The Progressive Democratic Patriots is calling for the development of a Tobago referendum framework in the island’s quest for self-determination.
PDP Political Leader Watson Duke said he is willing and ready to work with the central government to ensure that this is achieved.
He confirmed that a letter was sent to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar outlining the party’s stance on the matter.
“This framework should one, amend the constitution of Trinidad and Tobago to provide for the legality of referendums. Two, be supported by a referendum act outlining how, when and by which bodies referendum can be conducted. Three, establish an independent referendum commission tasked with public education and the oversight of any vote free from partisan and political interference.”
Mr. Duke stressed that the people of Tobago must be presented with viable options for self-determination.
“The three internationally recognised options for self-determination which is a full independence, b autonomy within the republic of Trinidad and Tobago and c, free association via treaty. This process should be accompanied by a national public discourse culminating in the structure development of a green and white papers leading to a final bill for debate and adoption by the Parliament.”