Tobago’s 44-year-old fight for self autonomy An aerial view of the Scarborough Esplanade at Milford Road, Scarborough, Tobago. THE six-six electoral tie between the PNM and the PDP in last Monday's Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election is the latest twist in Tobago's 44-year journey towards seeking self-autonomy. After the PNM won the 1956 general election, then prime minister Dr Eric Williams promised to pay particular attention to the needs of Tobago. In 1977, Democratic Action Congress (DAC) leader ANR Robinson complained that TT's 1976 Republican Constitution ignored the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago. In 1979, a draft bill was produced, which made provision for a Tobago Island Council to formulate economic planning and finance for the island.