Pollster: Race not a factor in THA election

The only pollster to accurately predict the outcome of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election has said that race was not a factor, and former deputy chief secretary Hilton Sandy actually lost ground following his Calcutta ship comments. Nigel Henry, a Yale-graduated numerical analyst, said in an interview: “Nobody ever mentioned race,” when asked if it was one of the issues raised by Tobagonian voters when he was conducting his eight-question poll. Two of his questions sought to find out what was influencing the voter’s decision.

 “Economic development, internal self-government and poverty alleviation,” were among the issues voters raised, he said. “To me, voters who said we really care about jobs, really cared about jobs.” He said that when voters told him they really cared about “corruption on public projects,” he believed them.

The poll was conducted over a period that spanned before and after the now infamous “Calcutta” remarks by Sandy. “It really did not hinder the PNM in any way...I would say Mr Sandy, himself, showed slightly lower numbers, less than ten per cent difference than he would have got on the poll,” Henry said. “We polled his district within two days after the (Calcutta) news would have broken. Other than that, none of the other candidates were affected. He (Sandy) may have lost some support, very slightly.”

Henry said, support for the People’s National Movement (PNM) was “noticeably higher in the poll than on the actual (election) day.” When asked if the comments had any impact at all, he said the PNM may have had a “very temporary rise in support, ” but this would have petered out by the time of the election. The candidates “came and got almost exactly” what the poll predicted, Henry said.

Henry was the only of three published pollsters to accurately predict the outcome of the THA election. His prediction was published in the T&T Guardian on January 14. Henry is the lead analyst at  Solution by Simulation, which provided analytics for US political candidates, including Obama for America in 2008.

Henry plans to do more polls in T&T. Answering why he thought more polls are not done in T&T as in the US where there seems to be a poll for everything, he said: “Two things. One, you have to follow the money. The US has been empirically based for a very long time, for decades, back to almost its founding. The US therefore has a large head-start on everybody else.” He said the second factor is the amount of money the US government spends on acquiring statistics.

Reproduced from Trinidadguardian

Hochoy offers to seek UN help for Tobago

Hochoy Charles Leader of the TPT

Leader of The Platform for Truth Hochoy Charles says he is willing to assist the executive of the Tobago House of Assembly for the future development of the island free of charge. Shortly after the inauguration of the new executive council last Thursday, when the position of minority leader was declared vacant by President George Maxwell Richards, Chief Secretary Orville London said he would be initiating talks with  Charles, a former chief secretary, and economist Vanus James.


However, speaking on a television show in Tobago on Tuesday morning, Charles said he wanted to ensure that Tobago was liberated and empowered, hence the reason the TPT entered the THA election. He said any team that got into the house should seek power from the Parliament and if it is not granted they should seek redress with the United Nations, and he was willing to the assist the current THA in that respect.

“I am in Tobago to make sure that Tobago is liberated and empowered, that’s my only interest in Tobago,” he said. “The purpose was to go to the Government with your team in order to get your power, failing which you can take the matter to the UN so that it could have been able to be settled. “That’s the issue that confronts Tobago and confronts Mr London and I am prepared to offer him the best advice possible and I say gratis, free,” he said.

On the issue of there being no minority leader in the THA after the PNM won all 12 seats at the polls, Charles said there was no need for the post until there was internal self-government and Tobago had the ability to make its own laws “What are you going to oppose when the assembly gets its power to make laws and you have to have bills?” he said.

“There is where you need a government and a minority...That is what the election should have been about, that Tobago should get its power to control Tobago, including our space. “You know what self-government means? Your power, and it’s only when you know what power they plan to give you, you will know whether you have self-government or not, not just go bandying about talking about self-government,” Charles said.

Reproduced from Trinidad guardian

Reset the Tobago, Trinidad Relationship

The results of the elections for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) have made it abundantly clear to those who wish to see that, if nothing else, the people of Tobago want greater—not less—control over their own affairs.

Ultimately, that objective—control over their affairs—is what the elections were really about. That is what the people of Tobago have wanted for over half a century now. In my view it is their inalienable right and Trinidadians should have no problems with that. It is a natural consequence of Tobago's history.

