Tobago House of Assembly Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor said Tobagonians have nothing to fear regarding statements of a possible hiring freeze within the THA. This follows statements made during the debate of THA’s budget for fiscal 2026 / 2027 by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, noting that it might be time for the THA to consider a hiring freeze due to its rising employment bill. Dr. Brebnor explained that salaries take up the bulk of funding under recurrent expenditure, limiting investments in other projects. The Chief Secretary revealed that the THA has hired over 3 thousand 1 hundred people since January 2022, and are continuing to fill vacancies. The THA is also responsible for over 60% of employment on the island. Dr. Brebnor explained that this situation is not sustainable and the THA is working on ways to bolster the private sector to create a better balance in employment statistics. Dr. Brebnor assured that they have no intention of firing anyone from positions that they currently hold.