In his first address as Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Ancil Dennis emphasized the  nation’s need to adapt and adjust to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Referring to the effects on public health and the economy,  Mr. Dennis says it is evident that change is the only constant; not only in the effects of  the pandemic, but also in the changes that we ourselves must make as a nation in order to overcome COVID-19. Mr. Dennis urged citizens to continue to be resilient; to follow health regulations and to avoid becoming complacent even as the country earned the number one spot on the global list of countries best prepared to deal with COVID-19. 

The Chief Secretary also pledged his commitment to the THA, stressing the need to ‘stand side by side’ and work together to beat the pandemic. He spoke of various measures that have been implemented by the THA in collaboration with the central government, such as the Enterprise Assistance Grant and Loan Programme to support entrepreneurs.

Among the other measures listed were the distribution of free planting materials to encourage food production, the launch of e-learning programs to facilitate online learning, and a ‘Dreaming of Tobago’ tourism campaign to promote tourism to Tobago in spite of decreased visits to the island.

He ended by acknowledging the contribution of businesses, individuals and organizations who have been forthcoming in their nationwide charity efforts.

Ancil Dennis was unanimously elected as Chief Secretary on May 6th, replacing Kelvin Charles, who resigned from the post at the end of April.