Finance Minister Colm
Imbert is distancing himself from the reported non-payment to, fisherfolk in Tobago
affected by the oil spill.
He says, despite
requesting information from the Tobago House of Assembly on outstanding debt
due to the accident, it yet to be forthcoming.
Minister Imbert was
responding to opposition member of parliament for Couva South yesterday, before
the standing finance committee.
Minister Imbert said,
while the funds do come from the ministry the claims first have to be processed.
Minister Imbert said he
had reports of Tobago fisherfolk still being owed.
The oil-like substance was spilled into the ocean
overnight on February 6th and 7th, initially covering the windward
coastlines of Tobago, closest to where the barge was stuck on cove reef.
On February 11th, the substance travelled up to 88
kilometers west and northwest of Tobago.