00:00I want to apologize for all the disruptions that happened, really fairly, notwithstanding the THA, nor the Chief Secretary, really
00:11and truly having any part to play in those disruptions.
00:16Augustin also issued an ultimatum to Works and Infrastructure Minister Jillian John as concerns continue over the Blue Wave Harmony
00:24vessel.
00:25And I'm saying this for my good friend, Minister of Works, to ensure for us that on the 1st of
00:33March that we're having full commercial sailing and that the communication is forthcoming and we don't anticipate anything on what's
00:46happening hereafter.
00:48The Chief Secretary admitted he has not seen the report outlining the vessel's previous operational challenges.
00:56However, he maintained that the continued assignment of the Blue Wave Harmony to the Trinidad and Tobago Seabridge is not
01:03the responsibility of the Tobago House of Assembly.
01:06That's certainly the ministry's decision because they are the ones paying.
01:10The Tobago House of Assembly, nor the people of Tobago, spends any money on these vessels, really.
01:17So it's the decision of the central government on that matter.
01:22I have not seen the report you're talking about, so I cannot do an assessment as to whether or not
01:27the issues raised in this so-called report have been meaningfully addressed or not.
01:31Augustine confirmed the shortages of several items, including cereal, snacks, chocolates, cement, steel, and bitumen.
01:40He said with the vessel leased for one year, both the THC and the central government must ensure the arrangement
01:48works effectively.
01:49As a country, I want it to be clear that we can't have a repeat of this situation again.
01:57We are told that the vessel is here for a year for us to assess and determine what we want.
02:03The first thing is that I want NITCO to know when you're procuring a vessel for permanent operation in Tobago,
02:12that the Tobago House of Assembly on behalf of the people of Tobago must be part of that process.
02:18As for compensation to effective businesses, Augustine says it is under consideration.
02:25The THC has commissioned a formal economic assessment of losses caused by the cargo disruption.
02:32The study is being led by Dr. Selvon Hazel of the Division of Finance, Trade, and the Economy, with results
02:39expected within two weeks.
02:41Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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