Tobago’s Quest for Autonomy
SCARBOROUGH, Tobago, CMC—
Less than a month after announcing that he would establish a special team to address the issue of Tobago’s autonomy, the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Augustine, says he intends to seek international assistance to achieve freedom for the island.
The Call for International Assistance
"The very presence of so many diplomats by way of ambassadors and representatives of missions at the awards ceremony is that Tobago can signal to the international community, and I want you to listen closely, that we are prepared to engage you in this our fight for the right to self-determination by the universal declaration of human rights, the international covenant of civil and political rights and the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights," Augustine told the Tobago Day awards at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex.
A Plea for Self-Determination
"Let me be pellucidly clear: you see, in this country, if this central government won’t grant Tobagonians this fundamental right, Tobagonians are prepared to go to the international community to get it," he said. "Any island, any people, any nation, no matter how small, should never be deprived of its right to seek self-determination for such a long time," he told the ceremony.
The Way Forward
In his address to Tobagonians on the issue of autonomy, Augustine emphasized that the team conducting the public discussions would be apolitical. The former University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturer, Dr. Winford James, will lead it.
The Government’s Stance
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley recently said that his ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) administration intends to bring the two autonomy bills before the joint select committee to Parliament for a vote early in the current session. However, Augustine made it clear that Tobago would not accept anything inferior to what was proposed back in 2013 when then prime minister Kamla Persad Bissessar dismissed suggestions that her coalition People’s Partnership government was introducing legislation to grant greater autonomy to Tobago ahead of the January 21 election for control of the THA.
A Stronger THA
In his address to the Tobago Day awards earlier this week, Augustine urged Tobagonians to remain faithful to the cause. "This is the time for us to push for progress. This is the time when we cannot tire as we fight for legislative change that affects present and future generations," he said. He also believes it is time for the THA to be strengthened and accorded more authority to govern Tobago effectively.
Conclusion
Tobago’s quest for autonomy is a long-standing issue that has been ongoing for decades. With the recent developments, it is clear that the island is committed to seeking international assistance to achieve its goal. The question remains whether the central government will grant Tobago the autonomy it seeks or if the island will have to continue its struggle for self-determination.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of Tobago’s autonomy?
A: The issue of autonomy is currently being addressed by a special team led by Dr. Winford James.
Q: What is the government’s stance on autonomy?
A: The ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) administration intends to bring the two autonomy bills before the joint select committee to Parliament for a vote early in the current session.
Q: What is the THA’s stance on autonomy?
A: The THA is committed to seeking international assistance to achieve its goal of autonomy and is willing to work with the international community to achieve this goal.
Q: What is the significance of the Reginald Dumas scholarship award?
A: The scholarship award is being offered to public officers to honor the legacy of the late retired head of public service, Reginald Dumas.
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