One year has passed since the last THA elections and as part of the citizenry of Tobago, this column will look at where we are at since then. However, it must be done against the background of where the nation is at present.
Trinidad and Tobago has been experiencing a boom in gas and oil prices. This means that as was said during the 1970s oil boom "money is no problem".
This truth is now being manifested by massive spending on numerous projects particularly in Trinidad. A multi million-dollar stadium in South Trinidad, super expansion at the Port of Spain port, planned highways and inter-changes, a new hospital for Port of Spain and others. The nation now has a $32b Budget.
While money is flowing in the top strata of the society, the nation is plagued by an unprecedented crime wave, with nearly 400 murders and near 300 kidnappings during the past year. Fear stalks the length and breath of Trinidad and the government has responded by spending millions and more millions on blimps and other 'high tech' crime fighting equipment. The drug trade continues unabated, making overnight millionaires of those involved.
This is the type of environment, which Tobago has found itself in, from a national perspective. Expectations are understandably high because of the massive flow of oil and gas dollars. The THA in its one year into this term of office has had to function with these realities confronting it. So far this THA has received much more in terms of its budgetary allocation than any other THA Administration. After one year in office, the Orville London led administration has had it ups and its downs. Let us take a look at the performance of each THA representative including the Opposition.
Chief Secretary Orville London has been able to hold his own, as his Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports has been manned by some competent personnel.
Dr. Arthur Potts who replaced Peter O'Neil as Administrator has brought his maturity and vast experience to manage a Division, which is very vast and challenging. His top officers such as Walter Coppin who brings over 25 years of public service experience into the mix, has probably been an important factor in stabilising the potentially volatile school system. Assistant Education secretary Claudia Groome-Duke has helped the Division with her hands-on policy of operating. Theophilus Trim and Peter Granville in Sports and Carla Beache in Youth Affairs are pillars of strength, while time in the job could help fashion Assistant Secretary Tracy Davidson into a more humble, people-oriented person.
Finance Secretary Dr Anslem London has been through the 'wars' and it will be a test of his character, which will determine his future in the THA, but he seems to be a survivor. His Assistant Frank Roberts has been putting some energy into his constituency and it could be an inspiration to the Tobago youth fraternity if he solidifies his work in the THA. He is an ambitious youthful Secretary and once he keeps his 'head on the ground,' his future could be unlimited.
Neil Wilson has done his work in the Tourism Division and over the last year, the Division is regarded as one of the best functioning components of the THA. His Assistant Secretary Oswald Williams has been emerging to be the 'surprise package' in the THA. Williams has developed a people's man approach, which could only be a positive for the London administration.
However, the problem facing the Tourism Division has been the falling-off of expected visitor arrivals for this tourist season. At present, it is not only the small guesthouses, which are feeling the pinch but even the big hotels are complaining. This situation must be monitored closely because of a large section of Tobago's working population depends on the tourism industry for their survival.
The THA Works and Infrastructure Division Secretary Whitney Alfred is a good human soul and he has one of the most important Divisions of the THA to deal with. His Division has been undertaking a number of projects, however, there have been complaints about the slow pace of work on some of these projects. This is one area, which the goodly secretary must seek to address in the coming months of the dry season, which would be conducive to construction work.
The energy of his Assistant Secretary Godwyn Adams should be of assistance to him on this mission because proper roads and bridges are essential for Tobago's communication and overall development.
Secretary of Health, Aldington Spencer has to deal with a health situation where the flagship health institution, the Tobago Regional Hospital is very lacking in a number of facilities needed for its proper functioning. This problem was highlighted by the Gladys Gafoor Commission of Enquiry into the health services, which condemned the poor state of the Tobago hospital.
Spencer's problem has been compounded by those encountered with the construction of the new Tobago Hospital at Signal Hill. Costs over-runs, construction problems and problems with the time the hospital was supposed to be finished have plagued the project. Spencer's Administration has been boosted by the recruitment of Harry Bruce as his Technical Advisor. Bruce has used his vast international experience to give the Health Division the proverbial 'shot in the arm'.
Albert Pilgrim, the Assistant Health Secretary can take credit for his sense of humility and willingness to learn on the job.
Hilton Sandy as Agriculture Secretary has been blazing a trail since he was appointed to the post last January. A number of incentives have been offered to the farming community. Secretary Sandy is one of the most experienced politicians in the PNM and he has been using this experience to solidify a political base in the Windward area. However, the farming community of Tobago continues to cry out for help in their quest to develop this productive sector of the economy. Still in 2006, Tobago continues to depend on its supply of food from Trinidad and other Caribbean islands. Mr. Sandy's challenge is to reverse this trend.
Secretary of Community Development and Culture Cynthia Alfred took over one of the most turbulent Divisions in the THA. She has had to deal with an entrenched culture of operations, which many in the cultural fraternity felt were against their interest and promoting self-agrandisement. So far, she seems to be laying the groundwork for a progressive transformation of the Division. However, she must, with the assistance of the THA continue the 'house-cleaning' process or all her efforts could be sabotaged. Her challenge is to hold fast and move speedily ahead. Her Assistant Secretary Wendell Berkeley who like Alfred comes from a cultural background has been solid and loyal to the cause. He has added much energy to the Division butmust keep his head level.
Minority Leader Ashworth Jack marked his first year as Opposition Leader by threading a cautious line, maybe trying to get to work out his own style of operating. Jack did not go overboard in his actions within the THA. Possibly the influence of the 'Old warhorse' Hochoy Charles as his Councillor may be influencing him in some way or the other. There are those who believe that with his youthful energy and intellectual competence, Jack should be making his presence felt more as Minority Leader in the House. Only time will tell how Jack has shaped to the task at hand. Sometime in the future we will take another look at how our representatives are doing.
