Panel Discusses Revenue Authority, Union Stance, and Economic Challenges in Trinidad and Tobago

In a live broadcast on August 14, 2026, the program’s host opened the segment with a warm welcome, introducing Dr. Henry, a respected union figure, and Mr. Weatherhead, a veteran labor representative. The central focus of the discussion was the proposed Revenue Authority and its implications for public-sector workers and the broader economy.

Revenue Authority questioned

The host asked Dr. Henry whether the Revenue Authority was a “hoax,” noting that the Public Service Association (PSA) had taken legal action to prevent the state from increasing revenue yields to the exchequer. Dr. Henry affirmed the PSA’s concerns, emphasizing that the dispute was less about tax levels and more about the industrial-relations process and its impact on employment security.

Union perspective on public-sector reforms

Mr. Weatherhead expanded on the union’s position, stating that the PSA’s opposition is rooted in protecting job tenure and the rights of civil servants, rather than opposing higher tax collection. He traced the legal history of the Revenue Authority back to earlier reforms of the Tourist Board, which evolved into the Tourism Authority and later the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TT Posts), illustrating a pattern of restructuring that often overlooks employee stability.

Worker participation and ownership

The panel shifted to broader questions of worker participation in state-owned enterprises. They discussed proposals for employee stake-ownership, comparing the Caribbean context with New Zealand’s model where state enterprises operate under parliamentary oversight and clear accountability. While acknowledging the potential benefits of democratizing ownership, the speakers warned that without genuine transparency and a real voice for workers, such schemes could fail, echoing past experiences where information was withheld until the last minute.

Digitalisation and public-service efficiency

Earlier in the program, participants highlighted the need for a cohesive digital strategy across ministries. They criticized siloed approaches that hinder data sharing, recalling a 2014-2015 project to map Tobago land titles that struggled due to fragmented GIS information. The consensus was that a unified digital infrastructure is essential for efficient public-service delivery.

Economic concerns: food security and aluminium reliance

The host raised concerns about food security, the nation’s growing import bill, and the under-utilisation of arable land. Panelists suggested diversifying crops—such as breadfruit and breadnuts—to reduce reliance on imports. Additionally, the discussion touched on the country’s heavy dependence on aluminium, noting that everyday items from roofing to vehicle parts are aluminium-based, underscoring the need for economic diversification.

Governance and fiscal pressures

Criticism was voiced regarding the size of the current cabinet, described as the largest in the world, and its impact on debt reduction efforts. Panelists called for streamlined governance and more pragmatic fiscal policies to avoid a looming monetary crisis.

Overall, the interview painted a picture of a nation grappling with structural reforms, union-government relations, and the imperative to modernise both its public sector and economy while safeguarding workers’ rights and national security.