Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC says legislation is being prepared to create three new municipalities in Barataria, St Augustine and Couva, all three of which would gain borough status immediately as part of a proposed overhaul of Trinidad’s local government structure.
Speaking to the Trinidad Express, the Prime Minister said the changes would increase the number of Municipal Corporations from 14 to 17, while addressing population growth and disparities in resources and representation across communities.
According to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, the legislative proposal to create new municipalities in Barataria, St Augustine and Couva and grant them borough status also includes granting Chaguanas city status and converting the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation into a borough.
Under the plan, St Augustine would become a borough carved from the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation, while Arima would be expanded, and the remaining area would form the Tunapuna Regional Corporation.
Barataria would be separated from San Juan/Laventille, while the remaining Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo area would become the Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation.
The plan also calls for expansions of the Port of Spain, San Fernando and Point Fortin municipal areas, including the transfer of one Siparia electoral district to Point Fortin, while Diego Martin’s municipal boundaries would be reduced.
Mrs Persad-Bissessar said the existing boundaries have not kept pace with development and population changes.
The legislation is expected to be introduced soon, with further details to be provided during parliamentary debate.