My brothers and sisters of Tobago, together we sit with you on the cusp of a new dawn. The People's Partnership, in its continuing drive for the betterment of our twin island Republic has once again made an historic move. The recently concluded talks between the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the PP Government have bore fruit that will make our beautiful sister isle that much stronger. The implementing of measures to grant Tobago more control over its internal self-governance has been long discussed but no real moves had been made towards it by previous administrations.
Tobago has always been fiercely proud, and a large segment of its population has long pledged its support to the PNM. This is their democratic right and entitlement. Be that as it may, the Government has not focused on allegiances or age-old grouses, but rather adhered to its people driven mandate. They continue to treat all as they should be, citizens of one nation and not members of a political sect or group. The meetings held in Tobago were highly promising and I am confident that support for the parliamentary legislation needed for Tobago's internal self-governance will not wane.
THA Chief Secretary Orville London explained that the Opposition PNM has expressed its support for such legislation and he further relayed how comforted he was by the content of the meetings held with the Prime Minister and her team. I do hope that ideas put forth by the Government will not be discounted by the PNM again, thus debilitating the island's progress. I wish to commend the PP Government for yet another progressive step and I do hope Tobagonians take note of such action. I don't believe this to be an election gimmick nor a ploy. Tobagonians have long been forgotten by the PNM and it is high time they be given the respect and attention they deserve. As Mr London said, he hopes that all involved (the Government, the Opposition and the THA) will overlook their differences and focus instead on making these prescriptive talks into reality. This is what a true, functioning democracy is about and when we have leadership that goes beyond the call of what is expected, it is we the people who benefit.
Zachary Persad
Via e-mail