Tobago House of Assembly

FIRST SESSION OF THE 12TH PARLIAMENT

FINANCIAL

SCRUTINY UNIT OFFICE OF THE PARLIAMENT OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

HEAD 15: TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

Total Allocation - $ 2,116,000,000.00 3.7% of the National Budget

Summary of the Assembly’s Expenditure, Divisions, Programmes and Projects

Publication An electronic copy of this Guide can be found on the Parliament website: www.ttparliament.org

All correspondence should be addressed to: The Secretary Standing Finance Committee Office of the Parliament Parliamentary Complex Cabildo Building St. Vincent Street Port of Spain Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Tel: (868) 624-7275; Fax: (868) 625-4672 Email: [email protected]

Table of Contents About this Guide ...... 4 Head 15: Tobago House of Assembly: ...... 5 Auditor General Report Findings for the Fiscal year 2019 ...... 11 Key Statement from 2019 Standing Finance Committee Debate ...... 12 2019/2020 Budget Supplementations...... 13 Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) Fiscal Year 2020 Overview ...... 14 The Assembly’s total allocation as a percentage of the National Budget for the period 2014 to 2021...... 16 Where the Assembly spends their money: 2020 Estimates of Expenditure ...... 17 Summary of Recurrent Expenditure for the period 2014-2021 ...... 18 Summary of Recurrent Expenditure for Each Division ...... 22 Recurrent Expenditure for each Division ...... 23 Staff and Pay ...... 26 Summary of Expenditure Unique to the Tobago House of Assembly ...... 27 Summary of Development Programme Expenditure for the period 2014-2021 ...... 28 Noteworthy Development Programme Estimates from 2016-2021 ...... 31 Status of New Projects from the Financial Year 2017 ...... 32 Status of New Projects from the Financial Year 2018 ...... 33 Status of New Projects from the Financial Year 2019 ...... 34 Status of New/Reactivated Projects from the Financial Year 2020 ...... 35 New/Reactivated Projects during the Financial Year 2021 ...... 40 Major Programmes and Developments for the Period 2019 to 2021 ...... 42 Committee Inquires Related to the Tobago House of Assembly ...... 43 General Useful Information...... 46

About this Guide This guide provides a summary of expenditure for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) for the period 2014-2021. It provides Members of Parliament and stakeholders with an overview of the Assembly’s responsibilities. The primary purpose of this guide is to consolidate the information contained within the various Budget Documents pertaining to the Tobago House of Assembly, and provide readers with an analysis of same. This guide is based primarily on the:  Draft Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure 2021;  Estimates of Development Programme 2021;  Public Sector Investment Programme – Tobago 2021; and  Auditor General’s Report on the Public Accounts of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the fiscal year 2019.

Head 15: Tobago House of Assembly:

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND1

The Tobago House of Assembly is this country’s oldest political institution. The THA was first incarnated in 1768 in the island’s former capital, George Town, which is now Studley Park. The capital moved to Scarborough in 1769, as did the offices of the 13-member elected House of Assembly (Lower House) and the appointed Legislative Council (Upper House). In 1877, representative government was abolished, with the Crown Colony introduced to handle the administration of the island. In 1889, Tobago was joined with Trinidad by the British Government. The original THA was a colonial institution designed to run the island for the benefit of its small ruling class by passing laws and statutes and distributing land. However, the election criteria favoured white Christian males older than 21 and owning 10 or more acres of land, and so, in 1834, that Assembly opposed the British Government’s decision to emancipate enslaved Africans. By contrast, the modern THA is open to any Trinbagonian residing in Tobago and wishing to stand for election to its 12 seats. It also includes four Councillors, three of whom are appointed in accordance with the advice of the Chief Secretary and one on the advice of the minority leader; and a Presiding Officer, who may or may not be an Assemblyman or a Councillor. In 2012, for the first time, the THA was without a minority leader, as the ruling PNM has been elected to all 12 seats. Consequently, a Public Interest Desk was established to allow the public to give their input on governance of the island.

ORGANISATION OF THE ASSEMBLY After 1980, the THA was formed into seven divisions, each representing a developmental concern. Today the THA comprises two main arms, the Legislative Arm and the Executive Arm, and 10 divisions – nine with particular remits plus the Office of the Chief Secretary, which oversees the others. This Assembly was created by Act 37 of 1980 for “making better provision for the administration of Tobago and for matters therein.”

1 The Tobago House of Assembly website: http://www.tha.gov.tt/about-the-assembly/, accessed on September 16, 2020 5

The Legislative arm (Assembly Legislature) is where all members of the Assembly meet in plenary and/or in select committees to make policy decisions for the operations of the Assembly. These functions are supported by the Assembly Legislature Secretariat and headed by the Presiding Officer. The Clerk of the Assembly is responsible for the efficient discharge of functions of the business of the Assembly. The Executive arm of the Assembly is headed by the Chief Secretary in his capacity as leader of the Executive Council. The Council has individual and collective responsibility for carrying out the tasks of the Assembly through its divisions. Each division is led by a secretary, with an administrator serving as the accounting officer responsible for producing the desired results of the division. The Chief Administrator is the most senior public officer in the administration and is attached to the Office of the Chief Secretary. Chief Administrator: Ms. Bernadette Solomon-Koroma

Currently the 10 Divisions are:  Office of the Chief Secretary  Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour  Education, Innovation and Energy  Finance and the Economy  Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries  Health, Wellness and Family Development  Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment  Settlements, Urban Renewal and Public Utilities  Sport and Youth Affairs  Tourism, Culture and Transportation

MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSEMBLY Offices within the Assembly:

