THA Announces Convention In August To Advance Autonomy Process
Tobago is gearing up to once again seek the autonomy it believes it deserves.
During the debate on the THA Budget Presentation 2026/2027 on Thursday, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine announced that a convention will be held in August to signal the start of the quest.
A budget of $10 million is being proposed.
The Chief Secretary said the THA has the support of Central Government to push forward with the necessary constitutional amendments.
He added that Tobagonians, however, need to be in strong agreement with the way forward.
« On August 10th, Monday, August 10th, the entire of Tobago will be called to a halt, will be asked to pause, the entire island will descend on Shaw Park Complex, and we will host the Shaw Park Convention. »
Mr Augustine stated that all political parties, NGOs, community groups and regular residents of Tobago will be invited to share their thoughts at the convention and agree on a broad perspective for autonomy.
« That will then trigger the community consultations and the Secretary of Finance spoke about it in her budget, about the team that will go out and will listen to all of your claims and your projections. »
He revealed that Professor Hamid Ghany will play a key role in the special committee which will be convened to manage the process.
« Professor Ghany was on the THA team in 1995, chaired by former chairman Lennox Denoon, when they were preparing for Act 40 of 1996. Professor Ghany was not even on the Trinidad’s team, he was on the THA team. »
Other members of the team, which will be responsible for drafting a bill to be delivered to Parliament, are expected to be announced in the coming week.
This is the third attempt at an Autonomy bill in the last 20 years. Bills in 2013 and 2021 failed to gain sufficient legislative support.
