Tobago self-rule bill goes to Parliament today

A bill to provide for the internal self-government for Tobago will be introduced in Parliament today. A release from the Ministry of Communications yesterday stated the Government of T&T will deliver on its promise to citizens of Tobago when the bill is laid at the sitting of the House of Representatives.

It added the people of Tobago have long called for internal self-rule. National Security Minister Jack Warner is also expected to address the Lower House on the state of national security in the country. Warner will also make a statement on his ministry’s plans to combat crime in 2013.

The bill was the result of months of consultations held with Tobagonians on the way forward and recommendations made by the committee appointed with the task. The 2010 document promised that the “people of Tobago will have a major role in determining their present and future development.”

It clearly states that the Government would “revisit the provisions of the Tobago House of Assembly Act with a view to granting greater autonomy and responsibility to the people of Tobago over matters that directly impact on Tobago.” Other matters scheduled for the third session of the tenth Parliament include financial reports of several state companies, questions for oral answers, statements by ministers and the introduction of bills.