 The Presiding Officer is elected by the Assemblymen and presides over all Sittings of the Assembly.  The Deputy Presiding Officer is elected from among the Assemblymen and Councillors, and deputises for the Presiding Officer in his/her absence.  The Chief Secretary is elected from among the Assemblymen and heads the Executive Council.  The Deputy Chief Secretary is elected from among the Assemblymen and deputises for the Chief Secretary in his/her absence.  The Executive Council comprises the Chief Secretary, the Deputy Chief Secretary and up to seven other secretaries (increased from the original five of THA Amendment Act No. 17 of 2006). They are selected from among the other Assemblymen and Councillors, as advised by the Chief Secretary. This body is responsible for carrying out the functions of the Assembly. Seven secretaries, along with the Chief Secretary and Deputy Chief Secretary, are assigned specific areas of responsibility within the Executive Council but are collectively responsible for all decisions of that Council.  Assistant Secretaries assist Secretaries in specific areas of their respective portfolios.  The Leader of Executive Council Business controls the arrangements of business in the House, consulting with the Minority Leader as necessary.  The Minority Leader is the Assemblyman who, in the opinion of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, commands the support of the largest number of Assemblymen who do not support the Chief Secretary. The current Assembly has no Minority Leader, so a Public Interest Desk was established so that the public can have direct participation in the island’s governance.  Assemblymen are elected members who have not been assigned any special responsibilities as they relate to the conduct of the business of the Assembly.  Councillors are nominated members who have not been assigned any special responsibilities as they relate to the conduct of the business of the Assembly.

DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSEMBLY The elected Assembly continues for four years from the date of its first sitting after any primary election, and then stands dissolved unless the Assembly, by resolution, dissolves itself at an earlier date. The President, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary, fixes the date of a primary election. The date of that election must fall between two and three months after the dissolution of the Assembly.

POWERS OF THE ASSEMBLY The THA has 33 areas of responsibility:  Finance, that is to say the collection of revenue and the  State Lands; meeting of expenditure incurred in the carrying out of the functions of the Assembly;  Land and marine parks;  Museums, archives, historical sites and historical buildings;  Public buildings and the maintenance of the residences of  Tourism; the President and the Prime Minister;  Sports;  Culture and the Arts;  Community Development;  Co-operatives;  Agriculture;  Fisheries;  Food Production;  Forestry;  Town and Country Planning;  Infrastructure, including Air and Sea Transportation, Wharves and Airports and Public Utilities;  Telecommunications;  Highway and Roads;  Industrial Development;  The Environment;  Customs and Excise;  Licensing;  Health Services;  Library Services;  Education including Curriculum;  Social Welfare;  Marketing;  Valuations;  Postal Services and Collection of Revenue;  Statistics and Information;  Housing;  Plant and Animal Quarantine; and

 Such other matters as the President may, by Order, assign to the Assembly.

CURRENT ASSEMBLY MEMBERS2

PRESIDING OFFICER Mrs. Vanessa Cutting-Thomas

ASSEMBLYMEN

Name Position District

Assemblyman Ancil Dennis Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Buccoo/Mt Pleasant Transportation

Assemblyman Joel Jack Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Finance and the Bacolet/Mt St George Economy

Assemblyman Clarence Jacob Secretary of Settlements, Urban Renewal and Public Canaan/Bon Accord Utilities

Assemblyman Hayden Spencer Secretary of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries Belle Garden/Goodwood

Assemblyman Jomo Pitt Secretary of Sport and Youth Affairs Lambeau/Signal Hill

Assemblyman Kelvin Charles Secretary of Education, Innovation and Energy Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden

Assemblyman Marslyn Melville-Jack Secretary of Community Development Enterprise Scarborough/Calder Hall Development and Labour

2 The Tobago House of Assembly website: https://www.tha.gov.tt/assembly-members/ accessed September 16, 2020 9

Name Position District

Assemblyman Marisha Osmond Assistant Secretary in the Division of Education, Plymouth/Golden Lane Innovation and Energy

Assemblyman Sheldon Cunningham Assistant Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Providence/Mason Environment Hall/Moriah

Assemblyman Shomari Hector Assistant Secretary in the Division of Tourism, Culture Bethel/Mt Irvine and Transportation

Assemblyman Watson Duke Minority Leader Roxbrough/Delaford

Assemblyman Farley Augustine Parlatuvier/L'Anse Fourmi/Speyside

COUNCILLORS Name Position

Councillor Kwesi Des Vignes Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment and Leader of Assembly Business

Councillor Tracy Davidson-Celestine Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development

Councillor Nadine Stewart-Phillips Assistant Secretary in the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development

Councillor Dr. Faith B. Yisrael Minority Councillor

Auditor General Report Findings for the Fiscal year 20193

Unemployment Fund

4.11 Amounts were appropriated to the following Administering Officers for administration of the Unemployment Relief Programme as follows:

2019 $ 2018 $ Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works 18,000,000 18,000,000 and Transport – Tobago House of Assembly

Actual Expenditure

6.26 The records of the Comptroller of Accounts reflected the actual expenditure for the year ended September 30, 2019 under 42 Heads of Expenditure totalled $54,581,187,114.99.

6.27 Areas where expenditure was in excess of one billion dollars and percentage of total expenditure incurred.

Head of Expenditure Actual Expenditure Percentage of $ Total Expenditure 15 Tobago House of Assembly 2,194,344,308.48 4.02%

3 Adapted from the Report of the Auditor General on the Public Accounts of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the Financial Year Ended September 30, 2019, pgs. 66, 127 http://138.128.179.50/sites/default/files/Auditor%20General%20Report%202019.pdf 11

Key Statement from 2019 Standing Finance Committee Debate During the Standing Finance Committee debate for fiscal 2020, the following statement was made in relation to the powers of the Tobago House of Assembly under Act 40 of 1996 and the percentage of the budget generally allocated to the THA:

