An MP is calling on government to prioritize support and compensation for fisherfolk affected by the February 7th Tobago oil spill.

Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram is expressing concern over the complexity of the claim process described by the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund for T&T.

He believes government must work to ensure fisherfolk can receive compensation without what he calls “unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.”

This statement comes after it was revealed this week by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine that $50 million allocated by Central Government in the mid-term budget has been received.

Mr Augustine said, with this funding, the THA will work to ensure payments are made to “as many service providers as possible, within the shortest practicable time frame”.