Domestic violence charges against AssemblyMan Hilton Sandy

At Top, AssemblyMan Hilton Sandy,
At Bottom his Wife Candice Chang-Sandy

Infirmed Assemblyman, Hilton Sandy, appeared before the Scarborough magistrate Court yesterday on a Charge of domestic violence brought against him by his wife, Candice Chang-Sandy.

Sandy, age 69, is the non functioning representative for Roxborough/Delaford, having suffered a stroke in September 2013.

He was represented by attorney Joy Phillips while his wife Candice Chang-Sandy, age 29, was represented by attorney Deborah Moore-Miggins.

Members of the media and the public were instructed to clear the court when the matter was called, and it was advised that parties should settle the matter out of court.

Attorneys in the case were tight- lipped on the details of the matter, however, deliberations to strike a deal was said to have taken place.

Attorneys later visited the home of the Sandy's in Carnbee to allot restrictions to them, with respect to where each could traverse throughout the house.

When questioned about the domestic violence matter by media personnel, THA Chief Secretary, Orville London said he was not aware of the details.

“I am not aware of the matter and if I was aware of what transpired, I would not comment. I cannot remove Mr Sandy as an assemblyman. There is a difference between influence and authority, and I would not indicate how I would assert my influence in the matter. I will only deal with the facts,” he said.

The matter was adjourned.

Summary of an Excerpt from T&T Express
Photos are not the property of Tobago-Daily.

Tobago Self Government Discussions Continue

THA Chief Secretary Orville London, left,
exchanges greetings with Arts and Multiculturalism Minister
Lincoln Douglas yesterday following their meeting on
 Tobago Self Governance at Hyatt Regency,
Port of Spain. —Photo: ISHMAEL SALANDY

The people of Tobago must have the right of self-determination, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London has said.

London was speaking at a news conference yesterday at the Hyatt Regency, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, following the second Dialogue Meeting on Tobago Self-Governance.

A team from Tobago met with a Cabinet-appointed committee led by Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Lincoln Douglas, who said a number of critical issues was discussed including the legislative powers of Tobago to make and implement its own laws, budgetary allocations and defining maritime boundaries.

Addressing reporters, London said the meeting surrounded 11 demands coming from the people of Tobago and that it is only a matter of time before there is closure to the issue of self-governance of Tobago.

He said however several points needed to be addressed such as equality of status between Trinidad and Tobago, a definition of the boundaries of each island and an effective law-making authority.

“We need an effective and meaningful law-making authority that cannot, in any way, be frustrated by the Cabinet or the Central Government,” he said.

London said there also needed to be an equitable sharing of the nation’s resources. 

He said Tobago self-governance must not be looked at as a favour or gift to Tobagonians, but rather about the island having the opportunity to operationalise their right to self-determination. 

“This is the right of the people.”

London added there were several areas of disagreement during the meeting, but he expressed hope these would be resolved.

“We did not agree on everything but I think it is a work in progress,” he said. 

Douglas said the meeting facilitated a clearer understanding of what is necessary to make Tobago self-governance a reality. 

Another meeting has been scheduled for May 6 to further talks on the matter.

The Tobago team included London, Tobago Platform of Truth (TPT) leader Hochoy Charles, Stanford Callender of the People’s National Movement (PNM) and Convenor of the Internal Self-Government Secretariat, Allan Richards, with Gilbert Peterson SC, as adviser.

Central government was represented by the committee headed by Douglas. Other members of the sub-committee include Minister of Water Resources and the Environment Ganga Singh, Minister of Food Production Devant Maharaj and Dr Delmon Baker, Minister of Tobago Development, along with advisers Ashworth Jack and Christo Gift SC.

Source: trinidadexpress 

Chief Secretary Commission Calder Hall Multi purpose Centre

Community Development and Culture Secretary
Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus is assisted in unveiling the plaque
 at the opening of the Calder Hall Multi Purpose
Community Centre on Sunday: Photo by THA

Chief Secretary Orville London on Sunday commissioned the Calder Hall Multi Purpose Community Centre on Calder Hall Road, Scarborough which was refurbished at a cost of $1 million to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

The centre is located within the Scarborough/Calder Hall electoral district represented by London. It is part of a $5 million development consisting of a Y Zone, Children's Play Park, lighted recreational facilities and the centre, all within a stone's throw of each other.

