ENHANCING DELIVERY : STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS
The Governance Model of the Future
AUTONOMY
FOR TOBAGO
AUTONOMY FOR TOBAGO
The Tobago PNM recognises that the existing legislative and constitutional arrangements between the Assembly and the central government are a significant constraint to Tobago ’ s development . Tobago ’ s present and potential contributions to the national purse are not clearly defined and this significantly weakens our negotiating position for additional funding from the central government . Furthermore , the Assembly cannot make laws on matters directly affecting Tobago . All these legislative and constitutional arrangements serve to impede and frustrate Tobago ’ s development .
The Tobago PNM is therefore committed to ensuring the desires and aspirations of the people of Tobago for increased autonomy are realised . The Tobago PNM has been an integral part of the Forum of Political Leaders mandated to undertake “ all proper and necessary steps to achieve and secure democratic self-government for Tobago in the shortest time possible ”. The Forum has played a critical role in advancing the process of autonomy for Tobago over the last four years .
After extensive consultations with the people of Tobago , the draft Bill to grant Tobago self-government was debated in the Assembly ’ s Chamber and forwarded to the Central Government for the consideration of Cabinet and further action . The new legislation when enacted will ensure that the Tobago House of Assembly has the authority to engage in financial transactions and to source funding to facilitate its development . It will also ensure Tobago ’ s maritime boundaries are clearly defined , that the Assembly can make laws with respect to specific matters directly relevant to Tobago .
FISCAL AUTONOMY
As a fundamental aspect of the new legislative arrangements between the Assembly and the central government that will pave the way for self-government for Tobago , the Tobago PNM led Administration will ensure the following :
• That the THA be allocated a predictable share of the national budget
• That the Assembly has the ability to access grant funding from regional and international agencies such as CDB and IDB
• That the Assembly has the authority to borrow on its own credibility to finance capital development in Tobago
• That the Assembly has the ability to impose taxes with respect to some activities in Tobago
• That the Assembly collaborate with the Ministry of Finance to ensure greater efficiencies in tax collection in Tobago
• That all companies operating in Tobago or which operate branches or do business in other way in Tobago pay applicable taxes in Tobago
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