The historical underpinnings are there for all to read. Tobagonians have a far longer tradition of some form of elected internal self-government than we do in Trinidad. "The first elected Tobago Assembly held its inaugural session at George Town (now Studley Park) in July 1768." Yes, 1768! True it consisted only of white property owners but it was an elected Tobago Assembly. "Trinidad, by contrast, was granted an unelected Council of Government (later called a Legislative Council) in 1832!"—some 64 years later. Indeed, "Tobago's position in the 19th century has been described as 'superior' to that of Trinidad, because as one of the older British colonies, it enjoyed representative institutions. Tobago had its own bicameral legislature with its own governor and commander-in-chief." (Towards Internal Self-Government for Tobago A Green Paper—February 2012— Ministry of the Attorney General) (The Green Paper)

Fast forward to the 20th century. First, in 1958, we have the separation of Tobago's expenditure from that of Trinidad in the country's estimates, and the government accepted the advice of a development and welfare report that "Tobago is a distinct community with a history and life of its own and must not be regarded as a mere appendage of Trinidad.''

Then in 1977, ANR Robinson, then political leader of the Democratic Action Congress and MP for Tobago East, presented a motion in Parliament which called for internal self-government for Tobago. This motion was endorsed by the other Tobago MP, Dr Winston Murray, who emphasised that the motion called, not for secession, but for internal self-government. Next, in 1979 Lionel Seemungal tabled a bill entitled "An Act to make provision for, and in connection with, the Internal Self-Government of Tobago, and all matters incidental thereto." The Cabinet rejected all of the proposals contained in the Seemungal Bill but in 1980 the Government passed the Tobago House of Assembly Act, 1980— now superseded by The Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1996 and the Tobago House of Assembly Act, 1996— currently in effect. (The Green Paper)

Then in the period November 2006 to October 2007, spurred on by what Tobagonians saw as major deficiencies in a draft Constitution prepared by Sir Ellis Clarke, a team of persons co-ordinated by eminent Tobagonian Reginald Dumas and with the support of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), consulted groups and associations across Tobago and Tobagonians on constitutional reform, governance and other issues.

Among other things this team found that the feeling existed that the current unitary state system discriminated against Tobago and should be replaced with a federal structure. Then came the Tobago Forum for Consensus on the Constitution presenting a report, coming out of questionnaires, lectures, meetings and seminars between 2007 and 2010. The forum concluded that "the people of Tobago definitely do not want a unitary state controlled as it is at the centre by the central government. They want a system which would allow them to make final decisions on whatever affects their lives here in Tobago."

Also in October 2007, the THA appointed a seven-member Committee on Constitution reform for Tobago, chaired by Dr John Prince. This committee concluded that "the current relationship between the Cabinet and the THA exexecutive council was of a 'master-servant nature' and that there should be 'a legislative format which (would) give meaningful application to devolution of power in a manner…consistent with self-determination and autonomy'; consideration should be given to the federal model for Trinidad and Tobago…" (The Green Paper) .

So there we have it. Every structured enquiry on constitutional reform for Tobago in the last six years has shown that, consistent with their history, Tobagonians, given a choice, would opt for greater control of their affairs.

So, there is a long and well-documented history up to the present time of the people of Tobago yearning for internal self-government. In the light of this long history it ought not to have surprised many Trinidadians when in the run-up to the THA elections, Dr Winford James, Tobagonian scholar and political commentator, commenting on the now discredited Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago) Bill, 2013, described it as "a wicked piece of legislation—deceptively wicked… the island (Tobago) seems headed to becoming a slave colony of Trinidad and (that) Cabinet is waging war against Tobago."

Now after the elections, Dr Vanus James, Tobagonian scholar and political activist, is quoted as saying: "The people of Tobago sent a clear message to the national community that they did not want to be a colony of Trinidad…."

And in more measured tones, Mr Orville London, Tobagonian and newly re-elected Chief Secretary of the THA, in setting the context for his administration, put party politics in its place, proclaiming "Tobago first, PNM after. " The message is clear —not from commentators and politicians in Trinidad however well informed and experienced they are—but from Tobagonians—they want greater control over their destiny.

It would be a cruel and absurd irony, if we as Trinidadians, previous subjects of a colonial power, were to ourselves now behave as a colonial power—lording it over a people—Tobagonians—who like us were once subjects of that same power.

It is time, peacefully and without rancour, to reset the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago.

• Ashton Brereton was born and lives in Trinidad and is a long time visitor to Tobago. He is a Human Resource Management Specialist with degrees in History from UWI, Mona and from the University of Toronto. He believes we should all strive to make positive

contributions to the long-term

development of Trinidad and Tobago.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

Disgraceful Anti-Tobago Lobby

A certain amount of pique is to be expected from supporters whose parties ended up on the losing side of the recent Tobago House of Assembly ( THA) election. But when disappointment turns to downright disrespect it is time to draw the line.

