The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Legislature will discuss the draft bill for Tobago’s self-governance at a special sitting on October 13.

The draft bill was prepared following consultations with various sectors across Tobago, including lawyers, activists, community groups and organisations.

At Thursday’s (September 8) post Executive Council media briefing, Chief Secretary Orville London said the results of these consultations were forwarded to Senior State Counsel Alvin Pascall, Senior Counsel Gilbert Peterson and attorney Ingrid Melville for preparation of the draft bill. The document was discussed at a meeting of the Forum of Political Parties last week.

He said the Forum also provided its recommendations. He expects to receive the final draft by September 20. The Forum will meet on September 22 to discuss it further.

London said the Forum is hoping to hold a public consultation on October 2. The Assembly will then discuss the final draft of the Bill at a special October plenary sitting before submitting it to Cabinet by October 17.

Government has given its commitment to have the draft bill considered by a Joint Select Committee of Parliament.