Minority Leader: Chief Sec more interested in globetrotting than tackling crime

THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris was not happy to hear that THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine set to address the TT 62nd Anniversary of Independence Awards, to be held at the TT consulate in New York, as well as a Tobago Fun and Family Day.

A press release from the Office of the Chief Secretary on Thursday said Augustine had led a contingent to New York consisting of members of the Executive Council, administrators, the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd (TTAL) and Tobago-based entrepreneurs, including October-carnival masmen and promoters. They were scheduled to participate in a series of engagements, including the annual Tobago Fun and Family Day celebrations in Brooklyn, New York, on August 18.

Morris said Tobago deserved leaders who are present, accountable and focused on solving the island’s problems.

Speaking with Newsday on August 16, Morris expressed disgust.

“Tobago is in crisis: crime is soaring, jobs are scarce, healthcare is inadequate, and our people are struggling. Yet the Farley Augustine administration seems more interested in globetrotting than in tackling these urgent issues.

“While our island burns, those who should be leading us are busy enjoying themselves abroad.

"This is not leadership: this is a betrayal of our trust. It's time for the Chief Secretary to come home, roll up his sleeves, and get to work. We deserve better, and Tobago should not settle for less.”

He recalled that recently he highlighted that Augustine’s administration had spent nearly $20 million on overseas travel by. He said there was nothing to show for it.

“Now, the Chief Secretary is leading another delegation to New York for a Tobago Family and Fun Day, with no clear objectives or outcomes. This looks like another joyride at the expense of the Tobago taxpayer.”

THA electoral representative for Roxborough/ Argyle and political leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) Watson Duke agreed.

“This is not the first time; he has gone already, and he has gone again. The question is (how have) these trips benefited the Tobago House of Assembly in so far as monetary rewards, what are the benefits in so far as trading between Tobago and those international communities?

"I am quite concerned that this would just be another excursion for the chief secretary, his colleagues and perhaps an eyepopping moment for those who have never been to the Tobago Fun and Family Day.”

He said he would have preferred a Tobago trade show, sent up to deal with the issue of trade in a more serious manner, “than to take our items that our economy should be built upon and dangle it in front of people when they are having fun, games and music.”

Duke said Augustine is representing the entire THA at "a time that can be described as dark, a time that is quite troubling not only for persons affected by crime but for persons affected by the economy.”

He said the crime situation was affecting everyone.

“Single parents, fathers, mothers, people trying to get back going to school, trying to put food on the table, trying to go from one school into the next – even those are challenges – even people who are unable to ply their trade and pay their rents and cover their mortgages. These are rough times in Tobago."