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Tobagonians to have more say in decisions
Whithfield Turner
Published: 1 Sep 2010
Whithfield Turner
As the nation celebrates 48 years of independence, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Orville London is urging citizens to take time to reflect and greater assist in nation-building. In his Independence Day message, London noted that citizens were demanding greater involvement in the governance of the country. According to London, members of his Executive Council will be embarking on a series of “meet the communities/meet the sectors” discussions after the presentation of the budget on September 8. These meetings, London said, would be instrumental in determining the needs and priorities of the people.
London said suggestion boxes would be posted at strategic locations across Tobago so that members of the public could play a greater role in the decision-making process. Urging Tobagonians to move beyond “political partisanship and public posturing,” London said the integrity of any institution or office must not be sacrificed on “the whims of the office-holders.” He said “loyalty” to Tobago and concern for its development must rein paramount.
Regarding the issue of tourism, London recommended that Government maintain subsidies on the air and sea bridges to ensure tourism was affordable. He noted that initiatives made by the Tobago’s Tourism Division has brought some measure of relief to hotels and owners of guest houses.
While the issue of crime has remained a major concern, London, however, claimed serious crimes were down, adding that there has been an increase in the detection rate. London also promised to provide greater job opportunities to the youths, saying that too many of them were “venturing into traditional but overcrowded areas for employment.”
Whithfield Turner
Published: 1 Sep 2010
Whithfield Turner
As the nation celebrates 48 years of independence, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Orville London is urging citizens to take time to reflect and greater assist in nation-building. In his Independence Day message, London noted that citizens were demanding greater involvement in the governance of the country. According to London, members of his Executive Council will be embarking on a series of “meet the communities/meet the sectors” discussions after the presentation of the budget on September 8. These meetings, London said, would be instrumental in determining the needs and priorities of the people.
London said suggestion boxes would be posted at strategic locations across Tobago so that members of the public could play a greater role in the decision-making process. Urging Tobagonians to move beyond “political partisanship and public posturing,” London said the integrity of any institution or office must not be sacrificed on “the whims of the office-holders.” He said “loyalty” to Tobago and concern for its development must rein paramount.
Regarding the issue of tourism, London recommended that Government maintain subsidies on the air and sea bridges to ensure tourism was affordable. He noted that initiatives made by the Tobago’s Tourism Division has brought some measure of relief to hotels and owners of guest houses.
While the issue of crime has remained a major concern, London, however, claimed serious crimes were down, adding that there has been an increase in the detection rate. London also promised to provide greater job opportunities to the youths, saying that too many of them were “venturing into traditional but overcrowded areas for employment.”
