Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine recently celebrated the granting of an export licence to the Studley Park Quarry in Tobago, marking a significant milestone for the island’s economic autonomy. The licence, issued on November 4 at the Tobago House of Assembly Legislature in Scarborough, has been hailed as a tangible step towards reducing Tobago’s reliance on external economic support. However, questions linger about the quarry’s ability to capitalize on this opportunity and generate meaningful foreign exchange earnings. Critics argue that outdated equipment and low productivity could hinder the quarry’s ability to meet export demands consistently. Additionally, the regional market for construction materials is highly competitive, with established players dominating in terms of product quality, pricing, shipping reliability, and marketing reach. Without urgent modernization and strategic improvements, the licence may remain a symbolic gesture rather than a catalyst for economic growth. The success of this initiative now rests on the Tobago House of Assembly’s ability to address these challenges and transform potential into tangible results.