Tobagonians recently gathered at a Town Hall Meeting in Lowlands to hear Chief Secretary Farley Augustine elucidate the concept of autonomy and its implications for the island. Augustine’s address comes amid growing discussions about Tobago’s governance and its relationship with Trinidad. Arianna Scipio brings us the details.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine began by addressing the findings of a survey conducted by the Tobago Civil Society Network, which revealed that while many Tobagonians are familiar with the term “autonomy,” there remains a lack of clarity on its precise meaning. Augustine defined autonomy as the right or condition of self-governance, emphasizing that it grants Tobagonians the authority to determine their governance structure, leadership, and governing mechanisms.
Augustine stressed that autonomy provides Tobago with several options: Tobagonians can decide to maintain the status quo under the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), enhance their autonomy within the existing framework, or even pursue complete separation from Trinidad, although he emphasized that such decisions must be made democratically and reflect the will of the people.
Acknowledging Tobago’s current level of autonomy through the THA, Augustine highlighted that the THA wields significant power compared to traditional local government bodies like county councils or borough corporations. He pointed out that the THA is responsible for critical services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, underscoring the island’s unique governance structure.
Reflecting on historical discussions about Tobago’s autonomy, Augustine referenced a meeting in 2014 where the Prime Minister articulated a vision for Tobago that included equality of status with Trinidad and a legislative framework reflecting such equality. Augustine reiterated the importance of federal-style governance, as outlined by the Prime Minister, suggesting that these principles resonate with many Tobagonians.
In conclusion, Augustine asserted that Tobago’s aspirations for greater autonomy are well understood by the Prime Minister, the central government, and the opposition. He underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and informed decision-making to ensure Tobago’s governance structure aligns with the desires and needs of its residents.
For updates and further insights into Tobago’s governance discussions, stay tuned to Tobago Updates for comprehensive coverage.
