Recent statements made by PDP leader Watson Duke, stating that his first priority, would be the reopening of Tobago Beaches, could lead to a crisis regarding, who really has control over Tobago affairs.
Even if the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) debates and approve the reopening of beaches, it remains the authority of the central government to legislate and enforce the overall laws of our Republic.
It is without doubt, the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service (TTPS) will receive instructions from central government and not the THA. This could render any contrary decision made by THA, to reopen the beaches, null and void, since the restrictions in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance (PHO), remains applicable for both Trinidad & Tobago.
The TTPS will be guided to carry out directives, enforcing adherence to the PHO.
Watson Duke is a clever politician and knows very well, the issue of beaches reopening, is popular among citizens. Therefore, he can use this to further his claim of full autonomy for Tobago. He is aware that he can place the central government’s opposition to the reopening of Tobago Beaches as a good reason why Tobago should not be taking any instructions from Trinidad, simply because, “Trinidad” leadership is clueless, regarding the affairs of Tobago.
Prime Minister Rowley has indicated, his government would give consideration to the reopening of beaches sometime soon, even if it means for limited hours, from 5am to 12 noon. However, given the sustained high reporting of daily deaths due to Covid 19, it’s unlikely, any announcement indicating the reopening of beaches, would be made within this period of spike in Covid 19 infections and deaths.
Meanwhile, proposed THA leader, Farley Augustine, has sought to cushion Duke’s statement by indicating that Duke never promised to reopen the beaches. Farley said, Duke indicated he will raise the matter with the party’s executive council and a decision will be made whether to bring it up for debate when the “new” THA convenes.
This process outlined by Farley, may give Prime Minister Rowley some breathing space, allowing for infections and deaths to decrease, enabling him to embark on his reopening promise, before any such challenge is brought forward by the THA.
It remains to be seen how this would play out.