THA looking for $2.2B in 2006

Of this figure, recurrent expenditure accounts for $1.275 billion, while $875 million would go towards development. The sum of $30 million is earmarked for the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), $28 million for CEPEP, and $3 million for the Road Improvement Fund. The recurrent expenditure is comprised of $446 million for personnel expenditure; $446.1 million — goods and services; $42.6 million — minor equipment purchases; and $340.5 million — current transfers and subsidies.

A further breakdown of the proposed THA estimates of expenditure 2005/2006, presented at the specially convened sitting of the Assembly, indicated that the Infrastructure and Public Utilities Division took the largest chunk — $275.5 million — of the recurrent expenditure, followed by $251.3 million for the Division of Education/Youth Affairs/Sport, with some $217.1 million allocated for the Health/Social Services Division. The Tourism/Transportation/Enterprise Development/Settlements Division has been allocated $162.7 million, while $107.8 million was earmarked for Finance/Planning. Comparatively, only $89.7 million was being sought for the Agriculture/Marine Affairs/Environment Division.

The allocation proposed for the Community Development/Culture Division is $65.1 million; Office of the Chief Secretary — $43.3 million; Public Administration — $53.9 million; and $8.6 million for the Assembly Legislature. Meanwhile, with respect to the $875 million being sought under Development, $454.3 million has been earmarked for economic infrastructure; $279.4 million — social infrastructure; $139.4 million for multi-sectoral and other services; and $1.9 million for productive sectors. Establishment of a Tobago Heritage Land Trust takes the lion’s share — $102 million — of the proposed development portfolio, with $80.5 million being proposed for housing. The THA Minority Leader, Democratic Action Congress (DAC) Assemblyman Ashworth Jack, is expected to kick off debate on the budget at Friday’s 1.30 pm sitting of the House.