Blame Me: Ashwoth Jack Considers Political Future

Ashworth Jack

IN 48 hours, political leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) Ashworth Jack will make a decision on his political future.

Jack, speaking at the TOP's party headquarters at Scarborough last night at around 10.35 p.m., conceded defeat and extended congratulations to the People’s National Movement (PNM) and his political opponent, Orville London. 

Jack, who looked tearful, said he accepts full blame for the TOP’s convincing defeat.

“In the next couple of days, I will meet with the executive of the TOP to assess what has happened and I will assess my own future in terms of the politics,” he said.

Asked whether this meant he will bow out of politics completely, he said, “I have to speak to the party and, based on how the rest of the party feels, I will make a decision based on that. I would not want to become an albatross around the neck of the party, if that is how the party feels I will gracefully deal with it.”

For 16 years Jack had been the representative of the people of Mason Hall/Providence/Moriah, he lost his seat yesterday to the PNM. He last served as the Minority Leader of the THA and boasted during the election campaign that he had turned down an offer of a position as a government senator to become the next chief secretary.

Asked if he expected to lose his seat, Jack said he was “shocked” by the outcome, but democracy prevails. 

“I think if you asked me personally what we did wrong I wouldn’t be able to tell you off-hand, I think we did everything that I think was necessary for Tobago’s development and the people have spoken, in a democracy we have to respect the views of the people,” he said.

“Let me also say to the chairman and the rest of the organisation, I take full responsibility for whatever the outcome of this election is. I blame no candidate, I blame no member of the executive, I blame no other member of the party, I take full responsibility as the leader of the party for the results of this election,” he added.

He reiterated that the future of the TOP will be determined by whatever decision he makes in two days.

“For every victory, for every defeat there are lessons to be learnt,” said Jack. 

Before Jack’s arrival, shock and disappointment were all over the faces of supporters of the TOP’s camp.

The TOP office was visibly not prepared for any celebration in contrast to the PNM camp, located a short distance away. TOP supporters were glued to the television set, and as the preliminary results came in, sadness grew.

Even before the final vote was counted, supporters of the PNM were out in the streets dancing, ringing bells and celebrating sweet victory- in front of the TOP’s office.

TOP chairman Lionel Coker told the Express the party is willing to work with the PNM for Tobago’s development.

The TOP’s aggressive advertising campaign dwarfed the PNM election machinery, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and several government ministers endorsing the TOP, a coalition partner in the ruling People’s Partnership.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

Ancil Born Ready Dennis takes over Buccoo Last night

Ancil Dennis
Last night at the Buccoo Meeting

The Peoples National Movement continue to gain unwavering support from its followers during the run up to Election day 21st of January. Last night the PNM rolled into Buccoo and Bethel to ask the members of the public to support their various candidates. 

From 6:30 P.M. supportes began to tricking on the site where the meeting would be held. By 6:55 the meeting begun with a small contingent of supporters, which  before long and with a constant stream  eventually grew into a sizable lively audience. The meeting chairman began by leveling blows on the composition of TOP, saying that the PNM was the only Party to combine both youth and experience. 

The first speaker for the night was Dr. Anslem London or Mr. Money Man as they called him. He echoed the sentiments of one of his budget presentation  which has now become one of PNM's campaign slogan "Protecting Tobago Heritage". He highlighted that the community of Buccoo would have benefited alot under the PNM, choosing to highlight the Business Centre, the Buccoo Integrated facility, Buccoo school and health centre as major deliverables from PNM. 

Stanford calender also was among the speakers and told the people of Buccoo that he expects Ancil to be the longest serving member in the history of the Assembly. Referencing the other candidates of the contending parties, he drew an anology with the show "the good, the bad and the Ugly. However, he gave it a little twist stating that Ricardo Phillip was in the class of the "indifferent" as no one knows him. Richard Alfred was the bad and Ancil 'Born Ready' Dennis was the good. 

The Public relations officer of the PNM Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus addressed the crowd, stating that we must not accept the atrocities of the PP government and urging the crowd gather to pull the plug on the TOP.  Each speaker maintained that a vote for TOP is a vote of the UNC.

Ancil Dennis then took to the stage in warm and electrifying welcome by supporters. Without delay he started on his main opponents TOP stating that he has the Cure and Immunization for the Yellow Fever drawing the already stirred up crowd into further frenzy. No one could have glean that he was a green as he stood firm and confident displaying poise and charisma, stirring and moving the crowd as spoke. He promised that he would work hard as their representative to alleviate flooding in certain parts of Carnbee, provide opportunities for young persons who would like to start their own business and provide a transpotation system for the elderly  in an effort to assist them further than merely getting them to Scarborough but also getting them to health care facilities and drugs stores. 