The refurbished centre includes a spacious auditorium, computer room fitted with ten desktop computers with the latest programs, kitchen, change rooms and wash rooms.

London said the community centre was not for one particular group and urged the groups in the community to make full use of its facilities adding that the return on the investment in this particular centre was the number of lives that were transformed and the number of groups that come together. He said the return on the investment would not be judged by the number of weddings that were held in the centre.

He said a community centre was not known for collaborating among the different age groups but this must change and therefore the people of Calder Hall must embrace change. "If you continue doing the same thing then we would have wasted our investment," he said.

Tobago Allocation in National Budget Wrong.

Chief Secretary Orville London has said the arithmetic for the Tobago allocation in the $61.3 billion national budget for fiscal 2014 must be gotten right.

He made it clear that the allocation to the Assembly was not $3.309 billion or equivalent to 5.39 percent of the national budget. He said the allocation was $2.477 billion of which $2,095 billion was for recurrent expenditure, $363 million for capital expenditure and $19 million for the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP). He said the $831.2 million revealed by Finance Minister Larry Howai in his budget presentation on Monday was to be spent by Government Ministries.

London said the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC) was clear that the THA must receive a minimum of 4.03 percent of the total allocation so what "we did in fact get was somewhere in the vicinity of 4.03 percent which is the norm the Central Government has given Tobago over the years, the minimum allowed under the DRC, therefore it followed the law".

‘Reconciliation Commission’ Proposed by London

TOBAGO House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London has written to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to propose the establishment of a “Reconciliation Commission” to set the sister isle on the road to self-governance.

The proposed commission would be mandated to draft legislation to that effect, the THA stated in a media release last Friday.

In his letter to the PM, London said the commission should comprise equal representation of the Cabinet and THA Executive Council, with the chairperson being agreed upon by both parties, as guided by the “design, spirit and intent of the Dispute Resolution provisions in section 57(1) of the THA Act No. 40”.

London’s proposal was on the invitation of the Prime Minister during their last quarterly meeting on June 21, the THA stated.

The details of the proposal submitted to Persad-Bissessar will be discussed at their next meeting in September. 

In his letter, London said the proposal recognised the need for the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary to “hold regular discussions with a view to formulating administrative and legislative mechanisms for the promotion of harmony in the affairs of Trinidad and Tobago”, as prescribed by section 31 of the Act.

The THA Chief Secretary explained that this was further supported by section 56 of the Act which established a dispute resolution commission (DRC) to “resolve disputes between the Assembly and Government on budgetary allocations to the Assembly and matters in connection therewith.”

London added that the allocation of resources to Tobago was one of the most critical issues facing constitutional reform.

“It must also be noted, Madam Prime Minister, that the mechanism of the dispute resolution commission has been utilised with procedural success, and should be considered an appropriate model for treating with this larger issue.” 

The Chief Secretary also stated that in the application of the DRC model, the Government and the Assembly would each appoint a team of three to five persons, and a chairperson to be appointed by mutual agreement.

He said the proposed Commission would be required to submit a report detailing its “consensual” position to both the Government and the Assembly for action by their principals. 

London added that this report could become the catalyst for further discussion in Cabinet, the THA and in the public domain, before debate and final resolution in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.

For the past six years, the people of Tobago have been engaged in discussion, consultation and reporting on the issue of Tobago’s position in the union and the outcome of these engagements has been forwarded officially to the Central Government, London stated.

He said the exposition of the relative positions of the Cabinet and the Executive Council had not produced, nor was likely to produce, a viable resolution.

“The people of Tobago now need adequate assurance that their concerns and positions will be addressed. They remain convinced that the issue of internal self-government for Tobago should not be delayed any further by being subsumed in a national consultation reform process whose outcomes are uncertain,” London said in his letter.

Source:trinidadexpress

London presents THA’s Development plan for Tobago 2013-17

Chief Secretary, Orville London

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) last Thursday adopted the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan for Tobago 2013 to 2017 prepared by local firm Kairi Consultants Ltd.

Chief Secretary Orville London presented a motion on the Plan that drew five speakers at the three-hour plenary sitting of the Assembly. 

The House was also asked to formally recognise the Executive Council for its far-reaching and inclusive discussions with stakeholders throughout Tobago, in the development of the Plan and to mandate it to take all appropriate steps to facilitate the fulfilment of the objectives for the sustainable development of Tobago during the period 2013 to 2017, as outlined in the Plan, a statement from the THA said.

