Stronger bonds between Trinidad and Tobago

CHIEF Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Orville London has called for the further strengthening of the already strong bonds that exist between Tobago and Trinidad. London issued the call in his Independence Day Message delivered on the occasion of the twin-island state’s 41st anniversary of Independence celebrated yesterday. He noted that both islands had “walked the independence road”together over the period, but “have not always walked side by side, much less hand in hand.” The THA Chief Secretary acknowledged: “There has been bickering and friction along the journey but the bonds have remained strong and must be strengthened. But as in any partnership, any family relationship, the quality of the bonding is linked to the depth of the understanding, the recognition of the needs and the aspirations of each partner and the determination that it is in the interest of both partners and the partnership to work assiduously towards the fulfillment of each other’s needs”, he stressed.

London said he was of the view that after 41 years of independence and more than 100 years of the union between both islands, the stage was well set for addressing the “major concerns. The vitriol, the meaningless rhetoric, the shouting across the waters, have decreased in recent times,” he asserted. “But the commitment to an autonomous Tobago in a dignified and equal relationship with Trinidad in a united Trinidad and Tobago, remains strong and unaltered,” the THA Chief Secretary emphasised. He declared: “Now is the time for constructive dialogue between mature people! And not only has the dialogue started, but action is being taken,” he disclosed. London noted that Tobago’s role in the energy sector was currently being defined, while the diversification of the island’s tourism sector was being accompanied by “a thrust towards diversification away from the almost total dependence on the tourism dollar.” He said in this regard one of the THA’s priorities was to develop Cove Estate while encouraging “homegrown” entrepreneurs to utilise local resources in manufacturing and other enterprises.

He said the long-standing problem of the disparity in the cost of living between Tobago and Trinidad was also being addressed. “The THA has commissioned a study of all the implications (in this area) and would soon be presenting its proposals to the central Government,” London revealed. “The concept that Tobago must be facilitated in its efforts to “catch up” if “Vision 2020” is to become a reality for both islands, has been accepted by the decision-makers on both sides of the pond and we expect to see tangible results sooner rather than later,” he added. The THA’s Chief Secretary further disclosed that during the rest of its term in office the current Assembly would also be “engaged, not only in reviewing and initiating relevant action on the THA Act (1996) and other laws and regulations that impact on Tobago, but would continue to focus on creating the conventions that would ensure that, regardless of the political permutations, there would always be a corridor of co-operation where Tobago’s interests, Tobago’s dignity and Tobago’s autonomy would be sacrosant.” He stressed that as we celebrate and reflect on the country’s 41 years of independence, he was of the view that the future can be faced with some degree of confidence.