Tobago was annexed to Trinidad in 1889 under British Colonialism, Later in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago achieved its independence, and they became a republic region in 1976. After the region attained its independence, Tobago became an electoral and an administrative region within the country. In the late 1970s, a greater appeal was made by Tobago and this led to the establishment of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in 1980. From that period, THA has been tasked with the local administration affairs and remains the main institution that governs Tobago affairs. With a population of more than 62,000, Wheatle, Se-shauna, and Yonique  (2020) highlighted that region represents approximately 4.8% of the total population in Trinidad and Tobago. 

Tobago relies on central government spending despite its growing population . In more recent times, under the People’s Partnership Administration, the Ministry of Tobago Affairs was rejuvenated to co-exist alongside the Tobago House of Assembly  and handle some of Tobago 

Affairs along the Tobago House of Assembly. (Seepersad, Joseph, and Johnson 2020). At the time, this dual structure created tension within many areas, particularly administrative and political spheres as the Ministry of Tobago Affairs were coloured  as imposing on Tobago House of Assembly’s responsibilities.

The THA comprises two main arms, the Legislative Arm and the Executive Arm, and 10 divisions – nine with remits plus the Office of the Chief Secretary, which oversees the others. This Assembly was created by Act 37 of 1980 for “making better provision for the administration of Tobago and for matters therein.” Following various amendments over the years, the Assembly is currently governed under the Tobago House of Assembly Act 40 of 1996. Under this Act, The responsibilities of the THA are listed under the fifth schedule of the Act.

The Legislative arm (Assembly Legislature) is where all members of the Assembly meet in plenary and/or in select committees to make policy decisions for the operations of the Assembly. These functions are supported by the Assembly Legislature Secretariat and headed by the Presiding Officer. The Clerk of the Assembly is responsible for the efficient discharge of functions of the business of the Assembly. The Executive arm of the Assembly is headed by the Chief Secretary in his capacity as leader of the Executive Council. The Council has individual and collective responsibility for carrying out the tasks of the Assembly through its divisions. Each division is led by a secretary, with an administrator serving as the accounting officer responsible for producing the desired results of the division. The Chief Administrator is the most senior public officer in the administration and is attached to the Office of the Chief Secretary

Scobie and France [a1] (2020) highlight that, relative to the developments of the Twin island, Tobago has been showing promising growth in diverse sectors of the economy. Such sectors include the tourism sector, which attracts thousands of tourists from local and international markets (Yuen, Samson, and Edmund 2020). Also, the insurance industry, finance, business services, and real estate, which have expanded by more than 11% in the last half five financial years (Corbett 2020). Moreover, Tobago has untapped growth potential in other sectors such as health care sectors, education, agriculture, as well as other manufacturing sectors.

 [a1]Check citation style.  Within the text, this would be Scobie and France (2020).

With its growth and potential, as well as its restrictions in managing the island’s affairs,  Tobago has, over time, sought greater autonomy that will enhance economic development in the region. The latest constitutional reform, which has been submitted through the Tobago House of Assembly, has the potential to expand the Tobago economy.

On March 9th, 2018, The Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago Self-Government) Bill, 2018 was laid in Parliament and referred to a Joint Select Committee. The Bill is expected to alter the existing relationship between Trinidad and Tobago by giving Tobago greater control over its affairs by enhancing its legislative and executive powers.  It is also expected that this Bill, which is expected to be laid for debate within short order, would change the institutional framework and operations of these islands. In light of this, the study aims to identify and outline the economic advantages and disadvantages for Tobago within proposed this twin-island state relationship[a1] .

Within recent times, the issue of Tobago’s self-governance has been at the forefront of the Central Government’s agenda, as the Joint Select Committee has held numerous public consultations after the amendment and is expected to make recommendations to improve the Bill, which then be debated in Parliament. (ttparliament.com, 2020). As the reality of achieving self-governance for Tobago seems to be closer than ever before, it has become imperative to assess the current structure of economic governance in relation to tourism that exists and identify and examine the structures and systems of tourism that may need the implementation to ensure Tobago receives optimal benefit from the gaining of the additional responsibilities of self-government. 

