Tobago primary schoolers debate autonomy

PRIMARY SCHOOL debaters came forward and had their say on autonomy as the THA Assembly Legislature hosted its Second Annual Primary Plenary Debate.

On June 12, the students representing 17 primary schools across the island engaged in questions and arguments at the Assembly Chamber in Scarborough on the effects of the push for autonomy on the youths of Tobago.

Lambeau Anglican’s Zamar Chapman, who took on the role of chief secretary, underscored that the call for autonomy is not a plea for separation but rather a demand for rightful empowerment within the twin island nation.

“Tobago’s economic potential has stifled for decades under centralised control. According to the Tobago House of Assembly, also known as the THA, under the current system Tobago cannot pass certain laws, make specific financial transactions or source additional development funding independently.”

Chapman said the THA Act No 40 of 1996 gave Tobago control over 33 areas of responsibility, yet the central cabinet in Trinidad retains veto power over those very areas.

“This is not autonomy, that is authority disguised as democracy. According to a poll done by the Tobago Civil Net, they said 53 per cent of Tobagonians say we are ready for autonomy and a staggering 84 per cent believe that the THA should hold the most power over Tobago’s affairs. The message is clear; the people are ready but yet still the laws are written somewhere else.”

She addressed the issue of fiscal fairness.

“In fiscal year 2015, Tobago received 70 per cent of its requested recurrent funding but only 15 per cent, not even 50 per cent but 15 per cent of its developmental funding. That means basic needs were barely met while long terms growth was stifled. To add insult to injury, Tobago contributes to the national revenue through marine based oil and gas activities, yet we still see little to no benefit to Tobago.”

She said the bill will not divide the nation but rather empower the island to make necessary decisions to empower the island.

“Let our resources benefit ah we people, not just the national treasury. Our culture, our festivals, our history, they deserve more than recognition, they deserve investment, protection and autonomy, which gives us that power to preserve our identity on our terms. They say autonomy might divide us, I say it unites us in responsibility. They say we are too small to govern ourselves, I say small means agile, focused and community driven.

”Tobago is not asking for a handout,“ she said.

“We are asking for the steering wheel. The steering wheel to drive our own future. Let us lead, let us rise, let us claim our autonomy.”

Minority leader and electoral representative for Darrel Spring/Whim Omar Gift, of Bethesda Government School, in his contribution said while he agrees with the chief secretary on the push for autonomy, he questioned whether the members on the other side had taken into consideration that Tobago’s small economy may not generate enough revenue to support full self-governance without continued dependence on Trinidad. Gift said while Tourism is the island’s primary industry, it can be volatile and very seasonal.

“A lack of economic diversity could make self-governance financially unsustainable. Allow me to warn Tobagonians that this attempt maybe a trojan horse.”

After approximately two hours, presiding officer Belle Garden Anglican Primary School student Khellai Andrews announced that the motion was passed.

In a closing ceremony, the THA Presiding Officer, Abby Taylor, congratulated the second cohort of students noting that the debate was created not only as an exercise in public speaking but as an exercise to remind that youth voices are the present.

“Your contributions reminded us that you the young people are not just watching from the sidelines – you are thinking critically, asking questions and shaping solutions for your schools, your communities and our island. The world we are trying to build cannot succeed without your perspective. You bring honestly, hope and innovation, you challenge us to do better.”

Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection Faith Brebnor said the debate means that the younger generation is being allowed to truly participate in the governance of TT but more specifically Tobago

While THA Secretary of Education, Research and Technology Zorisha Hackett recognised the contributions of parents, teachers and all other contributors who prepared the students.

“Some may ask, what does self determination have to do with young people. It’s a question we discussed but I would argue what doesn’t it have to do with young people. Self-determination isn’t just about laws, it isn’t just about boundaries, it isn’t just about budget – no, it is about identity. It is about saying we know who we are and we know what we need, and we are prepared to shape our own future. It is the future that belongs to the youths, then you our youths must surely have a hand in building it.”