The last speaker of the night was the Tobago Political leader of the PNM Orville London. He roll was to endorse Ancil Dennis and urge the people of Buccoo/Mt.Pleasant to vote for the PNM come January 21st 2013. Noting that PNM had owed a debt to the people of Buccoo, he stated that in the worst of PNM times Buccoo or as it were Buccoo/Lambeau stood up and was the only seat that they won which kept them alive. Speaking highly of Ancil he told the people that the PNM does not choose people to serve, but chooses people who have already served. As such, he said Ancil loves people, Served people and would continue to serve people after the 21st of January. He also highlighted the many achievements of the PNM in the community and noted that PNM had paid their dues to the people of Buccoo. He told the people to choose wisely, and on election day to vote for their candidate Ancil 'Born Ready' Dennis.

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Hint of PNM Receiving Help from Hochoy and Ramesh

Dr. Keith Rowley
at PNM's Meeting in Scarborough January 6th 2013

In a surprise move yesterday, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley announced that he had no qualms about joining two longtime political opponents, Hochoy Charles and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, in a collaborative effort to govern T&T. He was speaking after the People’s National Movement (PNM) introduced its slate of candidates for the January 21 Tobago House of Assembly elections last night.

That announcement was the high note in a delivery that included many harsh words for the People’s Partnership (PP) coalition. Rowley said the PP was trying to amend the Constitution to bring eventual self-government to Tobago without consulting the Opposition.

The legislation, which would amend the Constitution to enhance the legislative and executive powers of the THA, is to be brought to Parliament today. However, Rowley said he had no details about the contents of the legislation. “We are in the middle of a campaign, but the high point of vulgarity is the lack of class they showed by coming to Parliament with a bill,” he said.

“I am the Opposition leader of the country and I am going to Parliament tomorrow but I have no idea what they will lay in Parliament. “When you amend the Constitution to change relationship between different part of the country, you must consult. In some places war is fought over that. While we support Tobago for autonomy, they have undermined the discussions in Tobago.”

Rowley told Tobagonians that they should show some decency and not bow to lies, deceit and oppression. “They want you to believe that this giver of gifts will give you self-government and it will be progression from one stage to another but this is a civilised process...It is not to be a gimmick of the TOP,” he said.

“They said they will give you power to make laws, I cannot say yea or nay to that. I don’t know what they have. They are demanding that I must vote for it but the PNM is a responsible party and under no pressure will we enact any legislation that will damage Tobago’s interest,” Rowley said.

He added that the power to pass laws may also include imposition of taxes. “Kamla say she will give you power to pass laws,” he said. The assembly has power to pass by-laws. If we are going to have federation arrangement shouldn’t people know about it? If that is case, shouldn’t there be a federal government. Have you ever heard such madness.”

A possible collaboration

Rowley said the PNM will offer protection to the people of T&T even if it means collaborating. “If Kamla could get together with Jack Warner to ruin this country, I can get together with Hochoy Charles and Ramesh Maharaj to run this country,” Rowley said.

“They say the PNM is financing Hochoy Charles to oppose so that he could split votes and PNM could win. I have been in opposition to Charles in 1980, and if there is any Tobagonian who deserve the title of Tobagonian, it is Charles,” Rowley added. He said that he has been opposed to Charles since the 1980s and denied that the PNM was financing Charles to split the votes of the TOP.

However, contacted yesterday, Maharaj said he was surprised by Rowley’s statements. He said Rowley has not contacted him for any collaboration. “I am committed to help any organisation which has the interest of the country at heart,” Maharaj said.

“I think that T&T is in a sad state and it needs saving and rescuing. I am prepared to consider assisting in rescuing T&T. The people of Tobago has a very important role to play in ensuring that T&T are saved and rescued.” As the party presented its slate, each candidate spoke briefly and pointed out some of the accomplishments of the party in Tobago.

Groome-Duke said: “The past four years have been outstanding for improvements in the delivery of social infrastructural services especially in education, health and social services in Tobago. “In 2011, we spent $198.2 million on health and the social safety net support for the vulnerable, and $349.9 million for poverty reduction programmes.”

Groome-Duke said Tobago experienced the growth and development of Canaan/Bon Accord, the establishment of the boat operators company, the creation of the Crown Point Heritage park, and the construction of fishing facilties at Swallows.

She said at Signal Hill, the construction of the new Scarborough General Hospital was a source of pride to Tobagonians and was second to none.

Among the candidates presented by the PNM were:

• Claudia Groome-Duke (Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden)

• Godwin Adams (Plymouth/Golden Lane)

• Tracey Davidson-Celestine (Parlatuvier/L'Anse Fourmi/Speyside)

• Hayden Spencer (Belle Garden/Goodwood)

• Joel Jack, (Bacolet/Mt St George)

• Jomo Pitt (Lambeau/Signal Hill)

• Handel Beckles (Bethel/Mt Irvine)

• Ancil Dennis (Buccoo/Mt Pleasant)

• Huey Cadette (Canaan/Bon Accord)

• Sheldon Cunningham (Providence/Mason Hall/Moriah)

Reproduced from GuardianTT

London: I Will Resign As Chief Secretary, If Jack Warner Brings Evidence.

People's National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council Political Leader Orville London said he is prepared to resign his post if the allegations made against him by United National Congress (UNC) chairman Jack Warner turn out to be true.  