The Autonomy Bill within Trinidad and Tobago has been tabled through a parliamentary committee that demands freedom and self-government of Tobago island from the central government. (Baldacchino 2020)demonstrate[a1] s that autonomy will play a crucial role in enhancing the fulfillment of various goals such as the Development Goals in the economy and promote alignment of advanced developments towards that attainment of the island’s freedom. Yuen, Samson, and Edmund (2020) highlight that the need for autonomy in Tobago island will promote innovation that will encourage the citizens of the regions to maintain the region's tourism sector and also enhance to build knowledge as well as brainpower in the country as one of the major economic development facilitators in the region. This study will investigate the potential influence[a2] of this Self-AutonomyBill on Tobago, with specific focus on the tourism sector.

 [a2]potential impact?  Impact could be assessed some time after implementation. 

Are there documents which look at the potential impact, based on the objectives?

Tourism institution reforms require the constitution to carefully outline the management of this balance of power between the respective regions. To this extent, the Self-Autonomy Bill attempts to chart the management of this power while giving Tobago more autonomy over its affairs which is expected to have an inevitable impact on the Tourism sector on the island. Needless to say, the impact and effect of this would also need a holistic investigation to facilitate effective decision making and allow Tobago to maximize and effectively manage the existing opportunity in the respective sector.

The existing legislative framework between the Tobago House of Assembly and Central Government in Trinidad is governed by the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago and the THA Act 40 of 1996. Although the current relationship is limited[a1]  under the current arrangement, the Tobago House of Assembly has responsibility for areas listed in the fifth schedule of the Act while the sixth schedule outlines responsibilities that remain with the Central Government.  Yet, there still exists many shortcomings in the current legislation that hampers Tobago’s efficient and effective management and development of the island of Tobago. For instance, the current legislation does not give the Assembly the rightto borrow on its own ability to service its numerous commitments needed to facilitate its developmental agenda of Tobago.[a2]  According to Rafeeq, Hamza, and Rosemarie (2000)[a3] , this is particularly important as the yearly budgetary

 [a1]Sentence fragment

 [a2]References

 [a3]Brackets would only be around (2000) in this case

The existing legislative framework between the Tobago House of Assembly and Central Government in Trinidad is governed by the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago and the THA Act 40 of 1996. Although the current relationship is limited[a1]  under the current arrangement, the Tobago House of Assembly has responsibility for areas listed in the fifth schedule of the Act while the sixth schedule outlines responsibilities that remain with the Central Government.  Yet, there still exists many shortcomings in the current legislation that hampers Tobago’s efficient and effective management and development of the island of Tobago. For instance, the current legislation does not give the Assembly the rightto borrow on its own ability to service its numerous commitments needed to facilitate its developmental agenda of Tobago.[a2]  According to Rafeeq, Hamza, and Rosemarie (2000)[a3] , this is particularly important as the yearly budgetary

allocation to Tobago is significantly underfunded, causing significant constraints on the island's purse.

To this extent, the current Bill(Appendix 1) proposes a number of changes, including a well defined Tobago and its geographical space;also gives Tobago equal status as Trinidad, as well as restructures the island’s administration implementing new structures, procedures, and systems. It is expected that many of these current shortcomings would be mitigated as the Bill establishes many new structures, procedures, and systems under the remit of the Tobago House of Assembly[a1] . The process of implementing these structures requires careful thought by policymakers and the people of Tobago. As such, careful considerations must be given to the imminent changes that are anticipated and the structures that will be necessary to complement these changes, not only to ensure a smooth transition into the new systems but also, to ensure a solid foundation for their effective and efficient operations.

On the other hand, tourism remains one of the strongest sectors in Trinidad and Tobago. Baldacchino (2020) highlights that tourism represents approximately 13% of the Tobago’s Gross Domestic Products. Based on this consideration, Tobago's tourism sector provides significant growth and development potential. It is a general perception Tourism remains one of the island’s main economic sectorsand its growth and development is critically hinged to the future of the island, particularly should the island receive Autonomy. James (2018)also shows that tourism remains a crucial pillar for the diversification of the strategy and economic development freedom in the country.

