London calls for political cease-fire

IN A mark of respect on the death of the youngest son of DAC Leader Hochoy Charles, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London urged Tobagonians to end their rhetoric and “be analytical rather than critical.” Addressing a public meeting in Signal Hill on Friday night, London said: “All of us have to be in a mellow mood tonight. We all are aware of the loss suffered by the political leader of the DAC.” Waynestein Charles, 31, died Friday morning at the Scarborough General Hospital after complaining of chest pains. An autopsy has revealed deep vein thrombosis as the cause of death but forensic pathologist Dr Hughvon Des Vignes has ordered a toxicology report.

London told PNM supporters the time for political mudslinging was over and it was time now for Tobagonians to seriously ponder the island’s future. He said the difference between the PNM and its opponents was clear. “You have a party which delivers initiatives that make an impact in your life and you have another party that delivers rhetoric and ole talk and bacchanal that makes absolutely no difference in your lives. I want you to understand that political party, whatsoever is its name, is a political party that had Tobago under control for 20 years since 1980.” 

Meanwhile, Education Minister Hazel Manning said violence and indiscipline is nonexistent in Tobago’s schools compared to Trinidad’s schools. Speaking at a PNM women’s forum at James Park in Scarborough,  Manning said Tobago “was leading the way” in education. She said while schools in Trinidad have been grappling with the problem of school indiscipline and violence, “in Tobago, you have less indiscipline and inappropriate behaviour in schools than you do in Trinidad.”