Last Thursday Warner, addressing Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) supporters at the Cyd Gray Stadium in Roxborough, Tobago said the THA Chief Secretary was the owner of a gas station and seven houses. There were also accusations of financial mismanagement and secret PNM deals.

Addressing a crowd of supporters in Delaford Friday night, London challenged Warner on the statements.

"If Jack Warner could bring a shred of evidence to show Orville London owns a gas station or that Orville London owns seven houses I will resign as Chief Secretary immediately and withdraw from the election. But I am saying to Jack Warner, if you cannot prove that, and you come to Tobago and tell that to the people of Tobago, you are not fit to be a public official and you should resign," London said.

"If I have lands then it must be recorded somewhere. If I own a gas station then somebody must know. So I repeat to you Jack Warner and Ashworth Jack if you hearing, carry the message, tell him I am prepared to resign in the morning if he brings the evidence but on the other hand, if it is proven that he has come here to deliberately mislead Tobagonians then he should step down," London said.

London said his fellow PNM officials did not mess with public funds, and one of the things people could say about him was that he did not mess with public funds and if he knew anyone who was doing so, he would get rid of them .

He said since the leader of the TOP cannot be Chief Secretary, his opponents are trying to bring the office of the Chief Secretary down to the level of their leader Ashworth Jack.

London said one of the tragedies of the union between the UNC and the TOP was that the TOP was bringing the bad habits of the UNC to Tobago.

Today the PNM will hold its second round of presentation of candidates at Market Square around 3.30 p.m.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

Million Dollar Financing For TOP Campaign.

Ashworth Jack, Leader of the TOP

One of the contractors behind Tobago Minority Leader Ashworth Jack's million-dollar mansion is investing heavily in the Tobago Organisation of the People's (TOP) campaign bid to claim control of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

The Sunday Express has learned from several sources that Couva-based Super Industrial Services (SIS) —the recipient of several contracts from the People's Partnership Government, including the $45 million Siparia Market and $70 million Couva/Preysal Interchange—is footing some of the TOP's bills for its electioneering process.

Asked yesterday if the SIS was financing the TOP's election bid, Jack responded: "What does it matter?"

In turn, Jack asked: "It is always interesting that questions are raised about who's financing the TOP. But who is funding the PNM (People's National Movement)?"

SIS's construction firm, Casa Contractors Ltd, was responsible for extension works at the Phillipine residence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar last March.

The firm also worked on Jack's home in Hillsborough, Mt St George, Tobago.

In a Sunday Express exclusive on December 23, Jack had denied the construction of his home was a "gift" from a local contractor, saying he was not "hand-to-mouth" and was solely responsible for building his family a "nice" home.

He claimed to have paid for his home by working four jobs, including from funds accrued from the sale of cucumbers and pumpkins from his garden and was being paid a $35,000-a-month salary as project manager with a firm in Trinidad.

The TOP leader, who last week said he turned down a Cabinet position in the hope of being Tobago's next Chief Secretary, told the Sunday Express yesterday the TOP has been raising funds for years in the hope of wresting power away from the PNM.

Jack said the TOP has hosted many fund-raising dinners.

Asked again about SIS and financing, Jack answered: "I have already answered. What more do you want me to say?"

SIS owner Krishna Lalla did not respond to calls to his cellphone yesterday.

A number of attempts to reach company officials for comment last week also went unanswered.

Meantime, the TOP has steered away from the People's Partnership's go-to advertising executive for its election and party media blitz, Ernie Ross.

Asked why he was not working with Ross in this instance, given the Partnership was keen on a THA victory, Jack told the Sunday Express that while he has respect for Ross' work, the TOP chose who it wanted to work with this time around.

"This is the TOP. We run our campaign," he said.

But he didn't offer any details on how the TOP was handling its campaigning.

"I do not want to talk about that," was all he would say.

The Sunday Express confirmed from Dennis Ramdeen, founder of Pepper Advertising, that his company was only handling the placement of advertisements.

The Sunday Express learned the TOP's spending on newspaper advertisements has been small compared to the PNM's spending, pegging it at close to $1 million to date.

The TOP, the Sunday Express was told, has been focused on spending money on its ground campaign.

On the other hand, the PNM has spent millions on radio and print advertisements in the country's daily newspapers.

Jack told the Sunday Express he'll be campaigning every night for the next two weeks.

Asked about arriving at a political meeting last Thursday in a National Security helicopter, Jack said he was simply accepting a "lift".

He told the Sunday Express he was in Trinidad for a meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and National Security Minister Jack Warner.

He explained that Warner, chairman of the United National Congress (UNC), was going to Tobago to appear on a TOP platform in Roxborough and offered him a lift back, which he accepted.

He dismissed any suggestion there was an abuse of State resources for election campaigning.

In a bid to fulfil a campaign promise, the Government will debate a bill to repeal and replace the Tobago House of Assembly act in the coming weeks to grant Tobago greater autonomy.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress