The Farley Augustine-led Tobago House of Assembly Executive does not support the calls for acceptance and passage of the present Tobago Autonomy Bills before Parliament.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine made the statement during a public address on Sunday saying “it is time for the real deal,” and that the Autonomy Bills before Parliament are not a true representation of the desires of Tobago.
While the People’s National Movement and the Tobago House of Assembly’s Minority have been advocating for Tobago’s support of the Bills, Mr. Augustine said the THA Executive stands resolute in their views that amendments must be made first.
“The bare right to self-determination should be established along with the acceptable definition of the territory of Tobago and the territory of Trinidad, the clear positioning on the areas over which Tobago has power.”
Mr. Augustine outlined forty matters Tobago must have exclusive responsibility for and which must be included in the Bills. In addition to these, he said the island must have economic authority.
“The ability to access donor funds, raise loans, and impose taxes and, or even lower taxes, are integral and essential parts of the package of measures necessary for good governance.”
The THA Chief Secretary noted his address is a plea to the Government to do the right thing and make the necessary amendments. He believes the call to support the Bills is an election ploy.
“2013, it came on the cusp of an election, 2021, it came on the cusp of an election and now, 2023-2024, Tobago is yet again seeing the dangling carrot of the right to self-determination only because an election is on the horizon.”
Mr. Augustine urged Tobagonians to not be rushed into supporting the Bills, but added there is a need to use the time to have them amended to meet the demands of Tobago.