THA Chief Secretary Clears Air On Oil Spill Payments For Tobago Fishermen

THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine sought to clear the air regarding the matter of outstanding payments to the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association (ATFA) and fishermen in Tobago who provided services during this year's oil spill operation. He applauded the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association and fishermen for their support during the oil spill operations, noting they were among the first responders. However, Mr. Augustine plainly stated the ATFA’s statements regarding payments are untrue and shared the Association received two cheques dated May 20th, 2024. "One valued at $641,200 and the other valued at $490,000 and of course, that brings us to a total of $1,131,200." Mr. Augustine stressed that the $50 million sent by the Central Government for oil spill relief compensation was insufficient, adding that the THA is reprioritising projects to make payments to service providers. "So it meant that some of the invoices that we had for ATFA that would have been submitted perhaps even late, after April, was not even covered in the release we received from the Central Government. So when you are there in the public space, ATFA, and cussing and saying THA ain't want to pay you and all sort of story, that is the furthest thing from the truth. The THA is really paying what it has and that is why we ensured you, ATFA, like every other supplier, actually received some payments." He acknowledged however that $5 million remains outstanding for the Association, adding that an additional payment is underway. "I am advised that within a short period of time you will get those monies. It is actually in the process right now that is $2 million. It means that we will go into 2025 owing ATFA approximately $3 million." On February 7th, a vessel overturned in Tobago off the coast of Canoe Bay resulting in an extensive oil spill on the Western end of the island. Clean up efforts were undertaken for several months and the substance remains stored at the Studley Park Quarry.