Prime Minister and THA Chief Secretary Hold Constructive Talks on Tobago’s Development

May 28, 2025 – In the national interest of preserving and enhancing the development of our Twin Islands, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Honourable Farley Chavez Augustine, the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, engaged in a productive five-hour-long meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Given their shared commitment to strengthening the legislative and operational relationship between the Central Government and the Tobago House of Assembly, the leaders were joined by the Honourable Barry Padarath, Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, and Assemblyman Zorisha Hackett, Leader of Assembly Business in the Tobago House of Assembly.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary apprised the Prime Minister of a range of long-standing issues affecting the people of Tobago, many of which have arisen from years of neglect under the former PNM administration. Some of these concerns, described as “low-hanging fruits,” present opportunities for immediate and collaborative intervention. The Chief Secretary welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment and signalled Tobago’s readiness to work hand in hand with the Central Government to advance the country’s development.

Discussions focused on several key areas, including:

• Tobago’s autonomy and right to self-determination.
• Expanding the Tobago House of Assembly’s legislative and regulatory authority;
• Operational and infrastructural matters relating to national security, land titles, Town and Country Planning, and tourism.
• The construction of the Scarborough Secondary School;
• The air and sea bridges;
• Export licence for the Studley Park Quarry;
• The need for continuous consultation with the people of Tobago;
• Special focus on the Public Service;
• Other matters related to the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Schedules of Act 40 of 1996.

This meeting represents a significant shift in the relationship between the Central Government and the Tobago House of Assembly. It ushers in a new era of continuous dialogue, mutual respect, and purposeful cooperation. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to good governance and to delivering meaningful development for ALL the people of Trinidad and Tobago.