Tobago Senate representation proposal announced by Prime Minister

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced a proposal to amend the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago to guarantee Tobago two seats in the Senate. The announcement was made during the opening of the east terminal building of the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport in Tobago.

Currently, Tobago is guaranteed two elected seats in the House of Representatives, but there is no constitutional requirement for representation in the Senate. Under the proposed amendment, at least two of the nine Independent Senators appointed by the President would be required to be from Tobago. The Prime Minister stated that this move aims to provide equality in representation and recognize Tobago as an equal partner.

The proposal will require a vote by Parliament to be enacted. Currently, the nine Independent Senators are selected by the President at their discretion from individuals representing various economic, social, or community organizations, without specific geographic quotas.