200-year dream of Tobagonians

THE EDITOR: For some 200 years, and counting, full autonomy has been the dream of Tobagonians. Is it within touching reach this year? What is the full cost of self-governance for a mere handful of people?

In the middle of a pandemic with no real end in sight, will full autonomy make this beautiful small island of less people than any of the regional corporations in Trinidad blissfully happy? Does it matter that, with world tourism on hold because of covid19, money and jobs are scarce? Does it matter that regardless of how well one does at university level, there is little employment outside the hotels, the entertainment industry and fishing?

Very few doctors, nurses and lawyers, and clerical positions are needed for such a small population. Is full autonomy for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) merely dreaming? It will not come cheaply.

When THA aspirants who rave on about full autonomy make comparisons of Tobago with Singapore, it is laughable. Different people. Different scenarios. Different work ethic. Different geophysical placement for development.

Without the ruinous side effects of the pandemic to consider, Tobago will need to be on a development track that must not be impeded by small-mindedness and jealousy. The competitive choleric rivalries have become endemic. The Tobago intelligence gene pool is small. There is no Lee Kuan Yew (1923-2015), the maker of Singaporean success, living in Tobago.

Developmentally, Tobago is just now constructing a world-class-size airport. It has only just received a few much needed vessels for proper inter-island travel. It has insufficient five-star hotels to entice large numbers of wealthy visitors. A few years ago a very lucrative idea from the world famous Sandals resort hotels was rubbished by ignorant remarks from a few self-centred people. A wasted regret today.

I am not into stroking egos. When will we all get past the petty politics, the theatrics and the refusal to deal with reality? Full autonomy has indeed moved closer but cannot be easily put into play.

Before we even arrive at an answer about who wins the THA in its present configuration, dare I ask who will finance full autonomy?

LYNETTE JOSEPH

Diego Martin