Within recent times, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened to cripple the tourism sector on the island. In this vein, this study bears even more significance. In response to this, according to Corbett (2020), the Prime Minister Rowley created a special committee that would lead and promote the economic recovery of main sectors including the tourism industry in the sector in Tobago. The committee included various members of the THA committee to facilitate a considered focus on Tobago and its future economic development.

Additionally, over the last five years, various measures that were taken to facilitate economic growth in the tourism section were outlined in Budget Statements delivered by the Division of Finance and Economy. This repeated focus within the Budget tells two things. First that this sector is of great significance and relevance to the economy and secondly, that there is a vested interest in this sector. In this regard, there is evidence of some significance to this study.Some of measures outlined included increasing the advertising and marketing efforts, promoting tourism offerings, and expanding Tobago room stock. According to Scobie, Michelle, and Afiya (2020), there was an aim within the industry to raise the number of rooms to at least 1500 rooms for tourists in the next five years. Besides, the completion of the new airport terminus, as well as continued improvements of the already existing terminus both for sea and air transport, were facilitated. In this case, the improvements in modes of transport are expected to boost tourism on the island.

AIM OF THE RESEARCH

It is expected that the Self Autonomy Billwhich was initiated in 2018, would have a significant impact on the operations and arrangements between the twin island state, Trinidad and Tobago.Currently, there are no empiricalstudies have been conducted on possible impacts of autonomy that maybe derived from this Bill will have on Tobago. [a2] With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened to cripple the tourism sector on the island. In this vein, this study bears even more significance. The main aim of this research will be investigating the potential impact of Autonomy  on Tobago, with a specific view on the tourism sector. [a3] Based on this the research objectives and questions are listed hereunder.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

●       To find out the possible impact of the self-autonomy Bill on the tourism sector in Tobago.

●       To investigate possible social-economic advantages of a self-autonomous Bill on tourism in Tobago.

●       To find out the potential social-economic risks of a self-autonomous Bill on tourism in Tobago.

●       To investigate the potential future implications of the autonomous Bill on tourism in Tobago. [a4] 

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Based on the research objectives above, the following research questions were formulated.

●       What is the possible impact of the self-autonomy Bill on the tourism sector in Trinidad and Tobago?

●       Wh[a5] at are the possible social-economic advantages of a self-autonomous Bill on tourism in Tobago?

●       What are the potential social-economic risks of a self-autonomous Bill on tourism in Tobago?

●       What are the potential future implications of the autonomous Bill on tourism in Tobago?

LITERATURE REVIEW

Preliminary review of the literature has generally indicated that there have not been many studies investigating changes in administrative and institutional arrangements among twin island states[a6] . However, there appears to be a general amount of discussions surrounding constitutional change and federal - national reformation. From this, we can begin to conclude that most of the literature therefore is contextualised within developed countries. Therefore, the literature appears to be limited when referring to the Caribbean context and institutional or constitutional reform assessment among twin island states. To this extent, this study may answer this gap within the literature.

Beyond this observation, it has been noted that there are studies on twin island states and multi island states within the Caribbean, though not centered on the topic of institutional arrangements. For instance, Bleeker (2019), author of an ECLAC study which looked at the impact of technology within multi island states in Caribbean. Another example is drawn from Jordan (2007) which examines the issues arising from tourism collaboration, cooperation, coordination and conflict due to the relationship between dominant and subordinate islands in small twin island developing states (STIDS). These studies tell us that it is both viable and worthwhile to investigate institutional relationships, thereby making this study relevant and meaningful.

Moreover, the literature highlights issues of collaboration, cooperation, coordination and conflict are significant issues within the literature on inter-organisational relationships. Jordan (2007). There is scope to investigate how these issues are compounded when there is a shift in power or a change in institutional arrangement. This study aims to investigate this within the Trinidad and Tobago context.

Similarly, within the wider world, the brief review of constitutional change literature, it appears that these issues are the same. Benzo & Colino (2011 p.1) explains,

“Many scholars studying federal political systems have described their dynamic character, Their ongoing evolution, but also their instability. They have explained the continuous need to balance powers and resources between different actors and institutions at different levels of government.”

This signals that issues of inter-organisational relationships is not a Caribbean phenomenon but actually one that exists globally.

