Tobago Waters meaning what? Fifth and Final Part

Published in the TT Guardian on 20190110

Tobago Waters meaning what? Final Part

Tobago is important as it provides a springboard to the 2020 national elections and Tobago’s two parliamentary seats. Tobago has grown in importance due to Trinidad’s volatile electoral equation resulting from the emergence of a significant number of marginal seats. The lesson of 1995’s 17-17-2 has been well learnt giving Tobago an upper hand in the negotiations with Central Government over access to budgetary resources.

Increasing the budgetary resources available to Tobago explains the focus on the definition of “Tobago’s maritime boundaries” or “Tobago waters”. There is political unity in Tobago on this point as evidenced by the letter in 2018 by “The Tobago Forum of Political Leaders” (now Forum of Political Parties) to the Joint Select Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago Self-Government) Bill, 2018 to discuss the omission of Tobago’s boundaries in the Bill.

However, to attempt to define “Tobago Waters” to give it “equality of status” with Trinidad is the equivalent of making Tobago an independent state. This is at variance with the concept of a unitary state of “Trinidad and Tobago” (TT) as distinct from a “Trinidad” and a “Tobago”, and is at variance with International law.

Nothing precludes the THA from negotiating a percentage of the revenues derived from the gas deposits in contiguous areas. A precedent for this is the state Nova Scotia relative to the Federal Government in Canada. However, this has to be achieved within the existing fiscal framework less we further complicate the legislation and increase the taxation levels on energy companies operating in TT.

By extension, the THA act gives the THA responsibility for air and sea bridge operations. This does not mean that the THA must own the airport, the seaport or the ferries. That would lead to inefficient duplication leading to bureaucratic and scheduling competition, making coordination between entities a nightmare. Yet this is precisely what has happened to the Tourism Development Company which has now been split into two; one to market Tobago the other to Market Trinidad. Madness!

Undoubtedly, the quest for additional resources is to do just that. Mature reflection would suggest the establishment of key result areas and negotiated performance contracts between the relevant entities. This would require greater professionalism from all concerned, including the central government and an emphasis on the business of transportation, as distinct from the political egos associated who is charge of what. Outcomes matter; a reliable transportation system for both commerce and tourism.

But that is not on cards at present. Kelvin Charles, Chief Secretary had this to say to in an interview with Krystal Rambally published by the Guardian on January 15th, 2017: “internal self-governance for Tobago…is a burning issue for many Tobagonians as we claim the inalienable right to self-determination… The ability to make and enforce legislature specific to the Tobago situation is critical. We look forward to a Tobago House of assembly policing unit that is focused on ensuring a level of comfort and security that all residents and visitors to the island can enjoy...”

In short, two of everything; a separate state, a separate country, separate police. Exaggeration?

As it stands, Cabinet members attending foreign conferences have on occasion met visiting Tobago delegations at the same conference resulting in confusion as to who is representing TT and who should be accorded representative status! This explains the proposals from the Forum of Political Parties to establish a Tobago Service Commission, a Tobago Civil Service, and the recommendation that the prime ministerial veto be removed and given to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary with respect to Tobago Public Service appointees. In real terms the THA would be responsible to no-one including the Auditor General given his critical comments on the THA’s financial reporting.

Reginald Dumas, a Tobagonian (by birth, not boat), former diplomat and head of the public service is quoted as calling this a bad and dangerous idea. “the Chief Secretary is being put on par with the Prime Minister? So, he is the Prime Minister of Tobago? Well, seek independence then and become prime minister. As far as I am concerned, there should not be a Tobago Service Commission. We are talking about internal self-government within the framework of a unitary state. We are not talking about a federation. If you want a federation, that is a different matter. You [should] come out and say you want a federation... and find your own revenue, too,' (Express 2019/1/5).

He bases his argument on the fact that the Tobago Public service is small and costly. In short, it is a function of scale; this is why Brexit is relevant. To follow the route proposed by the” Forum of Political Parties” is to give effect to the deprecatory outburst by Shamfa Cudjoe, Member for Tobago West in Parliament questioning the right of commentators to speak on Tobago matters…” Tobagonians by boat”. In short, Tobago is for reserved for Tobagonians, whilst Trinidad is for everyone. How should the people of Trinidad react?

This situation calls for inspired leadership and management. Will Prime Minister Rowley, be the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago or will he, like his former teacher Orville London say, “Tobago first”?