Minister Colm Imbert announced the arrest of the tugboat Solo Creed in Angola, which was involved in an oil spill incident that contaminated Tobago, Grenada, and Bonaire. The government allocated significant funds for clean-up efforts. Imbert criticized the Opposition’s legislative tactics and highlighted Tobago’s per capita budget allocation, emphasizing the need for development in tourism infrastructure.
Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced during his concluding remarks in the Senate budget debate on October 23 that the tugboat Solo Creed has been apprehended in Angola. This statement was made as the Senate concluded its discussions on the 2024-2025 budget, which successfully passed following its earlier approval in the House of Representatives. The tugboat Solo Creed was involved in an incident on February 7, wherein it was towing the barge Gulfstream when the barge capsized on a reef, resulting in an oil leak off the coast of Cove, Tobago. This oil spill contaminated portions of Tobago’s shoreline and was reported to have affected Grenada and Bonaire, spilling a total of 51,000 barrels of oil. The Government allocated $50 million towards the clean-up efforts, contributing to the $134 million requested by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). Imbert articulated, “On Friday last, through the Attorney General’s Office, TT arrested the tug, the Solo Creed, in Angola, which was the abandoned barge off Tobago that caused so much damage in Tobago. That is performance! PNM style. We tracked down that barge and we arrested it!” The arrest signifies a court-ordered restriction to address maritime legal claims and to prevent any potential evasion of penalties. Looking ahead, Minister Imbert expressed his anticipation of presenting his eleventh budget in 2025, coinciding with the upcoming general elections. He commenced his remarks by criticizing the Opposition for presenting additional temporary senators, suggesting that it was a repetitive and dubious practice, hence labeling it as “a complete travesty” and a violation of constitutional norms. On the allocation for Tobago, he indicated that $3.2 billion was designated for the region’s population of 63,000, translating to a per capita distribution of $50,079, exceeding the allocations for other Caribbean nations such as Grenada, St. Lucia, and Barbados. In defense of the newly proposed airport terminal in Tobago, Imbert likened its potential to that of successful regional aviation hubs like Panama City and Singapore. Moreover, he emphasized the need for Tobago to develop substantial refueling facilities at its marina to stimulate tourism growth. While addressing the issue of low minimum wage, he expressed his concern for MTS workers, while also cautioning that excessively high wage levels could result in job losses across private enterprises.
This article discusses recent developments concerning the tugboat Solo Creed, which was involved in a significant oil spill incident off the coast of Tobago. The Finance Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Colm Imbert, reported on the boat’s arrest in Angola during a Senate debate, emphasizing government accountability and financial management in relation to compensation and environmental protection efforts following the oil spill. In tandem with the budgetary matters, Imbert’s comments reflect broader issues surrounding economic policy, regional funding, and legislative interactions between government factions.
In summary, the apprehension of the tugboat Solo Creed in Angola highlights the Trinidad and Tobago government’s commitment to accountability in addressing the repercussions of an oil spill that significantly impacted Tobago’s environment. Minister Imbert’s remarks during the budget debate further underscored the government’s fiscal responsibility in supporting the affected communities, while also addressing broader economic initiatives and legislative practices. The progress made in managing the aftermath of the incident suggests a proactive approach to environmental and economic issues within the region.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
