ATFA Continues Calls For Tha To Pay Outstanding Bill Of Over $3 Million For Services Rendered During Gulfstream Oil Spill

Separate from compensation is the issue of payment to the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association (ATFA) for services rendered to the THA during the February 2024 Gulfstream oil spill. The THA contracted ATFA to assist with response efforts, including laying booms and other duties. So far, ATFA has received approximately $3 million in payments but is still owed more than $1 million. ATFA President Curtis Douglas claims the THA promised to settle the outstanding balance once central government provided funds to cover oil spill-related expenses. The THA received over $50 million to cover bills incurred up to March 28, 2024. However, they claim that some of ATFA’s invoices were submitted after that date and were not approved by the central government. Despite this, ATFA President Curtis Douglas believes it is unfair that contractors, especially Trinidad-based companies, received full payment for their invoices while ATFA is still waiting. Douglas claims there is ongoing ambiguity from the THA regarding when the outstanding balance will be cleared. Meanwhile, he is displeased that both Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts publicized details of payments to ATFA while failing to provide similar breakdowns for other contractors. Although the THA has committed to paying the outstanding bills, no timeline has been provided. Douglas is calling on the THA to either meet with them or make the payments; otherwise, they will pursue legal action to recover what is owed.