On Tuesday (January 25th), Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary and Secretary for the Division Finance, Trade and the Economy, Hon. Farley Augustine, and other THA representatives met with a team from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). 

Discussions were held regarding Smart Agriculture, the Blue Economy, the Green Economy, project management strategy, support for business development, and the health sector including COVID-19.

Among the topics discussed for financing were the feasibility of a Tobago Development Bank, grant funding, public/private/partnerships and other development financing modalities. Infrastructural topics discussed included a Coastal Protection Programme and the Scarborough Secondary (Carbon Zero-Facility).

Other discussion points centred around strengthening the relationship between the THA and CDB through several initiatives inclusive of collaboration in research, data collection, and policy formulation; the participation of THA staff in CDB training; and a possible internship for Tobagonians at the CDB.

Chief Secretary Augustine says, “The meetings were timely, and I look forward to them bearing fruit that would support Tobago’s development journey”. He added, “This is a crucial time in Tobago’s development thrust and strategic partnerships are paramount in moving forward”.

The members of the CDB team were President Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, Vice-President of Operations Isaac Solomon, Senior Advisor to the President Dr. Shelton Nicholls and Director of Projects Daniel Best.