“Madam Chair, the Tobago House of Assembly is statutorily responsible for the delivery of public goods and services in Tobago as set out in its Fifth Schedule of the THA Act 40 of 1996. To effect this, the Assembly is comprised of 11 Divisions each headed by an administrator as an accounting officer to provide oversight, policy alignment, and the adherence to the principles of transparency and accountability and the delivery to the widest cadre of residents in keeping with both national goals and the policies derived by the Assembly. Positive trends of 2.2 per cent labour force growth rate between 2018 and 2019 and the general upward population growth rate of 1.5 per cent over the past 20 years suggest that Tobago is a demographic growth pole and as such the demand for public goods and services is increasing. Against this backdrop, the Tobago House of Assembly will endeavour to discharge its responsibility in the best way possible. In fiscal 2019, a total parliamentary allocation of just over $2.2 billion was received, of which 2.033 billion was for Recurrent Expenditure and $230 million for the Development Programme. Major accomplishments include: the completion of the Orange Hill to Rockley Vale section at the Claude Noel Highway, at a cost of $38 million; the initiation of construction of the Moriah Health Centre; the completion of the Roxborough Administrative Complex; the completion of 23 agricultural access roads across Tobago at a cost of 37.9 million. The Assembly stands ready to mobilize these resources to the much needed benefit of the people of Tobago and to deliver these services in keeping with the standards set by various national policy goals like the Millennium Development Goals. For the upcoming fiscal year 2020, the Assembly is listing a few key projects for completion. These include: the coastal protection works at Roxborough; Studley Park; Milford Road; Pigeon Point. Construction of five early childhood centres with the annual school repair programme are our priorities as well as advanced preparations for the relocation of the Scarborough Secondary School and a number of other projects that are expected to improve and better the lives of our brothers and sisters in Tobago. And I am happy to say that the Tobago House of Assembly works extremely well along with Central Government. Thank you...” 4

4 Minister of National Security, Standing Finance Committee Hansard of Tobago House of Assembly http://www.ttparliament.org/legislations/hh20191022SFC.pdf accessed September 16, 2020 12

2019/2020 Budget Supplementations During fiscal 2019/2020, it was necessary to have a Supplementation of Appropriation of resources to fund urgent and critical Recurrent and Capital Expenditure in areas where insufficient or no allocation was provided. The source of these additional funds was the Consolidated Fund.

Head 15 – Tobago House of Assembly requested and was granted the following supplementations:5 Recurrent Expenditure - $50,000,000 06/001/06 – Tobago House of Assembly - $50,000,000 The sum is required to enable the Tobago Regional Health Authority to meet expenditure associated with the Covid-19 Pandemic. This includes the cost of: i) training healthcare workers and educating the public - $4,271,000; ii) establishing primary care facilities to meet the healthcare needs of persons in quarantine or self-isolation and manage patients who test positive for the Covid 19 virus - $16,568,000; iii) maintenance of a distinct Covid-19 Pandemic response service so as to avoid disruptions in the primary and secondary health care service - $5,900,000; and iv) acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment, as well as employment of additional staff - $23,261,000.

Public Sector Investment Programme (P.S.I.P) - $55,000,000 09/003/11/D/349 – Tobago Tourism Agency - $50,000,000 The sum is required to enable the Tobago House of Assembly to administer the Relief Grant to the Tobago Tourism Sector to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 Pandemic.

09/003/11/G/002 - Enterprise Development - $2,000,000 09/003/11/G/019 – Enterprise Assistance Grant Programme - $3,000,000 The sum is required to provide relief to entrepreneurs whose businesses have been impacted negatively by the Covid - 19 Pandemic

5 Second Report of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives for the Fifth Session (2019/2020), Eleventh Parliament on the consideration of proposals for the Supplementation of Appropriation for the fiscal year 2020 accessed on September 16, 2020 http://www.ttparliament.org/reports/p11-s5-J-20200612-SFC-R2-Fiscal2020.pdf 13

Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) Fiscal Year 2020 Overview 6

PUBLIC SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME (PSIP) 2020 SECTOR Budgeted Revised Percentage Expenditure Expenditure 2020 2020 TT$Mn TT$Mn % Building Globally Competitive Businesses 62.250 119.200 25.7 Agriculture 26.450 30.400 6.6 Economic Restructuring and Transformation 10.000 15.000 3.2 Tourism 23.800 73.800 15.9 Youth Development and Entrepreneurship 2.000 0.000 0.0 Improving Productivity through Quality Infrastructure and Transportation 132.908 129.741 28.0

Drainage 12.500 25.443 5.5 Electricity 0.500 0.500 0.1 Information Technology and Infrastructure 3.850 3.512 0.8 Roads and Bridges 36.058 61.398 13.2 Transportation 34.000 22.247 4.8 Water Security 46.000 16.641 3.6 Placing the Environment at the Centre of Social and Economic Development 7.000 7.602 1.6

Environment 7.000 7.602 1.6 Delivering Good Governance and Service Excellence 99.162 102.645 22.1

Administration 26.162 42.150 9.1 Capacity Building/Institutional Strengthening 2.800 4.500 1.0 Law Enforcement 45.000 43.788 9.4 Public Safety and Citizen Security 25.200 12.207 2.6

6 Public Sector Investment Programme Tobago 2021 https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Public-Sector-Investment-Programme- Tobago.pdf 14

Putting People First: Nurturing our Greatest Asset 105.610 104.876 22.6

Community Development 6.500 6.500 1.4 Culture 0.500 0.500 0.1 Early Childhood Education 1.000 1.000 0.2 Health/HIV AIDS 22.820 22.820 4.9 Housing and Shelter 14.000 19.066 4.1 Primary Education 9.140 9.140 2.0 Secondary Education 8.900 8.900 1.9 Skills Development 4.250 4.150 0.9 Social Development 5.400 5.400 1.2 Special Education 8.500 8.500 1.8 Sport and Recreation 22.800 17.100 3.7 Tertiary Education 1.800 1.800 0.4 TOTAL 406.930 464.064 100.0

The Assembly’s total allocation as a percentage of the National Budget for the period 2014 to 2021.