In asking the House to accept the Motion, London said governments have a responsibility to plan and implement in a manner that will ensure that the resources of the country whether human or natural can be harnessed and maximised for the benefit of the people. He added that satisfying the needs of the people must counter the needs of developing resources.

In the statement he said the decision-making by his administration would affect the lives of generations to come and it was fully aware of its responsibility. He said it was for this reason it had developed the 2006 to 2010 development plan and was now in the position to bring to the House the economic development plan for 2013 to 2017.

Tobago was in a much better position in 2013 than in 2006, he said, adding that the 2013 to 2017 Plan had come to the House after consultation and evaluation and further evaluation. He added that it was significant that the plan would have encompassed three documents.

During his presentation London announced that the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) was rated as the best agency for disaster preparedness in the Caribbean region. 

Source:trinidadexpress

Chief Secretary Relived About Milshirv

Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly,
Orville London

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London said yesterday he felt vindicated that at the end of it all the “AG has finally accepted that Milshirv was about an interpretation of the law and not about abuse of the law by any individual”.

According to London, the Minister of Finance has described Milshirv Properties as an “innocent third party, in a context where his colleagues had accused the company and THA of colluding in an illegal transaction”. 

He said the THA was relieved that the project  can be resumed and hopefully delivered in the shortest possible time, adding that the THA will await the ruling of the court on the powers of the Assembly under the THA Act of 1996. 

“It however, strengthens our determination to have the issue of internal self government for Tobago addressed, as a matter of extreme urgency,” he said. 

Source:trinidadexpress

London to Baker: Don’t play politics with Tobago’s money

Orville London, Chief Secretary THA

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) received the $222.8 million needed for the payment of arrears of salaries and wages to its 9,000 monthly and daily rated employees on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Finance had given instructions to the Ministry of Tobago Development on July 4 to release $222,818,100 to the Assembly as part of the supplementary budget approved by Parliament a month ago.

In addition, the Tobago Development Ministry was instructed on June 26 to release $87,487,500 to the Assembly as the final tranche for its development programme in fiscal 2013. This too was received on Wednesday.

However, an instruction from the Ministry of Finance dated June 2 to the Ministry of Tobago Development for the release of $341,937,263 for recurrent expenditure during the final quarter of fiscal 2013 was still outstanding. This sum is needed to pay salaries and wages to Assembly workers, as well as their national insurance and health surcharge. The money is also to be used for the purchase of goods and services and minor equipment for the period July to September 2013. An additional $14,324,960 for the daily-rated workers group pension plan “was withheld” according to correspondence from the Ministry of Finance.

Chief Secretary Orville London told Wednesday’s weekly post Executive Council media briefing that he didn’t know if the delay in releasing the final tranche to the Assembly was a deliberate act by the Ministry of Tobago Development.

However, he said, releases have been delayed over the last two and three quarters unlike previous years. He said the time spent after the approval of funds by the Ministry of Finance and their release by the Ministry of Tobago Development has been increasing; a blatant example of this was the release of the second tranche due in early January but only released after the THA elections.

He said the Ministry of Tobago Development was the sub treasury which only served as a conduit for the release of funds to the Assembly and he “didn’t think anyone should play politics with the lives of people”. “We should not play games with people’s lives,” he stressed.

London said now that the funds were available to the Assembly, employees will begin receiving their arrears by the end of this month. He added that because there were a lot of workers involved, it would take some time to pay all of them.

Source:tobagonews

Kamla agrees to talks with London

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar (left) and
Chief Secretary Orville London (right)

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has agreed to meet chief secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Orville London to discuss the process for the granting of internal self-governance to Tobago and other issues of national interest. London had written to the Prime Minister requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the issue and in her response she noted that many of the items outlined in his proposed agenda needed to be addressed immediately. She asked him to  contact her office to arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient date and time.

Besides  self-governance, the other items London wanted to discuss included:

• a review of the relationship between ministers of government and secretaries in the assembly

• funding for the housing programme in Tobago

• THA representation on relevant national boards and committees

• Quarterly “non-crisis” meetings between the Prime Minister and himself

• Central government collaboration in the revitalisation of the Tobago economy

London told Wednesday’s post-executive council media briefing it was heartening the Prime Minister responded to his letter specifically mentioning the granting of self- governance. He recalled that at their last meeting in February he had recommended a process that he thought would bring some kind of closure to the issue and allow them to finally have a bill that would bring resolution. “I am hoping that we would be able to further this particular issue and these discussions would take place sooner rather than later,” he said. The chief secretary is also hoping to meet with National Security Minister Emmanuel George at a Fire Service passing-out parade tomorrow to firm up arrangements for a meeting with National Security units and representatives of the assembly to discuss security issues affecting Tobago.

George has already said he is  willing to meet with London after discussions with acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams.

Source: TrinidadGuardian

London: ‘Govt Falsely Taking Credit for Tobago Projects’

Chief Secretary
Orville London

Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Orville London said yesterday that he was puzzled at some of the claims by the People’s Partnership Government as major achievements in Tobago.

He noted in a statement that the PP Government had not only claimed credit in its Friday publication for the Buccoo Integrated Facility which the Minister of Tobago Development Dr Delmon Baker had described as a “goat pen” but also took credit for the construction of the Buccoo Community Centre, the Pembroke Heritage Park and the Glen Road Community Centre, which were all projects of the THA.

London said he also did not understand its claim of construction of the Scarborough RC School and the Scarborough Methodist School when everyone in Tobago knew that the Scarborough Methodist School was constructed more than ten years ago while construction has not yet started on the Scarborough RC School.

The Chief Secretary said the claim of initiating the construction of a temporary prison in Tobago was also misleading since that project was still in the discussion stage.

Further London said, the PP Government’s claim it had revisited the provisions of the THA Act particularly the fifth schedule with a view to granting the people of Tobago greater autonomy and responsibility over matters that affect Tobago was more than puzzling since it had dropped the issue of self governance for Tobago after it was given a sound trashing in the Assembly elections in January.

London said the validity of some of the claims it made about achievements in Trinidad may also be questionable.

He said he hoped the leadership of the PP Government and its Tobago Organisation of the People  (TOP) colleagues in Tobago would make the necessary corrections so as to prevent further erosion of its credibility.

Source:Trinidadexpress

London: THA will skip hearings

Chief Secretary Orville London

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will not participate in the national consultation on constitutional reform at this point in time, says THA Chief Secretary Orville London.

In a release to the press, London stated that he informed Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar and the members of the Constitution Reform Commission of this during a 50-minute meeting yesterday at his Calder Hall office in Scarborough.

“We recognise that it is a very important exercise and, of course, we pledge the commitment of the Tobago House of Assembly and the people of Tobago...recognising that, however, just as the central government, the Tobago House of Assembly is not going to have a formal position on any of the issues at this point in time,” stated London.

The Assembly, he said, will encourage the people of Tobago as the people of the country to become as involved as possible in what was going to be an exercise that can have very far reaching effects. 

“We did indicate to the Minister that we are very clear that the issue of internal self-government for Tobago is one that should not be embroiled in this particular process,” said London.

He said the Assembly had gone a long way and felt that should there be some separation it would have a chance of a successful conclusion in the short term and bring closure to that. 

London added that this might be a catalyst or might also send some signal as to how the other aspect of constitutional reform can in fact be achieved.

He noted that members of his team—Deputy Chief Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine and Senior State Counsel Alvin Pascal—were able to share a number of recommendations and suggestions. 

“We are satisfied that members of the committee are committed to gleaning the views of the people of Tobago and Trinidad and of course ensuring that forms the basis for their recommendations on constitutional reform,” London said.

Source:Trinidadexpress

Christlyn Moore and London in Cordial Meeting

Christlyn Moore, Minister of Justice

Justice Minister Christlyn Moore and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London held their first meeting yesterday following the heated January 21 THA election campaign.

Both Moore and London agreed that their 90-minute meeting at the Calder Hall Administrative Complex, Scarborough, was "cordial and productive", according to a statement from the THA.

London told reporters they agreed to hold quarterly statutory meetings, which were extremely critical at this time because of the number of projects to be undertaken, including the correctional facility at Hope.

He added that this would require close collaboration between the THA and the ministry.

"From our perspective, we were very heartened by the quality of the discussions and the commitment of the ministry to ensure that the Assembly is involved in a meaningful manner in all decisions emanating from the ministry," London said.

In expressing appreciation for the level of professionalism and commitment which the minister and her team brought to the discussion, the Chief Secretary said this augured well and expected it would be a model for future discussion and future relations between the THA and the various ministries of the central government.

