London slams Gypsy over October Carnival

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London said it was insulting for Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston “Gypsy” Peters to announce the staging of Carnival on the island in October without a final input from the assembly. London said the minister made the announcement in Chaguanas last Sunday without making any contact with the assembly since their meeting last October where there was agreement for continuation of discussions on the matter. “The minister either does not know or does not respect the role of the Tobago House of Assembly in matters under the 5th Schedule.

“Matters under the 5th Schedule are the responsibility of the assembly, included among those matters is the matter of culture,” he told reporters at Wednesday’s post- executive council media briefing. London added: “I want to caution the Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Mr Peters, for what I consider making decisions in matters which are under the jurisdiction of the Tobago House of Assembly, without what I would call meaningful consultation with the assembly.” He recalled that issue was raised by the minister when he visited Tobago between October and November last year, then came to a meeting with him and the Secretary of Community Development and Culture Tracy Davidson-Celestine.

“We made it very clear to the minister this is not an issue that we should make a decision on lightly or without due consultation and due deliberation,” he said. The Chief Secretary said the assembly told the minister the THA had been down that road before and there were some serious challenges and concerns raised. He said they looked at some of the negative aspects and although there were some financial benefits to the island. He added: “We indicated to the minister that we were prepared to continue discussions on the matter; but we  could not make decisions except we took a mature and responsible approach.

“We have no problem with discussing with any minister on any issue that could be of mutual benefit to the two islands, or even of benefit to Tobago, but no minister has the authority to make announcements and to make decisions for the Tobago House of Assembly in matters over which the assembly has jurisdiction. “ London added: “I will therefore urge the minister, advise the minister, that if he wishes to have some input into this decision, we are willing to sit with him, to talk with him, to get his ideas, to hear his arguments and to come to a place where we can do what is best for Tobago, but this unilateral approach is not going to work. It will not be accepted and should not be tolerated.”