Year7 Total Allocation8 National Budget9 Percentage of National Budget 2014 $ 2,634,040,504.00 $ 65,020,886,424.00 4.1%

2015 $ 2,671,756,229.00 $ 61,966,922,675.00 4.3%

2016 $ 2,534,373,173.00 $ 56,573,913,053.00 4.5% 2017 $ 2,333,590,000.00 $ 54,883,153,410.00 4.3% 2018 $ 2,262,792,833.00 $ 54,211,726,813.00 4.2% 2019 $ 2,194,344,308.00 $ 54,581,467,181.00 4.0% 2020 $ 2,366,145,483.00 $ 57,252,443,354.00 4.1% 2021 $ 2,116,000,000.00 $ 56,788,359,151.00 3.7%

 Total allocation for the Assembly as a percentage of the National Budget experienced a decreased from 4.1% in fiscal year 2019/2020 to 3.7% in fiscal year 2020/2021.

7 For the Fiscal Years 2014-2019, actual figures were used to calculate total allocation. However, estimates were used to calculate the total allocation for the Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. 8 Total Allocation for Tobago House of Assembly =Recurrent Expenditure + Consolidated Fund 9 The National Budget = Total Recurrent Expenditure + Total Development Programme Expenditure Consolidated Fund 16

Where the Assembly spends their money: 2021 Estimates of Expenditure

The budget allocation of $ 2,116,000,000.00 for the Tobago House of Assembly comprises:  The Draft Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure in the sum of $1,916,000,00010; and  The Draft Estimates of Development Programme Consolidated Fund in the sum of $200,000,00011.

The 2020/2021 Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure include:  01 Personnel Expenditure: $684,188,060;  02 Goods and Services: $602,746,010;  03 Minor Equipment Purchases: $12,260,490; and  04 Current Transfers and Subsidies: $616,805,440.

Percentage Allocation of the Tobago House of Assembly is as follows:  Total allocation as a percentage of National Budget: 3.7%  Recurrent Expenditure as a percentage of the total Recurrent Expenditure budget is 3.5%; and  Consolidated Fund allocation as a percentage of the total Consolidated Fund allocation is 9%.

10 Draft Estimates of the Revenue and Expenditure of the Statutory Boards and Similar Bodies and the Tobago House of Assembly for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of-the-Revenue-and-Expenditure-of-the-Statutory-Boards-and-Similar-Bodies-and- of-the-Tobago-House-of-Assembly.pdf 11 Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of- Development-Programme-2021.pdf 17

Summary of Recurrent Expenditure for the period 2014-202112 900 000 000

800 000 000

700 000 000

600 000 000

500 000 000

400 000 000

300 000 000

200 000 000

100 000 000

- 2020 Revised 2014 Actual 2015 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Actual 2018 Actual 2019 Actual 2021 Estimates Estimates 01 Personnel Expenditure 669 125 689 768 929 032 645 381 084 634 066 117 676 341 529 687 483 793 683 962 831 684 188 060 02 Goods and Services 635 264 028 642 392 842 642 098 660 578 229 240 616 525 691 629 520 442 634 101 348 602 746 010 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 10 493 618 6 698 554 7 517 817 12 097 282 10 074 546 19 897 219 28 225 854 12 260 490 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 633 895 011 614 882 605 675 373 683 638 561 904 624 168 067 625 812 864 676 542 966 616 805 440

12 Draft Estimates of the Revenue and Expenditure of the Statutory Boards and Similar Bodies and the Tobago House of Assembly for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of-the-Revenue-and-Expenditure-of-the-Statutory-Boards-and-Similar-Bodies-and- of-the-Tobago-House-of-Assembly.pdf 18

Analysis of Summary of Expenditure13

Recurrent Expenditure refers to the payments for expenses which are incurred during the day-to-day operations of the Assembly for Personnel Expenditure, Goods and Services, Minor Equipment Purchases and Current Transfers and Subsidies. Recurrent Expenditure for Fiscal Year 2020 is $ 1,916,000,000.  Recurrent Expenditure (Revised) for Fiscal Year 2020 was $ 2,022,832,999. Comparing this figure with the estimated figure for Recurrent Expenditure in Fiscal Year 2021, the allocation decreased by $ 106,832,999 or 5.3%.

 Sub-Head 01 Personnel Expenditure received the largest percentage (35.7%) of the 2021 budgetary allocation.

 Sub-Head 03 Minor Equipment Purchases received the lowest percentage (0.6%) of the total allocation for fiscal 2021.

 Sub-Head 02 Goods and Services received the second lowest percentage (31.5%) of the allocation for fiscal 2021.

 Sub-Head 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies received the second largest percentage (32.2%) of the allocation for fiscal 2021.

13 Draft Estimates of the Revenue and Expenditure of the Statutory Boards and Similar Bodies and the Tobago House of Assembly for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of-the-Revenue-and-Expenditure-of-the-Statutory-Boards-and-Similar-Bodies-and- of-the-Tobago-House-of-Assembly.pdf 19

2014 Actual - $1,948,778,346 2015 Actual - $2,032,903,033

$633 895 $669 125 $614 882 $768 929 011 ; 32% 689 ; 34% 605 ; 30% 032 ; 38%

$6 698 554 ; 0% $10 493 618 ; 1% $635 264 028 ; $642 392 842 ; 32% 33%

01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services

03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies

2016 Actual - $1,970,371,244 2017 Actual - $1,862,954,543

$675 373 $645 381 $638 561 $634 066 084 ; 33% 904 ; 34% 117 ; 34% 683 ; 34%

$642 098 660 ; $578 229 240 ; $7 517 817 ; 0% $12 097 282 ; 1% 33% 31%

01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies

2018 Actual - $1,927,109,833 2019 Actual - $1,962,714,318

$624 168 $625 812 $676 341 $687 483 067 ; 32% 529 ; 35% 864 ; 32% 793 ; 35%

$10 074 546 ; 1% $616 525 691 ; $19 897 219 ; 1% $629 520 442 ; 32% 32%

01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services

03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies

2020 Revised Estimates - $2,022,832,999 2021 Estimates - $1,916,000,000

$676 542 $683 962 $616 805 $684 188 966 ; 34% 831 ; 34% 440 ; 32% 060 ; 36%

$634 101 348 ; $12 260 490 ; 1% $602 746 010 ; $28 225 854 ; 1% 31% 31%

Summary of Recurrent Expenditure for Each Division Overal Recurrent Expenditure - $1,916,000,000 $17 881 $56 586 600 ; 3% $26 464 600 ; 1% 500 ; 1%

