31 May

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Tobago Business Chamber urges PM: Appoint a minister of Tobago affairs

THE Tobago Business Chamber is calling on the government to consider appointing a minister of Tobago affairs, who would be the main liaison and conduit between the central government and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). Chamber chairman Martin George made the call in a WhatsApp video on May 29, a day after the Office of the Prime Minister reported that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine had held discussions about autonomy for Tobago and other issues confronting the island. George applauded the discussions between the two leaders, saying the talks were in keeping with the dictates of Sections 31 and...

29 May

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IDA, Tobago Chamber urge caution in implementing stand-your-ground law

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Caution is being urged as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar plans to establish a special committee to evaluate and make proposals for a suite of measures to enable citizens to defend themselves and their property when faced with a threat by criminals. At a post-cabinet news conference on May 8, Persad-Bissessar said the special committee will make recommendations for an appropriate “stand-your-ground” law. A special committee, she said, will also be established to consider approaches and legislative sanctions to combat home invasions. Speaking with Newsday, political leader of the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus said authorities should be careful when looking...

15 May

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Martin George: Erla may never recover from embarrassment

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ALTHOUGH she has been cleared of wrongdoing in relation to allegations of misconduct in public office, attorney Martin George says Commissioner of Police (CoP) Erla Harewood-Christopher may never recover from the embarrassment caused by her arrest and suspension from duties. Harewood-Christopher was suspended by the Police Service Commission (PSC) in early February, pending the outcome of an investigation into her alleged role in the importation of sniper rifles for use by the Strategic Services Agency. She resumed duties on May 12, a couple days before her term ends on May 14. To continue in the position, she has to be granted an extension, which...

06 May

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‘Tobago wants autonomy, end to land licence’

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Tobago plays an instrumental role in this country’s economic development, with tourism being a key factor. With the ushering in of the Kamla Persad-Bissessar led administration, stakeholders are eager to chart a way forward for the sector. Tobago Business Chamber chairman, attorney Martin George is calling upon the new government to initiate the “immediate and unconditional repeal” of the Foreign Investment Act which the chamber has been championing for many years. “That act is what has stifled and crippled all direct foreign investment into Tobago and as a result, persons have taken their investments elsewhere. All the other Caribbean islands have benefitted from...

09 April

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PM: Tobago, stakeholders open arms to Sandals

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PRIME Minister Stuart Young says the Sandals Resorts Group have agreed to consider Tobago again as a possible location for one of its hotels. He said that agreement was reached after there was consensus between government, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Tobago stakeholders to start over with "a clean slate" and ask Sandals to consider Tobago as a sixth investment for a hotel in the Caribbean. No conditions have been set regarding a decision to be made on an investment by Sandals in Tobago, including a time frame for such an investment or whether the outcome of the April 28 general...

28 March

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Tobago Business Chamber: Early election date meant to catch UNC off guard

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THE Tobago Business Chamber believes Prime Minister Stuart Young’s decision to announce April 28 as the date of the Trinidad and Tobago’s next general election is meant to catch the United National Congress off guard. “One can only imagine that the intention and thinking behind the calling of the election with such a short lead time with the election date being announced as April 28 is definitely intended to catch the Opposition maybe unawares or flat-footed or at least certainly not ready yet with their full list of 41 candidates because they have not yet announced a full list of 41...

27 March

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Tobago cops say revenge the motive for murder of ‘Monster’

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Tobago police investigators believe revenge may have been the motive behind the murder of 32-year-old Vernado George, who was gunned down at Courland Heritage Park, Turtle Beach, Black Rock, on Tuesday afternoon. George, also known as Monster, was having lunch with three co-workers when two masked men dressed in blue jumpers approached him and opened fire. He was shot multiple times while sitting in the back of a van. The suspects then ran into nearby bushes. Police told Guardian Media they are now exploring whether the killing was an act of retaliation, though they have not disclosed further details. George, of Pembroke, was...

19 March

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Tobago Chamber says PNM in position of strength for election

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Tobago Chamber head and attorney at law, Martin George says the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) is entering the General Election from a “position of strength and readiness,” while the opposition and other parties are still trying to get their houses in order. He said the April 28 date is part of PNM election strategy. His comments come after Prime Minister Stuart Young announced the election date, just a day after being sworn in. “One can only imagine that the intention and thinking behind the calling of the elections with such a short lead time is definitely intended to catch the opposition,...

19 March

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Game changer for Tobago – reviving talks with Sandals

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As he addressed the commemoration ceremony for the “practical completion” of the new ANR Robinson International Airport terminal yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley also announced his revival of discussions with the Sandals group for a resort in Tobago. Rowley called on Tobagonians to embrace the luxury hotel chain and especially called out to Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine to “sit” with Sandals executives, as he stressed the potential benefits to the island. Rowley, 75, resigns as PM today. Tobago’s new airport at Crown Point, a short distance from the old facility, was yesterday touted by the PM for its...

07 March

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New Tobago airport opens March 15, hoteliers want info on new flights

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THE new ANR Robinson International Airport will be opened on March 15. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister on February 26 at the commissioning of the O'Meara Road upgrade project at the Ministry of Works and Transport, O'Meara Road, Arima. The opening of the airport will be one of Dr Rowley's last official duties before he resigns the post on March 16. The airport, with its new terminal and other facilities, is expected to be a significant boost to Tobago's tourism, with the capacity to accommodate three million passengers annually. China Railway Construction was the main contractor on the billion-dollar project, which...