London said it was hoped the new correctional facility to be constructed at Hope in east Tobago would be designed and constructed based on the needs of the people of Tobago and not just a prison and not something that went with a national model.

He said there was recognition that there were peculiar and different challenges, different issues in Tobago.

He said there was no agreement however on how to ensure that the courts in Tobago treated with those issues that were important to the quality of life and retrofit the courts to adjust to that.

Moore said it was quite exciting to be a part of corporate efforts which envision new steps in providing administrative justice services in Tobago.

She said her ministry was moving to establish offices of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board and the Police Complaints Authority to serve the people of Tobago.

She added that the Director of Public Prosecutions was also invited to share space with the ministry so that a large range of criminal justice services were available in Tobago.

Moore said the meeting was very invaluable since it had given her ministry new insights into the justice system in the island.

Source: Trinidadexpress

Chief Secretary calls for urgent Security Meeting

Chief Secretary Orville London 

THA Chief Secretary Orville London is calling on National Security Minister Jack Warner to reconvene the twice yearly meetings of officials of his Ministry and the Assembly to discuss security issues in Tobago.

London reminded Jack in a letter dated March 18 2013 that the last such meeting was held on March 14 2012. He said these meetings which were held twice a year, provided a forum in which all the stakeholders were able to collaborate in the decision making and implementation processes.

The Chief Secretary said there were a number of issues which required urgent attention or on which there was inadequate information from the Ministry of National Security.

London told Jack he wanted the urgent meeting with him and his officials to discuss all relevant issues including the construction of Police Stations at Old Grande and Roxborough; an increase in the number of officers in the Tobago Division; concerns over communication challenges, transportation needs and the availability of essential equipment in the Tobago Division; plans to manage security in the unique Tobago environment; construction of Fire Services headquarters and Fire Stations in Tobago; security concerns at the Scarborough Port and the ANR Robinson airport, adequate patrols and surveillance of other entry points in Tobago, traffic wardens, the role of the Defence Force in Tobago and a consistent disaggregation of the crime statistics for Tobago and Trinidad.

London added: "Meaningful collaboration between your Ministry and the Tobago House of Assembly is essential if we are to create an environment which would comfort the locals and attract visitors."

However, Jack was in Tobago recently to discuss security issues with Minister of Tobago Development Dr Delmon Baker without meeting with THA officials.

Meanwhile Baker will meet London at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (19th March 2013) at the Calder Hall Administrative Complex, Scarborough to discuss security enhancements in Tobago, construction of a CCTV Operational Centre and implementation of a K9 Unit. Dr Baker has also asked that they discuss the proposed integrated university campus, a school for children with special needs and the old Scarborough Regional Hospital at Fort King George.

Minister of Legal Affairs Senator Christlyn Moore will also hold discussions on Friday (22nd March 2013) with London on the relationship between her Ministry and the Assembly.

London and Secretary of Settlements Assemblyman Huey Cadette will meet Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal on Wednesday (20th March 2013) to discuss the Assembly's housing programme.

The Chief Secretary in his February 22 meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had raised the issues of the relationship between Minister of Government and Secretaries of the Assembly and the fund of Tobago's housing programme.

Source: THAnews

THA to formally convene without Minority Leader

 Orville London Leader of the PNM
Tobago Council

The absence of a Minority Leader of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will not stop the inauguration of the new executive tomorrow at the THA's Assembly Hall. This was the sentiments expressed by Orville London, leader of the People's National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council. London indicated that he has been in discussion with President George Maxwell Richards about this unprecedented situation in the THA, in which there is no official opposition, and was advised that the Assembly can be convened. 

London noted that the position of Minority Leader will be declared vacant on Thursday and that no minority councillor will be appointed. He further noted that this is the first time the Assembly will have to function with 15 members instead of the customary 16. Adding that he would support a motion in the Parliament 

London indicated he would support a motion in Parliament authorizing the President to appoint two councillors of the Assembly in a case where there is no Minority Leader.  Stating that he would also indicate this to the Prime Minister by way of Letter. 

He informed the media that the THA would be formally convened tomorrow, while Secretaries would be sworn in on Friday at President's House in Tobago.

There have been concerns expressed about a lack of Opposition voices in the THA following Monday's clean sweep of the 12 seats in the election by the PNM. A situation which have not gone unnoticed by the Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley. 