$98 474 500 ; 5% $111 716 900 ; 6% $156 381 300 ; 8%

$567 631 300 ; 30%

$130 180 700 ; 7%

$352 579 300 ; 18%

$344 600 800 ; 18% $53 502 500 ; 3%

01 Assembly Legislation 02 Office of the Chief Secretary 03 Finance and the Economy 04 Food Production , Forestry and Fisheries 05 Tourism, Culture & Transportation 06 Education, Innovation and Energy 07 Community Development, Enterprise Development & Labour 08 Infrastructure, Quarries & the Environment 10 Health & Wellness and Family Development 11 Settlement, Urban Renewal and Public Utilities 13 Sport and Youth Affairs

Recurrent Expenditure for each Division

01 Assembly Legislation - $17,881,500 02 Office of the Chief Secretary - $98,474,500 $1 600 000 ; 9% $7 500 000 ; 8% $2 397 500 ; 2% $14 181 000 ; $373 500 ; 2% 14%

$4 177 000 ; 23%

$74 396 000 ;

$11 731 000 ; 66% 76%

03 Finance and the Economy - $111,716,900 04 Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries -

$156,381,300

$13 220 000 ; 8% $1 808 100 ; 1% $27 120 $23 974 000 ; 24% 000 ; 22% $1 119 000 ; 1% $57 648 000 ; $83 705 37% 200 ; 54% $59 503 900 ; 53%

01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services

03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 23

05 Tourism, Culture & Transportation - 06 Education, Innovation and Energy -

$130,180,700 $352,579,300

$62 610 000 ;

18% $29 636 $61 555 $139 357 000 ; 23% $1 455 000 ; … 000 ; 47% 200 ; 40% $38 483 $149 157 150 ; 30% 100 ; 42%

$506 550 ; 0%

01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services

03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies

07 Community Development, Enterprise 08 Infrastructure, Quarries & the Environment -

Development & Labour - $53,502,500 $344,600,800

$15 200 000 ; 4% $9 890 000 ; 19% $1 544 800 ; 1% $68 430 400 ; 20% $975 800 ; 2% $12 522 800 ; 23%

$30 113 900 ; $259 425 56% 600 ; 75%

01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services

03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies

10 Health & Wellness and Family Development - 11 Settlement, Urban Renewal and Public $567,631,300 Utilities - $26,464,600

$1 220 000 ; 4% $88 261 000 ; $478 000 ; 2% $3 896 000 ; 15% 15%

$65 615 960 ; 12% $413 040 $713 900 ; 0% $20 870 440 ; 73% 600 ; 79%

01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services 01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services

03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies 03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies

13 Sport and Youth Affairs - $56,586,600

$3 850 000 ; 7% $888 340 ; 2%

$25 052 260 ; 44%

$26 796 000 ; 47%

01 Personnel Expenditure 02 Goods and Services

03 Minor Equipment Purchases 04 Current Transfers and Subsidies

Staff and Pay14 The allocation of staff expenditure for the fiscal year 2021 is $ 949,348,560.00 which represents a decrease of approximately 0.01% from fiscal year 2020, where the revised estimate is $ 950,316,631. The following chart provides a breakdown of all expenditure related to staff from fiscal years 2019-2021.

Summary of Staff and Pay Expenditure of the Tobago House of Assembly 800 000 000

700 000 000

600 000 000

500 000 000

400 000 000

300 000 000

200 000 000

100 000 000

- University Employees Personnel Travelling and Contract Short-Term Graduate Uniforms Training Assistance Expenditure Subsistence Employment Employment Recruitment Programme Programme 2019 Actual 687 483 793 14 356 227 625 951 232 482 659 1 741 946 16 373 315 244 022 - 2020 Revised Estimate 683 962 831 14 236 000 637 000 226 686 500 5 054 000 19 014 300 426 000 300 000 2021 Estimate 684 188 060 14 653 000 616 500 226 342 000 3 938 000 18 841 000 470 000 300 000

14 Draft Estimates of the Revenue and Expenditure of the Statutory Boards and Similar Bodies and the Tobago House of Assembly for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of-the-Revenue-and-Expenditure-of-the-Statutory-Boards-and-Similar-Bodies-and- of-the-Tobago-House-of-Assembly.pdf 26

Summary of Expenditure Unique to the Tobago House of Assembly15 Unique Expenditure refers to expenditure items incurred by the THA that may not feature in other ministries or departments.

Tobago Heritage Festival 40 000 000

35 000 000

30 000 000

25 000 000

20 000 000

15 000 000

10 000 000

5 000 000

- 2020 Revised 2014 Actual 2015 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Actual 2018 Actual 2019 Actual 2021 Estimates Estimate Tobago Heritage Festival 37 205 186 26 904 710 24 253 589 17 801 075 16 962 639 15 247 796 16 000 000 -

15 Draft Estimates of the Revenue and Expenditure of the Statutory Boards and Similar Bodies and the Tobago House of Assembly for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of-the-Revenue-and-Expenditure-of-the-Statutory-Boards-and-Similar-Bodies-and- of-the-Tobago-House-of-Assembly.pdf 27

Summary of Development Programme Expenditure for the period 2014-202116 The Development Programme comprises capital expenditure aimed at improving and enhancing development in different areas of Trinidad and Tobago which includes human resources, economic, and social development. The allocation to the Tobago House of Assembly under the Development Programmes and Projects for fiscal year 2021 = $200,000,000.00. This represents 9.5% of the total national allocation to the Consolidated Fund.

