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The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has moved a step closer towards greater autonomy for the island, following the passing of a motion to pursue a referendum on the matter.

The motion was brought on Friday by Secretary of Strategic Planning and Development, Trevor James.

In piloting the motion, Secretary James underscored the importance of giving the people of Tobago a direct voice in determining the island's governance future.

He noted that a referendum would allow Tobagonians to formally indicate their position on expanded self-governance and constitutional reform, a matter that has been under discussion for several years. More from Elizabeth Williams.
Transcript
00:00We are not seeking to divide the republic. We are seeking to complete it by allowing the people of Tobago
00:10to speak clearly, lawfully and peacefully about their future.
00:16The motion calls upon the cabinet and the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago to take all necessary consultative and legislative
00:25steps to recognize and protect the distinct status and the self-determination of the island of the people of Tobago.
00:33The question that arises is what will be the process that will trigger a Tobago referendum. We are proposing a
00:43three-track process. Political mandate, statutory authority and constitutional interface.
00:52Mr. James explained the next step in moving forward.
00:56After this motion passes, we will pass a standalone resolution that one, affirms that the people of Tobago are the
01:03political principles and two, direct the executive council of the THC to formally request enabling legislation for a Tobago-specific
01:13referendum.
01:15This will establish democratic legitimacy before any legal steps.
01:22Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebner said the quest for Tobago's self-determination is a serious one.
01:29We were not given this 50-nil mandate to Playhouse.
01:36Colleagues, this is something that we must deliver and we have an opportunity to deliver it within this term.
01:47The motion was later passed.
01:50Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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