Chief Secretary Signals Zero Tolerance for Delays and Results Over Excuses in Government Contract Delivery
January 26, 2026 — Chief Secretary Farley Augustine issued a firm warning to contractors today, underscoring that winning a government contract comes with serious responsibility. He made it clear that performance, not promises or affiliations, will determine who remains engaged, as the administration prioritises delivery, accountability, and results in the execution of public projects.
Speaking following the historic swearing-in of his expanded Executive Council, Augustine emphasized that his second-term administration will adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach to administrative and project delays. He noted that the era of “handshake” agreements and excuses has ended, replaced by a mandate for rigorous oversight.
Key measures announced to ensure delivery include:
Project Monitoring Platform: The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is launching a dedicated website to track critical projects in real-time. This system will identify responsible officers and highlight delays to the public, ensuring transparency.
Contract Non-Renewal: Augustine warned that non-performing contract officers and companies that fail to meet technical or temporal milestones will not have their contracts renewed.
Procurement Task Force: A new task force, recently bolstered by the recruitment of a former national procurement watchdog, will oversee the awarding and execution of contracts to ensure they align with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act.
The Chief Secretary’s directive signals a move toward a high-performance culture within the THA, where the focus remains squarely on completing works that benefit the people of Tobago without the “hidden taxes” of inefficiency. “I do not return triumphant; I return accountable,” Augustine stated, reminding both public servants and private contractors that their roles are a privilege defined by their output.
