Monday, March 26, 2012

Green Paper on Tobago ready for public comment

Scarborough, Tobago
The Law Reform Committee has completed a Green Paper on Internal Self-Government for Tobago and the document will soon be put out for public comment.

A media release from the Office of the Attorney General Sunday said the Green Paper entitled: "Towards Internal Self-Government For Tobago" is now being prepared for public release.

It was drafted in consultation with Reginald Dumas and other prominent Tobagonians "who subscribed to the People's Partnership's vision of internal self-government for Tobago", the release stated.

"What is prepared is a profound change in the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago. It will affect the entire nation, not just a part of it and the entire nation must therefore have the opportunity to express its views," the release stated.

The document is expected to generate a lot of interest and debate ahead of the next Tobago House of Assembly elections, which are due in January 2013.

The People's Partnership committed itself in 2010 to giving Tobago autonomy or internal self-government for Tobago, pledging to "bring to the Parliament a Bill…to give the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) executive and legislative authority for matters under the fifth schedule (of the 1996 THA Act) and other matters incidental thereto." 

The AG's office said the PNM 2010 manifesto was "completely silent on the issue."

The Green Paper is intended to fulfill the People's Partnership's pledge to the people of Tobago.

The Green Paper will be distributed throughout the country, including Tobago. Copies would be available at health centres, hospitals, Warden's Offices, banks, post offices and other public buildings. In addition persons using the Internet can download a copy at www.ag.gov.tt 

The deadline for the public to submit views and comments is June 29, 2012. Persons who wish to send feedback can do so either in writing or electronically.

During the discussion period a neutral team will hold public meetings throughout the country to receive comments and answer questions on the Green Paper.

The Green paper is a draft that is intended to generate debate and receive comments.Once people have sent feedback the officials will collate the information and prepare a White Paper containing government's policy for Internal Government for Tobago and draft legislation to implement that policy.

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai