Tourism Secretary Accuses Central Government of Refusing to Grant Approval for CAL to Increase Airlift to Tobago

March 27, 2025 – The central government is being accused of preventing Caribbean Airlines (CAL) from increasing domestic and international airlifts to the ANR Robinson International Airport. Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation, made the claim during Minority Leader Kelvon Morris‘s questioning in the Assembly Legislature today. Morris pressed Burris on why the THA has been unable to secure more flights to Tobago. She explained that the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) was engaged in intense negotiations with the airline to expand airlift since the central government owns CAL. Burris urged Morris to leverage his political connections within the PNM to push for action in Tobago’s best interest. Regarding efforts to attract other international carriers to Tobago, Burris explained that the THA has no authority to approve new airlift. However, Burris reported that the THA is making progress in negotiations with two carriers already licensed to operate in the country, with hopes of finalising agreements by the end of this fiscal year. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with two other airlines interested in flying to Tobago, and she hopes the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority will grant the necessary approvals when the time comes.