00:00I find it particularly ironic that Cal services everywhere else in the region except Tobago properly when it comes to
00:09access to international flights, but they end making money.
00:12And if the taxpayers must subsidize Cal, pay when Cal can't make money, then the first call of duty should
00:20be on the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:22Chief Secretary Farley-Augustin says reports that Caribbean Airlines has offered options to finance Minister Devindranath-Tanku regarding the removal
00:33of the airbridge subsidy are caused for concern.
00:37And that, of course, will be concerning to me, but I would want to see what exactly is that proposal.
00:43There was an increase in the fare, and while I didn't necessarily raise any major objection to the increase in
00:54the fare that we had at the time, my position has been that Cal just has to be more efficient.
00:59He says he intends to raise the matter with the finance minister.
01:04I will reach out to Minister Tanku to see if he'll be willing to share whatever Cal's proposal is.
01:11At this time, I have not seen the proposal.
01:13I can't say whether it is something I will support or not support because I've not seen it.
01:18I know in the past, prior to even this government coming into office, there were discussions about whether or not
01:25international visitors should pay the full price,
01:28and the subsidized fare should be primarily for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago who live here and who utilize the
01:37airbridge as a public transportation service.
01:41Agustin also says the issue underscores the need for greater autonomy for Tobago, arguing that critical decisions affecting the island
01:50must reflect its needs and priorities.
01:55Of course it highlights the need for autonomy, and I'll give you one very simple example.
01:59If you make an application now to turn country planning and you need to appeal it, you have to fine
02:04yourself the Trinidad to get it done.
02:06The average Trinidad will just catch a bus or a car.
02:09And when I say it is unfair, it's patently unfair, it's an historical injustice that we ought to correct.
02:17Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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