Political Scientist : Tobago Senate Seats Could Reshape Independent Bench

Political scientist Dr. Maukesh Basdeo says Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s proposal to constitutionally guarantee Tobago at least two seats in the Senate could reshape the composition of the Upper House, particularly the Independent Bench.

Dr. Basdeo noted that while the move would strengthen Tobago’s voice in national decision-making, it may also alter the current balance within the Senate, requiring adjustments to the allocation of Independent Senators.

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“That power that forms the basis of the nine Senators that comprise the Independent bench, that is where the Prime Minister is proposing the Constitutional change should actually occur whereby Tobago would be guaranteed that two of the Senatorial appointments that the President would make would come from the THA or would come from persons representing the interests in Tobago.”