Moreover, Gerber and Kollman, 2004, in investigation the shift of power from national to federal state can result in what they term as “authority migration.” They conclude that this requires a constitution to carefully outline the management of this balance of power. To this extent, the Self-Autonomy Bill attempts to chart the management of this power, while giving Tobago more autonomy over its affairs. Needless to say, the impact and effect of this would also need holistic investigation to facilitate effective decision making and allow Tobago to maximise and effectively manage this opportunity.[a7] 

Maximizing Tourism Benefits in Tobago Islands

In order to meet the capacity of tourism in the country, (Bill2018)[a8]  highlights that solutions need to be sought in those places that either constrain or contribute to suboptimal growth in the tourism industry. The type and scale of future tourism growth in the Caribbean will be based on how Caribbean governments view the effect of tourism on their economies and how tourism can help achieve governments' objectives. Tourism can be seen as a constructive force for future growth for the Caribbean region as a whole. With a free-market policy, while economic gains can be realized, the consequences may be detrimental to society. In the tourism industry, people are buying the commodity at the point of processing and directly meeting the manufacturer. In order to reduce potential negative social aspects while at the same time optimizing beneficial aspects, the tourism industry must be monitored regularly by state authorities.

(Piechowiak et al. 2020) shows that the Trinidad and Tobago resort properties, its warm climate during the year, its location relatively close to such important sources of tourists as Canada and the USA, along with the growth of incomes and scarcity of beaches, make the area an attractive destination for tourists. A question arises whether Trinidad and Tobago will be able to initiate a course of action to enhance tourism development in the Caribbean countries. Will the Tobago sovereignty through the autonomous Bill help to achieve tourism developments for global recognition and economic development in the country, thus, having a potential impact on tourist attraction sites.(Gumede 2019) highlight that although currently, both are considered as one state, there are inequalities in the distribution of resources. Some of the cities in Tobago that lags behind in terms of development are characterized by low human resource developments, the weak performance of the economy relative to other regions, and high levels of poverty. For instance, (Hendry, Ian, and Susan 2018) show that Trinidad has incredible growth. However, while Tobago is considered as a separate state, it has a considerably low per capita income, which is approximately 2 times lower. (Baldacchino 2020) add that the disparities different in various infrastructures and social metrics, which are more crucial. The disparities in development affect the level of tourism in the country. Few pieces of research have been done on the disparities in tourism sector growth, development, and investment by the central government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Various challenges have been experienced by the twin-island over a long period of time. (MacDonald 2020) shows that the autonomy of Tobago was projected to solve some of the challenges in the region. For instance, (O'Brien 2019) highlights that Tobago continues to face tourism developmental challenges. The central government remains a major driver and the largest employer on both islands. In this case, state activities have been accounted to have approximately 47% of the total Gross Domestic Product as well as more than 56% of the labor force in the region. Based on the gross government spending in the region, Tobago receives approximately 4.5% of the national budget.

To address the challenge of lagging behind (Asher, Dan, and Micha 2019) shows that various institutions will have to be initiated by the country. In this case, a variety of Bills and policies that range from infrastructure development, fiscal transfer, and independence will have to be formulated in this regard. Thus, the proposed autonomous Bill will help to solve some of these challenges. A question, therefore, arises whether Tobago, through this Bill, will enhance improvement on the related tourism development in the regions due to independence in finance allocation and freedom in decision making relative to Trinidad. This study will therefore fill this gap and investigate various disadvantages and disadvantages of autonomous Bills.

Island Sovereignty InTwin Island And Tourism Development

There are various advantages of state sovereignty in relation to tourism. (Asher, Dan, and Micha 2019) shows that a country a state will have power over environmental policies, specifically natural resources. In this case, the country will have full management of local resources that are desirable in the global economy. Such resources include mineral deposits, oil and gas, strategic basis in international forums, tourism potential, fishing zones, and sheer economic loyalty. Baldacchino (2006) shows that control of natural resources has been leverage for extracting and achieving a certain degree of global economic and tourism recognition. Additionally, (Armstrong, Kervenoael, and Robert 1998) show that an island should be separate that has an immense contribution to the environmental and cultural diversities, which should proportionately be greater than the size.

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