Ancil: PNM-led THA transformed Tobago

Tobago has been transformed to a favourable state over 17 years of People National Movement (PNM) rule, and the PNM-led THA does not need to be ashamed of being in charge during this period.

So stated Ancil Dennis, Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary, and Representative for Buccoo/ Mt Pleasant, in his contribution to debate on the 2018/2019 budget proposals last Thursday at the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chamber in Scarborough.

Dennis, who commended Finance Secretary Joel Jack for plans for next fiscal year in his $4.74 billion budget request delivered last week Monday, said the PNM-led THA had put Tobago in a favourable position over the last 17 years.

“Interestingly, the member for Parlatuvier/ L’Anse Fourmi/ Speyside (Farley Augustine) caused me to go into reflection mode because he seemed to suggest that the last 16 years, 2001-2017, was all bad under the People’s National Movement or that this administration should somehow be ashamed of the years 2001 to 2017,” he said.

“Prior to 2001, we had a limited amount of community facilities, whether it be community centres, playing fields etc.

“I am saying that when you compare Tobago with even our neighbours in Trinidad, and even our Caribbean neighbours whether you are talking Barbados, Antigua, Grenada or wherever…Tobago is in a more favourable position than any of them.

“For a population of 60,000 persons, we have over 35 community facilities, we have dozens of tennis courts, we have dozens of lighted playing fields. Even when I came into office in 2013, between 2013 and now, we constructed five spanking new multipurpose facilities across Tobago,” Dennis said.

Dennis also warned public servants that the current administration would continue to change Tobago and the THA ... by ease or by force, advising them to take responsibility for their actions.

“Wherever you are, take responsibility for your own actions,” he warned, advising public servants to perform their tasks diligently and effectively, ‘because at the end of the day, you see who name they does call.’

“If Tobago is to change and if Tobago is to develop into the kind of island we want it to be, all of us have a role to play… so whether you be clerk, accounting assistant, accounting executive, HR officer, Administrator or politician, do what you are required to do so that this island and the people of this island can receive effective public service,” he said.