PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - There are no issues more core to the integrity of the unitary state of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago than the terms of association between the islands of this republic. It is therefore a great pity that the Government has chosen the hectic and pugilistic period of an election campaign for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to take legislation to Parliament that proposes to alter this fundamental relationship.
It is not enough whether this legislation is in the interest of Tobago or Trinidad or Trinidad and Tobago. What matters is that an issue of such fundamental importance is undertaken seriously, soberly and with the greatest respect for the interest and involvement of the people of both islands so that it has the best chance of success after implementation.
The issue of more meaningful internal self-government for Tobago is one that this newspaper has supported for decades as indeed we have supported greater decentralisation of Local Government in this country. In the 1970s, we lent our voice to the campaign for greater autonomy that led, eventually, to the creation of the Tobago House of Assembly which, imperfect as it was then, was a crucial step in the right direction.