Time to plant peas again

SUNDAY NEWSDAY continues its profiles of the candidates.

COREY CONNELLY The economic recession must not stunt Tobago’s progress.

This is the contention of Dr Denise Tsoi-a- Fatt Angus, the Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA’s) Secretary for Community Development and Culture, as she bids to become political leader of the People’s National Movement’s (PNM’s) Tobago Council in the June 26 election.

Now in the throes of her campaign, which, mere days ago, took her to Roxborough on the island’s east side, Tsoia- Fatt Angus believes that rather than yield to the economic crisis, the Tobago tourist sector can play a critical role in cushioning the island from the effects of the recession.

“It is recorded that most of the fortune 500 companies in the United States of America were born during times of recession,” she noted in an interview.

“We have to now add to our tourism product by maintaining the authentic Tobago tourism experience while opening up our shores to more visitors in and outside the peak season.” Reap what we sow Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus said more resources and focus must be placed on developing the agricultural sector as a product that will reduce TT’s food bill while increasing the country’s ability to feed itself and create jobs.

“For example, we have to get back our pigeon peas, cocoa and sorrel production and export,” she said.

“A similar focus has to be placed on our fishing industry. We will have to provide ongoing support to our fishermen and encourage more activity in that area.” Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus said Tobago’s development was being impeded by what she called the “limited parameters of our economic functionality and ability to make strategic decisions based on our resources.” In addition, she said research conducted recently by a group of postgraduate students from the University of the West Indies revealed that Tobago’s healthcare system was another major challenge confronting the island.

“It needs more resources both financial and human to effectively deliver adequate treatment to our people,” Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus suggested.

A medical doctor by profession, Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus said she intends to use her experience in the field as well as the knowledge she gained as chairman of the Board of the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA, 2006-2008) to enhance the healthcare system.

She said the appropriate selection of recruitment of healthcare professionals and specialists to meet the needs of Tobagonians was a key factor in improving the services on the island.

“We will have to keep our equipment up to date with advances in technology and our facilities must be maintained and upgraded on a timely basis,” she added.

Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus grew up initially with her grand-parents in Darrell Spring before moving on to her parents home at Mt Pelier.

She attended Mason Hall Government Primary School and Scarborough RC before heading to Bishop’s High School and Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive School, where she pursued A’Levels.

Following in her parent’s footsteps, Tsoia- Fatt Angus pursued a pharmacy degree at Howard University but later decided to attend the University of Maryland in the US, where she attained a medical degree with a speciality in family medicine.

Better health care Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus worked in private practice in South Carolina and Jamaica but opted to return to Tobago in 2004. On her return, she was asked to serve as deputy chairman on the TRHA Board, a position she held for two years before becoming its chairman in 2008.

Her resume in Tobago also includes stints as senior advisor to the Secretary for Health and Social Services.

As Secretary for Community Development and Culture, Tsoi-a- Fatt- Angus said her focus has been people- centred. For three consecutive years, from 2013 to 2015, it was adjudged best performing division by Tobagonians.

The division, under her watch, also created a new initiative to celebrate the elderly, develop the youth through culture and bolster the profile of the island’s fashion industry for international markets.

“The priority has been on inclusion and development at all levels. No one is to be left behind,” she said. Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus said the Heritage Festival, one of Tobago’s signature events, also has been expanded to include more villages and promote year-round activities.

Regarding youth, she said the “Next Tobago Star” programme was conceptualised to recognise, develop and promote the island’s musically gifted youths “since there is a need for more Tobago artistes to be introduced within the realm of the mainstream music industry.” She said the division has collaborated with Tobago’s own soca star, Shurwayne Winchester, on the project.

As the party positions itself to again make a clean sweep in next year’s THA election, Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus, said the PNM needed a leader who believes in the founding principles of the movement, understands the challenges facing the organisation and has a clear vision of how to surmount those obstacles.

“I believe that I am that leader,” she said.

High on her agenda, if elected, she said, would be to ensure that the party coalesces “after what is likely to be an intestinal contest.” She said she also will not be especially fazed by the likelihood of a woman leading the PNM Tobago Council.

“The priority is to have a leader with integrity who is approachable, committed, competent and effective as leader of the PNM Tobago Council. If those qualities are best represented in a woman at this point in time, then that is the right choice to make,” Tsoi-a-Fatt said.

Empower our youths Outside of tourism and agriculture, Tsoia- Fatt Angus said she also plans to tackle unemployment, especially among the island’s youth.

“Our youth development policy has to be specific to the needs of our young people,” she said. “It is said that old men have dreams and young men have visions.

We must project in the consciousness of our young people that greatness is possible in any area of their passion and they must never limit their legitimate ambitions.” Saying there were numerous role models from whom young people could emulate - including Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and late President Arthur NR Robinson - Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus said entrepreneurship was “a significant area” for creating jobs and leaders in Tobago.

“Innovation and innovative ideas must be explored and promoted,” she said.

However, Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus suggested that more emphasis must be placed on the educational sector to expose young people, at an earlier age, to careers that are not part of the usual curriculum but critical to the sustainable diversification of our economy.

“Just as importantly, we have to ensure that we instil in our young people, those attributes of diligence, focus and resilience which defined the Tobagonian of the past and which are critical if we are to continue developing in a dynamic and unpredictable future,” she added.

Tsoi-a-Fatt Angus expressed confidence that Tobago, under her stewardship as leader of the Tobago Council, will perform creditably on the world stage.

She said the island’s flagship slogan, “Clean, green, safe and serene,” must not just be a mantra but a way of life that preserves the beauty of the environment, while maximising on the natural resources that Tobago has to offer.