Political soap opera continues in Tobago

With surprises shooting like stars, reports of internal tug-of-wars and political feuds, Tobagonians are bracing themselves for more theatrics in the days leading up to the January 17 Tobago House of Assembly elections. First of all, the Tobago arm of the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) issued a release stating that it did not need the Democratic Action Congress (DAC) and would contest the election as a single entity one day later, its political leader Cecil Caruth announced his decision to “share the platform of the DAC.”

Then the Tobago arm of the People’s National Movement (PNM) led the way and launched its campaign with an almost entirely new slate of candidates. Save for Political Leader Orville London for Scarborough/Calder Hall; Cynthia Alfred Bacolet/Mt St George and Aldington Spencer Parlatuvier/L’ Anse Fourmi/Speyside, the PNM line-up has been drastically changed. Hilton Sandy for Roxborough/Delaford; Wendell Berkely Goodwood/Belle Garden; Whitney Alfred Bethel/Mt Irvine; Claudia Groomes-Duke Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden Trace; Albert Pilgrim Buccoo/Mt Pleasant; Frank Roberts Canaan/Bon Accord; Rennison Quashie Providence/Mason Hall/Moriah; Godwin Adams Plymouth/Golden Lane; and Oswald Williams Lambeau/Signal Hill, are the new kids on the political block.

Although Hilton Sandy serves as Secretary for Infrastructure and Public Utilities in the incumbent government, this will be his first time facing the polls as he was one of three selected councillors in the THA. Meanwhile, the public continues to wait with bated breath for the presentation of the NAR and DAC candidates, especially since the NAR Political Leader has joined forces with the DAC. The DAC has announced that it will make its presentation on Sunday during the party’s launch at Market Square, but remains tight-lipped about potential candidates. However, the NAR has not yet set a definite date for its presentation of candidates, but gives the assurance that it will be before Nomination Day, December 23.