In
times of surpluses, savings and investments, especially in infrastructure should
be expanded. In times of deficits, infrastructure must be preserved;
efficiently utilized and maintained. The nation’s housing stock, buildings and
general monuments, public utilities, works and transport, and other
miscellaneous items needs urgent attention.
The
Ministry of Public Utilities facilitates
the effective delivery of efficient, affordable and quality public utilities
services through a committed, resourceful team of professionals in close
collaboration with all stakeholders. It provides meteorological information and
advice consistent with international standards towards the pursuit of national,
scientific, social, economic and cultural goals and sustainable development.
It
is responsible for the inspection and certification of electrical works. Directs
and regulates the fare distribution of electricity, water and the management of
waste through its allocation to and oversight of State Enterprises. And
through its Community-based Environment Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP),
focuses on environmental protection, enhancement and beautification in
communities.
The
Ministry of Works and Transport provides
world class infrastructure and transport that supports the development of a
‘united, resilient, productive, innovative and prosperous’ nation; through a
motivated team of employees working in collaboration with local and
international partners. With its PURE
(Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency) Unit, a specialized unit of which
emerged out of a restructuring of the Ministry’s Highway Division, its
Drainage, Construction and other Divisions, Transport which has the
responsibility for all aspects of public transportation by land, sea and air, and
through State Enterprises and Statutory Bodies, this ministry preserves the
nation’s infrastructure. Noting that, Tobago’s infrastructure works are carried
out by the THA's Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (DIPU).
The
Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is
open to any adult residing locally and wishing to stand for election to its 12
seats. A parliamentary model with elected members, the majority is led by the
Chief Secretary and the opposition is the minority leader. It also includes
four Councilors, three of whom are appointed in accordance with the advice of
the Chief Secretary and one on the advice of the minority leader; and a
Presiding Officer, who may or may not be an Assemblyman or a Councilor. The
Executive of THA is in control of its own budget, receives a statutorily set
allocation from the national budget and can earn additional funds independently
from that allocation. Appointed Secretaries of Divisions are mandated to
deliver, with oversight from the Central Administration, local services.
· Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment
· Community Development and Culture
· Education, Youth Affairs and Sport
· Finance and Enterprise Development
· Health and Social Services
· Infrastructure and Public Utilities
· Office of the Chief Secretary and Secretary of Public Administration, Information, State Lands and Energy Matters
· Planning and Development
· Settlements and Labour
· Tourism and Transportation
The
Ministry of Rural Development and Local
Government must prepare all regional corporations, borough and city
councils to fairly and transparently collect taxes and manage its service
delivery based on the Tobago House of assembly model; fully transformed and
modernized Local Government system that empowers and enhances quality of life
through service excellence.
- Building and land development
- Public health and sanitation
- Community services
- Roads, drains and infrastructure
- Burial and cremation services
- Information and education
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development must continue to build and maintain affordable housing for all demographics, linking and surrounding with other necessary facilities to build new communities, expand communities into towns and towns into cities.
Rationale
T.A.J & Associates Company Limited uses this occasion to comment on topics that have been covered, both academically and by the mainstream media, to add its opinion and point out investment opportunity, not to invoke any social action.
