00:00The fact that the new A&R Robinson International Airport terminal was built without a fueling station is not sitting
00:08well with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine.
00:10He told the TV6 News on Tuesday that MP had advised him that fuel lines will have to be connected
00:18to the new A&R Robinson International Airport from the existing airport at a cost of approximately $50 million.
00:26When I spoke with NPE some months ago, they indicated it would cost them about $50 million to run the
00:34line into the new terminal.
00:37And NPE was wondering whether or not they should now pay that cost.
00:43So all of those things are being considered because we don't just want a new terminal.
00:49We want a terminal that's modern, that's efficient, that is competitive with the others in the region and beyond the
00:57region.
00:58Mr. Augustine said former Infrastructure Secretary Trevor James had raised the issue of the construction of a fueling station at
01:06the new A&R Robinson International Airport terminal back in 2022,
01:11when under the previous PNM government, Cabinet convened in Tobago at the Prime Minister's residence, but the THA was ignored.
01:21But of course, as usual, in 2022, the THA was ignored.
01:28Our thoughts were not considered at the time, and the terminal was built without that critical infrastructure there.
01:37In this new dispensation, Mr. Augustine said the THA is willing to work with central government towards an efficient start
01:46of the terminal.
01:48Ports in and of themselves have potentials for generating income, and we have to see the airport as such,
01:57and not just as a hub for planes to land and pick up people, but as an income-generating facility.
02:06But we are prepared to work with the central government in getting all the necessary work done.
02:12Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jolene John, during an interview with TV6 News, stated there are some variations to be
02:20realized.
02:21She spoke to her concern of the lack of fueling capacity at the new A&R Robinson International Airport terminal,
02:29and her intention to meet later this week with officials on the way forward.
02:34She said the matter is to be brought before Cabinet next week.
02:39Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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