Chamber calls Tobago's budget predictable 

June 22, 2010 

The Tobago Chamber of Commerce says it's not surprised by the development plans rolled out in the THA budget.

Vice President of the Chamber Selby Leslie says it's however pleased with several aspects of the package. At the same time he calls for a strengthened relationship between the THA and the central government.

Predictable is how Vice President of the Tobago Chamber of Commerce Selby Leslie describes the THA's 3.5 billion dollar budget.

He says it's obvious that the THA had to ensure the continuation of outstanding major projects. In the same vein he expressed satisfaction with several features of the budget.

However, he says there are still shortcomings.

Mr. Leslie points out that there's an urgent need to address the political dynamics between the central government and THA.

He was referring to the political overtones in Dr. London's budget presentation.

He insists there's still a need to shift the island's economy away from its dependence on tourism. 

He adds that the enterprise small business initiative, is a step in the right direction, but he laments that this too is suffering from a lack of technical skills.