Scarborough, Tobago – The phrase “equality of status” was left out of the two Tobago self-governance bills that are currently before Parliament. According to Tobago West MP Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, this was done based on legal advice. The concern was that the phrase could suggest a move towards cession, or separation, instead of making it clear that Tobago wants to remain a part of Trinidad and Tobago.
Cudjoe-Lewis shared these thoughts at a recent discussion on autonomy hosted by the PNM Tobago Council in Belle Garden. Her comments help to explain the thinking behind the bill’s language, emphasizing that the goal is for Tobago to have more power to manage its own affairs, not to break away from the country.
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