Duke Criticizes THA’s $3.9 Billion Budget Expectation, Cites Ineffective Spending

Scarborough, Tobago – October 1, 2024 – The 2025 National budget was read in parliament on Monday by Finance Minister Colm Imbert. Watson Duke, political leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP), has criticized the current Tobago House of Assembly (THA) administration for its expectation of $3.9 billion for the THA, as highlighted in its post-budget response.

Duke claims that in finance, the requested amount is never given until it is proven that the funds can be effectively managed. He argued that the current THA administration must first account for the $7.5 billion it received over the past three years before requesting additional funds. His comments underscore a significant political debate about THA’s financial management and accountability for Tobago’s economic development.