Jack: PNM must Account for Neglecting Tobago

Ashworth Jack: Minority Leader of the THA

Ashworth Jack said on Saturday the days are numbered for Orville London, the Chief secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), as he supported a call for the THA election that is due early next year.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made the call one week ago after the leader of the People's National Movement demanded fresh general elections. The Prime Minister responded by telling Rowley if he is so interested in an election he could have one by just telling London to make the call.

That caused Rowley to strike back at Persad-Bissessar stating that she has no right or jurisdiction to make such a demand. On Saturday the leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) asked why.

Speaking at a People's Partnership Pre-Budget rally in Changuanas Jack asked why it was OK everyone to demand an election but the moment the PM did the same "they vex". He said an election is due in Tobago soon and whether they call it now or later the result would be the same - the end of the PNM rule in Tobago.

Jack said London has a lot to answer for including a multi million dollar land transaction in which the THA bought lands for $12 million and within days leased it back to the same people who sold it. The lease, he said, is for 199 years at a rate of ten dollars a year. He also wondered how a project in Bacelot climbed from $199 million to $250 million.

The THA minority leader said the PNM has a dismal record of achievement in Tobago despite spending billions of dollars in the 12 years since it has been in office. 

He also said the PNM has been blocking progress on constitutional reform. He said he is looking forward to a bill for self government going before Parliament to see whether PNM leader Keith Rowley would block it. Rowley has threatened to withhold support for bills that require special majorities, which includes any bill on constitutional amendment.

reproduce from Jyoti Communication.