Prime Minister Must Launch Immediate Forensic Investigation Into THA
Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial has called for Prime Minister Keith Rowley to launch an immediate forensic investigation into the operations of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).
At the Joint Select Committee meeting on Local Authorities, Service Commissions and Statutory Authorities (including the THA), the public witnessed a colossal ‘mess’ regarding the management of public funds in the national development of Tobago, from statements and information given by THA officials.
Annual allocations to the THA increased from $1.65 billion in 2012 to $2.72 billion in 2016 with little or no development to Tobago in return. From 2005-2015 a total of $346 million was spent on international airlift in Tobago, again with little or no improvements but instead seeing some major airlines pulling out of Tobago. 2005-2015 also saw a total of $151 million spent on island promotion to attract tourists however a steady decline was seen from 88,200 visitors in 2005 to 22,435 visitors in 2015. It is predicted that for this current year, there will be a further 15% decline in tourist arrivals to Tobago despite tourism growing regionally by 7% in 2015.
“The hosting of events such as the Tobago Heritage Festival and the Tobago Carnival incur millions of dollars in cost annually with little or no returns, as confirmed by THA officials. The Tobago Jazz Experience for the period 2011-2016 cost taxpayers $65.2 million with a net loss of $48.1 million. This is clearly a failed investment. We cannot continue to do the same things over and over again expecting different results”, said Ramdial as she reiterated the urgent need for investigation into mismanagement of state funds by the THA.
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