The people of Tobago have spoken in clear, unambiguous terms about which party they prefer to govern the affairs of their island for the next four years. Whatever the disappointments of others, democracy requires that their position be respected and accepted. If anything, Tobagonians must be congratulated for their high level of participation in the elections and for their willingness to engage the issues affecting the future of their country.

It is not for anyone to attempt to punish Tobago by pitting Trinidadians against Tobagonians.

This newspaper condemns in the strongest possible terms those sore losers who are attempting to inflame the situation by sowing seeds of discord and animosity between the people of our twin-island republic.

What is particularly galling is to see leaders of national stature among those willing to sow division among our people. As is so often the case, when we most need wisdom, we find it sadly lacking in our leaders.

The recent THA campaign was particularly acrimonious, tainted at times by the spectre of race and separatism. But, for all the distasteful aspects involved, wise leaders would understand the need to quickly build bridges and heal the nation's spirit in the interest of unity and progress.

Instead, far too many leaders seem to be willing to demonise Tobagonians for exercising their constitutional right. One hopes that the people, in their own wisdom, will reject this dangerous anti-Tobago lobby.

As the people of a unitary state, we have lived together for over 100 years. Tobago's self-protective instinct against an over-dominant Trinidad has long been a feature of this relationship.

There is nothing exceptional about this. All over the world, this is the experience of conjoined islands who share a central government and for whom the terms of association are in constant negotiation.

Clearly, Tobago and Trinidad are yet to find that happy medium between them. This, indeed, is the basis for the pending constitutional discussion regarding Tobago's autonomy within the framework of a unitary state.

With the dust of the THA election beginning to settle, this is the core issue to which we must now address our minds.

This is not an issue for just political leaders or their parties but for all the people of Trinidad and Tobago who have a vested interest in the future of the unitary state.

Threatening Tobago in a fit of pique is infantile, reckless and damaging to the welfare of our people who must live, love and work together.

We urge those stoking the fires of disharmony to desist and to exercise restraint in defeat. Our people deserve a higher quality of leadership.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

Jack Warner: THA Election Blatant Tribalism

Jack Warner, Minister of National Security

In a desperate bid to prop up support for the Peoples Partnership, Jack Warner in his assessment of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Election stated that the result reflected how palpable the notion of fear among African population can be. Warner believed that the people of Tobago succumbed to a fear that was preached by  the PNM "It was rank and of course blatant tribalism, it was race at its worst" He said.

Noting that the people of Tobago did not consider the level of corruption and nepotism of the PNM's administration, He said they only took into account the message of an invasion, something that would imprison them. Jack Warner and the Prime Minister were heavily active and involved in the lead up to the THA election 2013, opening a New Gas Station and a branch of UTT, while walking the streets canvassing for their associate Ashworth Jack. He noted that the PP government would have to do some introspection, but more critically  assess how the UNC and its supporters are viewed by certain section of the society. 

Warner was not the only person which stated that "Race" was the deciding factor. Attorney General Anand Ramlogan another UNC member stated that PNM's THA election campaign was "clearly race based" and that Hilton Sandy's "Calcutta" statement was a defining milestone.  

Meanwhile Bhoe Tewarie expressed shock at the PNM's landslide victory while Ramadher sees TOP's loss in the THA's election as a big wake up call for the Government.

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.

Preliminary THA Results 2013

Data Reproduced from http://www.ctntworld.com/

These are the Preliminary Results of the Tobago House of Assembly Results. The Electorate really voted emphatically for the Peoples National Movement. The only seat that was keenly contested was the Parlatuvier/L'ance Fourmi/ Speyside where the incumbent Tracy Davidson Celestine had a really strong TOP opponent in Fitz -Herbert Taylor. However PNM emerge with a clean sweep. Notably was the absence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar at the side of out going Minority leader, Ashworth Jack last night. The Prime Minister have been seen heavy campaigning with The TOP, however after PNM claimed victory, the Prime Minister left Ashworth all alone to give his concession speech. Jack was extremely brief only taking about 2 minutes to concede saying "Blame Me".

Ashwoth Jack Shunned By Tobagonians.

