Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has dismissed concerns raised by San Fernando East MP Brian Manning regarding the expenditures of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). The dispute arose during the Standing Finance Committee’s session on October 24, where a budget allocation of $2,943,574,800 for the THA was approved. Manning questioned the insurance costs for vehicles used by the Assembly, suggesting potential irregularities. Tancoo firmly refuted these claims, stating, ‘This is not the PNM. So not everything is about racket.’ He emphasized that the THA provides comprehensive insurance for its vehicles, dismissing Manning’s concerns as unfounded. Tancoo also recalled similar questions raised by Manning earlier in the week, urging clarity to prevent unnecessary debate. Manning, however, persisted, requesting detailed information on state vehicles insured by third parties, including the insurance amounts and agencies involved. Committee Chairman Jagdeo Singh advised Manning that while his inquiry might be legitimate, the committee was not the appropriate forum for such questions. Manning adjusted his request to focus solely on THA vehicles. The committee is set to reconvene on October 25 to finalize the budget, with key government departments, including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Judiciary, among the final areas of expenditure to be reviewed. The Senate is scheduled to begin its budget debate on October 27.