83
completion of designs for the restoration of the Red House and payments to
the archaeological research and rescue excavation team for careful
excavation and storage of historical material following the discovery of
human skeletal remains under the Red House
restoration of the Cocoa House at the Count de Lopinot Estate
Law Reform
245.
The Programme Revision of the Laws of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA)
implemented by the Ministry of Tobago Development continued in fiscal 2013 with the
on-going review of the draft amendments to the THA Act No. 40 of 1996.
Regional Development Planning
246.
In 2013, a sum of $12.7 million was provided to facilitate the conceptualization,
designs and commencement of implementation of various projects as outlined in the
Municipal Investment Plans (MIPs) of ten (10) of the Regional Municipalities and in
Tobago. Of this amount, the sum of $12.4 million ninety-seven per cent (97%) was
utilised. While the initial total cost of these initiatives is estimated to be in excess of $173
million, the funding provided under the PSIP is intended to be seed capital only. It is
expected that these projects will be financed through public-private partnerships and will
result in significant benefits to the local communities in terms of employment creation
and revenue generation, through stimulation of the local economies, and from other spin-
off effects.
247.
Progress of the activities which were financed in 2013 for implementation by
various local government authorities was as follows:
Chaguanas Borough Corporation – development of the Ramsaran Street
Boulevard to make it more attractive for business expansion. Designs were
completed and funding estimated at $25 million is now being sought from
both the public as well as the private sectors, to commence the widening and
beautification of this Boulevard
Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo – While a number of initiatives aimed at the
enhancement of domestic tourism through the phased development of six
(6) sites including Knolly‟s Tunnel, the Gran Couva River Lime, and La
Vega Estate was envisaged, the progress was delayed as the Corporation
sought to implement measures to ensure transparency and accountability in
the rollout of its projects
Penal/Debe Regional Corporation – Implementation of the original project,
the enhancement of the entry point between Debe and Penal through the
installation of a Feature including a flag display, was delayed when it was
replaced with the construction of a facility for the hosting of sporting,
cultural and civic events in the Penal /Debe region