Summary of Development Programme for the period 2014-2021 350 000 000

300 000 000

250 000 000

200 000 000

150 000 000

100 000 000

50 000 000

0 2020 2021 2014 Actual 2015 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Actual 2018 Actual 2019 Actual Revised Estimate Estimate Economic Infrastructure- Consolidated Fund 208 195 825 290 694 365 318 282 162 193 392 507 174 945 500 100 180 000 190 897 824 77 050 000 Social Infrastructure- Consolidated Fund 235517033 294 737 439 188 517 531 134 315 480 123 200 000 100 200 000 101 476 540 105 850 000 Multi-Sectoral and Other Services- Consolidated Fund 241 549 300 53 421 392 57 202 236 86 350 000 37 537 500 31 250 000 50 938 120 17 100 000

16 Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of- Development-Programme-2021.pdf 28

Public Sector Investment Programme (Tobago) 2020/202117 PUBLIC SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME (PSIP) 2021

SECTOR 2021 ALLOCATION TT$Mn % Building Globally Competitive Businesses 47.850 12.0% Agriculture 23.200 5.8% Economic Restructuring and Transformation 8.100 2.0% Tourism 14.050 3.5% Youth Development and Entrepreneurship 2.500 0.6% Improving Productivity through Quality Infrastructure and Transportation 170.300 42.8%

Drainage 11.300 2.8% Electricity 0.500 0.1% Information Technology and Infrastructure 2.900 0.7% Roads and Bridges 20.000 5.0% Transportation 91.600 23.0% Water Security 44.000 11.1% Placing the Environment at the Centre of Social and Economic Development 10.942 2.8%

Environment 10.942 2.8% Delivering Good Governance and Service Excellence 54.668 13.7%

Administration 17.800 4.5% Capacity Building/Institutional Strengthening 1.300 0.3% Law Enforcement 18.768 4.7% Public Safety and Citizen Security 16.800 4.2%

17 Public Sector Investment Programme Tobago 2021 https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Public-Sector-Investment-Programme- Tobago.pdf 29

Putting People First: Nurturing our Greatest Asset 114.050 28.7%

Community Development 5.900 1.5% Culture 1.300 0.3% Early Childhood Education 0.800 0.2% Health/HIV AIDS 28.900 7.3% Housing and Shelter 26.000 6.5% Primary Education 12.370 3.1% Secondary Education 10.800 2.7% Skills Development 4.100 1.0% Social Development 6.850 1.7% Special Education 6.430 1.6% Sport and Recreation 8.700 2.2% Tertiary Education 1.900 0.5% TOTAL 397.810 100%

Noteworthy Development Programme Estimates from 2016-202118 The table below lists the projects under the Tobago House of Assembly that have been noted due to uncharacteristic variances in estimates for funding: Sub-Item Project 2016 Actual 2017 Actual 2018 Actual 2019 Actual 2020 2021 Description Revised Estimate Estimate 09/003/01/F463 Agriculture access roads, $47,000,000 $44,900,284 $44,000,000 $15,000,000 $15,000,000 $10,000,000 Tobago19

18 Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of- Development-Programme-2021.pdf 19 Roads intended to be maintained during fiscal 2020 include: Bel Air Connector Road, Observatory One, Connector Road to Speyside, Silk Cotton Trace, Starwood, Lambeau Hill, Baptiste Trace, Putney Hill, Park Gully, Belle River, Richmond to Belle River, Richmond Great House, Top Hill to Doctor Road, Doctor Road to Goldsborough, Goldsborough Road, Charles Gully to Top Hill, Lashley Trace to Goldsborough, Money Hill, Windy Hill to Goodwood, Cradley to Mason Hall, Adelphi to Widows Lot, Connector Road to Easter Hill Road, Belmont Farm Road, Mount Dillon, Lot 31 to Speyside, Dam Road, Waterfall Road to Cameron Canals, Zion Hill to Long Bed, Bottom Ridge to Richmond Point and Level Bottom, Bushy Park, Mills Connector Road to Gran Gully, Saw Mill to Green Hill, Small Vale to Mason Hall, Belmont Farm Road, Trafalgar Trace, Aldephi Branch One, St. Cecilia Link Road to Mason Hall, Craig Hall, Indian Walk, New Road in Les Coteaux, County Trace to Pentland and Courland Farm Road. 31

Status of New Projects from the Financial Year 201720 For the fiscal year 2017, the following new projects were scheduled for implementation under the Tobago House of Assembly, and as such require further inquiry on the progress of completion

Sub-Item Project -Item 2017 2018 2019 Actual 2020 2021 Description Actual Actual Revised Estimate Estimate

09/005/06/F643 Speyside Beach Facility $800,000 - $200,000 $200,000 $100,000

09/005/06/F644 Establishment of Innovation Centre $500,000 - $1,000,000 $500,000 -

20 Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of- Development-Programme-2021.pdf

Status of New Projects from the Financial Year 201821 For the fiscal year 2018, the following new projects were scheduled for implementation under the Tobago House of Assembly, and as such require further inquiry on the progress of completion

Sub-Item Description Project -Item 2018 2019 Actual 2020 Revised 2021 Estimate Actual Estimate

09/003/11/D349 Tobago Tourism $10,000,000 $5,000,000 $55,000,000 $1,000,000 Agency22 09/004/04/B838 Seamless Education $21,000,000 $5,000,000 - - Programme (IDB) Tobago 09/005/06/F645 CERT Speyside $225,000 $300,000 $300,000 $200,000 Emergency Response Sub-Office 09/005/06/F646 Restoration of CAST $225,000 $300,000 $300,000 $100,000 Building 09/005/06/F647 Buccoo Beach Boardwalk $1,466,250 $500,000 $1,885,803 $200,000

09/005/06/F648 THA Records and $375,000 $100,000 $100,000 $50,000 Archive Centre 09/005/06/F649 Upgrading of Hansard $358,750 $100,000 $62,000 - Unit

21 Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of- Development-Programme-2021.pdf 22 The intention of the 2020 allocation was for - Promotion and marketing towards increasing Tobago’s appeal as a tourism destination 33

Status of New Projects from the Financial Year 201923 For the fiscal year 2019, the following new projects were scheduled for implementation under the Tobago House of Assembly, and as such require further inquiry on the progress of completion

Sub-Item Project 2019 Actual 2020 Revised 2021 Estimate Description Estimate 09/003/01/H608 Lure Wildlife Nature Park $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000