Tobago Organisation of the People leader Ashworth Jack last night said he would soon meet with the executive of his party to decide on his future, in the wake of the PNM’s landslide victory in the Tobago House of Assembly election. Speaking at the press conference at the party’s headquarters in Scarborough, moments before the PNM began celebrating an historic win, Jack said he would not be an albatross around the neck of the party he helped form.

“The outcome of the election was a little shocking, but that’s how democracy works,” he told members of the media. Asked if he felt he would still have the confidence of his party, given the magnitude of the defeat, and the fact that the TOP lost despite having the support of the People’s Partnership Government, Jack said, “I would not want to become an albatross around the neck of the party. If that’s how the party feels then I would gracefully leave it alone.”

He admitted that his decision may determine the party’s survival. “The future of the party will depend on the decision I make in the next 48 hours or so. I would not want to hazard a guess about where it goes from there,” he said. He said, however, that he did not believe the result in Tobago was an indictment against the leadership of the PP. “The result of the THA election does not affect the general election.” 

reproduced from Guardian News Paper

No Cell Phones Inside Voting Booth

Tobagonians casting their vote on Monday 21 January would not be allowed to enter the voting booth with their cellphones. 

The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) is warning that no cellphones or cameras are allowed in the voting booth for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections on Monday.

In a press advertisement yesterday, the EBC said it was "absolutely necessary to have secrecy and privacy when casting your vote".

The cellphone-in-the-voter-booth issue came to the forefront earlier this week when the People's National Movement (PNM) Tobago arm complained to the EBC that it had received reports of a plot by People's Partnership coalition member Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) to "steal the election" by giving away 10,000 mobile phones to persuade voters to choose the TOP at the polls.

TOP and Certica Orr "Apologise" or be Sued .

Certica Williams Orr Candidate for Plymouth/Goldenlane

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) liaison officer Moses Thomas is demanding an unequivocal public apology within 48 hours from Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) candidate for Plymouth/Goldon Lane Certica Williams-Orr for statements made at a public meeting at Mt Moriah.

Williams-Orr claimed Moses, who had made a complaint to the Integrity Commission with respect to Ashworth Jack's house, was out on bail on fraud charges. She also said he was a beneficiary of a contract which was not tendered for to the tune of $75,000 to "cut, clear and remove bush, clean and unclog drains at Milford Court".

"Let me make it abundantly clear, I have no fraud charges, I am not out on bail. I am a happy young man, living comfortably, working very hard. I have my own business. I didn't take pumpkin and cucumber to build my house," Thomas stated yesterday. He said if there was no public apology within the stipulated time, "is races to the courthouse".

He said he had asked his attorney to write to the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago to obtain a copy of the tape from the radio station which aired the comments. "I am going to sue Certica Orr and the entire TOP," he said, adding that he was not prepared to let this matter pass like this.

He said he was part of a company, R and M Sanitation and General Contracting Company, which he tendered for three micro projects in Milford Court and got those projects since 2008. He said he was a partner in the business and became full owner of the company in 2012.

"Tell the TOP that if they want war, I will fight from top to bottom every one of them... Tell Certica when she wants to talk about people, let her talk to her leader first. Unless and until he could tell the people of Trinidad and Tobago how he got his house, how he built it, who the materials came from, where the monies came from... leave me alone. They barking up the wrong tree," Thomas said.

Also contacted yesterday for comment on Williams-Orr's statements about him, Goslyn Loraine said he was not disturbed by her statements.

"My record speaks for itself," he said, adding that he was not a candidate in the THA election.

He said when he wrote to the Integrity Commission on Ashworth Jack's property, he was merely exercising his right as a citizen of this country.

"I think I am an old household name in Tobago and co-ordinator of URP for the past five years," he said.

He said there were no incidents to support the charge Williams-Orr made about his running of the URP on the island.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

War Against Tobago-Winford James Account

Let's make no bones about it. The Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago) Bill, 2013 is a wicked piece of legislation—deceptively wicked. It is the wickedest piece of legislation in Trinidad and Tobago since I was born —wickeder than Karl Hudson-Phillips' Public Order Bill. And I really, really hope it goes the way of that Bill—into a legislative burial ground so deep that even the corbeaux won't be able to find it.

This is a bill that says with a lover's bewitching charm, "Here, Tobago. Take a 6.09 to eight per cent of the national budget—a guaranteed two per cent more than you are getting now. Take a radius of 11 miles of seawater —five more than previously. Take a bigger number of secretaries and assemblymen. Go and make your own laws. And you know who to vote!''

