MSJ: PDP has opportunity to make Tobago ‘a model for the entire country’

“[…] The MSJ looks forward to the PDP making good on its commitments to implement transparency and accountability in the affairs of the Tobago House of Assembly. 

“We also believe that the overwhelming mandate received by the PDP presents an opportunity to fashion a new development approach in Tobago based on principles of fairness, equity and participatory governance…”

The following media statement on the overwhelming electoral victory of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) in the Tobago House of Assembly elections was submitted to Wired868 by MSJ political leader David Abdulah:

The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) congratulates Tobagonians on the historic election for the Tobago House of Assembly yesterday. The elections saw the Progressive Democratic Patriots secure an overwhelming win in terms of both votes cast and seats won, over the People’s National Movement. 

This is the first time in 21 years that the PNM has lost control of the THA. Tobagonians therefore registered in no uncertain manner their desire for change. It also sent a very powerful message to the PNM that Tobagonians were tired of the old politics and that the spending of big money to win an election and the use of state patronage by way of handouts or the starting of projects or re-stating old promises just before an election will not sway people who want real change. 

Tobagonians also rejected the strategy of ‘attack politics’ that the PNM used in an effort to demonise the PDP and its leaders and of the top down, arrogant style leadership (we know best for you) of the PNM.

The MSJ congratulates the PDP on its outstanding victory, especially since it neither had the power of incumbency nor the kind of campaign finance enjoyed by the PNM. In particular, we wish to congratulate Brother Farley Augustine for his clear-headed leadership of the PDP in this election campaign.

In his many statements, Brother Augustine offered the people of Tobago a vision of new governance for the THA. He reiterated this in his excellent victory speech to Tobagonians and Trinidadians last night. This offers hope that significant change will happen in Tobago.

The MSJ looks forward to the PDP making good on its commitments to implement transparency and accountability in the affairs of the Tobago House of Assembly. We also believe that the overwhelming mandate received by the PDP presents an opportunity to fashion a new development approach in Tobago based on principles of fairness, equity and participatory governance. 

In concrete terms, this means the promotion of the social economy of co-operatives, small and micro-enterprises and the opportunity for the many, and not just the few, to be involved in decision-making. If this is achieved Tobago could well be a model for the entire country.

Finally, this THA election result means that Tobagonians wish to establish a new governance relationship with Trinidad, one that is founded upon mutual respect and a recognition that Tobago can no longer be ‘ruled’ by Trinidad.

There should be nothing about Tobago without Tobagonians being directly involved and this crucially includes the issue of any Tobago autonomy legislation.

More from Wired868

MSJ: T&T Labour movement can breathe after Rowley’s relentless attacks

“[…] The 10 years under the Dr Keith Rowley-led PNM saw a vicious attack on the trade union movement and Read more

Noble: PNM, quo vadis? Anatomy of T&T’s electoral results

“There are two things that are important in politics,” said Mark Hanna, a 19th-century businessman and political kingmaker in Cleveland, Read more

Noble: Trust fund babies chasing the wind—how the PNM still avoids reality

In the run-up to our General Elections, I indicated how the world’s events impact our country and how our method Read more

Daly Bread: Bouncing divided heads—can T&T prevent itself splitting in two?

The level of divisiveness in our small island nation—about which I gave examples in my recent columns—will undoubtedly compound the Read more

Daly Bread: Are Padarath and Kamla in sync? And what to make of PNM Changemakers?

Since her return from Opposition to the office of prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar (Kamla) has been putting great emphasis on Read more

Daly Bread: Change or exchange? Gov’t must address CJ, SEA, panyard model and economic diversification

Our changes of government frequently receive a verdict of “no change only exchange”. The current apparent dead end in the Read more

Letters to the Editor

Want to share your thoughts with Wired868? Email us at editor@wired868.com.
Please keep your letter between 300 to 600 words and be sure to read it over first for typos and punctuation.
We don’t publish anonymously unless there is a good reason, such as an obvious threat of harassment or job loss.