Another Coaliton in THA Election: MDD to Participate

Dr. Hughvon Des Vignes
Chairman of the
Movement for Democracy and Development

The Movement for Democracy and Development (MDD) signaled its intent to participate in the THA elections.  Word came as numerous Tobagonians was unsure as to whether we would see a forth party contest the THA elections.

The party's chairman Dr. Hughvon Des Vignes, indicated that the party would participate as a part of a coalition. He insisted however, that his party the Movement for Democracy and Development is not  contesting the 2013 THA elections, rather they will be participating.

He further indicated that his group would not be putting up candidates for every constituency as long as the other groups has suitable candidates that can go up in these districts. 

He then indicated that they have been working with the Advocates of God Governance and Citizens and Friends of Tobago, but held back the names of the others as he indicated it was not a done deal that these parties sees thing their way. 

Mr Des Vignes added that the MDD will be participating in the elections based on two issues. The first would be the issue of Governance while the second issue identified is what will happen to Tobago’s resources particularly that of its natural gas resources.

Dr. Des Vignes said the MDD has been in communities in Tobago enlightening citizens on these issues, and thus far the response has be good. The chairman disclosed that even though the MDD is comprised of persons who are competent enough to represent each constituency the party will not be concentrating on placing candidates in each constituency. He said all the groups forming the coalition will work together to decide who would be the best candidate for the area.

Hints of Head on Collision between Jack and Orville.

Ashworth Jack, Leader of the
Tobago Organisation of the People

As the major parties go through their final preparations in the selection of candidates for the Tobago House of Assembly's election, there is word that the incumbent chief secretary Orville London may have to face off with Ashworth Jack, leader of the opposition. Jack made it clear that London is running scared following the talks around that he is running for the Scarborough/Calder Hall district in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election on January 21."There is talk that I am running in the Chief Secretary's seat … and that is his biggest fear as political leader," the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) leader said. 

Meanwhile London seemed not to be disturb by this rumor and had this to say "Let him come,". London further added "Anybody has the choice to run in which ever seat he wants, and if he is that way inclined I have no problem with that." He admitted that while the  TOP would had made a good showing winning four seats in last election, the momentum might have shifted as the  dynamics of 2010 elections were different.

Jack who currently represents the Providence/Mason Hall/Moriah district, also got a heads up that he might have to face former comrades such as former TOP Assemblyman Dr Hughvon des Vignes, or political stalwart Hochoy Charles. However, Jack laughed off this possibility. when pressed about being in "deep waters" with other political parties and not just PNM, jack commented saying "They could all come". He said: "Hughvon could come; Hochoy could come, I am not worried. I don't know why anybody would think that I have anything to fear. Just look at the figures in the last election and you will see that I got the highest figures."

It may seem that if any of these rumors are true Tobagonians are in for a political treat and heated battle in the up coming elections January 21 2013.