Tobago Schools Delayed by Bureaucracy | Trinidad and Tobago News

Chief Secretary Farley Augustine is furious over the delayed school repair program, blasting the Division of Education for failing to act despite $13.7 million already released in May. Education Secretary Orlando Kerr admits staffing shortages are to blame, with repairs now set to stretch into the first term—only happening weekends and after hours. Augustine demands immediate action: Kerr must meet with the teachers’ union and personally tour every school before September 7 reopening. He also raged at broader inefficiencies across the Tobago House of Assembly, citing canceled fireworks tenders and a stalled infrastructure vacancy list that forced him to form a special committee. Augustine warned staff that procurement rules exist to protect taxpayer money—not to justify inaction—and vowed accountability, with performance reviews set for November. He made clear he’s open to firing anyone who isn’t delivering, prioritizing results over reputation. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/26a51a3dacbc8e39