But this is a bill that wraps these gifts in something worse than man scratch-bush, making the island an unwitting slave colony of Trinidad— a status worse than the one that it is unhappy with at present—and the TOP leadership is too besotted to either feel or see.

One of the deceptively wicked pieces of wickedness is that it pits one half of the country, Tobago, against the whole country, Trinidad and Tobago, while making it look as though Tobago will be better off with its new gifts. Cabinet is in charge of the country and it abuses that power to give a few—and cheap, as we shall see—constitutional gifts to Tobago and, ostensibly, none to Trinidad. But since, by default, Trinidad (along with the whole country, somehow) must get what is left over after Tobago's allocation, it is easy to see that Trinidad will get the whopping lion's share! But the critical point is that it is Cabinet, composed predominantly of Trinidadians, that decides what Tobago gets and not the Assembly, composed wholly of Tobagonians. Tobago only comes into the picture helplessly through its two representatives in the Lower House, its less-than-a-handful of senators, and a feckless Ashworth Jack outside of Parliament.

A second deceptive piece of wickedness is that Cabinet controls the law-making of the Legislature of Tobago and the policy making of the Executive Council through overriding powers which it can arbitrarily apply. There are three lists of areas of responsibility: a Tobago list, a national list, and a concurrent list. The Executive Council—which, by the way, remains in the new legislation—ostensibly has responsibility for the Tobago list. The Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago has responsibility for the national list, and both the Cabinet and the Executive Council ostensibly have responsibility for the concurrent list. That's on the surface. But when you look at the provisions carefully, it is really the Cabinet in charge.

How so? Well, two Sections that show this are 6(c)(3) and (under Chapter 11A) 141B(2). The former says:

"Where a provision of a law made by the Legislature of Tobago under subsection (2) is inconsistent with a) a law which Parliament is competent to enact; or b) a provision of an existing law, the law made by Parliament, whether made before or after the law made by the Legislature of Tobago, or, as the case may be, the existing law, shall prevail and the law made by the Legislature of Tobago, shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. '' (Emphasis mine.)

Yes, Cabinet can, through the Parliament, override Assembly laws at its discretion. Before or after those laws are made!

Section 141B says more or less the same thing, especially since the determination of what is necessary or expedient is left to the judgment of Parliament, that is, Cabinet:

"Parliament may pass a Bill for an Act to make laws for Trinidad and Tobago in respect of any of the matters enumerated in the Tobago list if it is stated in the Act that the Act is necessary or expedient in the national interest and the bill for the Act is passed after consultation with the Assembly.'' (Emphasis mine.)

While it is not entirely clear how Parliament will consult with the Assembly, what is quite clear is that i) the Act merely has to state that it (the Act) is "necessary or expedient in the national interest'' and ii) the Assembly merely has to be consulted.

Amazing!

A third deceptive piece of wickedness is the defining of Tobago but not of Trinidad. According to Section 141F, the Executive Council and the Assembly will have legal and administrative control "within the confines of the island of Tobago, its offshore islands, and such part of the inland waters between Tobago and Trinidad of not less than 11 miles, measured from the nearest points between the two islands, and such part of the territorial sea of Trinidad and Tobago of not less than 11 nautical miles esured seaward from the baselines of Trinidad and Tobago, as determined in accordance with section 5 of the Territorial Sea Act, as amended.'' (Emphasis mine.)

There is a semantic conundrum in the phrase "not less than 11 nautical miles''; the meaning could be "at least 11 miles,'' in which case, we could have a shifting boundary—12 miles? 15? 20?—or simply 11 miles, which seems to be the Prime Minister's interpretation. If the boundary is fixed at 11 miles, the result will be most likely a loss of oil and gas resources for Tobago, which will then go to the rest of the country, virtually Trinidad. Cabinet is therefore manipulating the maritime boundary to box bread out of Tobago's mouth.

A fourth deceptive piece of wickedness is the constitutionalisation of Tobago's percentage of the national budget. If, as is reasonable to think, Tobago's economy grows over time to the extent that it contributes, say, 30 per cent of the national GDP, then Tobago will be stuck with a ceiling of 8 per cent of the budget, which will need a three-fifths majority vote in the House of Representatives and a two-thirds majority in the Senate to change. Outrageous!

