Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced the arrest of the tugboat Solo Creed in Angola during the Senate budget debate on October 23. The tugboat was involved in a significant oil spill off the coast of Tobago in February, leaking 51,000 barrels and prompting a government response of $50 million for cleanup efforts. Imbert also criticized opposition tactics during the budget discussions and highlighted the financial allocations for Tobago, promoting plans for infrastructure improvements and tourism enhancement.
During the Senate budget debate on October 23, Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced that the tugboat, Solo Creed, had been arrested in Angola following its involvement in an oil spill incident earlier this year. The Senate effectively approved the 2024-2025 budget after three days of discussions, subsequent to its prior passage in the House of Representatives. The incident traces back to February 7, when the Solo Creed was towing the barge Gulfstream, which overturned on a reef off Cove, Tobago, leading to a substantial leak of bunker oil. This environmental crisis contaminated parts of Tobago’s coastline and reportedly affected Grenada and Bonaire, releasing approximately 51,000 barrels of oil into the ocean. In response to the disaster, the Government allocated $50 million towards cleanup efforts from the estimated $134 million requested by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). In his speech, Minister Imbert emphasized the government’s decisive action: “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 serves as a legal measure to secure maritime claims and prevent the vessel from escaping liability for the damages caused. Moreover, Minister Imbert expressed anticipation for presenting his eleventh budget in 2025, making a reference to the upcoming general election. He began his remarks by criticizing the Opposition’s tactics for introducing additional temporary senators during the budget debates, labeling these actions as “a complete travesty” and a “violation of the Constitution.” Further discussing the financial allocations for Tobago, Imbert detailed that the government distributed approximately $3.2 billion for the island’s 63,000 residents, which equates to a per capita allocation of $50,793. This figure surpasses the per capita allocations for Grenada, St. Lucia, and Barbados. In justifying the investment in Tobago’s airport terminal, he argued for a vision of growth comparable to successful regional hubs like Panama City and Singapore, urging the necessity for more than just small-scale tourism facilities. He noted the importance of establishing robust refueling facilities at Tobago’s marina to enhance the tourism sector. Finally, he voiced compassion towards MTS workers regarding the discussion of raising the minimum wage but cautioned that excessively high levels could lead to job losses in the private sector.
The incident involving the tugboat Solo Creed highlights significant environmental and economic concerns within Trinidad and Tobago, stemming from a major oil spill. The incident not only affected the local ecology but also prompted considerable financial implications for the Government and residents of Tobago. The discussions in the Senate around the budget are crucial as they reflect the priorities of the government in managing both recovery efforts from this environmental disaster and broader economic forecasts. The Minister’s statements reveal ongoing political tensions and the government’s commitment to addressing both the ecological crisis and economic challenges faced by impacted communities.
In summary, the arrest of the tugboat Solo Creed marks a pivotal moment in Trinidad and Tobago’s handling of the recent oil spill crisis, demonstrating the government’s commitment to accountability and environmental stewardship. Minister Colm Imbert’s remarks during the budget debate underscore the administration’s focus on sustaining economic development while addressing pressing social issues such as employment and minimum wage concerns. The continued emphasis on significant investment in Tobago’s infrastructure aims to enhance tourism and economic viability, positioning Tobago for future growth amid existing challenges.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
