Tobago House of Assembly Passes Updated Financial Rules After Three Decades

Summary

Updated Sep 30, 2026

The THA unanimously passed updated financial rules on September 30 to replace its decades-old spending framework.Guardian
The rules are intended to align with procurement law, clarify spending authority, and improve oversight, transparency and digital fund tracking.TTT News +1
The THA is digitising its accounting system to improve payment monitoring and reporting after early implementation problems.TTT News
The THA says it has paid $40 million to contractors, while more than $300 million remains owed for projects completed over four years ago.Guardian

Automatically summarised from the coverage below.

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Coverage

Sep 30, 2026

THA moves to modernise 30-year-old financial rules

The Tobago House of Assembly unanimously passed updated financial rules to modernise its spending framework after 30 years of uncertainty. Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts said the changes align the THA with public procurement law, clarify spending authority and strengthen oversight, transparency and digital tracking of funds.

Sep 29, 2026

THA Moves To Update Financial Rules Dating Back To 1990

The Tobago House of Assembly has approved a motion to update its financial rules, which date back to 1990 and have contributed to delays in paying contractors and confusion over spending authority. The revised rules aim to align with modern procurement laws, improve transparency and digitise payment processes, while reducing audit issues and protecting public servants.

Sep 26, 2026

THA releases $40M to contractors, $300M still owed

Tobago House of Assembly Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts said $40 million has been paid to contractors for work under both the current administration and the former PNM-led THA. She said the THA inherited nearly $1 billion in liabilities and still owes over $300 million for projects done more than four years ago, while setting aside funds for schools, roads, housing and other priority projects.

Sep 25, 2026

THA Steps Up Efforts To Digitise Accounting Operations

The Tobago House of Assembly is working with Free Balance to digitise its accounting systems after early implementation problems, Finance Secretary Petal-Ann Roberts said. She said the upgrade should improve payment monitoring and speed up reports, while additional training and supervision are being used to reduce delays for contractors and service providers.