A fifth deceptive piece of wickedness is exclusion of important areas of economic development and manpower management from the Tobago List—like tertiary education, customs and excise, air and sea transportation, airports and wharves, energy and energy affair. This is tantamount to leaving critical areas of Tobago's development to Trinidad! But alas, I have run out of space.

I have enough, though, to end with the observation that the island seems headed to becoming a slave colony of Trinidad and that Cabinet is waging war against Tobago. See what havoc prime ministerial fiat can wreak?

Reproduced unedited 

All credit for the excerpt must be given to Winford James

Story Created: Jan 9, 2013 at 9:48 PM ECT

Story Updated: Jan 10, 2013 at 7:54 AM ECT 

Winford James is a uwi lecturer and a political analyst.

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

Tobagonians Get Land Deeds

Ninety-four-year-old John Parks, left, receives his land title from
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar
 during yesterday's presentation ceremony at the MIC
photo by:Elizabeth Williams

Approximately nine Tobagonians now have their land titles.

Yesterday, at the Metals Industrial Company Ltd at Canaan, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the process for Tobagonians had been long in coming and was now critical.

"What this means, is if you have a proper land title you will be able to access the true value of ownership. You would be able to have the opportunity to negotiate transfers, sales and mortgages," Persad-Bissessar said.

She added this was the promise of her government.

"Indeed, it was the promise of several previous administrations. Many who have gone before promised to remedy the situation."

She called on those present to remember the McKenzie report.

"Look at what happened to the McKenzie Report. Remember the McKenzie Report. The McKenzie Committee was charged with investigating and making recommendations for amendments to the Real Property Ordinance as regards Land Titles in Tobago.

"The THA received the McKenzie Report on August 30, 2006. 2006, ladies and gentlemen and what did they do with it? Left it on a shelf to gather dust," she said.

Also delivering remarks at the function were Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar, and Minority Leader Ashworth Jack.

Some of the people who received titles included 94-year-old John Parks and Princess Cupid who is visually impaired.

Parks, who is also the father of Minority Councillor Yvette Parks-Caruth, said he had been brought to tears that his title was finally in his possession.

"I goes on my knees for the Prime Minister, she is wonderful. She is like a glittering star in the east. I have been waiting for 27 years. Money was the problem since I had to get surveyors and lawyers," Parks said.

Tobagonians will no longer have to journey to Trinidad to complete the necessary paper work. (EW)

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

BREAKING NEWS: Protest Action at the Opening of Roxborough Gas Station

Protest Action at the opening of the Roxborough Gas Station

Tobagodaily has been reliably informed that there is currently a silent protest action being staged at the opening ceremony of the Roxborough Gas Station. 

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar along with TOP officials would officially open the nine million dollar Gas Station ahead of the THA Elections.

Protestors, some dressed in PNM apparel can be seen gathered on the pavement of the road armed with placards in total disapproval of the opening, as many believe that the opening was to garner political mileage as the election draws closer. Although reports have been circulating that the Prime Minister have been rushed out of Roxborough, Tobagodaily has confirmed that the PM is still currently at the opening ceremony.

Stay tuned more in a subsequent report. 

Jack: I’ll fight to the last for Tobago Freedom

Ashworth Jack, Leader of the TOP

Ashworth Jack, leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP), began his political address to villagers in Glamorgan, Tobago East, on Saturday night with the opening verses of Psalm 121 from the Bible. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. From whence cometh my help? “My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.”

Glamorgan, decribed by residents as “country,” reportedly has a strong Christian presence. On the dark junction at Sheep Pen Trace and George Street, under Miss Voris Shop, owned by a Seventh-Day Adventist, Jack, in the trembling tones of a pastor delivering a sermon, addressed a lively group of some 400 TOP supporters dressed in bright yellow party jerseys.

Waving TOP flags and glow sticks, hooting horns and blowing whistles, they responded to Jack like a congregation in a church. Jack said it was three-and-a-half months ago he was inspired to use the psalm. “But I didn’t know what direction God was leading. “The last three or so weeks, I recognised God never makes a mistake. “I have had to endure, with a smile, maybe what one other political leader, Mr Robinson, has had to endure.

“And I’m saying to you brothers and sisters, it has made me stronger, it has made me better.” After the loud hooting and whistling subsided, Jack told of the source of his ordeal—his critics. Listing the criticisms against him, he recalled the incident at the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election debate last Thursday night, in which he was accused by Platform of Truth leader Hochoy Charles of walking with prepared notes.