However, political analyst Derek Ramsamooj yesterday said a total PNM win for the THA should cause no fear whatsoever with respect to the decision-making processes of a clearly defined executive majority in the assembly. noting that there were numerous examples throughout the history of the Commonwealth where political executives have won without legislated opposition.

"We remember the no-vote campaign in T&T in 1972 resulting in no elected opposition. We can also recall that in 1986, the NAR had a clear majority 33-3, and therefore could have changed the Constitution any way they chose.

"Again in 1999 in Grenada, Keith Mitchell, leader of the main New National Party, won all 15 seats; so there are instances in the Commonwealth that followed the Westminster political system, where a political entity would have won all the parliamentary seats."

He said that is why the "Constitution of our countries separates the legislature from the executive and the judiciary, which therefore allows for internal checks and balances. We can all remember in the 18-18 of 2001 election and, in that regard, the President used his discretion".

Ramsamooj said the Constitution has the capacity to curb any form of legislative or executive act that may be viewed as unconstitutional.

PNM Closes Public Meetings on a High for THA Elections 2013

Dr. Keith Rowley Addressing Supporters at
Bon Accord Last night in their final Public Meeting.

Last night a carnival like atmosphere could have been seen at the Bon Accord Junction where supporters of  the main parties in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections clashed. Supporters of the TOP and the PNM brought traffic to a halt as they literally took over the roads, with the protective services having to funnel traffic through auxiliary roads. 

This was all in the lead up to what would be the closing of the PNM's public Meetings, the finale being  held at Bon Accord. 

A seemingly somber London spoke before stating that this election was the most challenging yet still the most gratifying in his life of politics. After endorsing Huey Cadette the candidate for Canaan Bon Accord, along with Handel Beckles Bethel/Mt.Irvine and Ancil Dennis of Buccoo/Mt. Pleasant he weighed in heavily on the PP style of politics.

Orville London, Speaking at Bon Accord Last night 

Quoting from a text message he received last night he read the contents which he described as a "cry of a mother". Reading to the crowd without calling names, he mentioned a child which witnessed a corrupt act done by members of the opposite side paying a person 500 dollars for his vote on Monday.  He said, this is the style of the PP Government and Tobagonians must ensure that this type of political culture does not come to Tobago. 

London concluded on a strong note reiterating their theme and mantra for the THA elections "In defense of Tobago". He stated that Tobago is poised to continue moving forward with the combination of youth and experience that the PNM has put forward.

Leader of the Opposition and Political Leader of the PNM Dr. Keith Rowley was present to address the large crowd gathered. In his speech, he accused the PP of attempting to use the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago to aide in their political campaign for the TOP. He noted that the Bill laid in parliament yesterday was only an attempt to make it seem that she would have delivered on her promise. Noting that the PNM could never support such a rushed bill he told the crowd gathered that when he got the parliament the Bill was still not ready, when i got the bill in my hand it was still warm as we say " hot off the press" He condemned the Prime minister for laying such a crucial bill at this election time saying that it was "Reckless and dangerous". 

He continued his onslaught aiming at the TOP, criticizing them for their use of children in their political campaign in such a way that they disrespect the Chief Secretary. How can you have children calling the Chief Secretary by his first name "Orville" I know in Tobago you might have gotten ah lash across your face for that Said Rowley. In closing he told supporters that he was proud of them, and that he is proud to be one of them urging all to come out in their numbers and vote resoundingly for the Peoples National Movement on January 21. 

Below Are Pictures of Supporters and Speakers at the Meeting.

Huey Cadette Candidate for Canaan/Bon Accord

Ancil Dennis Candidate for Buccoo/Mt. Pleasant

Handel Beckles Candidate for Bethel/Mt. Irvine

London: Jack Was Cheating

Ashworth Jack at the THA Debate 2013

The conversation of the controversial issue surrounding Ashworth Jack's possession of "Notes" for the historic political debate in the THA elections 2013 continues to surface at political campaigns. yesterday at the massive meeting in Roxborough Orville London, Leader of  the PNM Tobago Council and member for Scarborough/Calder accused Jack of being a cheater. 

London stated that the rules were that none of the leaders would walk with Notes. However, he was taken aback at how Ashworth Jack was able to quote Central Statistical Data off his head. "All schoolchildren understand, you come to exam, you cannot carry notes into exam, but they don't care," he said. He continued saying that Hochoy, knowing that kind of man Ashworth to be, looked around his head and saw the green paper on  Ashworth Jack's desk. Stating that for someone who is aspiring for the highest office, he came to the Debate and expected to cheat his way through. 