09/005/06/A050 Refurbishment and Retooling of Constituency Offices of the $500,000 $100,000 $100,000 Members of Tobago House of Assembly

23 Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of- Development-Programme-2021.pdf 34

Status of New/Reactivated Projects from the Financial Year 202024 For the fiscal year 2020, the following new/reactivated projects were scheduled for implementation under the Tobago House of Assembly, and as such require further inquiry on the progress of completion:

Sub-Item PROJECT 2020 Revised 2021 Estimate Description Estimate 09/003/01/D144 Improvement to Buccoo Reef Marine Park $400,000 $600,000

09/003/01/D145 Improvements to reefs at Buccoo and Speyside $100,000 $200,000

09/003/01/H506 Installation of Mooring Buoys around Tobago $100,000 $100,000

09/003/11/A719 Carnbee Main Drain $600,000 $600,000

09/003/11/D269 Storebay Beach Facility $1,200,000 $500,000

09/003/11/D300 Tourism Support Projects (Assistance to Traumatised Visitors) $200,000 $100,000

09/003/11/D312 Construction of Lay Byes (Bloody Bay, Lambeau, Roxborough) $100,000 $500,000

09/003/11/D314 Bloody Bay Nature and Look Out Upgrade $200,000 $500,000

09/003/11/D318 Tourism Regulatory and Legal Framework $100,000 $150,000

09/003/11/D322 Construction of Lifeguard Towers $200,000 $500,000

09/003/11/D326 Pigeon Point Infrastructure Works $3,000,000 $500,000

24 Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of- Development-Programme-2021.pdf 35

09/003/11/D330 Speyside Lookout $1,000,000 $500,000

09/003/11/D336 Fort Granby Beach Facility $300,000 $800,000

09/003/11/D340 Bloody Bay Beach Facility $800,000 $500,000

09/003/11/D342 Rocky Bay Research Project $700,000 $500,000

09/003/11/D343 Establishment of Tobago Marinas $300,000 $200,000

09/003/11/D345 Top River Falls Parlatuvier $1,000,000 $1,000,000

09/003/11/D346 Englishmen Bay Beach Facility $500,000 $500,000

09/003/11/D348 Charlotteville Beach Facility $800,000 $800,000

09/003/11/G007 Scarborough Esplanade Phase II $1,000,000 $1,000,000

09/003/15/D718 Milford Road Upgrade $2,000,000 $1,000,000

09/003/15/H523 Construction of Bus Shelters and Bus Stops $300,000 $1.000,000

09/004/04/B820 Programme for Improvement of Security at Primary Schools $500,000 $400,000

09/004/04/C778 Teaching and Learning Strategies $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/C780 Expansion of Sixth Form Programme $250,000 -

09/004/04/C784 School Construction Programme $500,000 $500,000

09/004/04/C788 Resources for Schools E-Testing $1,350,000 $500,000

09/004/04/G491 Charlotteville Library $250,000 $250,000

09/004/04/G493 Roxborough Library $250,000 $250,000

09/004/04/G515 Training in Marketing and Distribution- Adult Education Programme $100,000 -

09/004/04/G516 Research Study on Student Under-Achievement in Tobago $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G518 Surveillance and Research on Youth At Risk in Schools $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G521 Establishment of Help Desk for Teachers $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G523 Establishment of Computerised Asset Register $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G525 Establishment of a Professional Development Institute $200,000 $200,000

09/004/04/G526 Establishment of an Adult Education Programme Unit $100,000 -

09/004/04/G529 Establishment of a Management of Information System $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G534 Upgrade of Technical Vocational Facility at Signal Hill $200,000 $200,000

09/004/04/G535 School Intervention Strategy $200,000 $200,000

09/004/04/G574 Agro Development Processing Training Programme for Adults $100,000 -

09/004/04/G578 Popularisation of Science in Tobago Programme $100,000 -

09/004/04/G580 Development of Public Library Facilities $300,000 $300,000

09/004/04/G588 Family Institute of Research Science and Technology (F.I.R.S.T) $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G592 Establishment of Skill-Based/Technical Vocational Programme in three (3) $100,000 $100,000 Secondary Schools 09/004/04/G606 D.E.Y.A.S Sport Career Fair $100,000 -

09/004/04/G608 Indigenous Celebrities and Outstanding Native Sport (I.C.O.N.S.) $100,000 - Motivational Speaking 09/004/04/G610 Sport Aid Grant for Schools $100,000 $300,000

09/004/04/G612 Tobago Primary School Mini Volleyball Championship and Students Elite $100,000 $100,000 Volleyball Programme for Secondary Schools 09/004/04/G614 Spanish in Primary Schools $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G620 Partnering with Community Stakeholders and Organisations $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G622 Establishing Classroom Libraries in Primary Schools which are recent $100,000 $100,000 additions to the CERT Programme 09/004/04/G626 Workshop for Secondary School Teachers on Reading in the Content Area $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G648 Career Fair $100,000 -

09/004/04/G656 Positive Behaviour Modification Student Support Services Unit $100,000 $100,000

09/004/04/G659 Reading Enhancement and Development Project (READ) $500,000 $400,000

09/004/07/B406 Purchase of Vehicles (Ambulances) $400,000 $500,000

09/004/07/C460 Smoking Cessation Programme $50,000 $50,000

09/004/07/C462 School Health Project $50,000 $50,000

09/004/07/C464 Shared Antenatal Care Programme $50,000 $100,000

09/004/07/C474 Establishment of a Dog Catching Unit $50,000 $50,000

09/004/07/C476 Management Information Systems and Software $300,000 $500,000

09/004/07/C478 Attitudinal Self and Change Management $50,000 $50,000

09/004/07/C480 Waste Minimisation and Recycling Project $50,000 $50,000

09/004/07/C482 Establishment of Integrated Primary Health Care $50,000 $50,000

09/004/13/A198 Orange Hill Community Workshop Art Gallery $500,000 $300,000

09/004/13/C754 Establishment of a Sport Advisory Unit $250,000 -

09/004/13/C778 Establishment of Tobago Youth Development Institute $200,000 $500,000

