Parliament fails to pass constitution amendment Tobago self-governance bills; opposition votes against bill while approving island government bill.
Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – Parliament has failed to pass the Constitution Amendment Tobago Self-Governance Bills 2024. The central government attempted to proceed with the committee stage of the bill, but it was unsuccessful when it went back to the House for a vote.
The bill required a two-thirds majority, but sixteen members of the Opposition voted against it. During the committee stage, the Opposition had raised concerns about whether the bills truly reflect the self-determination outlined in the companion bill, the Tobago Island Government Bill. They also pointed out several contradictions between the bills. These concerns had been raised earlier by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine. However, the central government rejected the suggestions, which ultimately led to the Opposition’s refusal to support the bill.
Meanwhile, the Opposition also rejected the Tobago Island Government Bill, but it passed with a simple majority, secured by the central government.