 “After the licking of their life, they say I thief the debate,” Jack said. “Everyone was told you can take your notes, that’s why they gave you a notepad and a pen. “You know the joke about that. Everybody in T&T knows I don’t need notes to speak no time.” Noting that he spoke in front of thousands of people at political meetings, he asked: “Why do I have to look at a notepad for two has-beens?

“When they asked me to debate, I said bring it on. I fear God. I know no other fear.” A supporter shouted: “Glory.” Moving on to the issue of internal self-government for the island, Jack said he would fight with his last breath to bring freedom to Tobago. He said the PNM, now saying it will not support the Government’s internal self-government bill, never wanted that for Tobago. He said in 1977, a motion for internal self-government was watered down in the THA to the County Council Act.

“In 1996, another motion was voted against by Orville London (THA Chief Secretary and his political rival).” Jack dismissed various explanations by London for the rejection of the motion saying it was a calculated thing. He attacked THA assemblyman Hilton Sandy for his statement that there is a ship anchored in Calcutta waiting to sail to Tobago.

The statement has been deemed racist and allegedly refers to the UNC-dominated People’s Partnership coalition Government of which the TOP is a part. “If we are not careful, the racial boogey will come to Tobago and swallow every one one of us,” Jack warned. “There are people walking around with Bible here saying Indians want to take over Tobago.”

At the end of his speech, he presented the first copy of the TOP’s manifesto, which outlined the party’s plans for Tobago for the next four years. Glamorgan is in Tobago East, held by the TOP’s Vernella Allen-Toppin, Minister in the Ministry of Social Development. Villager Simeon John, 93, holding a TOP flag and glow stick, said Glamorgan is a traditional Opposition seat.

“Everybody in this village know who they are voting for,” he said. John predicted Sandy will lose his seat in Roxborough/Delaford over his alleged racist Calcutta statement. Several TOP music trucks passed by on the Windward Road while the meeting was going on. TOP pins, glow sticks, flags, horns and whistles were distributed to villagers at the start of the meeting, which they waved, and hooted.

Another TOP meeting was held at the same time in the nearby village of Mt St George, which Jack also attended.

Reproduced from Tobagonews

PNM's Mighty Red Army Invades Roxborough

Supporters at Roxborough Last Night for PNM's Political Meeting

With a Tsunami Wave of Red, PNM party supporters flooded the Cyd Gray Stadium Car Park last night in PNM's presentation of candidates. It was a massive crowd unlike any other meeting held for the 2013 THA elections. A capacity crowd estimated at about 10000 people were gathered. Roads were almost impassable as the crowd  spilled over the road ways. 

Speaker after Speaker graced the stage articulating anti TOP messages, the lively crowd responding distinctly clear with shouts of PNM to the question "who yuh voting for". Supporters waved flags, danced, rang bells, blew horns drummed and chanted the names of their representatives. At one instance the crowd over powered the video presentation being shown chanting Orville, Orville, Orville. 

Adjacent to the meeting were heavy equipment turning. Cement trucks were seen hard at work in an effort to finish the concrete works at the Roxborough Gas station which is said to be open tomorrow by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar. The Prime was earlier seen at Church in Plymouth that morning and Tobagodaily caught up with her on the campaign trial at Mason Hall earlier that evening. 

Dr. Keith Rowley one of the feature speakers list the top ten atrocities commented by the Peoples Partnership. He urge supporters to send a clear message to the Government that they cannot be bought. He indicated that their were ten truck in Trinidad loaded with food stuff destined for Tobago, he described the Trucks, gave their number plate and the date of arrival as Tuesday the 15th January. He further noted that the people of Trinidad is depending on Tobago to send a clear message to Government on January 21. He urge all not just to be satisfied waving flags, partying and enjoying themselves, but to go to the polls where it matters most and put their "X" by the PNM. 

London was the last speaker of the night and asked the crowd to forgive him for being somber. He weighed in on Ashworth Jacks' house and his integrity as he is applying for the highest position in the Assembly. Saying that he cannot be trusted, London drew reference to the Political Debate where Hochoy Charles Accused Ashworth of bringing Notes,  'No Notes shouted the laughing crowd'. 

The night ended with several acts of performances and all the candidates coming off the stage, getting into the crowd meeting and greeting the dancing supporters. PNM's Red Army really took the streets and showed a great showing which their main opponent cannot or should not take likely.