Tobago PNM: Hochoy must apologise for Tobago sins

DEMOCRATIC Action Congress (DAC) leader Hochoy Charles has no hope of becoming Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA) Chief Secretary, until and unless he confesses his sins against the people of the sister isle. This was the declaration from PNM Tobago chairman Neil Wilson as he fired the first salvo against the opposition at the party’s THA campaign launch at the Scarborough Market car park. Wilson said unlike Charles, incumbent THA Chief Secretary Orville London was truly “a man of the people” and had been accessible, humble and responsible to Tobagonians over the last four years.

“Why would any sensible person” want to take us back to those dark days of dictatorship and I- manship?” Wilson asked.  He noted that one of the DAC candidates had recently issued a public apology for her previous actions and “it is time that her leader does likewise.” “The Bible says that forgiveness will only be given after you confess your sins. Unless and until Charles apologises to the people of Tobago for his grievious sins he must remain ostrascised  by you,” Wilson charged, whipping the assembled PNMites into a frenzy.  Wilson predicted significant losses at the polls for Charles and former NAR political leader-turned DAC candidate Cecil Caruth.

Tobago West MP Stanford Callendar reminded the gathering that the January 17 polls was a battle and said there was “no contest” between the PNM and its opponents. Despite the sweltering heat, hundreds of PNM supporters gathered at Scarborough Market car park from as early as 1 pm. The atmosphere reached fever pitch around 5 pm when Prime Minister Patrick Manning and his wife, Education Minister Hazel Manning arrived. The Prime Minister’s security detail was hard pressed keeping the crowd at bay as several persons pushed forward to greet  Manning. Also present were Works and Transport Minister Franklin Khan, Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Local Government Minister Rennie Dumas and Junior Community Development Minister Eudine Job-Davis.