Tobago Correspondent
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has assured Trinidadians that they have nothing to fear over Tobago’s quest for greater autonomy.
He was speaking yesterday during the Toast to the Nation at Shaw Park Complex, Tobago, as the country celebrated its 64 years of independence.
Addressing several of his secretaries, top brass in protective services and other dignitaries, Augustine said a stronger and more self-sufficient Tobago augurs well for the country.
However, he added that economic independence is critical to achieving that.
Augustine said Tobago will not achieve its potential until young people can envisage a viable future on the island.
He urged Trinidad not to be wary of Tobago’s intention and to look at the bigger picture.
“Our continued pursuit of greater autonomy is not a rejection of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.
“It is the belief that empowering one part of the republic does not weaken the whole; it strengthens it.”
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has committed her support to Tobago’s self-governance, assigning constitutional expert Dr Hamid Ghany to work alongside the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to achieve that objective.
Augustine said that while the country is celebrating independence, autonomy remains an unfulfilled goal of Tobago.
He questioned whether the country can see how mutually beneficial self-governance would be.
“Whether Trinidad can celebrate Tobago’s progress and support an audacious autonomy plan without feeling threatened by it, and whether Tobago can assert its aspirations without diminishing our shared nationhood.”
Quoting poet Derek Walcott, Augustine said there is still much work to do to achieve meaningful independence, noting the lives of citizens are not significantly affected by the pomp and fanfare of an independence parade.
“What is the value of independence parade if independence does not materially change the lives of the people watching it?
“That question must follow all of us who hold public office … The next chapter of independence must be about building capacity; it must be about producing more of what we consume; creating businesses that can compete beyond our shores; educating children not just to pass exams but to solve our problems.”
Augustine pointed out that the country was still “under construction” when Britain granted it independence. He said there are several pertinent questions each citizen must ask, including whether we are ready to assume responsibility for building the country instead of merely criticising it. He said disagreements will take place, but they do not have to be acrimonious.
Recalling the people from various backgrounds he saw in the independence parade moments before, Augustine said many have made this country their home and Trinidad and Tobago must embrace that melting pot.
“Our diversity must never be our division. We are African and Indian, we are European and Chinese, indigenous and Middle Eastern, and these days, God knows, we are also Venes. We are Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and people of many other traditions and convictions.
“Different journeys, different histories, but one Caribbean space which we have had to learn to live together.”
Augustine also apologised for the late start to the parade as his official vehicle had a mechanical problem and would not start. However, when he finally arrived, he drew inspiration from a Pathfinder whose sole came off his shoe as he participated in the march. Despite the busted shoe, he said the boy’s enthusiasm never waned.
“There will be difficulties; there will be disagreements. Even when the sole comes off the boot, you just keep marching. The vehicle may stall but the journey must not, that is the spirit I wish for T&T, a country that keeps moving.”
When asked to respond to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Independence Day message to United National Congress supporters, Augustine declined to comment.
