Tobago gets $2.6B from $49B budget

The government of Trinidad and Tobago kept its promise Wednesday to treat Tobago as an equal partner within the twin-island state, providing the island with $2.6 billion for the new fiscal year.

In making the announcement in the budget presentation Wednesday afternoon, Finance Minister Winston Dookeran noted that the bulk of that - $1.97 billion - will go to the Tobago House of Assembly with the rest coming from the various ministries. The allocation is higher than is required by law, he said.

Dookeran also announced plans to accelerate developments projects on the island. And he confirmed that there will be a new campus established in Tobago that would incorporate all three of the country's tertiary education institutions - UWI, UTT and COSTAATT.

The minister also said the government will invest heavily in tourism, with a focus on year-round activities highlighting the country's rich diversity and religious and cultural heritage.

Dookeran said the aim is to ensure that Tobago realises its full economic potential.