May I invite reference to the column of Independent Senator Maria Dillon-Remy in the Express of September 22 which quite clearly enunciated the urgency of the need for resolution of the issue of autonomy for Tobago. I join with her in soliciting the parliamentary opposition’s support in having this matter speedily resolved.

Historically, Tobago has always had independence in governance and was fought for by every one of the colonisers (France, Spain, the Dutch, Germans, Courlanders and Britain) throughout the years. This was only changed after the British replaced Spain as the dominant colonial power and made the determination that it was more cost-effective to annex the island as a ward of Trinidad. Unfortunately, this concept has been retained over the years and effectively blindsided many, including some eminent scholars, from truly understanding the core issue even after 400 years.

May I also make an invitation and reference to Tobago’s Mr James in an interview on the Tobago Live programme, broadcast through Gayelle the Channel on the morning of Thursday, September 21, 2023.

Mr James lucidly indicated that the introduction of secession as an idea never emanated from any one of the several proponents of autonomy for Tobago (APT James, ANR Robinson, Dr Winston Murray), but indeed came only after there had been a rejection of the existing order. This was after an election result that rejected the dominance of the ruling party.

More importantly, Mr James in his presentation emphasised that the issue of autonomy for Tobago and Tobagonians is fundamentally an issue of respect for the right for self-determination by Tobagonians that clearly should redound to the benefit of nationals of both islands in a twin-island state and recognised as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Finally, should this proposition be accepted, this will lead to a recognition that will show that the appropriate demonym for all nationals will in fact be TRINBAGONIAN and not as currently and popularly presented as ‘Trini’, ‘Trinidadian’, etc.

Samuel B Howard