PM presents Green Paper on Tobago to former president Arthur NR Robinson

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Wednesday presented the Green Paper on “Internal Self-Government for Tobago” to former President of Trinidad and Tobago, Arthur NR Robinson. The Green Paper is currently out for public comment.

The meeting took place at the resident of the former president. The Political Leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) and Minority Leader of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Ashworth Jack, accompanied the Prime Minister.

The document, which was done by the Law Reform Committee, was drafted in consultation with Reginald Dumas and other prominent Tobagonians who share the People's Partnership's vision of internal self-government for Tobago.

A media release from the office of the Attorney General said, "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 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 Green Paper is intended to fulfill the People's Partnership's pledge to the people of Tobago.

The document 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.