Farley ready to seek foreign help in Tobago’s self-governance fight

Elizabeth Gonzales

Tobago Correspondent

Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says Tobago is ready to ask the world for help if the Central Government refuses to grant the island greater autonomy.

Speaking at the Tobago Day Awards before diplomats and ambassadors at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on Wednesday night, Augustine said Tobago will fight for its right to self-determination under international laws.

Looking directly to the row of diplomats seated among the audience, Augustine said, “We are prepared to engage you in this, our fight for the right to self-determination in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”

He made it clear that Tobago demands equal status with Trinidad, a federal system of governance, clearly defined boundaries in the Constitution, and full control over decisions affecting its people.

“Any island, any people, any nation, no matter how small, should never be deprived of its rights to seek their self-determination for such a long time.”

At a media conference in November, Augustine had said the Constitution (Amendment) Tobago Self-Government Bill 2020 and the Tobago Island Government Bill 2021 do not reflect the needs of Tobagonians. And such, he’s not for the passage of the bills in their current state.

Augustine said the Tobago House of Assembly needs more authority to manage the island effectively.

“It is high time the Tobago House of Assembly is strengthened and accorded more authority to effectively govern this little island of 116 square miles,” he said Wednesday.

Reflecting on Tobago’s long struggle for autonomy, Augustine noted, “This essentially sums up our aspirations for increased autonomy here in Tobago. ANR Robinson said in the motion laid in 1977 that it is about placing Tobago affairs fairly and squarely where that responsibility belongs—in the hands of the residents of Tobago themselves.”

He encouraged Tobagonians to stay determined, saying, “This is the time for us to push for progress. This is the time when we cannot tire as we fight for legislative change that affects present and future generations.”

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