In a landmark move to bolster Tobago’s financial independence, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar presented an export licence to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on November 4. The licence, granted to Studley Park Enterprises Ltd, aims to enable the island to market its aggregate regionally and generate much-needed foreign exchange. The announcement was made during a special sitting of the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough, attended by key Cabinet members and THA officials. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing Tobago’s long-standing quest for greater autonomy and economic self-sufficiency. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of Tobago and Trinidad coexisting as equal partners, pledging her government’s commitment to fostering development and fairness. She also unveiled plans to transition from population-based budgeting to project-based budgeting, ensuring larger allocations for Tobago’s strategic development projects. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the revival of the Riseland housing project in Carnbee, which had been previously halted. Persad-Bissessar’s visit to Tobago, her first since the UNC-led coalition’s election victory in April, was met with enthusiasm and optimism, signaling a new era of collaboration and progress for the twin-island nation.