemic, and the country as a whole is going to be required to spend less than we did.”

He added: “Of course, as revenues decline, you could only continue to maintain deficits up to a particular limit, and therefore, spending must also decline.

“So I am not surprised by us receiving $31 million less on the development side and $100 plus million on the recurrent side.”

In light of the reduced allocation, Dennis said the THA will make the necessary adjustments to its agenda. He said THA representatives will meet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the way forward.

“We will be looking at the entire picture. We are prepared to make the necessary adjustments here on the island.”

Dennis said focus will continue to be placed on agriculture and tourism and a stimulus plan will be put in place for the creative sector.

“We also benefit a lot from some of the national programmes and incentives.”

Dennis said he will also continue to hold discussions with Finance Minister Colm Imbert on initiatives to support Tobago’s struggling business sector.

“There will be specific emphasis on business support and business recovery in the tourism sector to ensure that the necessary support is given and, of course, we will also continue to prioritise our social support programmes up to December.”

Dennis said the THA will also continue to process outstanding rental assistance grants and food cards “to ensure that we provide that social safety net to persons who are continuously impacted by this pandemic.”