Chief Sec: Relationship with PM a work in progress

THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says his relationship with the Prime Minister is a work in progress.

He made the statement on Tuesday in reply to a question on the issue at a stakeholder consultation on inter-island transportation at the Mt Irvine Bay Resort, Tobago.

During the open forum, businessman Gerry MacFarlane told Augustine he should improve this relationship to address not only the problems on the airbridge but other issues that may require support from central government.

“You have to find a way to improve the relationship, in spite of the political differences and political ambitions, to have a good relationship, even if it is cordial. But something must be done to improve that level of communication and relationship (between) you and central government.”

MacFarlane, a former assemblyman, said there is too much acrimony between the THA and central government.

“I can sense and feel government saying, ‘Let us doh have anything to do with the THA. Let us doh invite them to no formal function in Trinidad and Tobago.'

"Nobody never told me that but I am seeing it manifesting itself on this island.

"We have to do something about that.”

He urged Augustine to put his differences with Rowley aside.

“In spite of how bad things may be or how they appear to be pressuring you, chief, put that on the side. Leh we put we pride and we ego on the side and approach developing this island a new businesslike and trustworthy manner based on respect and understanding each other’s role.”

In response, Augustine said there is “significant cordiality between ministers and secretaries, ministers and myself, ministries and divisions.

“With regard to the relationship between the Prime Minister and myself, we haven’t quite worked that out as yet. We haven’t quite had a formal conversation since the last one we had concerning the chief administrator,”
he said, adding meetings with Rowley are not off-limits.

In May, the two clashed publicly over the non-appointment of a THA chief administrator after Ethlyn John retired.

Denise Toby-Quashie was eventually appointed to the post on July 3.

Augustine said Section 31 of the THA Act stipulates there should be regular meetings between the Chief Secretary and PM.

“I know that word 'regular' means different things to different chief secretaries. In some instances in the past, 'regular' meant once per year, twice per year.”

He said since assuming office in December 2021, he has met with Rowley more than twice a year, and the meetings will continue.

“Certainly, those conversations won’t be about the politics of the day.

" The last exchange was leading towards the politics of the day, so I avoided that. But once it comes to matters of state, those conversations would be had.“The politics will continue apace. I don’t see that cooling down anytime soon. But when it comes to matters of state, set that aside and we could go back to our political bantering afterwards.

"But matters of state are too important for us not to have that relationship.”

He said he also has letters to send to Rowley this week on various matters.

“So that communication will have to continue.”