This morning Hochoy Charles corroborated London's account of the incident on a program on 91.9 FM. Stating that Ashworth Jack indeed had "green paper" on his desk which he eventually put away in his jacket pocket after the call was made for no notes. 

Ashworth was giving names at the PNM campaign as Thief Secretary and Cheat Secretary. 

PNM's Red Army Moved Into TOP's Territory.

Sheldon Cunningham, Speaking at Moriah Last Night

The People's National Movement rolled in the heart of enemy territory last night, when they held their political campaign meetings at Mason Hall and Moriah. The villages of Moriah and Mason Hall falls in the Constituency of Providence/Mason Hall, Moriah which is currently held by their main rival in the up coming THA elections Ashworth Jack political leader of the TOP.

At both locations a large, lively, energized crowd of supporters could have been seen as Tobagodaily moved in to capture the atmosphere of  the PNM's Red Brigade and PNM's Red Army. Supporters armed with drums, flags and bells danced and waved as speeches were given by the various speakers for the night.

Among the speakers was the main challenger to Ashworth Jack, Mr. Sheldon Cunningham. He was described as a brave, service oriented, service driven man who would put the interest of the people first. Opting to speak without the use of a prepared script Cunningham weighed in on some of the successes of the PNM within the constituency. He said after the 21st of January that this constituency after sixteen (16) years would be a PNM constituency. His speech was done with passion and conviction and speaking from his heart he asked for the support of all.

Orville London Speaking at Moriah 

The leader of the PNM Tobago, Orville London, was also among the speakers. Taking the stage he called for more music as the large truck blasted out PNM hits while supporters danced and waved their PNM flags. He began by stating that when the PNM looks for representatives they began by looking for persons who have served.  "Sheldon is a man of service, the people of this constituency have been short changed" London stated. He continued by saying Sheldon has more visibility than the current representative and that the people has confidence in Sheldon as they already have in the PNM.

Further he highlighted the progress in the two areas. Speaking about the North-side Regional Centre that they have developed in Moriah, the Repairs of Schools, and Road Infrastructure. At Mason he made reference to the 100 leases that they have given out to the people of Cocoa Watty Trace, the Mason Hard Court, and the Field which is being lit in addition to Road Infrastructure. He then gave Ashworth Jack some advise stating that the people of Tobago does not want a Chief Secretary who when every-time they hear the word 'Pumpkin' people begins to laugh. London continued saying, that once people starts to laugh you, it is time to leave and Sheldon Cunningham would help him to do that.

Dr. Keith Rowley speaking at Moriah last night

Dr. Keith Rowley was also part of the presenters for the night. His presentation began on the premise that  the TOP is part of the Coalition Government, the Peoples Partnership. He then noted that the choice in this election is easy, as the PP is the worst Government in history which is full of lies and deceit.  He also attempted to distant himself and the party from statements made by Hilton Sandy at a political meeting in Dalaford. Stating that Sandy's statement was not the position of the PNM and that he was proud that their is no major Scandal of the PNM's Track record over the past twelve (12) years.

He also talked about a Letter which he received from the office of the Prime Minister on Constitutional Reform through then Minister Colin Partap. The letter spoke of a Constitution Commission whose mandate would be to establish a new Constitution for Trinidad and Tobago. Noting that the effects of Constitutional Reform is far reaching, Rowley stated that the PNM would not cooperate with the Government on the issue of Internal self Government for Tobago unless they establish a "Tripartite Agreement". This tripartite agreement must involve the Upper House, the Lower House and the Tobago House of Assembly.  He further noted that they would only support reform under the condition that appropriate consultation is held, a committee formed comprising members from Government, Opposition, and the THA with the inclusion of an appropriate chairman. This committee must present a report which would then be taken to the THA for debate/discussion, then to the Cabinet before coming to the Parliament.

Rowley stated that the way the current Government is going about the issue of Tobago Self Governance is wrong. They (the Government) would not receive any cooperation from the PNM in this manner. He noted that the issue of Self Governance has now become hostage to the TOP's Campaign and PNM would not support it.

Other notable speakers were Tasha Frank-Youth Speaker and Wendell Berkeley-Chairman of the PNM-Tobago East .