Tobago’s Bid for Self-Governance Hits Roadblock

Tobago, a Caribbean island part of the twin-island state of Trinidad and Tobago, has been pushing for greater autonomy in its governance for decades. The island has its own house of assembly but is currently governed by a central system. Local politicians have been advocating for a larger share of the national budget and more independence.

A new bill was introduced to parliament on Monday, aiming to widen the powers of the Tobago house of assembly. The bill proposed increasing Tobago’s annual share of the national budget from 4.03% to a minimum of 6.8%, which would have been an increase of approximately $1.5bn (just under US$221m). Additionally, it would have removed the requirement for Tobago legislation to pass through central government scrutiny and approval.

Despite years of consultation with all sides, the bill was blocked by opposition members who shared concerns raised by Farley Augustine, the head of the Tobagonian government. The opposition argued that the proposed amendments were “inconsequential nonsense” and that the government was focusing on minor changes rather than addressing more significant aspects of the bill.

Senator Ancil Dennis, Tobago council political leader for PNM, stated that the proposals in the bill reflected the will of Tobagonians. He emphasized that they had been made after dozens of consultations with the people of Trinidad and Tobago and a range of experts, including legal and maritime specialists.

Augustine has now pledged to take his fight for Tobago’s self-governance to the international community with a letter of complaint to the United Nations. The rejection of the bill is seen as a major setback in the decades-long battle for more political and economic independence.