Open conflict between THA and TRHA

OPEN CONFLICT has erupted between a senior executive of the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) and Secretary of Finance in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Dr Anselm London over nonpayment of salaries to monthly-paid staff at the TRHA. The employees are yet to be paid their salaries for February and Dr London claimed this was due to the TRHA’s continued inability to meet certain financial stipulations despite repeated requests. According to reports the problem has to do with accounting for funds released to the TRHA by the THA.

Dr London said in a release late Friday that funds due to the TRHA will be disbursed “once the necessary financial conditions (accounting procedures) are followed.” He  apologised to the affected persons and expressed hope that necessary action would be taken within the TRHA to ensure speedy payment of the outstanding salaries. Failing this, Dr London assured that he would “find a way” to pay these persons no later than today and hinted that action will have to be taken against a TRHA official. The media release stated: “The Secretary of Finance and Planning wishes to advise monthly-paid employees of the TRHA that the Division of Finance and Planning has, for several weeks, taken every action necessary in order to ensure the uninterrupted flow of salaries and other benefits to employees of the Authority (TRHA). “The Division regrets to note that the current circumstances related to the payment of salaries and other benefits due at the end of February are beyond its control, in view of the inability of the Authority, after repeated requests, to meet certain financial conditions that are essential to the smooth and effective operation of the THA.”

It added: “The Secretary of Finance and Planning also wishes to advise further that the programmed financial resources due to be paid to the Authority will be made available to the Authority at a moment’s notice once the necessary financial conditions are followed. The Secretary apologises to the staff of the Authority for any inconvenience caused and trusts that necessary actions will be taken within the Authority to ensure speedy payment of salaries and other benefits to all employees of the Authority. It is currently envisaged that the situation will be corrected no later than the end of the working day Monday March 1, 2004 (today)”