Chief Secretary Orville London presented a Motion on the Plan that drew five speakers at the three-hour plenary sitting of the Assembly. The House was also asked to formally recognise the Executive Council for its far-reaching and inclusive discussions with stakeholders throughout Tobago, in the development of the Plan and to mandate it to take all appropriate steps to facilitate the fulfillment of the objectives for the sustainable development of Tobago during the period 2013 to 2017, as outlined in the Plan.
In asking the House to accept the Motion, London said governments have a responsibility to plan and implement in a manner that will ensure that the resources of the country whether human or natural can be harnessed and maximised for the benefit of the people. He added that satisfying the needs of the people must counter the needs of developing resources and no administration can or should govern by vaps.
He said the decision-making by his administration would affect the lives of generations to come and it was fully aware of its responsibility. He said it was for this reason it had developed the 2006 to 2010 development plan and was now in the position to bring to the House the economic development plan for 2013 to 2017.
He said the island was in a much better position in 2013 than in 2006. He said the 2013 to 2017 Plan had come to the House after consultation and evaluation and further evaluation. He added that it was significant that the plan would have encompassed three documents.
During his presentation London he was proud to announce that TEMA (Tobago Emergency Management Agency) was rated as the best agency for disaster preparedness in the Caribbean region.