THA poll — Independent candidates in demand

Independent candidate for Lambeau/Signal Hill in the January 17 Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Elections, Barrington “Skippy” Thomas claims that he had been approached by the two major political parties in the race to “back down” from contesting the elections. Thomas told Newsday yesterday that he had been contacted by PNM officials and DAC activists (not officials) to step down in order to not split the votes of the respective candidates for the Lambeau/Signal Hill area. The PNM is being represented by Oswald Williams while Barry Nelson is the DAC candidate. Thomas, who plans to launch his campaign in Lambeau on Friday, told Newsday that he is currently involved in extensive groundwork within his district.

“I intend to beg every resident of Lambeau for their support. Right now I am going from house to house because I don’t believe that these high-powered meetings are reaching the people. If needs be, I am prepared to go on my knees to get the support of the people of Lambeau/Signal Hill.” He said. “In fact, I think I have a very good chance in this elections.” Independent candidate for Scarborough/Calder Hall, Anthony Arnold sang a similar chorus. The incumbent PNM Assemblyman told Newsday that while he has not spoken to Chief Secretary Orville London since his declaration to contest the elections as an Independent candidate, (both, along with DAC Judy Bobb are contesting the Scarborough/Calder Hall seat) the party has sent out “little scouts” to try to change his mind.

“They think that I wouldn’t go through with my decision but they are wrong,” Arnold declared. He plans to launch his campaign in Calder Hall tomorrow. Meanwhile, Independent candidate for the Lambeau/Signal Hill area Jonathan “Stone Cold” Stone told Newsday that he had not been approached by any of the parties. The former NAR Tobago PRO was not at all phased by this and disclosed part of his election strategy to Newsday. Former PNMite turned Independent candidate for Canaan/Bon Accord, Rolly Quaccoo said that he was not prepared to make any comments and that some things were better said on the campaign platform. Quaccoo will launch his campaign at 7.30 pm on Saturday at the Canaan pan tent.