Category: Media Releases
Finance Month November 2024
Finance for All: Empowering growth Together through Knowledge
Why this theme:
The theme “Finance for All: Empowering Growth Together through Knowledge” captures the core vision of Finance Month 2024 by emphasizing inclusivity, collaboration, and education in financial literacy and development. The theme reflects our commitment to making financial knowledge accessible to everyone, from primary school students to seasoned business owners, highlighting that economic growth is achievable for all when we share knowledge and resources.
“Finance for All” reinforces our belief that financial understanding should not be exclusive but should be an opportunity available to every individual. Through initiatives like the Money Mates Workshop for young students and the Community Sensitization Programme for small business owners, we are broadening access to essential financial skills and support.
“Empowering Growth Together” speaks to the importance of collaboration between sectors, communities, and individuals. By working in partnership with divisions like Agriculture and Tourism, we’re creating a network of support that nurtures our unique
economic potential. This collaborative approach not only helps small businesses grow but also strengthens the island’s economic ecosystem as a whole.
Trade & Investment Convention (TIC) 2023
The 24th annual Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) 2023 will be held from July 20th – 22nd at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Trinidad. The Division of Finance, Trade and the Economy (DFTE), through its Strategic Business Support and Development Unit (SBSDU) will lead a Tobago contingent of Tobago House of Assembly (THA) entities and Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs). Widely regarded as one of the largest conventions in the Caribbean, TIC attracts upwards of 35 countries, over 500 regional and international buyers, 200 booths and roughly 800 small business entrepreneurs.
Expanding the reach of Tobago’s MSMEs is vital for trade, thereby building the island’s private sector and aiding in diversifying our economy. Participation at TIC will provide a great number of opportunities which can broaden the market reach, increase sales and revenue, and lead to new business partnerships.
As the THA continues to give support to Tobago’s MSMEs, the goal is for the sector to become a main driver of sustainable economic growth and career development, thus reducing the burden on the public sector.
In keeping with our “One Tobago” approach, the following special purpose THA entities will again present and engage at TIC as they expand their reach in the global space:
- Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd.
- Tobago Information Technology Ltd.
- Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd.
- Shaw Park Complex & Buccoo Integrated Facility.
- E-IDCOT (including their Animation suite and MSMEs)
(i) Tobago Bar Estate – Les Warner
(ii) Tobago Preserve Cravings – Danielle Pontiflet
2021 Women’s Economic Forum (WEF)
2021 Women’s Economic Forum Promises Greater Reach and Export Markets for the Region
Every year the All Ladies League, Women’s Economic Forum (WEF) provides a platform that enables women and leaders from all walks of life to expand business opportunities and enhance personal influence and networking despite location or nationality.
The WEF platform connects over two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) members from over two hundred (200) countries with key areas of emphasis including the economy, science, health, innovation and sustainability.
This year’s Conference was entitled WEF Caribe and placed specific focus on the Caribbean region.
The Division is pleased to share that Tobago was well represented by Ms. Tricia Beckles, Manager of the Strategic Support and Development Unit of the Division of Finance and the Economy, Tobago House of Assembly.
Ms. Beckles participated in two (2) virtual Panel Discussions and presented on topics: “Women as Drivers of Competitiveness” and “Institutions that Support Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean”.
The Division looks forward to the opportunities available to Tobago entrepreneurs through the WEF and encourage our women in business to be ready to adopt innovative strategies to expand reach and develop their export potential.
Post Executive Council Media Briefing (Fiscal 2022 Exercise for Tobago)
Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Finance and the Economy, Assemblyman Joel Jack was at the Post Executive Council Media Briefing on July 28th 2021.
One of the areas addressed was the fiscal 2022 exercise for Tobago, guided by the Estimates submitted by Divisions of the Assembly as well as recommendations shared by various stakeholders in the Consultation sessions.
The information is presently being collated for onward transmission to the Minister of Finance, in order to inform the preparation of the Draft Estimates for Tobago pursuant to Section 42(2) of the Tobago House of Assembly Act 40 of 1996.
Details in the clip below.
Post Executive Council Media Briefing (Reduced Rates)
In his appearance at the Post Executive Council Media Briefing on July 28th 2021, Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Finance and the Economy, Assemblyman Joel Jack announced reduced rates at the COVE Eco-Industrial Business Park between 43-44% as well as additional incentive packages for lease land space at COVE.
Secretary Jack also highlighted the waiver of rental fees for tenants at Assembly-owned properties including the Milford Road Esplanade, and BDU rental spaces. Additionally, a general review of current rental fees is in train as part of the overall strategy to assist the recovery of the private sector on the island.
Details in the clip below.
THAs 2021 BUDGET PREPARATION HAS COMMENCED
The process has commenced for the preparation of the Tobago’s House of Assembly’s (THA) Annual Budget Statement by the Division of Finance and the Economy. Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Division of Finance and the Economy, Joel Jack officially issued the ‘Call Circular 2020 document’ on Monday 23 March, 2020, to all Divisions under the THA.
Two units in the Division of Finance, the Budgets Unit and the Economic Management Research Unit (EMRU) will utilise this data returned from each Division to inform the Draft Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure as well as the 2021 Budget Statement Presentation.
“This circular provides Divisions/Departments of the Tobago House of Assembly with instructions to be followed in the preparation of Draft Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the accounting (Fiscal) year 2021.” 1.2, page 1 Call Circular 2020. The deadline date for submission from Divisions is 20 April, 2020. See the documents section for more details.
