In a landmark move to bolster Tobago’s self-governance capabilities, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has championed significant legislative reforms through the Tobago House of Assembly (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The legislation, piloted in the House of Representatives on January 16, represents the most substantial empowerment initiative for the island in recent history.
The cornerstone of this reform involves expanding the THA’s executive structure by increasing secretarial positions from seven to twelve members. Concurrently, the parliamentary quorum required to conduct official business has been elevated from nine to twelve members. These changes come in direct response to the Tobago People’s Party’s decisive electoral victory and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s recent swearing-in ceremony on January 15, which the Prime Minister attended personally.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized that these measures transcend mere administrative adjustments, representing instead a fundamental reimagining of Tobago’s governance framework. “This bill reflects the seriousness with which we regard Tobago’s development, Tobago’s governance, and Tobago’s future,” she declared, adamant that Tobago must never be treated as “a mere footnote” or subjected to tokenistic approaches.
The expanded executive capacity enables greater portfolio specialization, clearer division of responsibilities, and enhanced oversight mechanisms for public service delivery. With only 45% of assembly members previously able to serve in executive roles under the old structure, the reform establishes a more proportionate balance between legislative representation and executive participation.
Financial commitments underscore this political empowerment. Tobago’s allocation of approximately $3.724 billion for fiscal 2025-2026 represents the highest in the island’s history, constituting 6.3% of the national budget when accounting for ministry and agency expenditures. Within this allocation, the THA receives direct funding of $2.94 billion.
The Prime Minister simultaneously announced concrete developmental initiatives, including restarting the stalled Riseland Housing Project in Carnbee to address housing security and community development. Significantly, she committed to establishing a specialized special-needs center modeled after the National Enrichment Centre developed during her previous administration, ensuring Tobago’s children with disabilities receive comprehensive support.
Defending the increased quorum requirements, Persad-Bissessar asserted that “democracy is not supposed to be convenient for small groups,” emphasizing that the purpose of quorum is ultimately legitimacy. The reforms ensure Tobago’s business proceeds with proper representation, clear majority presence, and enhanced democratic credibility.
This legislative package builds upon previous reforms implemented in 2021, which expanded the THA framework from 17 to 20 members. The current amendments address the consequent need for parallel executive expansion, creating what the Prime Minister characterized as “a serious partnership with Tobago” that strengthens institutions to deliver better outcomes for all Tobagonians.