THA to spend $25m in covid19 relief for vulnerable

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) intends to spend some $25 million on relief initiatives to assist vulnerable citizens who have been affected by the Government’s covid19 restrictions.

At a news conference on Monday, the Prime Minister announced a return to stringent anti-covid19 measures in an attempt to reduce the spike in new infections.

These include a ban on food vending and retail operations until May 23.

In the meantime, only essential services such as pharmacies, supermarkets, bakeries and the energy and manufacturing sectors will be allowed to operate.

The measures are likely to impact workers in Tobago’s hospitality sector and other areas, some of whom are still waiting for relief grants from the initial lockdown more than a year ago.

Addressing the post-executive council media briefing on Wednesday at the Victor E Bruce Financial Complex, Scarborough, Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis said help is on the way for those affected by the latest restrictions.

“As Chief Secretary, I want to commit to the people of Tobago that we will continue to do our part, of course, collectively as a body and even as individuals, another $25 million will be identified to continue to give that kind of assistance to the people of Tobago,” he said.

At Monday’s health briefing, Dr Rowley also said the Government will provide social support to those affected by the measures.

He said an estimated $50 million will be spent to assist those in greatest need over the next three weeks.

Rowley said $5 million will be released to provide food boxes through the Ministry of Agriculture while another $10 million will be given to ecclesiastical bodies to distribute to those who depend on them.

Dennis said Tobago has not been neglected during the pandemic. He revealed the THA has spent $56 million in support to businesses and individuals since the start of the pandemic.

This, he said, included rental support ($6 million); food cards/vouchers, hampers ($10 million), business relief ($13 million); and devices to students for the virtual learning syllabus ($9 million).

Dennis added some $18 million was also spent in the tourism sector to assist hoteliers and guesthouse operators to upgrade their facilities.

He said while the THA will continue to play its part to mitigate the socio-economic fallout from the covid19 restrictions, there is need for personal responsibility.

“And I want to commit to Tobagonians, once again, that me, along with my other colleagues, we are prepared to continue to give some of our personal resources to continue to assist our constituents and Tobagonians, generally.”

He said Chief Administrator Bernadette Solomon-Koroma will also be advising administrators of the various divisions about the rotation systems to be implemented.

“Therefore, the expectation is that those who are absolutely essential to ensure that we continue the business of the people will be asked to continue to work in safe circumstances.”

Dennis added shift systems will also be utilised where appropriate to facilitate physical distancing.

He warned Tobagonians that even though the island has just 56 active cases, compared to 3,024 nationally, that was nothing to feel comfortable and complacent about. Dennis warned that the situation could explode if people do not heed the health protocols.

He said he was recently disturbed by instances of tour operators "flouting regulations" by overcrowding boats.

"We continue to be in a pandemic. We continue to be threatened by a very deadly virus and we must adhere to the restrictions...Our ability to minimise infections is based on personal responsibility.

"Yes, the TTPS is expected to do their jobs but individuals must understand what is at stake. Tobago is not off the hook."

He warned young people who want to "zess" and take part in villa parties, that they have relatives who may be "high risk" with co-morbidities.

"I think this is the most challenging period in my lifetime."