Heliconia Foundation launches in Tobago

The event was held under the patronage of the political leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council, Orville London and continues the expansion of the organisation that was re-launched at the Marriott Hotel, Port-of-Spain in July 2013.

President of the foundation Michael Coppin gave the audience a history of the organisation, its vision and mission and an insight into the present governing structure of the foundation.

He also gave a detailed presentation of the foundation’s attitudes and values, its current projects, policy agenda and its future plans. Coppin affirmed his and the present executive board of directors’ commitment to the establishment of a Tobago chapter based on the foundations of internal self-internal government and a respect for the rule of law, while also beseeching the young professionals to answer the call of Dr Eric Williams to volunteer their skills to the service of their communities and country.

London in his address recalled his entry into politics after 50 years of sitting on the side lines. He bemoaned the fact it was no longer “cool” to be involved in politics and expressed his delight that the foundation’s members were “coming off the fence” and getting involved despite its challenges. He also outlined what full internal self-government meant to him and his administration, while making it clear that it did not mean secession or separation from the Republic. He encouraged the foundation to include internal self-government on its research agenda, so that a greater understanding and appreciation could be had for the principle.

A ten-member interim Tobago executive was installed with the mandate to work together with the executive board of directors to develop a road map for the foundation on the island and to submit proposals for the amendment of the Foundation’s bylaws to the board.

Also present at the event were senator Shamfa Cudjoe; Sen Stuart Young; Secretary of Community Development and Culture at the Tobago House of Assembly, Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus; PNM elections officer and founding member of the foundation, Foster Cummings and PNM operations officer, Irene Hinds.