By Sue-Ann Wayow
A LEGAL office is to be set up to assist Tobagonians with the acquisition of titles for lands.
And soon, Tobagonians will no longer have to travel to Trinidad for any business related to land titles.
This was announced by THA’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine on Wednesday.
He was speaking during the THA’s post executive council meeting and gave an update regarding a meeting held with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Monday when Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi was also in attendance.
Augustine said that Al Rawi gave the assurance that soon parliamentary process may be able to take place regarding land tenure for Tobagonians.
He said, “I would tell you that your executive council here in Tobago was already considering and has in train, plans to set up some sort of a legal desk…a small office for the purpose of assisting Tobagonians with getting their land titles. We were assured by the AG that we are almost ready to go before the Parliament with the necessary legislation that can assist into Tobagonians getting title for land that they have owned for a very long time.”
Augustine added that Tobago will be leading the way when it comes to digitisation and soon enough will eliminate the travel to Trinidad to have documents sorted out.
Regarding foreigners owning land in Tobago, Augustine said that the matter of a foreigner wanting to acquire a license to own land in Tobago, should not be headed by any minister in Trinidad and that this responsibility should be delegated to the THA.
Regarding tourism, Augustine raised some concerns about projects already underway and has asked for full details before they can proceed which included the Marriott Hotel and the ANR Robinson International Airport expansion project.
A commitment was also made by the Central Government regarding the resumption of Caribbean Airlines direct flights from New York to Tobago, Farley said.
In the area of agriculture, Farley said that Tobago farmers can now apply for a National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) grant without having to wait for someone from Trinidad to come to Tobago to assess and approve grant applications. The Chief Secretary said this responsibility has been delegated to the THA.
The Central Government also assured that boat license applications for Tobagonians will also be delegated to the THA.
There was also a commitment that THA will be able to get the Firearm User Employee Certificate which means that the THA as the employer will be able to own these firearms to be used by rangers.
Augustine also announced that the Environment Police hours of work are to be extended beyond 8 am to 4 pm.
The THA called for consideration to be given to adjusting the hunting ordinance specifically for Tobago, as agoutis, Cocricos and other animals were destroying farmers’ crops.
A prison for Tobago was also on the agenda. Augustine believes there should be a move towards restorative justice and the THA will be looking for land in an appropriate place, to build a prison which will also include criminal rehabilitation.
And the Dwight Yorke Stadium should once again be available for use the Chief Secretary stated.