09/004/14/A309 Upgrading of Moriah Community Centre $150,000 -

09/004/14/D010 Establishment of Project Implementation Unit $400,000 $400,000

09/004/14/D014 Establishment of Management Information System $100,000 $200,000

09/005/06/F536 Construction of and Administration Building for Health and Social Services $500,000 $200,000

09/005/06/F650 University of Tobago $500,000 $500,000

New/Reactivated Projects during the Financial Year 202125 The following new projects received funding in the 2021 financial year: Sub-Item Project 2021 Estimate Description 09/003/01/H518 Establishment of Facilities on Little Tobago $500,000

09/003/01/H534 Indian Walk Root Crop Food Security $1,000,000

09/003/01/H594 Development of Home Garden Initiative $200,000

09/003/01/H609 Sargassum Response $1,000,000

09/003/15/D692 Orange Hill Road $1,000,000

09/004/04/B822 Primary School Maintenance Grant $300,000

09/004/07/A399 Improvement works to Hospitals (Laboratory/Mortuary) $500,000

09/004/07/C470 Pilot Project for Pit Latrine Replacement $200,000

09/004/08/B498 Riseland Hosing Development $5,000,000

09/004/13/A200 Restoration of Historical Homes $500,000

09/004/13/A212 Establishment of a Heritage Marine Museum $500,000

25 Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of- Development-Programme-2021.pdf 40

09/004/14/A295 Upgrade of Speyside Community Centre $500,000

09/004/14/A305 Pembroke Heritage Park $200,000

09/005/06/A028 Establishment of Geographic Information $500,000

09/005/06/A038 THA Wide Area Network and Data Centre $200,000

09/005/06/F651 Speyside Craft Market $100,000

Major Programmes and Developments for the Period 2019 to 202126 The following table shows a list of the significant expenditure items, based on the proportion of the budgetary allocation assigned. Sub-Item PROJECTS 2019 Actual 2020 Revised 2021 Estimate Description Estimate

09/003/01/F463 Agriculture access roads, Tobago $15,000,000 $15,000,000 $10,000,000

09/003/11/A748 Construction of Sea Defence Walls $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,400,000

09/003/11/D298 Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, $1,000,000 $1,000,000 - Tobago Campus 09/003/11/G002 Enterprise Development $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000

09/003/15/D523 Major Improvement Works on Secondary Roads $8,000,000 $26,700,170 $5,000,000 09/003/15/D678 Milford Road Bridges $8,000,000 $5,879,420 $1,500,000

09/003/15/D690 Resurfacing Programme $8,000,000 $4,000,000 $1,000,000

09/003/15/D696 Rehabilitation of Claude Noel Highway $7,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000

09/003/15/D708 Plymouth/Arnos Vale Road $3,000,000 $2,700,000 $1,500,000

09/004/04/B812 Improvemnet/Refurbishmnet/Extension to Primary $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $6,500,000 School

26 Draft Estimates of Development Programme for the Financial Year 2021, https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Draft-Estimates-of- Development-Programme-2021.pdf 42

Committee Inquires Related to the Tobago House of Assembly

Inquiry Report Status Ministerial Key Recommendations27 Response 1. The Second Report of the Joint Report Presented: Presented on:  The Committee recommends that the THA Select Committee on Local 07.12.16 13.03.17 consult with the Central Government, in Authorities, Statutory particular the Ministry of Finance on the Authorities and Service Commissions (including the impact the current financial conditions has THA) on an inquiry into certain had on the ability of the Assembly to meet aspects of the Administration of its obligations and pursue its development the Tobago House of Assembly agenda. These discussions should take into account the prevailing economic circumstances and the impact on Central Government to satisfy the provisions of Section 47 of the THA Act which states that “monies appropriated by Parliament for the service of the financial year of the Assembly shall be credited to the Fund in quarterly releases in advance en bloc.  The THA has an obligation to develop a Revenue Generation Plan in the short-term in order to adopt a more proactive approach to meeting some of its financial needs.  We recommend that the THA engage the Central Government on the options available to the Assembly to benefit from

27 Key Recommendations relate to recommendations that may have a financial impact on the Assembly 43

funding outside the remit of the treasury. Consideration should be given to permitting the THA to issue bonds as a means of raising funds and to engage in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).  The THA must collaborate with the Government to encourage foreign direct investment in the island of Tobago. This would involve the identification and marketing of investment opportunities in Tobago. 2. The Third Report of the Public Report Presented: Outstanding  The THA must also provide training for Accounts Committee for the First 03.02.17 staff transferred between departments, Session of the Eleventh whether it is a permanent or Parliament on the Examination of The Report of the Auditor acting/temporary transfer; General on the Public Accounts of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for the financial year 2014 with specific reference to the Tobago House of Assembly

3. Sixth Report of the Public Report Presented: Outstanding  The THA should embark upon an Administration and employee sensitisation exercise into the Appropriations Committee on an objective of educating staff on the role and examination into the Tobago House of Assembly with specific importance of the Internal Audit function reference to Accountability and to the proper functioning of the THA Transparency, Inventory Control,  The THA should submit to Parliament a Internal Audit, Sub-Head 02 - status update on the arrangements made to Goods and Services, Sub-Head 03 find additional office accommodation for - Minor Equipment Purchases, Sub-Head 04 - Current Transfers its Divisions by February 28, 2018.The THA

44 and Subsidies and Sub-Head 09 - should submit a status report to Parliament Development Programme - on the progress made in establishing Consolidated Fund. Procurement Units within all of its

Divisions by February 28, 2018.  The THA should submit a status report to Parliament on the progress made in constructing the remaining two micro enterprise centres by February 28, 2018.

General Useful Information

. Nevis Island Administration: https://nia.gov.kn/government/

. The Zanzibar House of Representatives: https://www.zanzibarassembly.go.tz/index.php

. The Autonomous Bougainville Government: http://www.abg.gov.pg/