Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said in Tobago Thursday a constitutional amendment bill will soon be available for public consultation.
She said it is a part of her government's commitment to looking after the interests of the island.
"I want to remind you that it was your Government, the present Government which placed such great emphasis on the welfare and growth of the people of Tobago that we created a Ministry of Tobago Development, and appointed the Honourable Vernella Toppin, one of your own, as Minister," she said.
She noted that the constitutional relationship between Tobago and Trinidad has long been a sore point for citizens on both islands since 1889.
She noted that the constitutional relationship between Tobago and Trinidad has long been a sore point for citizens on both islands since 1889.
She said the amendment bill would provide greater authority and autonomy to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).
"This Bill when finalized will require a two thirds majority, and we will therefore be seeking the support of the Opposition in the National interest, despite their failure to act when they held office," she said.
"This Bill when finalized will require a two thirds majority, and we will therefore be seeking the support of the Opposition in the National interest, despite their failure to act when they held office," she said.
The bill can pass in the House of Representatives without opposition support since the People's Partnership has the required majority. However it would need additional support from at least five independent or opposition senators to pass in the upper house.
The Senate comprises 31 members - 16 government; 9 independent and 6 opposition. The lower chamber has 41 elected members.
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