The Prime Minister met with the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly to discuss several matters, including Tobago's autonomy and right to self-determination.
The Office of the Prime Minister made the announcement today as it says "both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to good governance and to delivering meaningful development for ALL the people of Trinidad and Tobago."
00:00The office of the Prime Minister announced in a statement accompanied by photos that in the national interest of preserving and enhancing the development of our Twin Islands, Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Besessa and the Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine engaged in a productive five-hour-long meeting on Tuesday.
00:19The OPM made a statement the day after PDP leader and THC Assemblyman Watson Duke held a news conference to announce that he has written to the Prime Minister as he is calling for an independent referendum commission on the issue of Tobago's autonomy to be established.
00:34With regard to the talks between Senior Counsel Passat-Besessa and Mr. Augustine on Tuesday, the OPM said that, quote,
00:42During the meeting, the Chief Secretary apprised the Prime Minister of a range of long-standing issues affecting the people of Tobago, many of which have arisen from years of neglect under the former PNM administration.
00:54Some of these concerns described as though hanging fruits present opportunities for immediate and collaborative intervention, end quote.
01:04The talks focused on several key areas including Tobago's autonomy and right to self-determination, expanding the Tobago House of Assembly's legislative and regulatory authority, operational and infrastructural matters relating to national security, land titles, town and country planning and tourism.
01:23The talks also focused on other matters such as the construction of the Scarborough Secondary School, the ANC bridges and the need for continuous consultation with the people of Tobago.
01:35The OPM said the meeting represents a significant shift in the relationship between the central government and the Tobago House of Assembly and ushers in a new era of continuous dialogue, mutual respect and purposeful cooperation.
01:48The OPM also said that the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary were joined by the newly appointed Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, Barry Padarath, and Secretary Zorisha Hackett, the Leader of Assembly Business in the THA.
02:02The Tobago People's Party that Mr. Augustine leads won the two Tobago Constituencies in the 2025 general election, something the Prime Minister acknowledged during the ceremonial opening of the Parliament when she said that for the first time in 25 years there are three parties in the House of Representatives.
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