В Тобаго запущен цифровой идентификатор и введен ежемесячный грант в 500 долларов для новорожденных

Stephon Nicholas The Tobago House of Assembly has launched Tobago ID, a digital platform allowing residents to access and track services offered by the THA’s divisions, departments and companies online. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine urged Tobagonians to register, saying there was “nothing to fear” and encouraging residents to take pride in having their Tobago ID. Augustine said the platform will allow users to track the status of applications and is part of efforts to digitise the Assembly’s operations and improve efficiency, transparency and accountability. He said digitisation would also allow the THA to intervene more quickly when necessary, preventing bureaucracy from being used as an excuse for delays or poor performance. Augustine also announced that the Tobago People’s Party administration’s $500 monthly baby grant takes effect today. The grant, which is intended to help address Tobago’s declining birthrate, will be paid to parents of newborns and is retroactive to January 1, 2026. “That baby grant actually begins on September 1. Just go online, get your Tobago ID, sign up for that baby grant, ensure you have your correct banking info and voilà, $500 every month, and it is retroactive from January 1, 2026.” Augustine acknowledged that $500 a month would not be enough to raise a child, but said the money could help parents save or purchase basic items. The grant will be available until the child turns five and will complement the baby box provided by the THA’s Division of Health and Wellness.